While in Sofia

Bulgaria's pleasingly laid-back capital is often overlooked by visitors heading to the coast, but they're missing something special. Sofia is no grand metropolis, but it's a modern, youthful city, with a scattering of onion-domed churches, Roman ruins and stubborn Red Army monuments that lend an eclectic, exotic feel.

Away from the buildings and boulevards, vast parks and manicured gardens offer a welcome respite, and hiking trails of mighty Mt Vitosha are just a short bus ride from the centre.

Home to many of Bulgaria's finest museums, galleries, restaurants and clubs, Sofia may persuade you to stick around and explore further.

Alexander Nevski Cathedral

One of the symbols not just of Sofia but of Bulgaria itself, this massive, awe-inspiring church was built between 1882 and 1912 in memory of the 200,000 Russian soldiers who died fighting for Bulgaria’s independence during the Russo-Turkish War (1877–78). It is named in honour of a 13th-century Russian warrior-prince.

Designed by Russian architect Alexander Pomerantsev, the church was built in the neo-Byzantine style and is adorned with mosaics and gold-laden domes.

Borisova Garden

Lying southeast of the city centre, Sofia’s most attractive and largest park is filled with countless statues and flowerbeds and is a relaxing place for a stroll. It's a vast place, and is home to the Vasil Levski Stadium and CSKA Stadium, as well as several cafes.

Ivan Vazov National Theatre

The Viennese architects Helmer & Fellner, responsible for a catalogue of extravagant buildings across Central Europe, built this theatre in 1909.

True to form the Ivan Vazov National Theatre is a grand neoclassical structure that remains the last word in Bulgarian culture to this day.

The building with its towering portico is an iconic sight for Bulgaria, appearing on banknotes, and is most famous for its drama productions.

National Palace of Culture

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Sofia's vast concert hall dates from 1981 and houses countless chambers, as well as music clubs and cafes. It watches over an elongated park known as pl Bulgaria. At the northern end of the park is the disintegrating 1300 Years Monument, built in 1981 to celebrate the anniversary of the creation of the First Bulgarian Empire.

Sveti Nikolai Russian Church

This beautiful church with glittering mosaic exterior and golden domes was completed in 1914 for Sofia’s Russian community, and named in honour of St Nikolai, the ‘miracle worker’. Students believe that the saint brings them luck, so they go there to pray prior to important exams. The cramped interior features icons painted between the 11th and 14th centuries.

Central Mineral Baths

Sofia has a lot of spring activity, and these waters have drawn visitors since medieval times.

The Ottomans developed their own hammam at this site, and when it was destroyed following the Bulgarian Revival a new city bathing complex was built.

The Central Baths date to 1913 and were in use up until the mid-80s.

It’s one of Sofia’s most photographed buildings, constructed in the neo-byzantine style with a large dome behind an impressive vestibule.

The gardens are open to the public and the fountain at the centre is fed by the hot natural mineral water. You’re free to try it if you’re brave enough!