The Best Property selection to help you stay in Sofia, Bulgaria 2024.\ Description: The best properties and places in Sofia, Bulgaria in 2024. Enjoy the attractions, properties, and all there is to see in Sofia.\ **

Sofia

Sofia is situated in the Sofia Valley. The Sofia Valley is around the Vitosha mountains. Sofia is the 14th largest city in Europe and one of Europe's oldest cities. It is Bulgaria's capital city. Sofia is one of the greenest cities in all of Europe and is home to many parks that add to its fame. Sofia is the preferred destination in the Balkans for startup businesses. Sofia is also a loved residential and tourist attraction. Let's explore all Sofia has to offer and why it should be at the center of your interest.

Sofia History

Sofia is one of the oldest cities in Europe. This city has a rich history. Evidence of settlement can be traced back 7,000 years to the Neolithic period when 1st century Sofia was under the Roman Empire. It transitioned to Byzantine rule in the 5th century, thriving as a regional and strategic center. This is some of the history of Sofia. Sofia is Bulgaria's capital. The Balkan city has become an industrial, tourist, and residential hub.

Facts about Sofia in 2024

Sofia Weather

Weather conditions vary in the Bulgarian capital and are dependent on the season. This is a summary of the weather patterns in Sofia:

Spring (March to May)

Spring is mild in Sofia. Temperatures can rise and drop between 5°C(41°F) and 20°C(86°F). Spring has some rainfall and blooming of beautiful flowers.

Summer (June to August)

Sofia experiences warm and sometimes hot weather during summer. Temperatures can vary between lows of 25°C(77°F) and highs of 30°C(86°F). Sofia summers have bright sunlight and dry spells.

Autumn (September to November)

Autumn comes with cool temperatures in Sofia. Temperatures can vary anywhere between 20°C and 5°C. These temperatures get lower over time and are associated with some rainfall around October.

Winter (December to February)

This is the coldest season in Sofia. Temperatures can vary from as low as 0°C(32°F) and high as 5°C(41°F). Sometimes temperatures fall to -5°C (23°F) in the night. Snowfall peaks around February. These weather patterns are commonly seen in Sofia. They may vary due to Sofia's proximity to the Vitosha mountains. The Vitosha mountain ranges affect the climatic conditions within its vicinity.

Sofia Airport

Sofia is home to the primary international airport, the Sofia Airport. The Sofia Airport is approximately 10 kilometers or 6.2 miles from the city center. Sofia Airport has two terminals, Terminals 1 and 2. Terminal 1 predominantly serves low-cost carriers and local flights within Bulgaria. Terminal 2 predominantly serves high-cost carriers and international flights.

Sofia Airport is modern and has been expanded to accommodate the influx of visitors and expats. The airport has modern facilities that enhance its appeal and viability. Examples are the lounges, restaurants, car rentals, and parking.

Sofia Transport

Sofia's transport systems are highly developed. The roads and highways are well-built and connect Sofia to the rest of Bulgaria and Europe. Sofia is the capital city of Bulgaria, and many transport options are available to residents.

Sofia Urban Mobility Center is in charge of the public transport sector. They are in charge of:

Buses

The public bus system is affordable and serves Sofia city.

Trams

The tram network connects various districts and neighborhoods within Sofia city. They are affordable and offer convenient travel.

Trolleybuses

Trolleybuses and buses serve areas not accessible by the metro system. They connect to other districts of Sofia city and offer affordable transportation.

Metro system

Sofia Metro consists of three lines. These are M1, M2, M3, and the new M4 line.

The metro system connects vital districts and residential areas of the city. The metro lines will soon offer transportation to the ski lifts in Sofia. This will open up new transport avenues to Sofia, allowing you to party or handle errands in Sofia City before going to ski. The Metro is the most popular transport type in Sofia.

Taxis

Taxis are available in Sofia City. They can be hailed using apps or hailed on the road. They offer transport to the districts of Sofia city. The taxi service has been problematic in Sofia in the past. Some taxi operators were known to inflate the prices or drive in circles to rack up the charges. Should you use a Taxi, ensure the meter is on. Use the Taxi Me App for added protection against these scams.

Cycling

Sofia has improved its infrastructure to include comprehensive cycling lanes along the city streets and roads. This is an affordable and environmentally friendly means of transport.

Walking

Sofia city is accessible on foot. The streets of Sofia have pleasant walkways, pavements, and traffic systems. It has pleasing views and monuments in the heart of Sofia that make walking a viable option.

Sofia Real-Estate

The city of Sofia has beautiful real estate options. These options are varied and diverse. They provide everyone with reasons to stay in Sofia. There are numerous residential options available in the capital city of Bulgaria. These property selections include apartments, condominiums, single-family homes, and luxury homes.

These options are well-built and have modern detailing and finishes.

Taxes in Bulgaria

In many countries, there are property taxes. This isn't a good thing. You may pay 2-5% of the estimated property value as the property tax every year. In some countries, this is paid monthly. Some countries have it paid annually. Lacking a tenant, experiencing issues, or everything being okay doesn't exclude you from paying the property taxes.

In Denmark, for example, you can have a building with multiple units valued at 500,00 euros and available for rent. Paying the 2-5% estimated property value, for it may have you paying close to 10,000 euros per year for the property. This makes it an expensive rate to pay something not experienced in Sofia and Bulgaria.

These property taxes aren't in Bulgaria. You only pay approximately 100 euros per year for trash services. This is the carry cost in Bulgaria, and the taxes are generally low in Bulgaria. Lacking a tenant isn't detrimental as the carry costs are low. Fluctuations in the property market don't affect your carry costs in Sofia and Bulgaria as they remain tied to trash services. This cushions you from poor tenants and even unexpected market turns.

Sofia gives you the opportunity for affordable carry costs and low taxes. Many countries have property taxes included in the carry cost, but Bulgaria doesn't. This makes Sofia an attractive affordable place to live and invest in.

Sofia Healthcare

Sofia has hospitals within and near it that provide healthcare services to its citizens. These hospitals include:

Tokuda Hospital Sofia

Tokuda Hospital Sofia is one of the largest and well-known hospitals in Sofia. Tokuda Hospital Sofia is part of the Acibadem City Clinic network. The hospital is fully equipped and provides world-class services to its citizens. Tokuda Hospital Sofia offers care neurology, cardiology, medical technology, and patient-centered care.

City Clinic Sofia

City Clinic Sofia is a private hospital under the City Clinic Group. They offer world-class and specialized services, which include cardiology and oncology.

Pirigov Emergency Hospital

Pirigov Emergency Hospital is a 24-hour emergency facility in Sofia. Pirigov Emergency Hospital offers world-class care for emergencies like trauma and critical care.

They are well-equipped to handle emergent situations.

These are some of the notable healthcare facilities located in Sofia. More healthcare facilities within and near Sofia provide excellent medical care to the citizens of this city.

Sofia Schools and Universities

Sofia High Schools

Sofia is home to some of the best schools and universities in Bulgaria. A notable example is:

English Language High School

This is a high school located in Sofia. It offers a comprehensive educative curriculum taught in English. It provides bilingual education, which is necessary to prepare students for the world.

Sofia Universities

Universities are also situated in Sofia. Notable examples include:

Sofia University

Sofia University was founded in 1888. It is Bulgaria's oldest and most prestigious university. It offers programs in undergraduate, graduate, master, and doctorate.

Some notable disciplines offered at Sofia University are humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and technical disciplines.

New Bulgarian University

New Bulgarian University is a private university located in Sofia. New Bulgarian University offers programs in undergraduate, graduate, master, and doctorate.

New Bulgaria University offers humanities, social sciences, business, communications, and arts.

American University in Bulgaria

American University Bulgaria is an American-style university. It offers liberal arts and undergraduate programs. The American University in Bulgaria offers business administration, economics, computer science, and humanities.

Medical University of Sofia

The Medical University of Sofia was founded in 1971. It is the oldest medical school in Sofia. The Medical University of Sofia offers undergraduate and graduate medical, dentistry, pharmacy, and healthcare management programs.

These universities show the best of Sofia and what it has to offer.

Worship Locations in Sofia

Sofia has different places of worship. These include churches, mosques, and synagogues.

Churches in Sofia

Some notable churches in Sofia are:

Saint Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Sofia

The Saint Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Sofia is a Bulgarian Orthodox cathedral. It is one of the 50 largest Christian church buildings by volume worldwide. It is built in the Neo-Byzantine style.\ It is one of Sofia's symbols and primary tourist attractions.

Saint Nedelya Cathedral, Sofia

The Saint Nedelya Cathedral Sofia is an Eastern Orthodox cathedral in Sofia.

Saint Sofia Church

The St. Sofia Church is the oldest in the Bulgarian capital and dates to the 4th century.

Sveta Petka Samardjiiska Church, Sofia

The Sveta Petka Samardjiiska Church is a small church. It is located near the ruins of the Serdica fortress in Sofia. Sveta Petka Samardjiiska Church, Sofia was dedicated to Saint Petka. It is an attraction for many visitors and pilgrims.

Mosques in Sofia

Banya Bashi Mosque, Sofia

The Banya Bashi Mosque was built in 1566. It is built over natural thermal spas, and steam is seen rising from it.

Synagogues in Sofia

Sofia Synagogue

The Sofia Synagogue is the largest in Southeastern Europe. It is the third largest in Europe and is one of the two active Synagogues in Bulgaria.

Sofia Attractions

St. George Rotunda Sofia

St. George Rotunda Sofia is a domed cylinder. It dates back to Roman times and is set on a square base. St. George Rotunda, Sofia is believed to have been built on the site of a pagan temple. The Church of St. George Sofia is one of the most important religious sites in the country. It is famous for its five layers of frescoes, which date back to the 4th century.

It is the oldest building in Sofia, dating back to when the city was home to Emperors Galerius and Constantine the Great. St. George Rotunda is part of a ruins grouping from the 3rd and 4th centuries, which includes a Roman street, a basilica, and other buildings.

Sveta Nedelya Cathedral, Sofia

Sveta Nedelya Cathedral, Sofia is a Holy Sunday Church in Sofia. It is in the city centre, at the ancient Roman crossroads of Serdika. Sveta Nedelya Cathedral, Sofia was originally a wooden structure built in the 10th century. It was destroyed or demolished several times in its long history, being destroyed in 1925 after Bulgarian Communist Party terrorists detonated a bomb intended for Tsar Boris III there.

The Largo, Sofia

The Largo, Sofia was built in the Socialist Classicist style. It is a short walk from the Sveta Nedelya church. The Largo is surrounded by the remains of a historical Roman fortress that stood at the crossroads of Serdika. The ruins surround the St. George Rotunda Sofia, the centerpiece of their internal courtyard. Archeologists believe the Hotel Balkan is situated on the remains of a Roman palace, which they attribute to Constantine the Great. The Hotel Balkan has hosted royals, heads of state, and celebrities throughout its six decades of operation.

Sofia University Botanic Garden

Sofia University Botanic Garden is a short distance from the St Alexander Nevsky Church. The entrance to this city garden is through a flower shop. It is constructed as an open garden and a glass conservatory. It houses over 1500 different species. You can purchase saplings and seeds.

National Art Gallery, Sofia

The National Art Gallery, Sofia is the former royal palace of Bulgaria. It is the national palace of culture. The art collection consists of National Revival art, contemporary art, and paintings from the Middle Ages.

Sofia Outdoor Activities

Sofia is full of fun outdoor activities and places to visit for those traveling to the Balkans. Tourism is vibrant in the capital city of Bulgaria. Sofia and Bulgaria have so much to offer, and these are some of the notable ones.

Vitosha Street, Sofia

Vitosha Boulevard is the main shopping street in Sofia. It has a stylish and vibrant atmosphere. It provides a variety of cuisines for you to enjoy.

Guided Street Art Tour, Sofia

This is a stunning Graffiti Walking Tour. It has a vibrant and eclectic urban art scene. You enjoy the urban art and walk tours around the city. It showcases the culture and heritage of Sofia.

Borisova Gradina, Sofia

Borisova Gradina Park is the oldest in Sofia. It is also the largest park in Sofia. It has a tranquil atmosphere for nature lovers to enjoy.

Sofia Nightlife

Sofia has a vibrant nightlife for all Bulgarians, visitors, and expats. Some notable locations are:

Once Upon A Time Biblioteka

Once Upon A Time, Biblioteka is one of the most famous Sofia nightclubs. It is located inside the National Library. Once Upon A Time, Biblioteka is open from Wednesday to Saturday. It is infamous for letting visitors experience some of the most famous dance and pop hits and enjoy the night in Sofia to the fullest.

Magnito Piano Bar And Sushi

Magnito Piano Bar And Sushi is located in Central Sofia. It is known for offering a retreat to visitors with live music and delicious dishes. Magnito Piano Bar And Sushi is open from 8 PM - 5 AM, Wednesday to Sunday.

Yalta Club

The Yalta Club is one of the most popular nightclubs in Sofia. The Yalta Club was the first establishment to play electronic music in the post-communist period. The Yalta Club is open from 9 AM to 7 PM Monday to Friday and 11 PM to 6 AM Friday to Saturday.

Gotham Club

The Gotham Club has been at the top of the list of Sofia nightclubs. It offers great music in electronic music and RnB music. The Gotham Club is open daily from 11 PM to 4 AM.

Versus Karaoke Bar

The Versus Karaoke Bar is located in the Centre of Sofia. The Versus Karaoke Bar is a popular Karaoke spot in Sofia. It has a deep song collection to entertain for many hours. Versus Karaoke Bar is open daily from 9 AM to 2 AM.

Sofia Shopping

Sofia has excellent shopping locations to satisfy your needs. Notable shopping establishments in Sofia include:

Zhenski Pazar Women's Market

The Zhenski Pazar Women's Market was established more than 140 years ago. It has become one of the most important trading centers in the metropolitan city. The market is an attractive tourist destination in Sofia, and the colorful merchants and their merchandise, combined with the authentic urban architecture attract increasing numbers of tourists.

Mall of Sofia

The Mall of Sofia is a shopping center in Sofia. It was opened on 9 June 2006. It is a good central place to conduct your household and grocery shopping.

Sofia's central market and hall

The Central Sofia Market Hall is a covered market in the center of Sofia. It was opened in 1911 and is today an important trade center in the city. It is a good place to conduct shopping for numerous things you need.

Serdika mall

Serdika Center Sofia is a shopping mall located in Sofia. It was opened in the spring of 2010 and has more than 210 stores. It is a beautiful and convenient place to conduct your shopping.

The Mall

The Mall, Sofia, was the largest shopping mall in the Balkans till 2013. The Mall was opened in spring 2010. This is a large shopping complex convenient for all household and grocery shopping.

Paradise Center, Sofia

Paradise Center, Sofia is the largest mall in Bulgaria. It was opened on March 28, 2013. The mall is one of the biggest in the country and Central and Eastern Europe. Paradise Center, Sofia is home to a diverse mix of retail stores and is a hub for entertainment. You can enjoy a multiplex cinema, bowling, indoor playground, fitness, and restaurants. The Paradise Center, Sofia also hosts some events making it a great hub for meetings and social events.

Paradise Center, Sofia is located at Hladilnika, Blvd. 'Cherni vrah' 100, 1407 Sofia, Bulgaria.

Sofia Restaurants

Sofia has fine dining options. These restaurants and eateries offer delicious cultural cuisines and mainstream cuisines. Examples of these restaurants include:

Tenebris, Sofia

Tenebris is a dark-themed restaurant in Sofia. It tries to simulate the visually impaired and seamlessly integrates this into the restaurant's aesthetic. Tenebris offers a wonderful atmosphere, a good selection of wine and food, and an atmosphere that stimulates your other senses. It is a restaurant worth visiting in Sofia.

Stanir Chinar, Sofia

Stanir Chinar, Sofia is a restaurant in a cozy house from 1922, which will immerse you in an atmosphere from the beginning of the century. It provides the spirit of old Sofia and tastes of traditional Bulgarian cuisine. It is a restaurant worth visiting in Sofia.

Secret Chef Table, Sofia

Secret Chef Table, Sofia is at the heart of Sofia. It offers a culinary journey through the centuries in Bulgaria. Experience tastes from the ancient Thracians through Asparuh, Boris, and Samuil to the present day. Secret Chef Table, Sofia is a restaurant to visit in Sofia.

Taj Mahal Indian Restaurant, Sofia

Taj Mahal Indian Restaurant, Sofia is an Indian restaurant in Sofia. It offers the best Indian cuisine and a difference in taste from the local cuisine. This is one of the restaurants to visit in Sofia.

Loving Hut Sofia

Loving Hut Sofia is a vegan restaurant located in Sofia. It offers a wide array of vegan cuisines for those with vegan preferences. It is a world-class restaurant in the heart of Sofia that's worth visiting.