“Until you experience it for yourself, it’s hard to comprehend its sheer beauty”This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Vitosha Boulevard with Vitosha mountain in the background, Sofia, Bulgaria(Image: Photo by Alex Segre/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
A pretty city where you can get a pint for less than £2 can be flown to from Liverpool John Lennon Airport. If you’re looking to book a holiday in the next few weeks and soak up the sun in some place new, it’s worth seeing all that Sofia has to offer.
The capital and largest city of Bulgaria, Sofia attracts thousands every year and is located at the foot of the Vitosha Mountain in the western part of the country. And being with such close proximity means it is perfect if you fancy a day trip out of the hustle and bustle to do some hiking.
Over three hours away by flight from Liverpool, Sofia is a blend of old and new and sees many tourists visit its landmarks, bars, cafes and restaurants. Boasting impressive buildings and churches, the city also offers a vibrant food scene where you can try some traditional Bulgarian delicacies, the Liverpool ECHO previously reported.
Liverpool John Lennon Airport said “until you experience it for yourself, it’s hard to comprehend the sheer beauty of Sofia.”
Here, we take a look at some of the things you can do on a visit to Sofia, as well as a flight with Ryanair you can take from Liverpool next month. You can find out more below.
What are the best attractions in Sofia?
There is so much to see and do in Sofia. One of the top attractions is the Rila Monastery, an UNESCO World Heritage Site. A spiritual centre for more than 1,000 years, it is Bulgaria’s largest religious structure and boasts picturesque mountain views and a cobblestone courtyard.
The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is also another building that cannot be missed. The Orthodox cathedral is an example of neo-Byzantine architecture and is one of Sofia’s most recognizable landmarks.
If you’re after weird and wonderful souvenirs, then Bitaka Flea Market may have to be added to your list, as it sells everything from jewellery and clothes to vintage trinkets. Vitosha Boulevard is the main commercial street in the centre of Sofia and it’s here that tourists can visit a number of shops, restaurants and bars.
In May last year, The Express reported how Sofia’s restaurants are relatively inexpensive compared to the UK and according to Numbeo, “a domestic beer costs just £1.69 in the city.” The ECHO visited cost of living site Numbeo and at the time of writing, the cost of a domestic beer/one pint in Sofia was priced at £2.19.
On the outskirts of Sofia, visitors can also see the Boyana Church which is a popular tourist site. Not far away is also the beautiful Boyana Waterfall, which has two hiking paths to choose from if you’re keen to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre. The beautiful Sredna Gora Mountains surround the city, and Sofia sits within close range of the Vitosha Mountain – where you can also do some country hiking.
What is the flight time from Liverpool John Lennon Airport to Sofia?
The average flight from to Liverpool to Sofia takes 3 hours 25 minutes. You can fly directly from Liverpool John Lennon Airport into Sofia International Airport with Ryanair.
Flights run throughout the year and prices vary – so it’s worth planning well ahead to try and bag a bargain. Skyscanner shows direct flights from Liverpool John Lennon Airport to Sofia for this month, but we have not included return flights, seat allocation or baggage.
At the time of writing, we found flights from Liverpool to Sofia at 5.50am on July 9 for £103. You can find the flights here.
Busy shopping street of Vitosha Boulevard in Sofia(Image: Photo by: Alex Segre/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)Is Sofia good for tourists?
Sofia is a place you can travel to all year round and you’re likely to get good weather there in the spring and summer months. Liverpool John Lennon Airport said if you’re keen to book an exciting European city break, then with Sofia, you need “look no further.”
On the LJLA website, it reads: “Until you experience it for yourself, it’s hard to comprehend the sheer beauty of Sofia. The city is home to some of the world’s most impressive museums, churches and universities. It also offers a vibrant nightlife scene, in addition to plenty of restaurants where you can try traditional Bulgarian delicacies.
Oscillating Air Cooler Unit
£149.99
£39
Wowcher
The 80W Black Oscillating Air Cooler Unit with Remote Control has up to 74% off
“The architecture alone is worth a trip to Sofia. In fact, the city is over 6,000 years old, and as a result, is home to ancient remains from Roman, Thracian and Ottoman times, as well as stunning religious temples, Renaissance houses and modern, trendy buildings. The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is unlike any building you will have ever seen before, and the Ivan Vazov National Theatre simply cannot be missed!
“Sofia has developed into a modern, cosmopolitan city, yet its ancient history is still visible throughout the streets and nearby scenery. The incredibly beautiful Sredna Gora Mountains surround the city, and Sofia sits within close range of the Vitosha Mountain – perfect if you fancy a day trip out of the hustle and bustle to do some country hiking. If you want to see something historical within the city itself, make sure you visit the Church of St. George, which was built by the Romans in the 4th century.”