GAY SOFIA
Discover this City with our Quick and Practical Guide to Visit the Best Attractions, Savor Typical Dishes and Have Fun in the Best Gay Bars. All this through the Rainbow Eyes of the World Mappers
What to See, Best Places to Sleep, Where to Eat and to Have Fun in SOFIA ?
Find it out with the World Mappers !
LGBT SOFIA
Bulgaria is a welcoming destination for the LGBTQ+ community. National anti-discrimination laws have evolved, offering greater protections for LGBTQ+ people. Events, such as Sofia Pride, attract visitors from all over the world, highlighting the city's importance as a place of acceptance and celebration of diversity.
WHAT TO SEE in SOFIA?
10 THINGS TO SEE in SOFIA
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
This architectural magnificence offers a deep immersion in Bulgarian Orthodox spirituality. Particular are its golden domes that shine in the sun and create a breathtaking view from any angle of the city.
Russian Church of Sofia
The Russian Church of Sofia, dedicated to Saint Nicholas the Miraculous, is a famous religious structure located in the center of the city. It stands out for its imposing golden dome and its neo-Byzantine architecture. Inside, the frescoes and religious icons recall the traditional Russian artistic style. The church is a place of prayer and contemplation for Orthodox believers, but also attracts numerous tourists for its architectural beauty and rich history.
Rotunda (Church) of St. George (Sveti Georgi)
Visitors can admire the ancient Roman walls surrounding the Rotunda and imagine daily life in the ancient city. In addition to its architectural beauty, the church is also famous for having been the coronation site of various Bulgarian rulers over the centuries. Visitors can admire the details of the external facade which mixes Byzantine, Romanesque and Gothic elements.
National Archaeological Museum of Sofia
In addition to its extensive permanent collections, the museum regularly hosts temporary exhibitions that delve into specific historical themes, thus offering visitors a more detailed perspective on Bulgarian history and culture. The archaeological remains, visible in the external courtyard of the museum, add a unique element to the visit, allowing visitors to take a journey into the past from the origins of the city.
National Art Gallery in Sofia
The museum houses a rich collection of contemporary Bulgarian art that offers a fascinating glimpse into the local art scene. Temporary exhibitions range from thematic exhibitions to retrospectives of emerging contemporary artists, ensuring there is always something new to discover.
Statue of Saint Sophia (Sveta Sofia)
The statue of Hagia Sophia, located in the center of the city, is an icon of the city and its thousand-year history. It depicts the city's patron saint with a cross in her hand and is a tribute to the spirituality and Orthodox tradition of Bulgaria.
Vitosha Boulevard
This very famous street, in addition to its shops and restaurants, is also a showcase for the city's eclectic architecture thanks to its historic buildings that mix harmoniously with modern structures.
Banya Bashi Mosque
Sofia's Banya Bashi Mosque is an architectural jewel from the Ottoman era that enchants visitors with its beauty and historical significance. This mosque stands out for its elegant design and artistic details, which blend elements of Islamic architecture with local influences.
Ivan Vazov National Theater
The Ivan Vazov National Theatre, located in the heart of the city, is one of the most prestigious and historic theaters in Bulgaria. Hosting a variety of plays, operas, ballets and concerts – it is a vibrant place that celebrates Bulgarian art and culture. Its imposing neoclassical facade and sumptuous interior create a magical atmosphere that captures the imagination of spectators and transports them to a world of beauty and drama.
National Gallery Sofia (Kvadrat 500)
The National Gallery in Sofia, also known as Kvadrat 500, is a prominent cultural institution in the heart of the city. Thanks to its rich collection of over 2,000 works of art, it ranges from Italian Renaissance to contemporary Bulgarian art. Its spacious rooms offer an ideal setting to immerse yourself in the art of the classical masters and discover the fascinating panorama of modern art.
SUGGESTED ITINERARIES
Visiting this city at its best depends essentially on how long you have to fully enjoy it. Here is a solution based on the number of days available to you:
Day 1 - Sofia Completa - Google Maps
Extra - Boyana Church (by Car, Public Transportation or Taxi) - Google Maps
(By opening the Maps with Google, you can easily follow our path)
5 BEST EXCURSIONS from SOFIA
We advise you to book the best excursions here: Viator - Musement - Get Your Guide
Rila Monastery & Boyana Church
Plovdid & Koprvishtitsa
Skopje
Lovech & Krushunski Waterfalls
Veliko Tarnovo & Arbanasi
Click'n'Go - Click on Hotels, Restaurants, Bars & Clubs
to find them on the Map or visit their Website
WHERE TO SLEEP in SOFIA?
10 BEST GAY FRIENDLY HOTELS in SOFIA
Hotel Anel ****
Sofia Place Hotel by HMG *** ® Tested by World Mappers
WHERE TO EAT in SOFIA?
10 BEST RESTAURANTS in SOFIA Quality / Price
€€€ - Tenebris
€€€ - Shtastliveca - Vitosha Boulevard ® Tested by World Mappers €€ - DARO €€ - Restaurant "Staria Chinar" €€ - Hadjidraganov's Houses Restaurant ® Tested by World Mappers €€ - Hadjidraganov's Cellars €€ - Manastirska Magernitsa Restaurant ® Tested by World Mappers €€ - Moma Bulgarian Food and Wine ® Tested by World Mappers € - Loving Hut Sofia (Vegan Restaurant)
GAY NIGHTLIFE in SOFIA
BEST GAY PLACES, BARS & CLUBS in SOFIA
Club Essence (Gay Bar)
VAULT - The Next Level (Gay Club)
Club Barcode (Gay Bar) ® Tested by World Mappers
Garage Sauna (Gay Bar)
TRAVEL TIPS about SOFIA by World Mappers
Don't miss the Boyana Church in Sofia, an architectural and artistic marvel, located at the foot of Vitosha Mountain. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this Orthodox church is famous for its stunning medieval frescoes, considered among the finest examples of religious art in Bulgaria. It is certainly an unmissable stop for art and history enthusiasts who wish to immerse themselves in the fascinating cultural heritage of the city of Sofia.
Take a stroll around Borisova Gradina Park. In addition to its picturesque landscapes, the park offers a variety of recreational attractions, including sports fields, children's playgrounds, and nature trails. The lakes in the park also provide a peaceful refuge for local wildlife and an ideal place for a quiet afternoon of fishing or bird watching.
Explore the Central Market Hall (Tsentrali Hali). In addition to fresh, local produce, the market also offers a variety of restaurants and stalls serving traditional Bulgarian dishes such as banitsa and kyopolou. Visitors have the chance to enjoy local culinary delights while exploring the colorful stalls and interacting with friendly vendors. The market is also a great place to purchase unique souvenirs and handmade artisanal gifts that reflect traditional Bulgarian craftsmanship.
"SECRET SOFIA"
Unusual and Particular Places to See in Sofia
Outside the classic places to visit of the city, there is a "Secret Sofia" that has simply bewitched us. Here are the 5 Things and Places to See in Secret Sofia (and Surroundings):
The National Assembly of Bulgaria - The National Assembly of Bulgaria in Sofia is the hub of the country's legislative power. With its impressive neoclassical architecture, it represents the essence of Bulgarian democracy.
Snail House - in the Simeonovo district, one of the strangest houses is located. This is not a play park or an attraction, but a real house in the shape of a giant snail painted with the brightest colors we know.
Museum of Socialist Art - is an art museum that traces the history of the communist era in Bulgaria. It's not an easy place to understand or find, to begin with. We decide to take a taxi to reach it.
Monument of the Soviet Army - was built in 1954 to honor Soviet soldiers who died in the Bulgarian efforts during World War II, the Monument to the Soviet Army in Sofia has become a popular site of protest and vandalism resulting in the transformation of its figures into pop culture icons.
Necropolis of Sveta Sofia - beneath this Byzantine church lies a necropolis full of ancient tombs and remains of earlier churches.
GAY TOURS in SOFIA
Do you want to discover the city and enjoy one of Best Gay Tours in Sofia? We recommend the following local operator(s):
MyGayTour.com - Tour Operator offering tours and excursions dedicated to the LGBT+ community Worldwide. Special Tours and Gay & Lesbian Friendly Guides ready to make you discover the beauties of this destination.
5% Discount Code for MyGayTour Following The World Mappers "WORLD5"
Info & Booking: info@MyGayTour.com - Check all Prices here: www.MyGayTour.com
Sofia • Gay Friendly Tour & Ottomans' Secrets
Start you LGBT Friendly Tour of Sofia from St. Nedelya square and admire the beautiful church. Continue to St. Sofia Monument and to St. Petka Church. Enter the Square of Tolerance, take a look to the splendid Sofia Mosque (entrance fee included) and learn more about LGBT history during the Ottoman empire. Reach the central public bathhouse and discover the LGBT history of the Third Bulgarian Kingdom. Pass through the Ancient Serdica open-air museum, the Mausoleum and the National theater “Ivan Vazov”. Continue the history of the LGBT's rights during the Communist Bulgaria and Ludmila Zhivkova, to the modern legislation and social aspects of daily life. Walk to the Royal palace, Hagia Sophia church, St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral, the symbol of the city, and the monument of the Soviet Army where your tour will end.
Included:
* Gay or Lesbian Friendly Tour Guide for City Tour (3 hours)
* Entrance Fee - Alexander Nevski Cathedral
Sofia by Night • Gay Tour
Enjoy an enlightened Sofia and an amazing walking tour through Sofia's gay & lesbian bars and clubs to live on your skin the magic atmosphere and LGBT scene of the city. Enjoy your included drink (also alcohol free drink available) and own the night !
Included:
* Gay or Lesbian Tour Guide for Night Tour (2 hours)
* Aperitif in Gay Bar (1 Drink)
.jpg)
Comments