5 Good Reasons to See Sofia in Winter

Just in case you need things spelled out, here are a few good reasons to see Sofia this winter…

With over 8000 years of history under its belt, the city is brimming with fascinating stories. There’s no better place to discover the past than in Sofia History Museum, a newly reopened museum located in the spectacular building of the Central Mineral Baths. You’ll also find traces of Sofia’s history and culture at Boyana Church. Located in the Boyana district of the city, the building was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1979 in recognition of its unique medieval frescoes dating back to 1259.

One of the best things about Sofia is that the city is surrounded by mountains. Vitosha mountain is located just 20 minutes from the city centre and is a great place to enjoy hiking, bike riding, skiing or even paragliding. If you’re into winter sports, there are plenty of opportunities to spend a half-day on the slopes.  Just a short drive from Sofia, you’ll find smaller, less crowded and affordable ski resorts. Alternatively, go ice skating in the biggest open air ice rink on the Balkans – the Ariana lake, located in the city centre.

Don’t miss out on trying the fresh, local food– the Shoppe salad, Banitsa (Bulgarian cheese pastry), Kiselo mlyako (yoghurt), Lyutenitsa (chutney) and Rakiya (brandy). If you get the chance, reserve a table at one of the city’s restaurants where you can watch a traditional show while you eat.

Sofia has a bulging cultural calendar, filled with festivals, concerts, opera and theatre shows and the city is proud of its status as a UNESCO creative city of film. Sports fan? As European Capital of Sport for 2018, you’ll find plenty of top-notch venues for all indoor and outdoor sports. Then there’s the nightlife. Sofia after dark is hard to beat  – you’re spoilt for choice with the number of pubs, night clubs, discos and casinos on offer.

There’s no better way to get to know Sofia than through the recommendations of its friendly locals. It all goes back to the city’s rich history which saw Sofia becoming a melting pot for different cultures throughout the ages. Whether you’re visiting a museum, strolling through one of Sofia’s green parks or just asking for directions, you’ll find the locals are always extremely hospitable and helpful.

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Flights to Sofia