Sofia

Sofia, the Bulgarian capital city, has a history dating back over 7,000 years. Numerous Neolithic settlements have been discovered in the area but the most important development was the settlement of the Thracian Serdi Tribe in the 7th century BC. It was this tribe that gave Sofia it’s current name.

Today, Sofia is a thriving cosmopolitan city. Like any other European capital it is the hub of the country's political, business and cultural life, the centre of various international events. It also has the advantage of the International Airport. As you explore Sofia you will see an abundance of historical architecture. The Castle gates and Towers of Serdica are worthy of a visit. Much of the ancient city of Serdica lies beneath modern buildings.

Accommodation
The city centre offers five, four and three-star hotels as well as smaller establishments. Sofia's suburbs offer smaller, privately owned hotels.

Cuisine
Most restaurants in Sofia serve European and Bulgarian cuisine. A visit to a tavern is a must. They entertain with folk music, songs and dances in addition to a menu of delicious typically Bulgarian dishes and choice drinks. Every night in Sofia is a thrilling experience. Club and disco fans will find Sofia discos as good as any in Europe. Casinos in Sofia don't close before dawn.

Nightlife
Sofia is famous for its vibrant nightlife. Bars are popular in the evening hours till midnight after which the crowds move to the nightclubs. While you will find bars everywhere, bars and nightclubs are mainly concentrated in the central part of the city which makes it easy to visit several different places in one outing. Sofia also has casinos, which require ID, but do not operate a dress code.

Parks and Gardens
Sofia boasts many green areas. The parks offer peace and tranquillity in the heart of the city. The Boris Garden Park has two football stadiums, including the National Stadium, and many other sports facilities. A great place for recreation is the Vitosha National Park just south of the capital, where Sofians and tourists together enjoy hiking in the summer and skiing in the winter.

Shopping
For visitors looking for the ultimate shopping experience then Sofia will surprise you. The city offers a full range of shops, from large shopping centres to designer boutiques and small, individual shops offering local crafts, fashion a nd all manner of household goods. The best place to start is the main shopping street of Vitosha Boulevard where you can find almost any designer brand at good prices. The main shopping mall is TSUM but there is a project underway that will bring much larger malls to Sofia.

Development and the Future
Sofia has developed rapidly over the last 7-8 years and with membership of the EU this trend is set to continue. Many major corporations are establishing headquarters in Sofia and in turn expanding the employment market. This has an impact on the economy including the dramatic rise in housing demand and prices. The new injection of wealth has enabled Sofia to expand and modernise.

Sofia is still an attractive place to buy property – for investment or personal use. Having Bulgaria’s major airport is an obvious advantage. Sofia is also close to the most important ski resorts.