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Cities

Sofia
Sofia, Bulgaria's capital and largest city, has grand old buildings, modern shopping boulevards and intimate narrow back streets. The city center is dotted with Roman ruins and spectacular sights like the gold-domed Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. Sofia is the hub of Bulgarian cultural life, with inexpensive concerts, operas, cinema and theatre year round. The pub and restaurant scene is as vibrant here as in any of the other emerging central European capitals. Vitosha Mountain towers above the south of the city. It's a breathtaking day trip (by car, chair-lift, bus or on foot) for hiking, mountain biking, or just to sit with a coffee and enjoy the view of the city.

Plovdiv
Plovdiv's main attraction is the beautiful Old Town, set on three hills with its cobbled pavements and 19th century National Revival-style houses. A dramatic 2nd century Roman amphitheatre, uncovered by a freak landslide in 1972, stands at its southern edge. During the summer months, the amphitheatre hosts open-air operas and classical concerts. A fabulous, pedestrian-only street runs through the centre of the modern town below. Lined with cafes, restaurants and trendy shops, it's the #1 place in town to people watch or window shop.

Koprivshtitsa
Nestled in the heart of the Sredna Gora Mountains, the town of Koprivshtitsa played a key role in the great uprising against Ottoman rule at the end of the 19th century. A number of renowned Bulgarians were born here. Their homes have been preserved as museum houses and six of these can be visited on a wander through its cobbled streets. Many of the lovely old houses are now small, family-run hotels and restaurants. The restaurants are Bulgarian tavern style and serve traditional Bulgarian home cooking. Every five years Koprivshtitsa plays host to one of the biggest folk festivals in the Balkan region. (Next one is in 2005.)