Sofia

Nestled at the foot of Vitosha Mountain, Sofia is one of Europe's oldest cities, with a history stretching back over seven thousand years. Bulgaria's capital blends Roman ruins, Ottoman-era mosques, and Soviet-era architecture with a modern, fast-growing metropolis of parks, cafés, and tech startups. Despite its ancient roots, Sofia has one of the most efficient and affordable public transport networks in the region: a modern metro system connects the city center to the airport and outlying districts, while an extensive web of trams, trolleybuses, and buses makes getting around easy without a car. Whether you're here to explore Byzantine churches, hike Vitosha's trails within an hour of downtown, or simply enjoy a slower pace of European city life, Sofia offers a rare mix of history, nature, and convenience.