Surrounded by mountains and situated at the foot of Vitosha Mountain, modern-day Sofia, the largest city and capital of Bulgaria, is cosmopolitan, blending different nationalities and cultures. It’s also one of the 20 largest cities in the European Union, full of universities, cultural institutions and companies.
GETTING THERE & AROUND
Sofia Airport’s two terminals comprise the largest airport in Bulgaria. From Sofia Airport Metro Center, located in the eastern part of Terminal 2, travelers are transported to one of two city center stations, Sofia University Metro Station and Serdika Metro Station, in approximately 20 minutes. Three bus lines operate from the airport as well. Within the city, public transportation includes buses, trams, trolleybuses and the Metro. Contactless payment is available on all. A single trip on one of the Metro’s four lines costs approximately $1. Many taxi companies also operate throughout the city, available by phone or at ranks around the city.
LODGING
Grand Hotel Sofia
A hub for luxury and famous travelers since 2004, 5-star Grand Hotel Sofia boasts an on-site art gallery for art aficionados, Shades of Red restaurant and other eateries, and various room types. The hotel has won awards since its opening.
1 General Gurko St., Sofia, Bulgaria
tel 359 2 811 0811
grandhotelsofia.bg
InterContinental Sofia
Perfectly situated to the business district, nearby government buildings and cultural highlights, InterContinental Sofia features plenty of meeting and event space as well as guestrooms, suites, two restaurants, club-level accommodations and lounge, and a spa.
4 Narodno Sabranie Square, Sofia, Bulgaria
tel 359 2 933 4334
ihg.com
Sofia Balkan Palace
Built in 1956, Sofia Balkan Palace’s building is part of the President’s Palace complex and sits atop a historical Roman fortress. With a Metro station next door and the city’s cultural attractions within convenient distance, its 184 guestrooms and suites make an excellent homebase.
5 Sveta Nedelya Square, Sofia, Bulgaria
tel 359 2 981 6541
sofiabalkanpalace.com
DINING
The Hadjidragana Tavern
Sample traditional Bulgarian cuisine in a setting to match. A rich wine selection complements the old cellar interior, complete with stone walls, barrels, wood carvings, Kolten rugs and more. In summer enjoy dining in an indoor garden courtyard.
18 Hristo Belchev St., Sofia Center, Sofia, Bulgaria
tel 359 89 877 5936
izbite.com
The Little Things
This European restaurant located in the heart of Sofia’s city center boasts a cozy atmosphere in an old house opposite St. Sedmochislenitis Church. Enjoy high-quality ingredients in fusion dishes showcasing attention to detail — as the name implies.
37 Tsar Shishman St., Sofia Center, Sofia, Bulgaria
tel 359 88 249 0030
Moma Bulgarian Food and Wine
Dubbing itself the “modern face of Bulgarian restaurants,” Moma features a modern interior and a menu full of authentic recipes that take travelers and locals back to the roots of Bulgarian cuisine. The eatery offers a seasonal menu, a main menu and a bountiful wine list.
28 Solunska St., Sofia Center, Sofia, Bulgaria
tel 359 88 562 2020
moma-restaurant.com
ATTRACTIONS
Borisova Gradina
Sofia’s oldest and best-known park, construction began here in 1884 and continued under three renowned garden designers: Daniel Neff, Joseph Frei and Georgi Duhter. Today find statues, flower- beds, cafés, play areas, two stadiums and more.
Sofia, Bulgaria, tel 359 2 963 4566
National Archaeological Institute with Museum
With the greatest number of collections in the entirety of Bulgaria, National Archaeological Institute with Museum puts together a complete study of the cultures of the peoples who occupied the country from the remote past to the 18th century.
2 Saborna St., Sofia Center, Sofia, Bulgaria
tel 359 2 988 2406
naim.bg
Zhenski Pazar Market
Also known as “The Women’s Market” and dating back 140 years, Zhenski Pazar Market, the only open-air trading area in Sofia, is the place for everything one needs — from fresh fruits and other foods to souvenirs and clothing. About 60,000 shoppers pass through daily.
90B Tsar Samuil St., Sofia, Bulgaria,
tel 359 2 983 2184
zhenski-pazar.com
Read This Next
Global City Guidebook: U.S. Virgin Islands
GCGB 2023
Aug 5, 2023All Reads on This Topic
Read Them All

Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDestinations / North America
Dec 4, 20236 U.S. Christmas Markets to See on Your Travels
It’s time to start dreaming of your next trip. Here’s some destination inspiration for you. Take a visual journey through these U.S. Christmas markets with us.
Sponsored Content
IHG® Business Edge: A Better Way to Travel
Many small- and medium-sized businesses face time and budget constraints when organizing corporate hotel travel for employees. To address this problem, IHG® Business Edge emerged as a cost-free business travel solution for small- to medium-sized enterprises, offering travel managers exclusive access to enticing perks, handpicked educational resources and comprehensive company travel metrics. IHG Business Edge connects our loyal customers to our portfolio of 5,800 hotels and resorts across 18 brands in more than 100 countries.
Daily
Dec 4, 2023Hotels Around the World Unveil Incredible Designer Holiday Trees
Everyone loves a good Christmas tree, but these iconic hotels around the world take it one step further with designer-styled trees illuminating lobbies and public spaces, wowing all who enter. From Lela Rose to Louis Vuitton, don’t miss these ultra-luxury trees redefining tree decorating as we know it.
December 2023
Dec 4, 2023Global Traveler Celebrates the Winners of the 20th Annual GT Tested Reader Survey Awards
As another phenomenal year of travel comes to an end, it’s time, as always, for Global Traveler to celebrate and award those who do it best as we announce the 2023 winners of the GT Tested Reader Survey awards. But that's not the only cause for celebration here: We've hit another major milestone, as this marks our 20th year honoring the best of the best inn world of travel!
Sponsored Content
The Argosaronic Islands Are Calling
The Saronic or Argo Saronic Islands of Greece call travelers to explore its seven small islands and islets brimming with history, natural sites and more. With most easily accessible by boat, the islands’ proximity to ports of Athens make the Saronic Islands an ideal destination for those preferring shorter boat rides. In fact, trips from Athens ports to the islands take only between 10 minutes and two hours, depending on the island you choose, making them perfect for day or weekend trips. From Piraeus port, you can access Hydra, Spetses, Aegina and Poros directly. Come explore these stunning islands with us and find the inspiration to plan your next trip to these islands. Hydra Hydra town curves around a slope overlooking the Argosaronic Gulf like an amphitheater and is considered one of the most romantic destinations in Greece. Most unique to the island is its lack of vehicles. People on the island get around on mules and donkeys as well as water taxis, making for a peaceful and laid-back day. Hydra lies a two-hour ferry ride from Piraeus port in Athens.
December 2023
Dec 3, 2023Enduring Excellence: Global Traveler Honors the Winners Achieving Top Status, Year After Year
The highly anticipated GT Tested Reader Survey has more reason to celebrate in 2024 than ever before. This year marks the 20th anniversary of our GT Tested Reader Survey awards, with many of the winning brands earning milestone accolades for years of dedicated and consistent service.
November 2023
Nov 30, 2023Mediterranean Allure: Explore the Enigmatic Enchantment of Corsica
Corsica with steep, gray cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean and sandy beaches attracting summer visitors, is a French-governed island sometimes confused with Sardinia and Sicily, Italian islands to the south. Fortunately, all three islands share the same love for good wine, food and sun-splashed beaches.
Sponsored Content
Join the Global Movement: GBTA Drives Business Travel Through Community, Learning and Advocacy
The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) believes business travel is a fundamental force for good and brings the industry together to connect, innovate and set new standards. With members from across the globe, GBTA engages the many voices of business travel to build a collective future, providing a platform for buyers and suppliers to come together, connect with peers, grow their network and shape the future of the industry.
Daily
Nov 30, 2023Luxury Conrad New York Downtown Girl Dinners and Holiday Escapes
If you’re ready to do a little holiday catch-up with your besties, make a beeline for Conrad New York Downtown. The lobby metamorphosed into a holiday forest of heavenly scented, decorated Virginia Spruce trees. Make your first stop ATRIO Barista Station in the lobby for a complimentary hot spiced apple cider (until Dec. 3) or hot chocolate (Dec. 22–24).
ShareThis