It is one of the oldest stadiums in Bulgaria. It was first opened in 1953 and over the years it was renovated several times. The stadium has a capacity of 43,358 seats and is named after the national hero Vasil Levski. It has been used for matches of Sofia’s teams in UEFA interclub competitions and for matches of the Bulgarian national football team. It also has several halls for other sports, such as basketball, boxing, judo, gymnastics and athletics! The Museum of Physical Culture and Sports is also hosted there and is worth visiting.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT TO VASIL LEVSKI NATIONAL STADIUM
*** BUS: 1 (trolley), 2 (trolley), 6, 76, 204, 213, 280.
*** TRAM: 10, 12, 18.
*** METRO: M1, M3, M4.
SOFIA: THE FLAWLESS “DIAMOND” OF THE BALKANS
Welcome to the city that combines East and West in a unique and special way. Its large parks, churches, Red Army monuments, Ottoman mosques, museums, galleries and the youthfulness of the city cause an “explosion” of wonderful emotions in every traveler. For those who don’t know, it is one of the greenest capitals in Europe. It is a city that will fascinate you from the first moment you walk through its streets.
Currency: Bulgarian Lev
Calling Code: +359
Nearest airports from city center: Sofia Airport (12km), Plovdiv Airport (168km), Nis Airport (170km), Skopje Airport (221km), Thessaloniki Airport (306km), Burgas Airport (388km), Varna Airport (435km).
TOP – 10 SIGHTSEEING
*** SAINT ALEXANDER NEVSKY CATHEDRAL ( pl. “Sveti Aleksandar Nevski”, 1000 Sofia Center, Sofia)
It was built in 1912 and is one of the largest Orthodox cathedrals in the world with neo-Byzantine style architecture. It holds 10 thousand people!
*** BORISOVA GRADINA PARK
It is one of the most beautiful parks in the city with its endless greenery, lakes, rivers, restaurants and beautiful streets.
*** NATIONAL MUSEUM OF HISTORY (ul. “Vitoshko lale” 16, 1404 Boyana, Sofia)
Visit the museum to see the history of the country from prehistoric years to the present day.
*** NATIONAL MUSEUM OF MILITARY HISTORY (ul. “Cherkovna” 92, 1505 Oborishte, Sofia)
It was opened in 1916 and here you will have the opportunity to see the military history of the country.
*** NATIONAL ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM (Sq. “Atanas Burov”, 1000 Sofia Center)
It was opened in 1905 and is housed in the largest and former Ottoman mosque of the city. See exhibits from prehistoric times, the Paleolithic era, the Neolithic era, the Bronze Age, ancient Greece, ancient Rome, the Middle Ages, etc.
*** SAINT SOFIA CHURCH (ul. “Paris” 2, 1000 Sofia Center, Sofia)
It was built in the 6th century and the city took its name from him. It is a historical temple with early Christian and Byzantine architecture. Admire the mosaics and the cruciform basilica.
*** NATIONAL ETHNOGRAPHIC MUSEUM (ul. “Moskovska” 6A, 1000 Sofia Center)
In the former Royal Palace you will find a museum that presents the Bulgarian ethno-cultural wealth with over 50 thousand objects (clothing, agricultural, carpets, ceramics, home furniture, etc.).
*** SOFIA SYNAGOGUE (Exarch Joseph Street 18, 1000 Sofia Center)
We would recommend you to visit one of the largest synagogues in the Balkans.
*** ST. GEORGE ROTUNDA CHURCH (2 Knyaz Aleksandar Dondukov Blvd., 1000 Sofia Center, Sofia)
It was built at the beginning of the 4th century AD. during the Roman emperor Constantine the Great and is now a monument of architecture that is considered one of the best preserved temples.
*** SOFIA HISTORY MUSEUM (Platno.„Banski” 1, 1000 Sofia Center, Sofia)
See the exhibits that trace the history of Sofia from prehistoric times to the late 20th century.
ΤΗINGS TO DO
*** One of the most impressive buildings to visit is the National Palace of Culture.
*** Ivan Vazov National Theater is a theater that can offer you the opportunity to see great performances.
*** Boyana Church is an iconic church and you will be able to see the frescoes from 1259.
*** There are other churches that deserve your attention, such as the Russian Church of St. Nicholas and Sveta Nedelya Church.
*** If you visit the Serdika metro, then you will see there the remains of the ancient city of Sardis.
*** If you like hiking then visit Vitosha Mountain.
FOOD AND DRINK
Sofia has excellent cuisine and we would recommend you to try their traditional dishes. Taste the classic tarator soup, panagyurski poached eggs, sarmi, shkembe, moussaka and mish mash. If you like mixed meats then order Meshana Skara. From salads try the local shopska and for the road eat the traditional cheese pie banitsa. Of course you will find in the city many restaurants with cuisines from all over the world (Asian, European, American, Latin American). The traditional drink of the city and of Bulgaria is Rakia.
WHERE TO STAY
You can find accommodation and hotels both in the city center and at a distance of 1-2 kilometers at relatively good prices. It has many options for all budgets.
FUN AND SHOPPING
*** At Borisova Garden you will find many places to play with your children.
*** For your purchases you can visit the department stores Mall of Sofia, Serdika Center, Central Universal Store and Bulgaria Mall.
*** Vitosha Boulevard is the most popular street in the city so you have many options to do your shopping.
*** If you find yourself in Sofia on a Sunday, then visit the Bitaka bazaar.
HOW TO GET AROUND
The most beautiful way to get around the city is on foot, by trams, by metro or by tram.
CITIES NEAR SOFIA
Major cities close to Sofia are Plovdiv (146km), Skopje (242km), Craiova (258km), Thessaloniki (292km), Razgrad (332km), Pristina (334km), Burgas (382km), Bucharest (384km) and Varna (440km).
