Sofia

From the airport

Bus 84 picks up from Terminal 1 and Bus 284 from Terminal 2 every 10-15 minutes, and it takes 30 minutes to get to the city.

Bulgarian Union of Artists is a 2700-member strong non-profit organisation with exhibitions of fairly-priced Bulgarian crafts.

Bulgaria is one of the oldest states in the world, established in 681. France was established in 843, England in 927 and Germany in 962.

You will find stylish bohemian fashion creations at Atelie Mirela Bratova.

Fantastico is a chain of non-stop supermarkets, with shops in most of Sofia's neighbourhoods. They have everything needed for surviving day and night at reasonable prices.

The National Palace of Culture is the hugest, most strange looking and ugly building in the centre of Sofia. It has multiple concert halls, bazaars and restaurants and a big park.

Gallery Alley, just behind the opera house at Rakovski and Dondukov, is a stash of contemporary creation: sculptures, watercolours, mosaics, blown-glass and icons at about a dozen studios.

Day trip

Bozhourishte. This Bulgarian village accommodates all. Equestrians can visit the military horse base, breeding stables and race course. Art connoisseurs will adore Dimitar Kazakov's surviving frescoes. Cultural creatures will enjoy the Hristo Botev Chitalishte, an architectural heritage monument. Take the international E80 to the Kalotina border checkpoint.
Pancharevo Lake. Just outside Sofia, this artificial lake is a nice spot to relax, as long as you wrap up warm. If it is not too cold, hire rowing and paddle boats for a pleasant afternoon on the water.