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Sofia, Bulgaria
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The Bulgarian capital named after a temple, is one of the most ancient cities in Europe. As early as the Neolithic age the territory of the present-day million city was inhabited by primitive societies. Archaeologists continue to discover implements and tools from the Stone, Copper and Bronze ages in its vicinity.
Sofia's rich history is illuminated by the sanctity and symbolism of its name (Sofia – the holy God's wisdom).
Sofia is the only European capital, situated in the foothills of a mountain that rises to 2500 m height and where the distance to modern ski-runs is a mere 20 minute drive from the centre of town. In Vitosha, which has been declared a National Park, there are two reserves and a multitude of natural sites.
From ancient times, Sofia was well-known as a spa centre, thanks to its 18 healing mineral and thermal springs, depicted on its cote-of-arms and drawing settlers and conquerors over the ages.
Museums in Sofia
Archaelogical Museum
2, Saborna Str. (next to the Bulgarian National Bank)
Open: Tue–Sun 10.00-17.00
Admission: 5, 10 leva
Permanent and temporally exhibitions at: Prehistory Hall, Vault, Central Hall, Middle Ages Hall. The famous Vulchitrun gold treasure is among the most precious exhibits in Bulgaria’s oldest museum.
Earth and Man National Museum
4, Cherni Vrah Blvd.
Open: Tue–Sat 10.00-18.00
Admission: 2 leva
Unique mineralogical museum keeping more than 20 000 samples collected all over the world.
National Art Gallery
1, Knyaz Al. Batenberg Sq.
Open: Tue-Sun 10.00-18.00
Admission: 6 leva
The National Art Gallery is housed in the former Prince’s Palace at the Kniaz Alexander Battenberg Square in the capital. Today it is in possession of the largest collection of pictorial art in the country.
National History Museum
Boyana, 16, Vitoshko Lale Str.(Residence Boyana, Palace 1)
Open: Mon–Sun 09.30-17.30
Admission: 10 leva
Guided tours: 30 leva
Museum contents more than 650 000 exhibits and is one of the largest history museums on the Balkans. Amazing recent Thracian gold discoveries.
National Ethnographic Museum
1, Knyaz Al. Batemberg Sq.
Open: Tue–Sun 10.00-17.00
Admission: 3 leva
One of the richest collections on the Balkans representing the traditions, arts, crafts and lifestyle of the Bulgarian people through the centuries.
National Museum of Natural History - BAS
1, Tsar Osvoboditel Blvd. (near the Russian Church)
Open: Mon–Sun 10.00-18.00
Admission: 4 leva
The richest museum of natural history on the Balkans. Over a million specimens of animals, plants and minerals.
National Military - History Museum
92, Cherkovna Str.
Open: Wen–Sun 10.00-18.00
Closed: Mondays & Tuesdays
Admission: 2 leva (1 lev - children)
The richest Bulgarian state collections of weapons, uniforms, insignia, flags, military seals, photographs.
Getting around in Sofia, transportation
Download transporation map of Sofia
The names of all streets are written in Cyrillic, which might make finding your bearings harder, therefore if the map is not sufficient, please ask a local to show you the way. In many places around the city centre are erected large billboards with a public transport city map in English, which may also serve as a point of direction.
Driving in Sofia maybe a traumatic experience particularly, during rush-hour (8.00-10.00 h and 17.00-19.00 h). Traffic jams are inevitable along the central city roads and the busier peripheral capital boulevards. A common occurrence along the A1 and A2 motorways, and the international E 79 route, are the Friday night and Sunday afternoon queues of traffic as a lot of capital residents drive in and out into the countryside.
In the event of an accident, the traffic police (KAT– 166, 982 49 01) should be called and a report filed. The process is lengthy but necessary for any insurance claims. (Check with your car hire company about formalities!) In the event of a breakdown, there is a 24-hour Road Assistance service: 91 146, from cell phone: 146.
The central dispatch office is open 24 hours a day and is located at 3, Pozitano Str. (980 33 08). English and German are spoken. Charges for towing range are a base fee of Euro 10 plus Euro 1.40 per km. Usual waiting time is between 5 and 30 minutes.
Public Transport
Sofia offers cheap and extensive public transport.
There are trams, buses, and trolley buses as well as a short section of the city subway (see map for details) which cover most of the city. There is also a fleet of privately run “Marsh-route taxis”, which covers the more obscure routes. (Ticket price 1.50 lv. Pay the driver as you get on.)
Public transport runs daily from 5.30 till 23.00 for buses and trams.
Tickets: single use, for any distance on any tram, bus or trolley-bus line. Price: 1 lev.
Transit Cards: One day, all lines – 4.00 leva; Five days, all lines – 15.00 leva; One month, all lines – 50.00 leva
Single trip tickets are sold at kiosks and newspaper stands at the major stops or by the driver of the vehicle. You have to punch them inside the vehicle (look for the metal punch on the walls).
If you transfer you must use another. If your luggage exceeds the size 60x40x40 you have to punch a second ticket. It’s the same if you travel together with your pet. Tickets are inspected at random by conductors. The fine is 10.00 leva.
Bus Lines
The Central Bus Station is a modern transport complex with covered area 7 173 sq. m. The building is air-conditioned and secured. There is also a pharmacy, room for mothers with children, medical center and special equipments for people with disabilities and physical infirmities. Eight shops, restaurant, cafes and bank branch are situated on the first floor. There are eight toilets and two with features for people with disabilities. At the three up levels are situated carter’s offices. At the ground floor are situated waiting room (1500 sq. m. total area) and 57 ticket desks. About
2 250 travelers per hour pass through the waiting room. The tickets payment can be done cash or by debit and credit cards.
Railway
Central Railway Station (Tzentralna Gara)
This is the main railway station with regular daily services to Bulgaria’s main cities, towns and abroad. Train travel is relatively cheap if you are prepared to put up with longer travelling times but for those who feel daunted driving–it is a more relaxing way to see the country. First class is quite affordable. You must book your seats.
Train tickets online
Taxi
All legal and registered taxi cabs must be yellow and operate by meter. Rates per km (between 0.56 – 0.79 leva), any starting and call-out charges must by law be displayed on the windows.
Travellers with Disabilities in Sofia
Sofia isn’t one of the best places in the world to visit if you have mobility problems or other physical disabilities. Although all public buildings are required to be wheelchair-accessible and provide suitable toilet facilities, this is still a matter of future.
