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GETTING AROUND SOFIA
Hang in there and don't lose hope. Everything will be good soon.
GETTING AROUND SOFIA
Not just being the capital city, Sofia is also the biggest city of the nation. Bot not to worry, cause Sofia is a fairly compact and sizable city filled with assorted interesting sights that is easily within walking distance. Most of the times I just walked from one point to another without taking any public transport, except once or twice where I took the trams heading to the Sofia Central Station. Of course, the most importantly I bought a sim card prior to the trip cause I was heavily rely on Google Map.
If you are planning to stay longer in Sofia, perhaps you can consider to get a single-day pass which costs 4 leva (approx to RM10/€2) and this is valid for all buses, trams, subways and trolleybuses. I personally think it's pretty convenient cause you don't have to worry about the validation since it has been stamped by the kiosk seller.
THINGS TO DO & SEE IN SOFIA
Sofia is consider to be one of the oldest cities in Europe and has history for more than 2,500 years. Today, the city is a dynamic Eastern European capital, distinguished by its unique combination of European and Communist-style architecture as well as many stunning orthodox churches. Sofia has also been described as the 'triangle of religious tolerance'. This is can been seen by the three enormous temples of the three world major religions - Christianity, Islam and Judaism, sit within not far from each other.
1) St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
This orthodox church is the striking symbol of the nation capital. Your trip to Bulgaria is meaningless without dropping by or admiring this city's primary tourist attraction. It might not be the largest orthodox church and don't confuse yourself with the one in Tallinn, Estonia as both has the same name, but trust me it's absolutely worth a visit. Interesting facts about this church is that the marble parts and the lighting fixtures were created in Munich, the metal elements for the gates was sourced from Berlin, while the gates themselves were manufactured in Vienna, and the mosaics were shipped from Venice. And another thing is that this church can holds 5,000 people inside at a time.
2) Church of St. Nicholas the Miracle-Maker
Not far away from St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is this Russian Church. It was built as the official church of the Russian Embassy, which was located just next door, and of the Russian community in Sofia. This church might seems small but I was amazed with its unique exterior architecture, especially for its dome covered in golden colour. I didn't have the chance to walk in both churches cause there were prayers going on.
3) Ivan Vazov National Theatre
Bulgaria's national theatre, as well as the oldest and most authoritative theatre in the country and one of the prominent landmarks of Sofia. It is located in the centre of the city, with the facade facing the City Garden. The neoclassical facade is a must-see for architecture enthusiasts.
4) Banya Bashi Mosque
This mosque derives its name from the phrase Banya Bashi, which means many baths. The most outstanding feature of this mosque is that it was actually built over natural thermal spas where one can even see the steam rising from vents in the ground near the mosque walls. The mosque is famous for its large dome and the minaret. Presently, Banya Bashi Mosque is the only mosque in Sofia that is still functioning and used by the city's Muslim community.
5) Rotunda Church of Saint George
Claimed to be the oldest preserved structure in the city, Church of Saint George is an Early Christian red brick rotunda which still serves its original purpuse. It is situated in the courtyard between the Sheraton Hotel and the Presidency, amid remains of the ancient town of Serdica.
6) Central Mineral Baths
This museum dedicated to the 'History of Sofia' is housed in the magnificent former baths building behind the mosque. It considered to be the newest museum in the city as it opened to the public on 17th September 2015, after years of restoration and planning. Eight halls with over 1000 exhibits from 6000 BC to present day; among the many items on display, there is a reconstructed neolithic house, an old news stand, costumes, a horse carriage from Marie Antoinette and a golden clock presented to Prince Ferdinand by Queen Victoria. With its impressive and richly decorated facade, the complex roof architectural details and its adjacent garden together with the neighboring historical buildings, the complex is perfectly suitable for its role for the Sofia History Museum.
Opening Hours: 10am to 6pm. Last admission at 5.30pm (Closed on every Monday)
Admission Fee: 6 leva for adult. Free admission for every first and third Thursday of the month.
7) Central Sofia Market Hall
Known popularly simply as The Market Hall, the Central Sofia Market Hall is a covered market sits on Marie Louise Boulevard. Housed in a lavish neo-Renaissance and Baroque-style building, this three-floors market features variety of food stalls, apparel boutiques and fast-food stands. When I walk in into the market, I do notice that the interior of this market looks similar to Great Market Hall of Budapest in Hungary.
Opening Hours: 7.30am to 8pm
WHAT TO BUY IN SOFIA
Surprisingly, Bulgaria is known to be Land of Rose cause it is one of the biggest rose-oil producers in the world and has been closely related to the beautiful flower for centuries. So almost all the souvenir stores in Sofia will be selling assorted rose oil and powder for skin care and cosmetic products. You can easily find this in Central Sofia Market Hall as well.
If you are looking for magnets, postcards, keychains and typical knick-knack for keepsake purposes, you can shop along the pedestrian street of Vitosha Boulevard or even, at the underground mall of Serdika Metro Station.
MY LUNCH & DINNER ON SECOND DAY IN SOFIA
Like I mentioned few times in my blog, I'm not the type that will purposely go and hunt those "Must-Go Restaurants" when comes to food. When I'm feeling hungry and the food happen to be suit my tastebuds, I will just walk-in and order as long as it's affordable. So for my lunch on the second day in Sofia, I happened to come across a cozy cafe and ordered a pesto chicken. As for my dinner, I was craving for noodle and luck was on my side when I saw "Wok To Work" where they cook according to ingredients and sauce that customers choose. And look, they even have Sambal sauce!
SOFIA ALWAYS IN MY HEART
Don't you think almost all the Sofia's buildings are looking so amazing and impressive even by just viewing from the outside? Despite the awkward incident I experienced earlier, Sofia has instantly captured my heart from the moment I arrived at this city. I was truly enjoy wandering around this city as it is exceptionally vibrant, colourful and lively. The city of Sofia is the true heart of the country and there is something special, something unique about it which I wish I could stay longer. Regrettably, I was there for less than 48 days only. What a bad planning!
THINGS TO DO & SEE IN SOFIA
Sofia is consider to be one of the oldest cities in Europe and has history for more than 2,500 years. Today, the city is a dynamic Eastern European capital, distinguished by its unique combination of European and Communist-style architecture as well as many stunning orthodox churches. Sofia has also been described as the 'triangle of religious tolerance'. This is can been seen by the three enormous temples of the three world major religions - Christianity, Islam and Judaism, sit within not far from each other.
1) St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
This orthodox church is the striking symbol of the nation capital. Your trip to Bulgaria is meaningless without dropping by or admiring this city's primary tourist attraction. It might not be the largest orthodox church and don't confuse yourself with the one in Tallinn, Estonia as both has the same name, but trust me it's absolutely worth a visit. Interesting facts about this church is that the marble parts and the lighting fixtures were created in Munich, the metal elements for the gates was sourced from Berlin, while the gates themselves were manufactured in Vienna, and the mosaics were shipped from Venice. And another thing is that this church can holds 5,000 people inside at a time.
2) Church of St. Nicholas the Miracle-Maker
Not far away from St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is this Russian Church. It was built as the official church of the Russian Embassy, which was located just next door, and of the Russian community in Sofia. This church might seems small but I was amazed with its unique exterior architecture, especially for its dome covered in golden colour. I didn't have the chance to walk in both churches cause there were prayers going on.
3) Ivan Vazov National Theatre
Bulgaria's national theatre, as well as the oldest and most authoritative theatre in the country and one of the prominent landmarks of Sofia. It is located in the centre of the city, with the facade facing the City Garden. The neoclassical facade is a must-see for architecture enthusiasts.
4) Banya Bashi Mosque
This mosque derives its name from the phrase Banya Bashi, which means many baths. The most outstanding feature of this mosque is that it was actually built over natural thermal spas where one can even see the steam rising from vents in the ground near the mosque walls. The mosque is famous for its large dome and the minaret. Presently, Banya Bashi Mosque is the only mosque in Sofia that is still functioning and used by the city's Muslim community.
5) Rotunda Church of Saint George
Claimed to be the oldest preserved structure in the city, Church of Saint George is an Early Christian red brick rotunda which still serves its original purpuse. It is situated in the courtyard between the Sheraton Hotel and the Presidency, amid remains of the ancient town of Serdica.
6) Central Mineral Baths
This museum dedicated to the 'History of Sofia' is housed in the magnificent former baths building behind the mosque. It considered to be the newest museum in the city as it opened to the public on 17th September 2015, after years of restoration and planning. Eight halls with over 1000 exhibits from 6000 BC to present day; among the many items on display, there is a reconstructed neolithic house, an old news stand, costumes, a horse carriage from Marie Antoinette and a golden clock presented to Prince Ferdinand by Queen Victoria. With its impressive and richly decorated facade, the complex roof architectural details and its adjacent garden together with the neighboring historical buildings, the complex is perfectly suitable for its role for the Sofia History Museum.
Opening Hours: 10am to 6pm. Last admission at 5.30pm (Closed on every Monday)
Admission Fee: 6 leva for adult. Free admission for every first and third Thursday of the month.
7) Central Sofia Market Hall
Known popularly simply as The Market Hall, the Central Sofia Market Hall is a covered market sits on Marie Louise Boulevard. Housed in a lavish neo-Renaissance and Baroque-style building, this three-floors market features variety of food stalls, apparel boutiques and fast-food stands. When I walk in into the market, I do notice that the interior of this market looks similar to Great Market Hall of Budapest in Hungary.
Opening Hours: 7.30am to 8pm
WHAT TO BUY IN SOFIA
Surprisingly, Bulgaria is known to be Land of Rose cause it is one of the biggest rose-oil producers in the world and has been closely related to the beautiful flower for centuries. So almost all the souvenir stores in Sofia will be selling assorted rose oil and powder for skin care and cosmetic products. You can easily find this in Central Sofia Market Hall as well.
If you are looking for magnets, postcards, keychains and typical knick-knack for keepsake purposes, you can shop along the pedestrian street of Vitosha Boulevard or even, at the underground mall of Serdika Metro Station.
MY LUNCH & DINNER ON SECOND DAY IN SOFIA
Like I mentioned few times in my blog, I'm not the type that will purposely go and hunt those "Must-Go Restaurants" when comes to food. When I'm feeling hungry and the food happen to be suit my tastebuds, I will just walk-in and order as long as it's affordable. So for my lunch on the second day in Sofia, I happened to come across a cozy cafe and ordered a pesto chicken. As for my dinner, I was craving for noodle and luck was on my side when I saw "Wok To Work" where they cook according to ingredients and sauce that customers choose. And look, they even have Sambal sauce!
SOFIA ALWAYS IN MY HEART
Don't you think almost all the Sofia's buildings are looking so amazing and impressive even by just viewing from the outside? Despite the awkward incident I experienced earlier, Sofia has instantly captured my heart from the moment I arrived at this city. I was truly enjoy wandering around this city as it is exceptionally vibrant, colourful and lively. The city of Sofia is the true heart of the country and there is something special, something unique about it which I wish I could stay longer. Regrettably, I was there for less than 48 days only. What a bad planning!
Hang in there and don't lose hope. Everything will be good soon.
