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Free Sofia Tour’s Tips and Tricks

More info about your stay in Sofia and in Bulgaria. Practical advice (inside tips & tricks) about anything from more sightseeing to exchanging money.

February 26, 2026
trip to plovdiv
Published by Free Sofia Tour at February 26, 2026
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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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January 21, 2026
flight to sofia
Published by Free Sofia Tour at January 21, 2026
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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 […]
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January 7, 2026
Bulgaria adopts the euro
Published by Free Sofia Tour at January 7, 2026
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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 […]
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November 11, 2025
christmas sofia bulgaria
Published by Free Sofia Tour at November 11, 2025
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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 […]
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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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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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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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