Under $100: Sofia

Exploring Sofia, Bulgaria is a cinch since all of the most important attractions are located right near the city center. You won’t even have to rent a car! It’s also fairly cheap, so you shouldn’t have much trouble making a day of it without spending more than $100.

Start off with breakfast at the Happy Bar & Grill, which serves a mix of European and American pastries and eggs in the morning. The meals here are a little pricey for Sofia standards, but the atmosphere and taste make up for it. Throw down $15 for a meal.

Alexander Nevsky Cathedral of Sofia © Cocoalex | Dreamstime

Afterwards, make your way to the National Assembly for a great sampling of the area’s traditional Neo-Renaissance style of architecture. In front you’ll find the Monument to the Tsar Liberator, Alexander II. It’s free to explore the grounds.

Then, walk around until you find the St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. It’s one of the largest Eastern Orthodox cathedrals on Earth and is dedicated to the Russian soldiers who lost their lives in the Russo-Turkish War.

For lunch, check out Skaptoburger. The burgers here are considered gourmet and the line is usually out the door, so expect a wait. Everything is good, but the El Chapo is particularly delicious. Expect to drop $10 to $15 here.

© Sergey Kan | Dreamstime

In the afternoon, you’ll want to check out the National Art Gallery, housed in the former royal palace of the first monarch of Bulgaria. Inside you’ll find some of the best historical and modern art Bulgaria has to offer. Depending on which branch of the museum you wish to explore, a ticket will cost $3–6.

Next, it’s time to check out the National Palace of Culture. This large exhibition center is a cultural hotspot in town and a gathering place for locals and tourists alike. It’s a great place to experience the city and get to know the people who live here. The events hosted here are sometimes free, sometimes expensive. Exploring the grounds, however, is free of charge.
Finally, for dinner you might want to try Made in Home. It serves a variety of European cuisine in a homey, vintage atmosphere with great customer service. The prices are high, so expect to spend around $30 for a meal.