First Time In The Balkans: BULGARIA

I’m on ammission to visit every European country. I finally set foot for the first time in the Balkans, starting with Bulgaria. Together with my best friend Samuele and zero planning involved, we landed in Sofia. No itinerary, no expectations just pure curiosity.

The journey began the moment we stepped off the plane. Sofia’s metro system? Efficient and ridiculously cheap just 0.80 cents. If only all European capitals were this affordable!

We were becoming hungry so we decided to find real Bulgarian cuisine. After wandering through the streets, we stumbled upon a restaurant that just felt right. You know the kind of warm lighting, rustic vibe, and delicious aroma of grilled meat. We took our chance, and Bulgaria rewarded us with beef moussaka, homemade mature beef sujuk, and kachamak. All I can say is that it was absolutely delicious. If this was our welcome meal, we were in for a treat.

Fueled by food, we made our way to the Archaeological Museum. Fun fact, it’s housed in the oldest and largest former Ottoman mosque in the city. Founded in 1893 by a Czech archaeologist. Shoutout to Václav Dobruský, the OG of Bulgarian archaeology. The museum artifacts date from 1,600,000 BC to 1,600 BC. That’s not just history. That’s a time machine.

Exploring Rayon Sredets felt like stepping into an open-air museum. Beautiful buildings, intricate facades that made us pause every few steps. Just when we thought we’d seen it all, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral appeared in front of us. I’ve seen a lot of cathedrals, but this one is absolutely breathtaking. We stood in awe, absorbing its grandeur. When we stepped in I was a little shocked. There were no benches. Unlike the Christian churches I was used to, in Orthodox churches you stand during service. A simple difference, but one that made me realize how much I still have to learn about different cultures and religions. That’s what I love about traveling it humbles you in the best way possible.

The next day, we set out for the National Museum of History. It’s located at the base of Vitosha Mountain, just 10 km from the city center. Our plan? Dive into Bulgaria’s rich past. Reality? The museum was closed for unknown reasons. Classic travel moment.

Still, it wasn’t a wasted trip. Wandering through Sofia’s outskirts gave us an insight beyond the touristy center. Something I always appreciate when visiting a new city. We also swung by the National Palace of Culture, an imposing Soviet-style building.

As we explored Sofia in the evening, we stumbled upon the National Opera and Ballet. Although we couldn’t go inside, the building itself was stunning under the city lights. There’s something magical about seeing grand architecture at night.

Sofia caught us off guard in the best way possible. The food, the people, the stunning architecture, it was all a pleasant surprise. It’s one of those places that doesn’t always make the top of travel lists, but should. Bulgaria, you’ve won me over. And as I continue my journey across Europe, one thing is certain. I’ll be back!