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Free Sofia Tour's Blog

July 1, 2025
Top 7 Day Trips from Sofia
Published by Free Sofia Tour at July 1, 2025
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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 […]
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June 24, 2025
seven rila lakes how to get to
Published by Free Sofia Tour at June 24, 2025
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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” […]
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May 2, 2025
trip to plovdiv
Published by Free Sofia Tour at May 2, 2025
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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 […]
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April 1, 2025
Easter in Bulgaria
Published by Free Sofia Tour at April 1, 2025
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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 2025, however, Bulgarians will celebrate Easter on the exact same day as Western Europeans—on April 20th! 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 […]
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March 12, 2025
Sofia Airport Terminal 2
Published by Free Sofia Tour at March 12, 2025
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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 […]
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March 6, 2025
one day in sofia
Published by Free Sofia Tour at March 6, 2025
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One Day in Sofia – What to Do in 24 Hours

Visiting Sofia for just one day and want to make the most of it? We are here to help. Needless to say, 24 hours are not enough but you can actually cover most of the essentials if you follow our plan strictly. 1. Start your day the Bulgarian way Once you wake up it’s time for some breakfast. The most “local” way to begin your day is with some banitsa and ayran. Banitsa is a local pastry with white cheese. Ayran is a cold yoghurt drink that is most often paired together with some banitsa. Both are considered street food and are usually consumed while standing or walking. However, if you prefer to have a longer and more relaxed morning we recommend starting your day at one of our favorite breakfast places in town – the Sweet & Salty Bakery Cafe, Mekitsa & Coffee or the Rainbow Factory. Or, if you want to do it the old-school Bulgarian way, visit Sofiyska Banitsa for some authentic banitsa (a local pastry with […]
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January 22, 2025
gurgulyat monument
Published by Free Sofia Tour at January 22, 2025
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Lesser-Known Communist Monuments in Bulgaria

If you’ve already visited the most popular Bulgarian communist monuments and are seeking a more off-the-beaten-path experience, this guide introduces lesser-known but equally compelling landmarks. These lesser-known communist monuments may not immediately appear in internet searches. Still, they offer unique insights into Bulgaria’s controversial communist past and artistic heritage for those willing to go the extra mile. Pantheon Mother Bulgaria Built in 1985 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Bulgaria’s Unification and the Bulgarian-Serbian War, this striking monument stands in the village of Gurgulyat, near Slivnitsa, 50 km west of Sofia. The massive red concrete pyramid features a central statue of a woman symbolizing Mother Bulgaria. Accessible mainly by car, this site is perfect for a half-day trip from the capital. Arch of Freedom Perched at 1,595 meters above sea level, 15 minutes east of the Beklemeto Pass’s highest point, this 35-meter-high concrete structure commemorates Bulgarian freedom fighters as well as Russian and Soviet soldiers. The arch features statues of soldiers alongside women in traditional Bulgarian attire. Although the passage […]
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November 11, 2024
christmas sofia bulgaria
Published by Free Sofia Tour at November 11, 2024
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Christmas in Sofia 2024 | 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 […]
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August 1, 2024
How to get to Vitosha mountain - Ultimate Guide | Free Sofia Tour
Published by Free Sofia Tour at August 1, 2024
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How to get to Vitosha mountain

Vitosha is a mountain massif and a ski resort (though a bit underdeveloped). It offers plenty of hiking options and panoramic views of Sofia. Sofia is one of the very few European capitals with such a big mountain so close to the city center. The city also happens to be one of the highest capitals in Europe. Andorra la Vella is at the top, followed by Vaduz in Liechtenstein and arguably Madrid. So the question inevitably arises – ‘How do we get to Vitosha mountain?’ Here are some options: Walking and Hiking in Vitosha This is actually how organized tourism in Sofia started. In 1895, the famous Bulgarian writer Aleko Konstantinov managed to convince around 300 people to leave the city’s ‘dusty streets’ and ‘stuffy cafes’ and take a refreshing walk from the city center to the top of the mountain — Cherni Vrah (Black Peak), at 2290 m above sea level. In front of the National Theatre, a stone marks the starting point of this interesting journey.   How […]
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