The Bulgarian capital sitting near the Vitosha Mountain has already celebrated its 2000 anniversary. In the past, it was recognized as the center of the Roman province Thrace (the birthplace Spartacus, the famous leader of the gladiators) and a favorite city of the Byzantine Emperor Constantine the Great who called it “his Rome.”
Sofia was the second important city after Istanbul during the times of the Ottoman Empire. Modern Sofia is a dynamic European capital, blending the features of Bulgarian, Greek, Roman, Ottoman, and European cultures.
Sofia UNESCO World heritage
We recommend that you start familiarization with the city of wisdom (the meaning of the city’s name in translation from Greek) with its attractions, which have become the UNESCO World heritage. The Boyana Church is one of them. There are three giant mammoth-trees near it. They can be also regarded as the historic landmark as they were planted by the King of Bulgaria, Ferdinand I, in 1905. The temple burial vaults preserve the tombs of the noble landowners.
Unfortunately, a traveler cannot visit the mass prayer there because it turned into a museum. At the same time, you can take an excursion here. It will cost you from 5 to 10 Bulgarian Levs, depending on the language. If a traveler wants to enter the church, he will have to pay: 10 Levs for adult visitors and 2 Levs for pupils and students. The Boyan Church-Museum is open from 09:30 to 17:30 (from April to October) and from 09:00 to 17:00 (from November to March).
The landmark stands in the outskirts area of Sofia, at a distance of about 10 kilometers. A comfortable English-speaking transfer taxi from Aktis.Taxi will deliver you there in only 18 minutes.
Not far from the church, there is Boyana Waterfall. You can reach it while walking along the path, running through the slope of Vitosha Mountain and the forest. The beauty of local nature is worth taking a walk along the mountainous paths.
Apart from Boyana, Bulgaria is known for its churches, for example, the Church of Saint George of the IV century upon the address of 2 Kniaz Dondukov Boulevard. This rotunda is a rare sample of the Early Christian culture, which once served as the Turkish mosque. This church is considered to be the oldest building in Sofia.
During a visit to Sofia, you should also visit the church-monument of St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral, St. Nicholas Russian Church, St. Sophia Temple of the VI century, and the Church of St. Petka of the Saddlers. You will undoubtedly get surprised to learn the way Bulgarian churches differ from traditional Orthodox churches in the CIS.
The museums in Sofia are worth a high mark, for example, the National Museum of Natural History. It boasts the largest exposition of animals and insects in the Balkans. People started to collect it in 1889, under the support of Ferdinand I, the man who planted sequoias near the Boyan Church.
It is rather interesting for a traveler to take a walk about the historical and archaeological museums, as well as the museums, devoted to military history and socialist art. There are several art galleries in Sofia, where you can see the works of artists from ancient times up to the present. As for the children, they will be certainly happy to spend some time in the “Museum” with the planetarium.
Do you want to go to a concert or enjoy a theater performance? We highly recommend that you visit Sofia National Opera and Ballet, the National Theatre “Ivan Vazov,” and the National Palace of Culture.
Sofia Public Mineral Baths is another curious place, hosting various events and exhibitions. This old building turned into a real cultural center, where travelers can learn more about Bulgaria and its capital.
The Statue of Sveta Sofia is the most grandiose monument in Sofia. The gold-plated statue of a woman stands on the 12-meter pedestal. This woman replaced the statue of Lenin in 2000.
The Bulgarian capital preserves the ruins of the Amphitheater of Serdica (the name of Sofia during the times of antiquity) of the III-IV centuries. It was no less great in terms of the size than the Roman Coliseum. To see the ruins, you will need to take a walk or a ride to Budapeshta St. 2.
If you are tired of going sightseeing and wish to take a relaxing walk about the city, then you should go to the Lion’s Bridge, standing over the Vladaya River, the Eagle’s Bridge, standing over the Perlovska River, or to the City Garden. If you want to admire the scenes of the mountainous Balcanic capital, you should take a ride on Lift Simeonovo.
Do you like skiing and snowboarding? Then come to Vitosha. It provides excellent weather conditions for that from middle December up till April. Do you want to improve your navigation skills and feel the adrenaline burst? In such a case, you should necessarily visit the rope climbing park “Kokolandia.”
Paintball and carting are still all the rage here. The fans of fishing and surfing choose relaxation at Pancharevo Lake. This place also provides facilities for recreation and swimming pools with thermal waters.
Perhaps, the capital of Bulgaria is the only place, which can boast of having an exclusive women’s market, It is called “Zhenski Pazar.” You can find it in Boulevard of Stefan Stambolov. The Vintage books market in Slaveikov Square is a wonderful place, where you can buy rare antiquarian editions of books.
Fashionable boutiques and shops with the most favorable prices are situated in Vitosha Boulevard, Suborna Street, and Sitnyakovo Boulevard. The best souvenir shops sit in the area of Central Department Store (TZUM) and the National Palace of Culture.
If you plan to dedicate one of the days of your holiday in Sofia to shopping and have no wish to shift between the shops with heavy bags using public transport, you can book one of Sofia taxis from Aktis! We will easily deliver your bags and you to the necessary hotel with maximum comfort.
The cost of Sofia city taxi starts at €4. It is the minimum day-time tariff. It may also include landing fees and surcharges for help with luggage, a trip on a weekend day, a public holiday, and the night time. Each additional kilometer and a stop on the way are subject to extra charges.
While giving your preference to Sofia taxis, you will have a diverse choice of vehicle classes. Furthermore, if you need a child safety seat or a vehicle suitable for handicapped people, you should get ready for plenty of difficulties. In the case, if you decide to order a transfer online, you will avoid all those issues at one click.
When you book Sofia transfers, the requested vehicle will be served right to the airport. The driver will be meeting you with a welcome sign right after the aircraft landing. After that, you will be offered to enjoy a ride to Sofia with all-round comfort: air-conditioning, tasty bottled water, and pleasant music if you want it.
There is no longer a need to worry about missing the necessary bus stop. Such comfort will cost you a fortune. Sometimes, it is even cheaper to book a transfer than to take a city taxi of Comfort or Premium class.
Our costs are always fixed. We take neither hidden commissions nor surcharges. We do the opposite. We offer our clients pleasant bonuses: waiting at the airport for 45 minutes, help with luggage, and a 15-minute stop on the way at no cost. You can book a transfer taxi of any comfort class, without making advance payments, and cancel it without commissions.
The vehicle fleet of Aktis is always in excellent state. Its drivers are always glad to see their passengers. They speak English, as well as our tech support.
Have a good trip to Sofia and perfect holidays in it!
Peugeot 301, Citroen C-Elyssee
Skoda Octavia, Toyota Corolla
Mercedes E-Class, BMW 5Mercedes S, BMW 7
Mercedes S-Class, BMW 7
Citroen, Hyundai H-1, Nissan Primastar
Mercedes Vito, Vito Tourer
Mercedes Viano, V-class
