Our journey to Bulgaria was a spontaneous decision, a last-minute getaway that turned out to be an unforgettable brother-sister adventure. This non-touristy, communistic country has a lot to offer, and we were pleasantly surprised to find out that Bulgaria is famous for its ski holidays. It’s the perfect destination for a shorter trip for adventure-minded travelers. Read further to discover the coolest things to do in Sofia Bulgaria during a mid-week trip in the winter season!
Flying to Bulgaria
With a flight duration of approximately four hours from the heart of Europe, Bulgaria is the perfect destination for a shorter trip. Upon arrival in the Sofia Airport, you have two convenient options to reach the city center – taxis or trains. As public transport is super cheap in Bulgaria, I would opt for the last one.
Public transport in Bulgaria
An interesting fact about Bulgaria is that the first bus line was only built in 1969! Owing to its communist past that still strongly resonates in the country today, Bulgaria has had a slower development in comparison to other European countries. In Sofia, public transport within the city center is decent, but beyond that, expect limited options and costly taxis. However, we have found some travel hacks we would like to share with you!
Things to do in Sofia Bulgaria
1. Exploring the Sofia City Center
Since Sofia has a very small city center, one full day is plenty of time to discover the place. In the mornings, you can book a free walking tour that covers all the highlights of Sofia. These tours, often led by passionate local guides, give you more insights into the city’s rich history, its architectural treasures, and the stories that have shaped its character. It’s a fantastic way to orient yourself in the city and discover its hidden gems. The walking tour takes upto 3 hours.
insert pic’St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral Sofia city center Bulgaria’
Bulgaria’s reputation as an affordable destination extends to its culinary experiences. One stand out option we discovered is the vegan restaurant, Soul Kitchen. Go check it out if you have the time!
insert pic ‘dessert in Soul Kitchen restaurant in Sofia Bulgaria’ + ‘Dish Soul Kitchen restaurant in Sofia Bulgaria’
Hotels in the center tend to be a little bit pricier and you’ll only get a basic accommodation. Consider renting a small apartment which provides better quality for your money.
2. Pirin Mountains
From mid-December until early April, the Pirin Mountains are the perfect destination for a short Balkan ski holiday! The little ski town Bansko, beckons snow enthusiasts from all around the world. With the highest peak soaring to an impressive 2560 meters, the ski center boasts a sprawling 75 kilometers of pristine terrain. It’s the ideal playground for those at an intermediate skill level, promising two days of pure exhilaration. While skiing in the Pirin Mountains is breathtaking, do take in mind that Bansko is not the ideal place for big after-ski parties.
To kickstart your winter adventure, the best way to reach the Pirin Mountains is by securing a private taxi from the airport to Bansko. Bansko Express is the go-to operator for this service, although their website seems a bit untrustworthy. They ask for your flight number, ensuring a seamless transition from your flight to the snowy paradise of Bansko.
While the Pirin Mountains are famous for their ski offerings, there’s more to this picturesque region than just hitting the slopes. A horseback riding tour in snow-covered landscapes is a an amazing experience as well as catching the express train to Sofia in this stunning landscape!
3. Rila Monastery
You can book a tour from the city center of Sofia to explore the Rila Monastery, an ancient old monastery high up in the Mountains and the largest in Bulgaria! You have the time to walk around and have a look inside. While here, don’t miss the opportunity to savor freshly made monk bread and melitza, delectable treats that offer a taste of monastic life and Bulgarian culinary traditions.
Around the fortress, you’ll most likely see red cotton bracelets (they call it ‘Martenitsa’) in trees. In the beginning of the year, Bulgarians wear these bracelets, and whenever they see their first falcon of the year, they hang it in a tree for good luck.
insert pic ‘martenitsa red bracelet Bulgaria’
Visiting the Rila Monastery as pitstop from Bansko to Sofia
But what if you’re not starting your journey from Sofia’s city center and want to visit the Rila Monastery from a different location, like Bansko? That’s where a little travel tip comes in handy. The monastery is nestled between Bansko and Sofia, and we found ourselves in this exact situation after our thrilling ski adventure in Bansko. We wanted to go back to Sofia with the Rila Monastery as a pitstop.
The catch is that public transport between these points is non-existent. But fear not, we’ve figured out a solution for this! Meet a Russian taxi driver in Bansko, reachable at +359889893660. He operates a fixed route to and from the Rila National Park. The Monastery lies a bit deeper into the Mountains so you’ll have to ask for a favor. While he may not speak English, your accommodation in Bansko can assist by calling him and arranging for a drop-off at the Rila Monastery. Just remember not to ask him to wait for you there!
Now, after discovering the Rila Monastery, you might wonder how to return to Sofia without the need for a pricey private taxi. Well, here’s another one of our savvy travel hacks again! You can book a tour from Sofia to the monastery, and if they have vacant spots, they often offer rides back to the city from the monastery as well. Secure your bus tickets through 12GoAsia or GetByBus. Make sure to leave Bansko early in the morning since the last bus from the Monastery to Sofia already heads back at 3:30 pm in winter season!
4. Belogradchik fortress
The journey from Sofia’s city center to the Belogradchik Fortress takes approximately 2.5 hours each way, so the journey there and back will occupy a substantial part of your day. However, the stunning views of the snowy mountains along the route can make you lose track of time. The fortress itself is perched on rocky formations that appear to be straight out of a phantasy book. On clear days, you might even catch glimpses of the Romanian border.
After exploring the fortress, you’ll have the opportunity to have lunch at a local restaurant and sample some traditional Bulgarian dishes. If you’re lucky, your guide may be as passionate as ours was. She even initiated a spontaneous snowball fight at the fortress and taught us how to dance a traditional Bulgarian dance in the fortress!
You can book the Belogradchik Tour with Get Your Guide.
