It’s never too early to plan your next trip! While the academic year may just have begun, many students find that their uni years mark a period of exploration and new adventures. Let your travels begin with this mini-break suggestion: 48 hours in the capital of Bulgaria, Sofia.  

Situated in the Balkans, Sofia is Bulgaria’s largest city and one of the oldest in Europe. Rich with history, it is also a modern and energetic city, clearly on the rise in Europe. While it is difficult to walk more than a few hundred yards in its city centre without bumping into some ancient structure, it is also easy to find good food and Instagram-ready spots.  

Most importantly of all a trip to Sofia is extremely student-budget friendly!  My February 2024 visit cost roughly £160 for two days, but it could easily be done for less. 

When planning your trip to Sofia, you will find it very easy to get a good deal. The priciest part of the trip will likely be your coach or train to Stansted airport from Norwich or UEA (roughly £40 for me). I scored a £30 flight to Sofia with Ryanair, having booked it during one of their frequent sales. While flight costs can vary considerably, with a little patience you can find deals in the same range of £30-40 roundtrip. Lastly, my travel partner and I split an AirBNB cost of £35 total for one night. Hostels can easily be found for £20 and a hotel in the centre can be found for around £50-60. Once you have arrived in Sofia you can take their underground from the airport to the city centre for around 70 pence. 

Looking for things to do is easy. Cheap activities can include visiting its famous cathedrals, joining a free walking tour, or taking the number 10 tram through its cobbled streets. As a history student, I naturally spent most of my time taking advantage of the generous student concession available across their museums. For .86 pence you can say hello to 10,000 years of history at their truly wonderful Regional History Museum, built in an old Ottoman-style bath house. A whip round the National Archaeology Museum is only another £1.36. Take a stroll through many of the Roman ruins for free or admire the architecture down Alexander Dondukpv Boulevard. A more expensive option which I very much recommend is spending £29.50 on a 6 hours tour bus which takes you through the countryside, with you being able to visit the dazzling Rila Monastary. Other excursions could include a hike through the Seven Rila Lakes or a visit to the hot spring thermal baths.  

To keep costs low, I purchased breakfast and lunch from a local grocery store. With a little research, a delicious dinner at a good price is guaranteed! I ate at Moma and would recommend it! Its mix of modern and traditional food seemed to be popular with both hungry tourists and local families sharing a meal. Three courses came out to £18. Be sure to try their national drink of rakkia, a 40% brandy which left a sting!  

Sofia may be less popular than other European capitals. Schenegen News reports only around 900,000 tourists visiting in 2022. However, like many places in eastern Europe, it is an underappreciated gem. For those who travel to experience new cultures or are looking for a student-friendly place go a weekend away, you will certainly not regret your time Bulgaria!  

Photo Credits: Jo Gisler