Lonely Planet Local Yoana Hristova has had her share of roaming around the world, but she has returned to her home in Sofia only to fall in love with the city all over again. Sofia offers a range of cultural experiences, from modern art exhibitions in spaces such as the Forum Art Gallery to offbeat historical sites like the Soviet-related Museum of Socialist Art. The pace of life is slow and the focus is on enjoying your companions and surroundings.
When I have friends in town⦠I cook for them or take them out for a meal. Food is a big deal in the Balkans and locals will make sure that the guests are well fed. For a tasty brunch in the city centre, my friends and I go to Fabrika Daga or Shtastliveca they offer vegetarian and vegan options too.
Next, we follow up with a sightseeing tour starting at the iconic Aleksander Nevski Cathedral , and finish with some shopping and ice cream on the popular Vitosha boulevard that leads us to the colourful gardens of the National Palace of Culture. Afterwards, I like to spoil myself with a scoop of Italian ice cream at the central Afreddo. The real party starts at Club Terminal 1, where I go for live concerts and dancing. On long summer nights, Maimunarnika turns into one of the trendiest outdoor stages for alternative concerts and parties.
For cheap eatsβ¦ I often grab a mashed avocado sandwich or a warm bowl of soup at Supa Star. I love the affordable and healthy food options offered by Red Bell β in particular, their vegetable cream soups and homemade cakes are excellent. I usually have it while catching up with a friend, sharing experiences and laughs and watching the passers-by. Another thing I almost never skip is sports. From yoga at Yoga Diwali and swimming at Anel Sport to fitness training in my neighbourhood, I practice daily.
A typical weekend involves⦠a morning run, followed by sipping coffee on the balcony and a walk in the company of good friends. When the weather is nice, I like wandering around the city parks and green spaces or in the nearby Mt Vitosha.
