Sofia City Centre Holidays

Q: What time zone is Sofia City Centre in?

As with the rest of Bugaria, Sofia follows Eastern European Standard Time (GMT+2) which is two hours ahead of the UK.

Q: Must-try food and drink?

Banitsa cheese pastries, kebapcheta mince meat rolls, kyufleta meat balls, fine melnik red wine, rakiya fruit brandy and traditional mastika liqueur.

Q: Where's good to go out in Sofia City Centre?

Head to Vitosha Boulevard for trendy bars and nightclubs. For something unique, look for venues playing Chalga, a fascinating fusion of Turkish and gypsy pop.

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Venerable past, vibrant present

You'll find that holidays to Sofia City are a delightful mix of East and West. Bulgaria's capital has a rich history that stretches back some 7,000 years and has played host to Romans, Byzantines, Bulgars, Turks over the years. Visitors flock to see the elaborate tapestry of architecture and culture they left behind including the 4th century Church of St George, Ottoman mosques and grand Russian-style Neo-classical boulevards. There’s all you could wish for in terms of museums and galleries, with some of the most impressive historic collections in Eastern Europe such as that housed in the National Museum of History. More modern masterpieces include the Opera House, a contemporary dining scene and lively nightlife. Sofia City may well be old, but it's bursting with life.

Best things to do

The Women’s Market
Experience Sofia's Greek, Turkish and Bulgarian influences at the Women’s Market and make sure to sample some homemade Halva.
Walk in Borisova Gradina
Get a feel Bulgaria's heroes of the past with a visit to the ‘Alley of the Greats’ in the Borisova Gradina, Sofia’s lovely public gardens.
Visit Boyana Church
Designed by the celebrated Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan in 1576, the tiny medieval Boyana Church features some truly exquisite 13th century frescoes.