our first time in bulgaria 🇧🇬

Bulgaria, a country a lot of people probably can't even point to on the map. Well, you'll know where it is after today's video and also how incredible it is!
We have never been to any cities in Bulgaria and today we are starting with the capital city, Sofia. In this video, you'll see our honest forst impressions of the city. Stay tuned for the next Bulgaria videos!
From ancient history to delicious food and lively culture, Sofia has it all. Here are some of the highlights from our trip:
Rich History: Did you know Sofia is one of the oldest cities in Europe? We loved visiting the Roman ruins of Serdica, which date back to the 1st century AD, right in the heart of the city! Walking through the ancient streets and seeing the well-preserved ruins was like stepping back in time. It’s incredible to think about all the history beneath our feet.
Stunning Architecture: Sofia is home to some truly breathtaking architecture. We were blown away by the majestic Alexander Nevsky Cathedral with its golden domes and intricate details. The Saint George Rotunda, one of the oldest Christian buildings in the world, was another highlight. Its ancient frescoes and serene atmosphere made it a special place to visit.
Tasty Bulgarian Food: Bulgarian cuisine is a must-try! We indulged in mouthwatering dishes like banitsa, a flaky pastry filled with cheese; shopska salad, a refreshing mix of tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and feta cheese; and kavarma, a delicious meat and vegetable stew. And don’t even get us started on the desserts - baklava and yogurt with honey were our favorites!
Local Drinks: We couldn't leave without trying rakia, the traditional Bulgarian brandy. It’s strong but has a unique flavor that we really enjoyed. We also discovered some amazing local wines. Bulgaria has a rich winemaking tradition, and the wines are simply delicious - perfect for toasting to new adventures!
Vibrant Culture: Sofia’s mix of Eastern and Western influences creates a unique cultural vibe. We enjoyed the lively nightlife, with plenty of bars and clubs to choose from. The cozy cafes were perfect for relaxing and people-watching. We also loved exploring the beautiful parks and green spaces, like Borisova Gradina and Vitosha Mountain.
Affordable Travel: Traveling in Sofia is super budget-friendly, making it a great destination for exploring without breaking the bank. From affordable accommodations to reasonably priced meals and attractions, Sofia offers great value for money. We were able to enjoy so much without worrying about our budget.
If you’re looking for a fun and affordable European getaway, Sofia should definitely be on your list! The city is filled with history, culture, and charm, and there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or just looking for a new adventure, Sofia has it all.
Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to our channel for more travel adventures. Hit the bell icon so you never miss an update! We love sharing our journeys with you and can’t wait to bring you along on our next trip.
Let us know in the comments if you’ve been to Sofia or if it’s on your travel bucket list. We can’t wait to hear your thoughts! What’s your favorite travel destination? Share your experiences with us!
#bulgaria #travelvlog #balkan #easterneurope #sofia
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Time stamps:
00:00 Intro
00:16 first impressions, Sophia, Bulgaria
01:30 food in Bulgaria
08:15 walking around Sofia
09:56 hotel room tour (Grand Hotel Sophia)
13:17 exploring Sofia
13:43 thoughts on Sophia, Bulgaria
our first time in bulgaria 🇧🇬 | first impressions of sofia
🌍✈️🍷🍴 #SofiaBulgaria #TravelVlog #BulgarianCuisine #HistoricalSites #AffordableTravel #TravelCouple #ExploreBulgaria

[@vernonandmaryana]

Have you been to Bulgaria?

[@MrDariomag327]

Yes, all my life. :D

[@ivelinemitseva2909]

Thank you guys for the good words !!!❤I am Bulgarian and everything you say its absolutely true 👍 😊 ❤️ Thank you and enjoy your staying 😊

[@Fane-Babanu]

I have been in Bulgaria once for about 10 days and we are travelling again in September for 2 weeks. I like the country. I have travelled there with my parents when I was a child, but I remember in vague lines the beautiful seashore.

[@fned7931]

Love your videos!! Can’t travel much because of my busy job in Tokyo now but enjoying my trips with you here!

[@vernonandmaryana]

Thank you, we have fun making them. We still work full time but like to make these as much as possible. Share our journeys 😊 we love Tokyo

[@venerasokolova1689]

Hey guys, you made an epic Sofia tour. As a native, I am very happy you are enjoying yourself in our country. You should do a visit of my hometown - Blagoevgrad, near Sofia. I love your travels, so fun and interesting! Keep it up :)

[@vernonandmaryana]

Thanks for the idea!

[@kaloyancholakov3725]

Fascinating video!

[@mitkodimitrov8396]

it is medicine,verry healty.Healt and happynes,from Plovdiv

[@stanbatakarata6081]

Good video❤ Thanks for goods words.Greating from. Bulgaria ❤️ 🇧🇬

[@udififkfkfck]

Тhe food portions sizes & the dish sizes in USA are 5-6 times smaller than those in Bulgaria

[@dwartbg1]

8:50 - why you wouldn't expect to see Mcdonald's and Coca Cola signs in Bulgaria? Coca Cola has been produced in Bulgaria since the 1960s. Mcdonald's and KFC have been there also for 30 years now too. And these buildings are not from the communist era, they're from the turn of the 20th century when Bulgaria was a monarchy and pretty western.

[@vernonandmaryana]

They just stood out to us. Been to the surrounding countries and haven't seen such large signs right in the center. Still need to try the KFC in Europe, see how it compares to what they have in USA. During the Soviet era (1944-1989), a significant portion of Sofia's buildings were constructed, particularly in residential neighborhoods such as Mladost, Lyulin, and Druzhba, characterized by large panel apartment buildings ("panelki"). These Soviet-era constructions likely constitute around 30-40% of Sofia's total building stock, including residential, public, industrial, and infrastructural structures. So it's a reasonable guess to assume that. Even though those particular ones may not have been.

[@udififkfkfck]

​@@vernonandmaryanaSofia downtown was heavily bombarded all destroyed in WW2 by Americans & Brits & only partially the Tzar's Palace the Parliament the Ivan Vazov's theater the Ministry of the war (defence now) the Climent Ohridski University & the Academy of Sciences buildings were only partially restored all else is gone forever & most buildings there were built in 50s! Bare in mind Bucharest & Belgrade are fare more beautiful than Sofia cause while Serbia & Romania were building country & cities BG was in wars 1885 1912 1913 1915-1918 1941-1945 (just occupying Greece Yugoslavia & part of Romania but beating their communist partisans) huge parts of the male population the economy & the GDP/GNP were drafted so we can border with former Bulgarian lands & population now without ever being beaten in war by anyone & that includes UK France Italy Russia Ottoman empire plus the usual suspects - the Balkan cousins! Atleast we have this BG our culture history & Bulgarian Armies - our pride faith love hope & future! As we say only God above Bulgaria only Bulgaria under God!

[@udififkfkfck]

​@@vernonandmaryanathe very 1st ever wester sign in BG in communist times was Sheraton (an American chain) hotel in downtown the 2nd was New Otany (a japanese hotel chain) today hotel Vitosha-Kempinski/Zografski so these were the only 2 ever western signs in BG from 1946-1990 from the nationalization till the privatization & restitution. On January 1st 1990 above the Climent Ohridski University main entrance we saw sign "Hewlett-Packard welcomes Bulgaria & Bulgarian youth into the free world" very few days later the Sofia's Technical University had USA flags with IBM flags all over around with "Merry new year" signs. January 1990 came the 1st ever US restaurant in E Europe-KFC (is still there on Slaveikov plaza) february came the 1st ever McDonald's in E Europe (next to KFC) & Coca Cola (the original not the "Кока Кола" in Bulgarian) sign on the building above them (possible the 1st in E Europe). January 1990 came the 1st pairs of few models of Nike Air Reebok the pump & LA Gear sport shoes in the largest mall (Central Universal Magazine is still there on the Largo) & Alfa-Romeo diler inside the same store. And since then only downwards & national day time robbery lies from politicians the vendetta & omerta with the traditional old criminal families from before 1944 came back quick restored connections with central Italy where the old historical Bulgarian population is settled till we became Africa no God land! Brussels & Rome Washington & Moscow see & know alot!

[@MariaKotseva]

Thanks for your video! BTW, the stress is on SOfia😂

[@sisi_727]

Visit my home land of Varna, Bulgaria! There is a museum which holds the oldest old ever found in our lifetime. The beaches and water, food and air quality is the best you can experience if you need to format your self. Go 🇧🇬!

[@vernonandmaryana]

Very very beautiful country! The people were so kind to us, especially when we went to the villages 🇧🇬❤️

[@hris02]

hey greetings from Varna

[@udififkfkfck]

​@vernonandmaryana she meant the oldest gold golden treasure in the world but the 2nd & 3rd oldest ancient golden treasures are found also in BG

[@MrDariomag327]

Sofia is not Bulgaria, just like in any other country. The best thing to do is to get out of the capitol for a day or two and see some nature and some villages. Then you'll see why our country is so special. :)

[@vernonandmaryana]

We did get out from the city to the mountains, it was wonderful ❤️

[@MrDariomag327]

@@vernonandmaryana Yeah, I saw the guided tour. Not bad, but still limited. Perhaps renting a car and going to smaller villages would be better imho. The best food is usually there. :)

[@blakpurl14]

If you want a good Wine you should visit the little south town Melnik , im not saying else where wine is not good , but here is really good. Also if you are in the Sofia for a short visit and you don't know what to do - there is a actually free tours of the city everyday for tourists . You can just type Free Sofia Tour to see the hours, also they do in Plovdiv.

[@vernonandmaryana]

Thank you for the tip!

[@udififkfkfck]

​@@vernonandmaryanago to the wine country of BG but the best wines & Rakia to explore is from the locals the home made remedies like yogurt wine rakia fruit compotes fruit jellys made by locals in their farm guest houses or just small family hotels own by few generations & branches of the same family & most family members work there. The festivals the open air free concerts the ancient tombs castles historic sites there are only 3 countries in Europe to explore the history of Old Europe - BG Italy & Greece.

[@alexanderkorolov8264]

I much prefer Italian wines although I am originally from Eastern Europe too. Nevertheless, Sofia and Bulgaria seem interesting enough to go and see. Hopefully next year.

[@vernonandmaryana]

We’re on a mission to try all the wines right now in Europe. Italy alone has such a huge variety. What’s your favorite wine?

[@alexanderkorolov8264]

@@vernonandmaryana this year: Negroamaro :)

[@deyankrustev5721]

Cool vid. Don't know if it's in the plans, but be sure to visit Plovdiv, if not this time the next time you come. The city it's the oldest continuously inhabited city in Europe with heaps of history, awesome preserved old town with houses that were built centuries ago. Arguably the best city in Bulgaria, and this is coming from someone born and raised in Sofia. :)

[@ivelinemitseva2909]

Guys you should visit my hometown Plovdiv ❤😊The 6th oldest city in Europe,its a alot to see there ,we have old Roman stadium from August Emperor and Marcus Aurelius Emperor..its really interesting ❤🎉

[@vernonandmaryana]

We did see info on it, will be visiting it next time in Bulgaria. Tips on things to do there?

[@ivelinemitseva2909]

@@vernonandmaryana That's lovely 😊 You should definitely go to walk in the old town (the old part of the city) ,which its above the central part and its very easy walking distance,have beautiful old buildings ,there you can see the old Roman theatre which is very active in the summer ,they make lots of concerts and theatre durring the summer time . The best time to visit its the from April to June (July and August could be very hot like 40° and in tje winter could be quite too cold ) . Also have museums,the city was nominated for European capital of culture for 2019 so I really believe you will like it ☺️ Enjoy guys 😊

[@MilushevGeorgi]

I’m from Sofia, spot on review

[@vernonandmaryana]

Thank you! We loved our visit to Sofia.

[@MilushevGeorgi]

@@vernonandmaryana can’t wait on the second episode

[@kosmicheskiprah]

Sofia is very beautiful, but rural Bulgaria is what really represents the country if you ask many locals :)

[@vernonandmaryana]

We did go for a day trip to see the monastery, saw a little bit of it. Unfortunately we only had a few days. What places do you recommend?

[@exooooo9122]

@@vernonandmaryanaVeliko Tarnovo / Plovdiv and Nessebar

[@user-uk1bi4fp4z]

@@vernonandmaryana Veliko Tarnovo - the most beautiful city in Bulgaria 😍

[@udififkfkfck]

​@@vernonandmaryanaPliska & Preslav the sea cost & mountains resorts the monasteries but also the hot springs & bath resorts. You need few months & rental car.

[@dimitar1859]

@@vernonandmaryana You should definitely visit Plovdiv, the oldest living city in Europe. But one day will certainly not be enough for you to see everything...

[@paolobianconi495]

Cavolo se mangiate! Complimenti

[@MilushevGeorgi]

I’m walking those streets as we speak

[@vernonandmaryana]

Lucky! Wonderful city!

[@ExplorewithSvetlin]

Aaah russian music right at the start

[@raffaelloschirinzi2072]

The correct pronunciation is So.fia (in once) and not Sofi.A. ;-)

[@user-ce5ly3nm5r]

Екатерина Антоничук 👍сhannel

[@dimitardimov5343]

stop visit Sofia in summer... Come to our other city Varna/Burgas... Sofia is 60% empty in this time :)

[@rsn7847]

How is the weather in sofia by the end of september ???we are planning to go from september 30th

[@Tatkovi-px7mx]

If you want to explore the culture and history of Bulgaria and almost all of the crazy nice places just stay for the next 3 months but if you do that you would want to stay here for ever so yeah 😂

[@udififkfkfck]

Let's start with Stolipinovo & Fakulteto they look alike with Rome & Naples.

[@krasimirmitrov9147]

What kind people are these?Bulgaria is not in Africa people.

[@vernonandmaryana]

Damn, it’s not? 👀

[@filipfenix]

Sofiq kinda isn't Bulgaria,tho. Its a smelly filthy overcrowded place where the majority of the country's economy is focused in.