Free Sofia Tour's Blog

April 1, 2026

Easter in Sofia

Happy Easter! Hi all, spring is here! This lovely season brings the grand Christian celebration – Easter. Easter, known as Velikden (Великден) or “Great Day” in Bulgarian, is one of the most significant and cherished holidays in Bulgaria. If you find yourself in Sofia during this vibrant season and are considering immersing yourself in local customs, you’re in for a treat! ​ Easter in Bulgaria Bulgaria, being largely a Christian Orthodox country, celebrates Easter according to the Julian calendar instead of the Gregorian calendar, which is used by many Western countries. Therefore, the date when Bulgarians celebrate Easter often doesn’t coincide with the one celebrated in Western Europe. Here is when Easter will be celebrated in Bulgaria in the following years. In 2026 Bulgarians will celebrate Easter one week later, compared to most Western Europeans—on April 12th! If you happen to be in Bulgaria this spring, you should know about our two most common Easter traditions: Egg fights and the delicious sweet bread, Kozunak. Unlike many Western countries where Easter egg hunts are […]
February 26, 2026

How to get to Plovdiv

Plovdiv the city of the 7 hills It is the second biggest city in Bulgaria – Plovdiv – is a pretty good option for a day trip outside of Sofia. Usually the first option for people who have a day to spare outside the capital is the Rila Monastery. However, Plovdiv should not be underestimated because it offers a lot of variety and it could cater for all kinds of interests. It has a lot to offer when it comes to sightseeing and culture.  It also boasts a lot of lovely restaurants and shopping streets. Plovdiv is also 2019’s European Capital of Culture. That means that there’s plenty to explore in this beautiful ancient city! How to get from Sofia to Plovdiv and respectively from Plovdiv to Sofia? – We are here to help! They say a picture is worth a thousand words, so let’s start with a beautiful shot of Plovdiv’s Old Town: Getting to Plovdiv from Sofia is easy. Here are the common ways to do it: To […]
February 24, 2026

10 Best Museums in Sofia, Bulgaria

Let’s be honest – “museum day” doesn’t always sound thrilling. It can feel like code for dusty rooms, long labels, and sore feet. But in Sofia? It’s a completely different story. Here, you can sip rakia while learning about centuries-old traditions, step inside a fully preserved communist apartment, stand face-to-face with ancient Thracian gold, crawl through a spinning tunnel that messes with your brain, or let your kids launch themselves into hands-on science experiments. And that’s all in one city. Sofia’s museums aren’t overwhelming mega-institutions where you need a strategy and snacks to survive. They’re diverse, surprisingly interactive, and often just a short walk from your next coffee stop. Whether you’re a history lover, a curious wanderer, a family with energetic kids, or someone who “doesn’t really like museums” (you might change your mind), there’s something here that will genuinely grab you. Here are 10 museums in Sofia that are anything but boring. 1. National Archeological Museum of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences This one is right in the heart […]
January 21, 2026

What to Do If Your Flight To or From Sofia Is Delayed or Cancelled

If your flight is delayed or cancelled, and you find yourself stuck at Sofia Airport, there is a silver lining. You might be able to claim up to €600 in compensation for your troubles.  This is because flights to and from Sofia are covered by EU Regulation 261/2004, which protects air passengers in cases of delays, cancellations, and denied boarding. It allows passengers to claim compensation and receive care from the airline during the wait.  To help travellers make the best out of a frustrating situation, this guide breaks down the most important things you need to know about your passenger rights, with expert insight from SkyRefund. What are my rights?  If this is the first time you are hearing about these rights, you are not alone – around 80% of passengers are not aware of them. In general, you may be entitled to financial compensation if: You arrive at your final destination with a delay of more than 3 hours Your flight is cancelled within 14 days of departure […]
January 7, 2026

Bulgaria Adopts the Euro: The Lev’s Final Chapter

Bulgaria has just reached a historic milestone: as of 1 January 2026, the euro officially became the country’s currency, replacing the Bulgarian lev (BGN) after more than 145 years of national monetary history. This completes a long process that began with the country’s EU membership in 2007. A Journey Through Time: History of the Bulgarian Lev The Bulgarian lev has been at the heart of daily life in Bulgaria since 1880, just two years after the country regained independence from the Ottoman Empire. Its name literally means “lion” – a proud symbol of strength and freedom. Before the Lev: Money at the End of the Ottoman Period Before Bulgaria regained its autonomy in 1878, the land was part of the Ottoman Empire, and everyday payments were made using Ottoman coins, mainly the kuruş and para, alongside a colorful mix of foreign coins such as Austrian thalers, Russian rubles, and even Venetian ducats. Trade was practical rather than standardized, and different regions often used different currencies at the same time. After […]
November 11, 2025

Christmas in Sofia 2025 | Christmas Markets & Festive Holiday Locations

It’s tiiime! The holiday season is upon us. And we are here with the most extensive list of festive Christmas locations ever compiled, including Christmas markets, charity bazaars, ice-skating rinks, holiday shopping options, and more! Get ready for your Christmas in Sofia! December in Sofia Now, we have to be honest. Sofia isn’t known for being a holiday destination, nor for its wonderful decorations or a dominant festive atmosphere. If anything, the lack of holiday spirit in the air has become somewhat synonymous with the city. However, this year, it seems like things are changing. There is a noticeable increase in Christmas-themed locations and winter activities in the city. So, if you’ve chosen Sofia for your holiday city escape, you are in for a treat! And we are surely hoping for some snow to add to the festive mood! Christmas Markets in Sofia Who doesn’t love the Christmas markets and a cup of mulled wine? This winter, we have plenty of options to choose from. Buying gifts and enjoying tasty […]
July 1, 2025

Top 7 Best Day Trips from Sofia

Have you already explored Sofia? Great! Then it’s time to see what else Bulgaria has to offer. Sofia is the perfect starting point for various types of day trips, including small historical towns, natural landmarks, and so much more. Here are our top 7 suggestions for day trips from Sofia: The Rila Monastery and the Rila mountain The Rila Monastery is truly one of Bulgaria’s most emblematic symbols and one of its most picturesque landmarks. Nestled among the majestic peaks of the highest mountain in the Balkans, the monastery is a true architectural and ethnographic masterpiece, waiting to be discovered at the end of a scenic mountain road that takes your breath away at every turn. And if the endless array of stunning views—ranging from ancient forests and crystal-clear mountain creeks to rugged alpine cliffs – isn’t enough to keep your camera out for the entire journey, then the monastery complex, with its sophisticated lines, colorful inner courtyard facade, and authentic atmosphere, certainly will. No wonder this site has been […]
June 24, 2025

How to get to the Seven Rila Lakes/Sapareva Banya from Sofia?

Whether you are visiting Bulgaria for a short city break or you are about to spend quite some time here, one of the best places to visit are the seven Rila Lakes in the Rila Mountains.  Another must-do is to visit hot mineral water pools and spend a day in relaxation. And what better than a combination of both? Located at less than 100 km away from Sofia the Seven Rila lakes is a natural phenomenon that gathers people from all over the world with captivating beauty and stunning views albeit summer or winter. The Seven Rila Lakes The seven Rila lakes are naturally created glacial lakes and as the name says they are a total of 7 and each one carries a name associated with its most characteristic feature: Salzata  (“The Tear”) due to its clear waters that allow visibility in depth. Okoto (“The Eye”) after its almost perfectly oval form. Babreka (“The Kidney”) after its shape resembling a kidney. Bliznaka (“The Twin”) consisting of inner and outer “twin” […]
March 12, 2025

How to Get from Sofia Airport to Sofia City Center

Whether you’re planning a visit to Bulgaria’s capital or simply find yourself at Sofia Airport by chance, this article provides all the information you need to travel between the airport and the city. Sofia has only one airport for commercial flights. It is located approximately 10 km from the city center, and fortunately, it is well-connected by public transport. You can take the metro or use one of the two bus lines (84 and 184). Taxis are also available in front of the Arrivals building. Sofia Airport to Sofia City Center BY METRO If you’re at Terminal 2, the Sofia Metro is by far the easiest way to reach downtown. It’s safe, fast, and convenient—we highly recommend this option. The journey to Serdika Metro Station, Sofia’s central metro hub, takes a little under 30 minutes. If you arrive at Terminal 1 and need to get to Terminal 2 (or vice versa), a free shuttle bus runs every 30 minutes. Simply follow the signs or ask for directions at the information […]