Sofia, Bulgaria’s capital, is a city that blends history, culture, and modern life. We spent a few days exploring its streets before heading to Bansko for a world schooling ski school for the kids. We landed in Sofia and had missions to get ski gear, but we also wanted to enjoy the city. So we hit the city and did a mix of adventures. From navigating downtown protests to visiting unique museums and savoring delicious food, our time in Sofia was full of surprises. It’s a sweet city and feels safe and affordable for families cruise around.
Arriving in Sofia: First Impressions
Sofia welcomed us with its mix of old-world charm and modern energy. As we arrived, the city felt alive, with people bustling around and a backdrop of mountain views. We had a few days to explore before heading to Bansko for skiing, so we planned to make the most of our time here. The kids were excited, and so were we. Our first mission was practical—finding used ski equipment—but exploring Sofia’s sights was just as important.
Walking Through History: Downtown Sofia
We began our adventure downtown, where many of Sofia's government buildings stand tall. The area is full of history and impressive architecture that tells stories from Bulgaria's past. Walking through these streets felt like stepping into a living museum. The kids enjoyed running around while we admired the grand facades and historic details.
The vibe downtown is lively but not overwhelming. Locals go about their day while visitors take in the sights. It’s easy to get around on foot, which made it perfect for our family wanderings.
An Unexpected Protest Experience
While walking through downtown, we stumbled into something unexpected—a large protest. People were chanting loudly, holding signs, and marching in unison while police officers kept a close eye on the crowd. It turned out to be a demonstration against rising prices since Bulgaria joined the European Union. Seems the entire world is getting squeezed these days. When eggs and bread get too high, people take to the streets.
We didn’t plan to join the protest, but it happened to be on our way to the ski market. So there we were, walking alongside protesters in this tense yet peaceful moment. Despite all the noise and energy around us, we felt safe throughout it all.
This experience gave us an unfiltered glimpse into local life and current issues in Bulgaria. It wasn’t what we expected during our visit but added an interesting layer to our trip. It was peaceful as we passed through, but we heard that some violence erupted later in the day.
The Hunt for Ski Gear at the Market
Our main task in Sofia was finding affordable ski gear for our upcoming trip to Bansko. Luckily, there’s a used ski equipment market in town that sells everything from boots to skis at reasonable prices.
Reaching the market after navigating through downtown wasn’t too hard (even with detours due to protests). Once there, it was clear this place is popular among locals looking for good deals on winter sports gear.
The kids had fun trying on helmets and playing with ski poles while we browsed through options for everyone in the family. Prices were fair compared to buying new equipment elsewhere—a win for budget-conscious travelers like us!
The Rare Stones Museum: A Hidden Gem
One of the highlights of our trip to Sofia was a visit to the Earth and Man National Museum, which is renowned for its extensive collection of minerals, gems, and crystals. Established in 1987, the museum showcases minerals from 109 countries, featuring 1,523 distinct types out of the over 4,200 known worldwide. Visitors can explore exhibits highlighting minerals with exceptional crystals, rare colors, and unique formations.This museum boasts one of the largest collections of rare stones and gems in the world. It’s not your typical tourist stop, but it’s perfect for curious families! Percy has always loved crystals so for him this was a real treat.
Inside, we were amazed by the stunning colors and shapes of minerals from all over the world. The kids loved seeing crystals that sparkled under the lights and learning about how they formed millions of years ago. Each display had clear explanations, which made it easy for everyone to understand—even younger visitors.
The museum wasn’t crowded, so we could take our time exploring. It was a nice break from the busy streets outside. If you’re into geology or just looking for something unique in Sofia, this place is worth adding to your list.
Tasting Sofia: Food Stops You Shouldn’t Miss
No trip is complete without trying local food, and Sofia didn’t disappoint. Bulgarian cuisine is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for families with kids who love comfort food.
We stopped at a cozy restaurant downtown where we tried shopska salad, a simple mix of tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and cheese. It’s fresh and delicious—a must-try dish when you’re in Bulgaria. The kids enjoyed some grilled meat skewers called kebapche, which were tender and full of flavor.
For dessert, we couldn’t resist ordering banitsa, a traditional pastry made with layers of dough and cheese filling. It was warm, flaky, and absolutely addictive! Everyone at the table agreed it was their favorite treat from Sofia.
Another great thing about dining in Sofia? Prices are very reasonable compared to other European capitals. We ate well without worrying about breaking our budget.
Goodbye, Sofia: Reflections on Our Visit
Our time in Sofia flew by quickly but left us with lasting memories. The city surprised us with its mix of history, culture, gems, crystals and some good old fashion social unrest. As this last year becoming a world schooling family. Sofia was a true Gem to visit.
Sofia may not be as famous as Paris or Rome, but it has its own charm that makes it special. It’s family-friendly, sure some people are a bit grumpy, but everyone is actually pretty nice!
Now it’s time to pack up for our ski adventure in Bansko! Mom is scared about being too cold up in the mountains so there are too many sweaters to pack 😜
