Free Sofia Tour's Blog
August 7, 2020
Bulgarians are proud of their rich historical and cultural heritage. Therefore, some of the most widespread souvenir options in Bulgaria are indeed linked to the country’s folklore and traditions. These are our suggestions for the best souvenirs you could bring back home and remember your trip to Bulgaria forever. 1. Wine Winemaking in Bulgaria dates back to the time of the ancient Thracians. With its 5 main wine regions Bulgaria is the hidden paradise for all wine-lovers. A classic gift for someone special – a bottle of Bulgarian wine. You could find good Bulgarian wine in every supermarket. For a wider variety of local wines we suggest a visit to EnjoyWine. 2. Pottery If you’ve already dined at a traditional Bulgarian restaurant during your trip to to Bulgaria you have most probably seen great local pottery. Bulgarian ceramics and pottery could be found in various types of stores all around the country. In fact, every Bulgarian household would still use those, especially when preparing traditional bulgarian dishes such as bob, […]
June 12, 2020
Both old legends and contemporary tips share one thing in common – the Women’s Market (also referred to as the Ladies’ Market, Ladies’ Bazaar and Zhenski Pazar) is the must-visit colorful, lively and fragrant spot in the heart of Sofia. Established right after Bulgaria’s Liberation from Ottoman rule in 1878, the Women’s market is the oldest open-air market in town. Back then Sofia had just been declared as a capital of the newborn country and the city was still much smaller than today. Today, this open-air market is at an immediate proximity to most major tourist sites such as the Square of Tolerance comprised by the four temples of the four main religions in Bulgaria. In its early days, the Women’s Market quickly became the favorite place for local people eager to buy fresh agricultural production which farmers from the villages nearby sold on more than affordable prices. A single egg would cost only 5 cents, a hen would cost 60 cents and a pig – 4-5 leva. Origins of […]
May 29, 2020
As life in Europe is slowly transitioning to the “new normal” many are itching to travel. However, a lot of us are not sure how to go about it in a post-pandemic world where the coronavirus is still very much present. Many of the travel restrictions in Europe are expected to be eased in mid-June/early July. Intercontinental travel however, is still uncertain. Covid-19 has changed the travel industry. That’s why a lot of Europeans will be looking for vacation options within the continent. Here are 5 reasons why the Bulgarian capital might just be the perfect option for your first post-pandemic trip: Bulgaria is one of the least affected countries by the pandemic One could argue why that is. Possibly a combination of safety measures applied very early on, closed borders and local discipline. Whatever the case, the local health system was not overwhelmed and many lives were spared. As of the end of May Bulgaria saw a total of less than 2500 cases and 136 deaths. These numbers also […]
May 24, 2020
Безплатните туристически обиколки на София вече и на български език! След почти 10 години ежедневни турове на английски език, Free Sofia Tour започва да провежда обиколки и на български език! За начало на инициативата избрахме датата на най-българския празник – 24-ти май. Ентусиазмът и любознателността на първите ни гости ни мотивира да надградим идеята си и да я превърнем в традиция. Free Sofia Tour на български език Безплатната туристическа обиколка на София включва всички основни забележителности в централната част на града. Сред тях са: Съдебна палата храм “Св. Неделя” статуя на София храм “Св. Петка Самарджийска” Ларгото на София Джамията “Баня Баши” Софийската синагога Централна минерална баня (днес Регионален исторически музей – София) Ротондата “Св Георги” Народен театър “Иван Вазов” Руската църква “Св. Николай Чудотворец” Базиликата “Св. София” Храм-паметник “Св. Александър Невски” Туристически обиколки на София Обиколките на български език ще се организират на събитиен принцип. Те ще бъдат водени от нашия прекрасен екип от професионални екскурзоводи, които по забавен и увлекателен начин ще ви накарат да преоткриете София. Датите […]
April 15, 2020
You might have heard that Bulgaria was once a socialist country, and a part of the Cold War Eastern Bloc. Part of the heritage from that period that foreigners seem to find most fascinating are the communist-era monuments. Here, you are in luck, since Bulgaria is one of the few countries where this cultural heritage is still well materialized by many typical artifacts from that period. The monumental architecture of the 1970’s and 1980’s is a result of a massive cultural policy of the state during the socialist period. Typically, monumental art from the last decades of the 20th century resulted in landmarks that illustrate historical events, using specific historical images. So, if you are a fan of brutalist art or are in search of unique Instagram opportunities, here’s a list of Bulgaria’s most legendary and impressive communist monuments: 1. The Memorial Home of the Bulgarian Communist Party (Buzludzha) There is an incredible amount of communist monuments still preserved in Bulgaria. However, this is by far the most famous one. […]
March 30, 2020
If you have just arrived in Bulgaria and are still curious to taste the vast variety of authentic Bulgarian meals and drinks, undoubtedly the most traditional and emblematic alcoholic beverage to start your night with is the local rakia. There has hardly been a single guest of Sofia to remain neutral after the first sip. Both locals and internationals either fall in love with rakia or cannot stand the strong taste and smell of the spirits. A common Bulgarian joke – and for some elderly people even a fundamental belief – states that 30-40 ml rakia a day have a preventive effect against different viruses, including the coronavirus. While we cannot guarantee that we believe that giving it a try is essential to your trip to Bulgaria. Rakia – How is it made and what on Earth is it? Largely compared to a fruit brandy, rakia is produced out of large quantities of smashed fruits in a barrel. Then, sugar and water are added. It takes a few weeks for […]
January 24, 2020
If you have already explored Sofia and are now looking for another attractive destination across the border, your easiest shot is definitely Skopje! North Macedonia’s major city is the closest capital to Sofia, with a distance of only 245 kilometers between them. However, due to a variety of reasons, there are still no flights or railways directly linking the two cities together. With planes and trains unavailable, the only way to reach Skopje from Sofia is by car or by bus. To Skopje by BUS The bus ride between the Bulgarian and North Macedonian capitals takes approximately five hours if you are lucky enough to avoid the annoying traffic at the border checkpoints. The busses of MATPU company leave every day from the Sofia Central Bus Station at 09:30 and at 14:00. Alternatively, you can opt for Kaleia company, with its busses departing from Sofia every day at 07:00, 17:30 and midnight. Tickets can be purchased both online and on the spot prior to departure. Ticket prices are around 30BGN […]
January 6, 2020
Buzludzha, Zheravna, Belogradchik… it seems that we have a weird tradition in Bulgaria of giving famous sightseeing locations complicated names. However, one of the most famous and most complicated too is Koprivshtitsa. There are probably innumerable visitors of our country who have opted out on the option of going there because of the sheer difficulty of the name of this beautiful historic town in Central Bulgaria. Today we are taking you on a virtual journey there focusing on how to get to Koprivshtitsa and also, what to do and see there. Koprivshtitsa: Who, what, where? Koprivshtitsa is one of the most characteristic Bulgarian towns, huddled in the mountain-folds just 111 km east of Sofia. The town is a cultural and historic reserve encapsulating the atmosphere of the Bulgarian National Revival period of the 19th century. Apart from an enormous collection of ethnographic treasures, architectural monuments, national costumes, typical Bulgarian jewelry, traditional household weaves, enchanting embroidery and many works of art, the town is most famous for being one of the […]
October 28, 2019
You know the feeling when you go to a new and exciting destination and you can’t wait to explore all the sights and then… it starts raining. You most probably do if you’re already here. Sofia is one of those cities that might appear amazingly beautiful on a nice sunny day or incredibly gray and depressing when it’s cold and rainy. Don’t worry! We’ve got you covered with 9 exciting things to do when it’s raining in Sofia: 1. Visit one of Sofia’s great coffee spots Fortunately, in recent years many great coffee shops opened in Sofia. Depening on where you’re staying in the city you might consider visiting the Rainbow Factory, The 2 Giraffes, Vanilla or Chucky’s Coffee House. Or, if you prefer having your coffee in a more formal environment then Grand Café is the option for you. Have a cup of coffee, tea or hot chocolate while planning your rainy day schedule. 2. Check out Sofia’s quirky shops The center of town is home to some unique, artsy stores that might have […]