Sofia Guide for Budget Travelers
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Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, is a laid-back metropolis of 1.4 million people. Tourists tend to overlook this city for the coast and the ski resorts. As a backpacker, skip the expressive luxuries and explore this charming area for a fraction of the price. Sofia isn't particularly grand like other European cities, but it's a modern youthful city where an east-meets-west atmosphere still shines. With its grand churches, Ottoman mosques and Red Army monuments, Sofia has plenty to offer in terms of scenery. For such a green city with thousands of trees, Sofia still has a Soviet feel to its architecture. Take a hike on Mount Vitosha for the best views of the city. Delicious and cheap restaurants line every street in Sofia. Bars and clubs stay open late, which is perfect for a free daily pub crawl sponsored by some hostels. Sofia has it all. Don't be fooled by the lack of hype on this city.
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Price of Services in Sofia
Hostels - Hostels in Sofia are similar to Belgrade, Serbia. The starting price is 11BGN ($6USD or 5€) on a weekday in the non-peak season. You'll get a 10-20 dorm room at this price. Anything under 10 beds will usually cost more. Expect to pay 13BGN ($8USD or 7€) or more for an 8 person dorm room during the non-peak season during the week. Private dorm rooms will start around 29BGN ($17USD or 15€). During the peak season, prices will increase because of demand. Weekend prices will always increase because of availability and demand.
Food Costs - Food in Sofia is cheap. Expect to pay 2BGN ($1.50USD or 1€) for a budget breakfast, 4BGN ($2.50USD or 2€) for a budget lunch and 8BGN ($5USD or 4€) for a budget dinner. Upper scale restaurants will a bit more. Expect to pay 20BGN ($11USD or 10€). Beer (.5L) 3BGN ($2USD or 1.50€).
Transportation - Transportation in Sofia is bit reasonable compared to other European cities. A taxi from the main airport to the city center will cost around 10BGN ($6USD or 5€). A taxi will charge 6BGN ($2.50USD or 2€) per 3km of travel. A public bus from the airport to the city center is the best option at 1BGN ($.60USD or .50€). Metro buses are also a good option for city travel at 1BGN ($.60USD or .50€) for any stop in the city.
Activities - Museums will cost upward of 10BGN ($6USD or 5€) for the popular exhibitions like the National Museum of History. Guided walking tours around the city are run on a tip base system. You pay what you feel like the guide deserves. For tours outside of the city, don't expect to find anything on the cheap end. Expect to pay 80BGN ($45USD or 40€) for these.
Food Costs - Food in Sofia is cheap. Expect to pay 2BGN ($1.50USD or 1€) for a budget breakfast, 4BGN ($2.50USD or 2€) for a budget lunch and 8BGN ($5USD or 4€) for a budget dinner. Upper scale restaurants will a bit more. Expect to pay 20BGN ($11USD or 10€). Beer (.5L) 3BGN ($2USD or 1.50€).
Transportation - Transportation in Sofia is bit reasonable compared to other European cities. A taxi from the main airport to the city center will cost around 10BGN ($6USD or 5€). A taxi will charge 6BGN ($2.50USD or 2€) per 3km of travel. A public bus from the airport to the city center is the best option at 1BGN ($.60USD or .50€). Metro buses are also a good option for city travel at 1BGN ($.60USD or .50€) for any stop in the city.
Activities - Museums will cost upward of 10BGN ($6USD or 5€) for the popular exhibitions like the National Museum of History. Guided walking tours around the city are run on a tip base system. You pay what you feel like the guide deserves. For tours outside of the city, don't expect to find anything on the cheap end. Expect to pay 80BGN ($45USD or 40€) for these.
Best Ways to Save Money
Book in Advance - To save some added dough, always book your transportation, hostels and tours in advance. Doing this can save upward of 40-50%.
Buy Food at Grocery Stores - Buy your food and beer at a grocery store. Food and beer will be 60-70% cheaper than a restaurant. Beer in a grocery store is usually 2BGN ($1USD or .93€) per bottle. Buying food at a grocery store can be done with 13BGN ($8USD or 7€) a day if you budget right.
Buy Food at Grocery Stores - Buy your food and beer at a grocery store. Food and beer will be 60-70% cheaper than a restaurant. Beer in a grocery store is usually 2BGN ($1USD or .93€) per bottle. Buying food at a grocery store can be done with 13BGN ($8USD or 7€) a day if you budget right.
Red Flags
Taxi Overpricing - Taxi drivers will jack up the price if you aren't watching. Be sure to watch the meter at all time to make sure you aren't getting overcharged.
Top 3 Things To Do in Sofia While on a Budget
#1 Free City Walking ToursTo see the true side of Sofia, take a free walking tour as you explore the vibrant gritty side of this charming metropolis. There are different kinds of tours catered toward people's interests. Make sure to click the link below for more information.
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#2 Mt. VitoshaMount Vitosha is one of the best places to ski, snowboard and see the city from a bird's eye view. Make sure to rent a board and glide down this popular backpackers destination. During the summer and fall months, use this destination for hiking and photography.
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#3 Cathedral Saint Alexandar NevskiCathedral Saint Alexander Nevski is the most famous church in Sofia. With its domed-shaped roofs and green/gold tile, this church is widely known as the most beautiful building in the city limits. Photographers flock to the building as the sun sets.
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