Sofia is the capital of Bulgaria and the biggest city in the country, with a population of roughly 1.4 million people. Most visitors to Bulgaria choose to sample the beaches or skiing in the mountains, but many others opt to explore Sofia. It is a city rich in history, culture and striking architecture. The compact nature of the city centre, and the fact that it features many ancient ruins, make it delightful to explore on foot. An alternative to strolling around is to access Sofia’s Bike Rental Scheme. For just €7.50 per three hours, you can explore the city via specially laid out bike tracks. Borisov Park is located in the centre of the city, while South Park sits next door to the National Palace of Culture.
If retail therapy strikes you as being more appealing, then make your way to Vitosha Boulevard. Locals and visitors alike enjoy spending hours strolling along this pedestrianized street. It features shops stocking world famous brands and offers the chance to relax at a pavement café, enjoy a drink and watch the world go by.
If you visit Sofia during summer and feel the need to cool down, then pay a visit to Happy Beach Viktoria. This open-air pool is near the centre of the city on Pencho Slaveykov Blvd.
Climate in Sofia
The seasons in Sofia are clearly marked, with hot, dry summers and cold winters filled with snow. The temperature between June and August reaches an average high of 30 degrees. The accompanying lack of humidity can lead to conditions that are very hot and dusty. For that reason, many visitors might opt to go to Sofia during either the spring or autumn, when conditions will be easier to cope with.
