An adventurous weekend in Bulgaria | For Two or Solo travelers
Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The city's origins can be traced to ancient Thracian settlements, and it has been influenced by various civilizations, including the Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman, and Soviet periods. Throughout its history, Sofia has been a cultural and economic hub in the region.
When to go to Bulgaria?
Being a relatively inexpensive country, if the goal is to engage in winter sports, I recommend the winter months, particularly December, January, February, and March when temperatures are lower, and the likelihood of snowfall is higher. During these months, prices are much more affordable, and it's easier to find accommodation at a lower cost.
If the aim is to explore the city and stroll through the gardens, the best months are spring and summer. However, it's advisable to avoid July and August when there is a higher influx of tourists, and prices tend to increase a bit.
How to get around in Sófia?
The most efficient means of getting around the city is through public transportation. Tickets are priced at 1.60 BGN, roughly 0.80€, and are capped at a maximum of 4 BGN (2€) per day. If you make multiple trips within the system, there are no extra charges. Payments can be conveniently made using credit or debit cards (Visa and Mastercard), but it's important to consistently use the same card for transactions.
The Sofia Metro operates from 5:30 AM until midnight, with four metro lines in service. The M4 line (yellow) provides a direct connection from the airport to the city center.
Another excellent way to explore the city is on foot, as the main tourist attractions are within a few kilometers of each other. Walking allows you to immerse yourself in the city, offering a more intimate and thorough experience of its surroundings.
One day in the Vitosha mountain
For a convenient journey from the city center to the Vitosha ski resort, start at the Serdika metro station. Hop on the blue M2 line to Vitosha. Once you reach Vitosha (the final station), catch bus 66 at the Metrostantsiya Vitosha stop, traveling towards Hotel Moreni. The bus runs from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM, with a frequency of one hour. Disembark at the ultimate destination, Hotel Moreni.
If you want to try snowboarding or skiing, I speak from experience as someone who has tried snowboarding. You can rent all the equipment at the Vitosha Outdoor Center. All pricing information for rentals and lifts is available on the following website:
Where to eat?
On the mountain, there are some restaurant options offering a variety of meat and fish dishes, as well as vegetarian choices.
What to do?
What to see in Sófia?
Where to sleep?
For Two:
For Solo Travelers:
Hostels are ideal for solo travelers. In hostels, you have the chance to meet many interesting people who might just become your next travel companion. Who knows, you might even find the love of your life here!
One of the oldest cities in Europe.
Do you know which is one of the oldest cities in Europe?
Is Plovidiv :)
A little of history.
Plovdiv, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Europe, boasts a rich and diverse history that spans thousands of years. Originally founded by the Thracians in ancient times, the city has witnessed the influences of various civilizations, including the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans.
Under Roman rule, Plovdiv, known as Philippopolis, flourished as a significant urban center with impressive architecture, including the well-preserved Roman Theater that still stands today. The city played a pivotal role in the Byzantine Empire and later became part of the Ottoman Empire, leaving behind a legacy of mosques, baths, and bazaars.
The 19th century brought about a period of cultural and economic revival known as the Bulgarian National Revival, leaving its mark on Plovdiv with charming Revival-era houses. In 1909, the city became part of modern Bulgaria.
Today, Plovdiv is a vibrant city that seamlessly blends its ancient past with a contemporary atmosphere. Visitors can explore archaeological sites, picturesque Old Town streets, and vibrant cultural events, making it a captivating destination for history enthusiasts and travelers alike.
How to get there?
There are daily direct railway and road connections from the capital, Sofia.
I personally opted for the train, which took 2 hours and 45 minutes and cost 15 BGN for a round trip (around €8). The bus has a similar duration of 2 hours and 30 minutes, with a comparable cost to the train.
I caught the train at 9:25 AM from Sofia's central station and arrived in Plovdiv at 12:15 PM. I returned to Sofia on the same day, taking the train at 8:28 PM. I spent around 8 hours in the city, which proved sufficient to explore its main attractions and delve into its history.
To reach Sofia's central station, take the metro from Serdika, on the blue M2 line towards Obelya, and exit at the metro station named Central Railway Station. At this station, you can catch either the train or the bus, as the central bus station is conveniently located right next to the train station.Tickets can be purchased on the same day from the ticket counters, which accept both credit/debit cards and cash payments.
The best way to explore the city is by walking because the historically significant attractions are close to each other.
What to see in Plovdiv
As mentioned earlier, the city has numerous historical monuments due to being one of the oldest cities in Europe.
Where to eat?
Being a relatively large city, there are many options for eating and they are relatively cheap. Everywhere you go, you will find countless street foods and fast foods.
I chose to take some sandwiches and ate in one of the city's gardens, it's a more economical option, but if you choose to eat there, the street food is relatively cheap and delicious with a variety of options.
Conclusion
"Life is short, and the world is wide. Don't just exist; live, explore, and create memories that last a lifetime."
"Collect moments, not things. Each place you visit adds a unique chapter to the novel of your life."
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