Bulgaria

Cost of living

What a month costs

Sofia is one of the EU's cheapest capitals. The single and family figures are monthly living costs excluding rent. Groceries and utilities stay modest, though central rents have climbed fast.

The scores

How it rates for a moving family

See and do

Top 10 in Sofia

1. Alexander Nevsky CathedralThe huge gold-domed Orthodox cathedral that anchors the city centre.
2. Boyana ChurchA tiny medieval church with UNESCO-listed 13th-century frescoes, tucked at the foot of Vitosha.
3. Rotunda of St GeorgeA 4th-century red-brick rotunda, the oldest building in Sofia, hidden in a courtyard.
4. Serdica Roman ruinsExcavated Roman streets and walls set into the metro and pedestrian core.
5. St Sofia ChurchThe 6th-century basilica that gave the city its name.
6. Banya Bashi MosqueA working 16th-century Ottoman mosque beside the old mineral baths.
7. Ivan Vazov National TheatreA grand neoclassical theatre fronting one of the prettiest city gardens.
8. Vitosha BoulevardThe pedestrian shopping street with the mountain framed at its end.
9. National Palace of CultureA vast socialist-era congress hall, known as NDK, with a big fountain park out front.
10. Sofia History MuseumThe former Central Mineral Baths, a striped landmark now telling the city's story.

Where to go

Weekend escapes

1. Rila MonasteryA UNESCO-listed monastery with striped arcades, about two hours south in the Rila mountains.
2. PlovdivBulgaria's second city and one of Europe's oldest, with a Roman theatre, an easy 90-minute drive east.
3. BanskoThe country's top ski town under the Pirin peaks, big for winter runs and summer hiking.
4. Seven Rila LakesA chain of glacial lakes reached by chairlift and a steep hike, a classic summer day out.
5. KoprivshtitsaA preserved revival-era town of painted wooden houses, about 90 minutes into the hills.

Coffee

Best cafes

1. Dabov Specialty CoffeeA pioneering local roaster and one of the city's serious coffee addresses.
2. Fabrika DagaA well-known specialty spot with its own roast and a loyal weekday crowd.
3. Villa RosicheA garden tea house near the centre loved for homemade cakes.

Restaurants

Where to eat

1. Manastirska MagernitsaTraditional Bulgarian cooking based on old monastery recipes, a long-standing favourite.
2. Moma Bulgarian Food & WinePolished takes on regional classics with a strong local wine list.
3. Hadjidraganov's CellarsA folksy tavern of grilled meats and rakia in cellar-style rooms.
4. Made in HomeA cosy, popular kitchen doing hearty seasonal comfort food.
5. ShtastlivetsaA reliable all-day spot on Vitosha Boulevard for pasta, pizza and Bulgarian plates.
6. SkaptoburgerThe burger joint locals point you to for a casual, meaty lunch.

Morning

Best breakfast

1. Sun & MoonAn organic bakery and restaurant known for fresh bread and vegetarian mornings.
2. Made in HomeA busy brunch table for eggs, pancakes and good coffee.
3. Fabrika DagaStrong specialty coffee with light morning bites.
4. Villa RosicheCoffee and cake in a quiet garden setting to start the day slowly.