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Free Sofia Tour's Blog

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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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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January 12, 2024
Winter in Sofia
Published by Free Sofia Tour at January 12, 2024
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Winter in Sofia – Top 10 Winter Activities

We’re not gonna lie, winter in Sofia can be quite tough. However, there are plenty of things to do in the Bulgarian capital even when it’s -20°C. We want to pass this insight onto you, our lovely visitors. Keep in mind though that you might just fall in love with Sofia and decide to make it your new home! Depending on what region of the world you hail from, the moment you poke your face out from your cozy hotel/hostel/Airbnb room, it might feel like a warm spring kiss or a bone-chilling North Pole slap in the face! Either way, we’ve got you covered, and will give you our top winter picks to make your winter visit to our lovely city as enjoyable as possible! Wondering what to do in Sofia in winter? Here are our top 10 picks for winter activities in Sofia: 1. Vitosha mountain – For our adrenaline junkies  It’s all about the powder a.k.a the snow! That’s right you saw it as you were landing – our beautiful […]
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December 14, 2023
Published by Free Sofia Tour at December 14, 2023
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Sofia’s Lost Communist Heritage: Tracing Bulgaria’s Complex Past

This week we are witnessing the historical event that is the removal of one of Sofia’s most controversial monuments – The Monument of the Soviet Army, after years of debate. That’s why in this article, we are going to take a look back at Sofia’s lost communist heritage. From the end of World War II until the fall of the Iron Curtain in 1989, Bulgaria was under communist rule, deeply entwined with the Soviet Union’s political ideology. Sofia, as the country’s political center, became a canvas for grand architectural projects and ideological symbols reflecting the ethos of the time. Following the collapse of the regime, a lot was removed from Sofia’s administrative and historical center, symbolizing the beginning of a new era. While some landmarks were removed in the early 90s, right after the political changes, we’ve seen this trend continue through the 2010s and even in late 2023. Here’s our list of famous symbols of Bulgaria’s communist regime that are no longer. The Red Star The red star that […]
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November 13, 2023
How to get to Rila Monastery - Ultimate Guide | Free Sofia Tour
Published by Free Sofia Tour at November 13, 2023
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How to get to Rila Monastery

Rila Monastery is the most popular Bulgarian tourist site. Rila monastery is the first thing that comes to your mind when you have friends from abroad visiting. I will dare to be accused of blasphemy and even say that sometimes it feels a bit of a cliché. But there’s a reason for that – no surprise it’s one of the nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Bulgaria. Words fail to describe this heavenly monument. Believe it or not, getting to the place is not the easiest thing, though. That’s why one of the most frequently asked questions is… How to get to Rila Monastery? Here’s the answer(s): To Rila Monastery by BUS: Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic started the bus has not been operating. There was a brief attempt to restart it in August 2023. Unfortunately it was short-lived. We will make sure to update this information as soon as the public bus starts operating again. Hopefully sometime soon in 2026. Call +35929555362 (Ovcha Kupel (Sofia-West) Bus Station) for the most up-to-date info. To Rila […]
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October 24, 2023
international food places in sofia
Published by Free Sofia Tour at October 24, 2023
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5 Best International Food Places in Sofia

Naturally, your go-to option when visiting Sofia should be one of the traditional Bulgarian restaurants. However, you’ve already had enough of local food and want to go beyond – we’re here to help! It’s time for us to share our favorite international food places in Bulgaria’s capital.  And though the city’s more synonymous with history and culture, in recent years it has also earned a reputation as a culinary destination, offering a diverse range of international flavors. In this article, we’ll explore the five best international food places in Sofia. Each offering a unique culinary experience that reflects the city’s growing food scene. Ninja Bowl Sofia Nestled in the heart of Sofia, just a 2-minute walk from Free Sofia Tour’s final stop, Ninja Bowl Sofia is a culinary gem that transports you to the bustling streets of Asia. This trendy Asian fusion restaurant is known for its artful combination of flavors and aesthetics, and it’s a favorite among locals and tourists alike. It offers a wide variety of healthy and […]
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October 9, 2023
brunch and breakfast in sofia
Published by Free Sofia Tour at October 9, 2023
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5 Best Breakfast & Brunch Places in Sofia

Surprisingly for such a large city, Sofia’s breakfast and brunch scene was rather limited. Until recently. For many years local “grab and go” pastries (like banitsa) have been the dominant breakfast option for most locals. Fortunately, over the past decade we’ve seen several wonderful breakfast & brunch establishments open in the city center.  In this article, we’ll explore some of the best breakfast and brunch places in Sofia that cater to a variety of tastes and preferences. Sweet and Salty Bakery Cafe This cozy bakery in the heart of Sofia (right next to the Vitosha Boulevard) offers a wide variety of both Bulgarian and foreign brunch and breakfast classics such as fried french toast with filling, Bulgarian donuts or the traditional banitsa. Of course, you will also find favorites like eggs benedict, avocado toast, homemade granola and much more. Oh, and did we mention irresistible dessert options?  Sofiyska Banitsa This one is for the lovers of those oldschool Bulgarian grab and go “banitsa” places. Don’t get tricked by the dodgy […]
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September 20, 2023
best traditional restaurants in sofia (2)
Published by Free Sofia Tour at September 20, 2023
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5 Best Traditional Bulgarian Restaurants in Sofia

Sofia, the vibrant capital of Bulgaria, is a city that boasts a rich culinary tradition. A tradition deeply rooted in its history and culture. Bulgarian cuisine is a delightful blend of flavors and techniques, influenced by a variety of cultures that have left their mark on the region over centuries. If you’re visiting Sofia and want to savor the best of traditional Bulgarian cuisine, you’re in for a treat. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best traditional Bulgarian restaurants in Sofia that offer a taste of the country’s culinary heritage. MANASTIRSKA MAGERNITSA In Manastirska Magernitsa you will find a wide range of authentic cuisine options with recipes gathered from monasteries around the country, hence its name which means “monastery canteen”. This culinary journey will take place in a beautiful ethnic house from the last century, with rural and “old Sofia” interior. The slogan of Manastirska Magernitsa is “Before the bread we are all equal!”. Therefore, guests are welcomed with homemade bread and Bulgarian hospitality!  MOMA – Bulgarian Food […]
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