Sofia

·         Keep the beggars at bay.

·         Do not get over friendly with the guide or the strangers here.

·         Make sure you dress in accordance with the local traditions and cultures.

·         Do not do anything that hurts the local sentiments.

·         Always be alert.

·         Do not leave your valuables in the hotel room.

·         Opt for a hotel that has a room safe.

·         Do not flaunt your valuables or jewelry in public places.

·         Make sure you have some idea of the local language before you visit the country.

·         Do not get involved in drugs of any form.

·         If you have a medical condition, carry all the needed medicines.

·         Always have with you a first aid kit.

·         Do not film without permission.

·         If you ever feel lost, take help from the locals here.

·         Whenever you interact with the locals, do ensure you are warm and polite.

·         Do not let anyone take advantage of you.

·         Whenever you are visiting any new destination, it is always a good idea to gather sufficient information about that place before you travel there.

·         Always travel in large groups.

·         Make sure you do not explore the unknown trails during the night hours.

The legal age for drinking in Sofia is 18 years. 

Sofia, the capital and the biggest city of Bulgaria, is well known for its quality of mineral water. The city possesses 7 independent mineral water springs; Sofia central mineral bath is one among them. It is the most famous as well as the oldest mineral water spring in the city. It was built in the 20th century and until 1986 it was used as public bath. The architectural design of the central bath is inspired by Vienna Secession style and it looks gorgeous.

Situated in the heart of Sofia city, National Museum of history is the biggest museum of Bulgaria. The Museum was built on 5th may 1973 and possesses over 650,000 different objects related to archaeology, fine arts history and also ethnography. The architectural design of the museum is exceptionally beautiful. Wreath of an Odrysian aristocrat is one of the most precious item preserved in the museum. You can visit a cloakroom, buffet, library and souvenir shop in the museum vicinity.

National Gallery for Foreign Art is said to represent non-Bulgarian art. It is situated at St. Alexander Nevsky square. The art gallery was heavily damaged due to bombing in the World war 2 but it was reconstructed by the end of 1985. The gallery features various artwork from different countries made by skilled artists. European, Buddhist, Indian, African and Japanese art works are displayed at National Gallery for foreign arts. There is also a different sections for contemporary arts and engraving.

In 1979, UNESCO added Boyana Church to World heritage site list. The church is situated at the outskirts of Sofia city and it was built in three stages. The first stage was in the late 10th century to 11th century, second was in the mid and the third and last one was in the mid 19th century. This medieval Bulgarian Orthodox church is famous worldwide because it features the beautiful frescoes since the 12th century. This church is also a beautiful tourist place in Sofia which is worth a visit.

One of the most historic place in Sofia, Amphitheater of Serdica was built in between 2nd-3rd century. The amphitheater was considered as the biggest in the eastern part of the Roman Empire and the largest in Bulgaria. Fights between gladiators and wild beasts were hosted at Amphitheater of Serdica. Archaeologists unearthed a stone plate in 1919 that depicts crocodiles, bears, bulls and wild cats as involved in the fights. During the excavation work, items found were bear and boar bones, hundreds of Bronze coins, clay stones, as well as footprints of dogs, cats and goats.

City garden is the oldest and most central public garden situated in the center of Sofia city. City garden came into existence in 1872 before being reorganized and redeveloped over and over again until late 19th century. Amateur chess players visit the garden and sit to play in the front garden in front of the National Theatre. City garden has now emerged as one of the most popular spot for locals as well as tourists to sit back and relax.

Sofia is a great shopping destination that offers its tourist with various beautiful items which are worth their money. Zhenski market is considered as the largest open air as well as the most busiest market in Sofia. Many stores in the market sells fruit and vegetables, cheese, cured meat, dried fruits and nuts all of which are fresh. You can also shop for homemade halva and Turkish goods in the markets here. Bitaka market is the most authentic flea market that looks for buyers interested in ancient watches, coins, relics and the things from communist epoch.

Levski Sofia is the most popular Bulgarian football club. If you are someone interested in football, it will be a great opportunity for you to catch a live match as the city's club is quite famous here. The club’s home matches are held at Georgi Asparuhov stadium which is not too far from Aleksandr Nevski cathedral. Its one of those teams in the world whose football games are worth watching. You can also enjoy playing football at some of the public grounds in the city. So don't miss a chance to indulge in this fun and exciting sports activity.

The biggest city of Bulgaria gives you a perfect opportunity to learn tango. Before and After is a traditional restaurants that facilitates tango learning classes especially for tourists. You can learn few basic steps of tango here while on your holiday and impress your friends back home with the learnt tango moves. The are two classes, first one is “initiation” while the second one is “techniques and basics”. Keeping in mind that you are beginner, they teach you basic steps with proper techniques. Take your partner to the initiation class to learn something new.

Locals as well as tourists take part in this amazing adventurous activity especially during the winter season. What makes skiing unusual is that it is organized at night. Vitosha mountain hosts night skiing consisting of 6 different runs varying according to difficulty level. So don't miss out on this wonderful and memorable experience that takes place in the city. You can go skiing elsewhere too but the night skiing that Sofia offers is something unique and worth experiencing. 

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