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Sofia,Bulgarias capital, has certainly seen a lot of change over its 7,000-year history.
Photo: Getty Images
However, its modern soul also shines through at every corner.
Sofia is now a major tech and start-up hub in Southeast Europe,drawing international attentionand talent.
Its quite eclectic and beautiful.
Photo: Courtesy of Ivan Shishiev / Sketches of Sofia
This duality that Bakalova references makes the citywhich sits at a cultural crossroadsso unique.
Here, find our tips for making the most of your stay in Bulgarias buzzy capital.
Nearby is the boutiqueSense Hotel, a member of Design Hotels, where Bakalova also likes to stay.
Photo: Courtesy of Ivan Shishiev / Sketches of Sofia
Several suites with private balconies and Vitosha mountain views are also available.
The five-star hotel welcomes guests to spacious rooms with king-sized beds, plush linens, and oversized windows.
Balkanski is a 31-year-old chef who honed his skills in Western Europe and San Francisco before returning to Bulgaria.
Photo: Courtesy of Sense Hotel
This year, he openedAriain a sleek glass building on a quiet street in downtown Sofia.
Cosmosis another award-winning favorite that serves contemporary Bulgarian cuisine.
The dining room has a rustic element to it, with plenty of wooden accents and exposed brick walls.
Photo: Courtesy of Junó Hotel
Komatis another modern eatery that has been racking accolades and awards since its 2023 opening.
I always find time forThe Beautecary, an elegant marketplace for upscale, clean beauty brands.
And if thats not enough, Brunello Cucinelli and Emporio Armanis stores are across the street.
Photo: Courtesy of IHG Hotels
And book lovers should not missMahala Bookstore, with a superb selection of hard-to-find English-language books and magazines.
Photo: Courtesy of MGallery
Photo: Courtesy of Aria
Photo: Getty Images
