Plovdiv
Overview
Located in the Thracian Plain along the Maritsa River, Plovdiv is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Europe. Its origins date back to the Thracian era, followed by Macedonian, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman rule, all of which have left clearly visible traces in the urban fabric. The historic centre spreads across several hills, featuring Bulgarian Renaissance houses, stone-paved streets and significant archaeological remains, including the Roman Theatre, which is still in use today. Alongside its historical heritage, Plovdiv is now also a vibrant cultural and university city.
Sofia
Overview
The capital of Bulgaria, Sofia is located in the western part of the country at the foot of Mount Vitosha and is one of the oldest cities in the Balkans. Inhabited since antiquity, it was known as Serdica in Roman times and developed into an important administrative and commercial centre. Its layered history is reflected in the city centre, where Roman remains coexist with medieval churches, Ottoman buildings and 19th- and 20th-century architecture. Today, Sofia is Bulgaria’s main political, cultural and economic hub, as well as its most important transportation centre.
Gastronomy
Sofia’s cuisine reflects Bulgaria’s deep-rooted traditions—simple in its ingredients, yet rich in flavour and closely tied to the land. Among its most iconic dishes is banitsa, made with delicate layers of filo pastry filled with eggs, yogurt, and sirene cheese, one of the country’s signature products, known for its bold, salty character. Sirene also features in the famous shopska salad, a fresh mix of tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and peppers, while Bulgarian yogurt (kiselo mlyako), celebrated for its probiotic qualities, is used in dishes like tarator, a refreshing cold soup with cucumber, garlic, and dill. For heartier fare, Sofia offers kachamak, similar to polenta, alongside traditional favourites such as sarmi, kavarma, and grilled meats like kebapche and kyufte.
Wine and other drinks
Bulgaria boasts an ancient winemaking tradition dating back to the time of the Thracians, and the Sofia region is very much part of this rich heritage. Red wines are among the most distinctive, produced from both native grape varieties such as Mavrud, Melnik, and Rubin, as well as international ones, and are known for their structure, deep colour, and fruity notes with subtle hints of spice. Alongside them, local white wines like Dimyat and Misket are appreciated for their freshness and delicate floral aromas. Complementing this strong wine culture is rakia, a traditional fruit brandy—often made from grapes or plums—widely regarded as a symbol of Bulgarian hospitality and enjoyed throughout the country.
Highlights & Landmarks
Sofia reveals a rich, layered heritage shaped by the many eras the city has lived through. Among its most iconic landmarks stands the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, one of the largest Orthodox churches in Europe, completed in 1912 and distinguished by its striking golden domes. Much older is the Church of St. George Rotunda, a 4th-century building and a rare remnant of Roman Serdica, set in the heart of the city and renowned for its medieval frescoes. At the foot of Mount Vitosha lies the Boyana Church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its 13th-century frescoes, celebrated for their remarkable realism. Sofia’s contemporary cultural pulse is embodied by the National Palace of Culture (NDK), a vast complex opened in 1981 that hosts events, exhibitions, and concerts.
The Regional History Museum, housed in the former Central Baths, traces the city’s evolution from ancient Serdica to a modern capital, while the National Archaeological Museum, set within a former Ottoman mosque, preserves artifacts spanning from prehistory to the Middle Ages. Among the city’s key urban spaces is Independence Square—known as the “Triangle of Power” for its institutional buildings—and Garibaldi Square, reflecting a symbolic link to liberation movements. Completing the picture is the KvARTal district, a creative hub in the old Jewish quarter, now alive with galleries, studios, and vibrant cultural spaces.
