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Free Sofia Tour's Blog

May 2, 2024
trip to plovdiv
Published by Free Sofia Tour at May 2, 2024
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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 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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March 14, 2021
belogradchick rocks
Published by Free Sofia Tour at March 14, 2021
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Belogradchik Rocks and Fortress – How to Get There, History & More

Bulgaria offers so much variety when it comes to day trips. There’s a lot to see and it is sometimes hard to prioritize. Most visitors with a 2-3 day stay in the country usually choose a trip to Plovdiv or the Rila Monastary. However, if you have more time, a trip to the Belogradchick Rocks and Fortress will surely be one to remember. History Belogradchick is a town in the North West of Bulgaria. While the region itself is economically lagging behind other regions in the country, there is something that attracts local and foreign visitors alike. And that’s the famous Belogdradchick Rocks and Fortress. Truth is, Bulgaria is not famous for its castles. However, this one is definitely among the ones worth visiting. Not only because of the fortress itself but because of the way it’s situated among the incredibly beautiful rocks. In fact, the fortress has been there in different shapes and forms for the past 2000 years. Artefacts found in the area (such as Roman coins, ceramics […]
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August 7, 2020
bulgarian souvenirs
Published by Free Sofia Tour at August 7, 2020
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7 Best Bulgarian Souvenirs

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, […]
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May 29, 2020
covid-19 sofia
Published by Free Sofia Tour at May 29, 2020
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5 reasons why Sofia should be your first post-COVID-19 trip

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 […]
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April 15, 2020
Bulgaria communist monuments
Published by Free Sofia Tour at April 15, 2020
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Bulgaria’s 8 Most Legendary Communist Monuments

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. […]
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July 10, 2019
yellow bricks
Published by Free Sofia Tour at July 10, 2019
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Sofia’s Yellow Brick Road

Ever wondered whether Bulgaria and Hungary have something in common or whether there’s some other connection between their capital cities – Sofia and Budapest? It turns out that yes, there is. The following post will tell you about one of them: Sofia’s yellow cobblestones. THE STORY OF SOFIA’S YELLOW COBBLESTONES After Bulgaria’s Liberation from the Ottoman Empire in 1878, Sofia was designated as capital of the newly established country. However, it was chosen for its geographic location and not its architecture; at the time, it did not look much like a city, let alone a capital. Dirty puddles, mud, and stinking water covered the city center. This is why Prince Dondukov, head of the Provisional Russian government in power at the time, quickly ordered changes. In 1901, Sofia’s first trams set off on six routes, served by 25 individual trains, and in 1905, Maria Louise Boulevard became the first city street to be paved. Afterwards, the Municipality began an ambitious plan to pave a big portion of the city. It bought two quarries in the neighboring Vitosha mountain – […]
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June 21, 2019
sofia bulgaria guide
Published by Free Sofia Tour at June 21, 2019
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Sofia – Capital of Bulgaria – The Ultimate Travel Guide

Sofia is Bulgaria’s capital and largest city. Situated in the very heart of the Balkan peninsula,  it is one of Europe’s oldest cities. While still undiscovered by many, more and more people are now falling in love with the city’s unique east meets west vibe. HISTORY OF SOFIA For the past 6000 years, this city has seen it all. Once called Serdica – an important trade center in the Roman empire. Then conquered by the Bulgarians in the 9th century, then conquered by the Byzantine Empire, then re-claimed by the Bulgarians, and then a stronghold of the Ottoman empire. After Bulgaria gained its independence in the late 19th century, Sofia was chosen as the country’s new capital. It’s now been capital for 140 years. The city’s appearance today has been widely shaped by the twists and turmoils of the 20th century. Up until WW2 Bulgaria was a parliamentary monarchy and Sofia’s architecture was influenced by the examples of Austrian, French, and German architecture. The second half of the 20th century […]
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May 3, 2019
Buzludzha
Published by Free Sofia Tour at May 3, 2019
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The Buzludzha Monument

Is it a bird? A plane? Is it a UFO? It’s the Buzludzha Monument! Once, a huge symbol of the power and might of the Bulgarian Communist regime, attracting people from both the country and all over the world with its bizarre look, monumental construction and embedded ideology. Nowadays, it is completely abandoned. It has been falling apart ever since the end of the communist regime in 1989. This time we are covering one of the most extraordinary and controversial ideological monuments left from Bulgaria’s communist past. And of course, we are going to tell you everything you need to know about it. You might have seen this outlandish looking building before as it has been included in the list of the 33 most beautiful abandoned places in the world. Its futuristic appearance looks as if taken straight from a science fiction series. This is the main reason for people to call it “the flying saucer”. If you are wondering where the Buzludzha monument is… you will find it in […]
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