Sofia Bulgaria Travel Guide - An Epic Tour of Bulgaria's Capitol.

[@AdventuresOfATravelingDon]

If you have any questions about my time in Sofia don't hesitate to message me directly. Hope y'all enjoy.

[@tsvety02427]

The video was lovely, but I would like to make one thing clear - you are actually starting and finishing the video in front of the Saint Nedelya Cathedral. The actual ancient orthodox rounda church "Saint George" is located in the courtyard of the hotel behind Saint Nedelya Cathedral. Some interesting facts about the Saint Nedelya Church (now Cathedral) - it is believed it was first constructed in the 10th century but it was reconstructed and rebuild a few times over the centuries; in 1925 there was a terrorist attack (a bomb destroyed the roof) at a funeral that took place in the church, killing 150 people and injuring 500 more. The attack was meant to kill Tsar Boris III, but he was unharmed due to being late that day as he was at another funeral earlier.

[@ExplorewithSvetlin]

As a Bulgarian travel vlogger, I loved your three videos of Sofia! One thing - where you start and end is not the old St George rotunda, it is St.Nedelya church. St.George is nearby.

[@AdventuresOfATravelingDon]

I found that out after the fact. The brochure I grabbed in the church though was for St George. I think that's where I got confused. Why they had St George brochure in Nedelya Church I have no idea

[@user-iu3ng7om5w]

​@@AdventuresOfATravelingDonHello , I guess because Saint George is very close and it is a very old church that must be seen . Whoever gave you the brochure wanted you to see it too . Let this discovery remain for the next visit to Sofia .

[@linafleur3424]

Hi Don, just a small correction. At the beginning of the video you are standing in front of the St. Nedelya Cathedral dating back to the 10th century, which is definitely worth visiting. The Rotunda St. George (built in the early 4th century) is basically very close to the St. Nedelya Cathedral and is located in the courtyard between Hotel Balkan and the Presidency. (:

[@AdventuresOfATravelingDon]

Well I'll be damned, So it is, I swear when I went inside there was info on St George. That's kind of why I went with that.

[@linafleur3424]

@@AdventuresOfATravelingDon No worries at all. Well another good reason to visit Sofia again. There are so many other things to see and explore in Bulgaria such as the town of Veliko Tarnovo (historical capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire), Plovdiv, the 7 Rila lakes, Rila Monastery and so many more. (:

[@Meg-wb9se]

Your video gave so much history and context to the lovely sights there! Thanks for the virtual tour!

[@AdventuresOfATravelingDon]

Anytime

[@paradise-adventures]

The street art and architecture of Sofia look great. These churches are quite unique, they do have a medieval type feel to them with the low light and old castle type structures.

[@AdventuresOfATravelingDon]

There is a lot of that throughout the whole city. Fell in love with Sofia.

[@inicolov]

Small correction- Bulgaria is still very much the world leader in rose oil export. Somewhere between 70 to 80% of the world's rose oil comes from Bulgaria.

[@AdventuresOfATravelingDon]

Thanks for the correction.

[@AndysWorldJourneys]

great video Ben. Bulgaria was never Soviet technically however their communist regime was closely tied to the Soviet Union over the years. Interestingly the ruins of Serdika are a more recent discovery - in the last decade or two - and I think they are still uncovering more and more of it. It's a really attractive city Sofia and actually quite a quiet place too, and doesn't see a lot of tourists which I really liked about it as you can imagine.

[@AdventuresOfATravelingDon]

Something I recently read was that Sofia is the second or third oldest inhabited city in Europe. I believe in the top ten of inhabited in the World. Aaaaand apparently Serdika was once aost wiped off the map by none other than Attila The Hun himself. Crazy history.

[@kamendimitrov3051]

​@@AdventuresOfATravelingDon not Sofia, but the 2nd largest city Plovdiv, is Europe's oldest continuously inhabited city - at least 6000yo, def worth visiting as well. Btw some Sofia museums are realy worth visiting. Archeological is right at the center, near the excavations. Then thers the National History Museum cuz of its size its located at the edge of the city, in the foot of Vitosha mountain, sadly that makes it not as popular as it deserves.

[@KJFTravelAdventures]

what a great walking tour - the perfect way to experience a new city!

[@AdventuresOfATravelingDon]

Indeed

[@AmaiwanTraveler]

What an incredible journey through Sofia! This video truly captures the essence of the city, from its rich history to its vibrant culture and mouthwatering food scene. I feel like I've just taken a virtual trip there myself.

[@AdventuresOfATravelingDon]

Thanks for coming along.

[@spacemace2833]

Great video! Take in mind that there are captated hot mineral water springs next to the History museum of Sofia, close to the mosque.

[@AdventuresOfATravelingDon]

Oh I didn't know that

[@user-iu3ng7om5w]

​@@AdventuresOfATravelingDonThis is a big omission , every day fresh and warm mineral water .Actually, you have photographed the museum of Sofia, which used to be an active city bath with mineral water .Right there and in the square you passed is the water .Ask next time.

[@AdventuresOfATravelingDon]

@@user-iu3ng7om5w I will indeed thanks

[@TheAverageTourist]

Visiting the oldest restaurant seems like a neat attraction. There are so many churches there and beautiful city scenery. I think I'd enjoy walking through the bazaar, the historical streets and the pretty parks too.

[@AdventuresOfATravelingDon]

The bazaar is fantastic

[@TheAverageTourist]

@@AdventuresOfATravelingDon Since you were there in the off-season, did you find it to be busy or like it was just a normal time for them? How was the weather temperature wise - looked a bit chilly which is fine for us!

[@TravelingAtoZ]

What a beautiful city! Thank you for sharing. The soup looked tasty and warm on a cold day.

[@AdventuresOfATravelingDon]

Oh it hit the spot perfectly

[@TravellerSB]

Good to know about such places which were less known to many. The city is quite vibrant and the architecture of the buildings are beautiful too. Quite informative video.

[@AdventuresOfATravelingDon]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@TripsCultureTC]

Sofia is truly a beautiful city. Your video does a great job of explaining the places to visit and their history. Thank you for taking us on a tour of this beautiful Balkan city through your camera.

[@AdventuresOfATravelingDon]

Thanks it's an amazing city.

[@traveladvisorak6065]

Enjoyed it again

[@AdventuresOfATravelingDon]

Thanks

[@traveladvisorak6065]

This is such a historic city and very well covered. The oldest restaurant food looks yum.

[@AdventuresOfATravelingDon]

Oh it was delicious

[@rightrecipefortravel]

Beautiful architecture parks and yummy food. Also liked seeing the gorgeous churches and learning the history.

[@AdventuresOfATravelingDon]

Glad I could be of service.

[@Travelsheesh]

Sofia look truly beautiful and interesting to explore. Lots of history, ancient architecture and colorful interior. One of the places to be must on bucketlist. Thanks for the lovely tour

[@AdventuresOfATravelingDon]

Thanks for watching

[@KayandGogo]

You covered the history really well Very informative The mosque looked beautiful The ladies market is my kind of thing but wow 140 years old. Beautiful churches parks and definitely love how you've covered Sofia.

[@AdventuresOfATravelingDon]

Yeah Sofia is one of the oldest cities in the World. So much history.

[@SaltyBeaverExplores]

This was an excellent tour. I really enjoyed you delving into the history and show the lovely churches, market, street art and statues. Great job on this video, it makes me want to visit Sofia!

[@AdventuresOfATravelingDon]

It's worth the trip.

[@StepsbyKaatje]

Some great Bulgarian history in your video! The park is nice and I can imagine that some hot soup must be perfect. Pumpkin with mushroom sounds really perfect. On a could day I would fall asleep as well when inside, nice, warm and after a good meal! 😊

[@AdventuresOfATravelingDon]

It was great home style cooking.

[@KitatheExplorer]

The Ottoman Empire ruled so many part of Europe. Crazy! And I love how you started your tour with the oldest item in town. The Orthodox Church that you couldn’t film in must’ve been extremely dark. I’ve been in some cathedrals and churches in Europe and the lighting is very low. Thanks for sharing things to see and do in Sofia!

[@AdventuresOfATravelingDon]

It was relatively dark inside. I didn't think that's why they didn't want filming. Some places are just like that.

[@KitatheExplorer]

@@AdventuresOfATravelingDon yes indeed!

[@garageolympo]

подъ липите Sofia's oldest restaurant.

[@dayanbalevski4446]

Why do you use Russian Balalaika music on a Bulgarian video. We have our own music in Bulgaria.

[@AdventuresOfATravelingDon]

I just used what I could find on epidemic sound. Didn't know it was Russian. They don't specify necessarily where the music always comes from.

[@krasimirkirev7178]

The music. It is Russia. Maybe this is what you think of when you say Bulgaria - Russia. Well, we are different, in many ways.

[@AdventuresOfATravelingDon]

I get the music from epidemic sound. I put Bulgaria in the search and this came up. I'm guessing they just lump all of Eastern Europe and Russian together.

[@aa.ivanov]

Hey! Thanks for the awesome video! Let me just sling in a small correction in - the church you start and end with is actually Saint Nedelya Cathedral (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Nedelya_Cathedral,_Sofia). It has its own interesting past, and is best known for its roof being blown by the Communist underground in an attempt to deal a fatal blow to the political elite of the time (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Nedelya_Church_assault). The St. George Rotunda is indeed very close by. However it is located in the courtyard of the presidency and is not easily spotted from the street. Also it is a somewhat smaller building. Oh, and as we're speaking of old churches - there's also the Saint Sophia Church. It also dates back to sometime between 4th and 6th century. It's located right next to Saint Alexander Nevsky Cathedral which you showed. And adjacent to it (and most visible from the street) is the Monument to the Unknown Soldier with the Eternal flame - a monument to all who died defending the country. If you are in Bulgaria in the warmer part of the year and you have the time - you can consider Vitosha mountain which in my experience is a rather rare feature for a capital in Europe. There are various hiking trails that one can explore. Some are reaching Cherni vrah (2914 m - the fourth highest peak in the country) and offer amazing view of the city. Be warned however that this would be a full day adventure. Alternatively you can check what's on in Bulgaria Concert Hall which is about a block away from the national theater you showed. Prices are also on the affordable side and the Bulgarian Philharmonic Orchestra is really good.

[@AdventuresOfATravelingDon]

I appreciate all the feedback. I'm marking some of these down next time I'm in Sofia