Sofia, the extraordinary Bulgarian capital

With Sofia, you may not immediately think of a bustling metropolis such as Barcelona or New York. Yet the Bulgarian capital is not inferior to these cities, with an impressive historic center and the rolling contours of Mount Vitosha in the background. As a lively student city, the streets and parks here are buzzing with activity. Is your next business trip going to this surprisingly fascinating city? Then I, Maartje - Business Travel Consultant at Uniglobe Alliance Travel, am happy to share my experiences and tips for a productive and enjoyable stay in Sofia.

A flying start

Bulgaria Air offers daily direct flights from Schiphol Airport to Sofia, with a travel time of just 2.5 hours. There is also a daily flight back from Sofia to Amsterdam. From Brussels Zaventem, there are direct flights on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays. These also return to Zaventem on the same days.

There is 74 centimeters between standard Economy Class seats on Bulgaria Air. Prefer some extra legroom? Ask our Business Travel Consultants about emergency exit seating options. Bulgaria Air's Business Class offers extra comfort with priority boarding, an extra piece of checked baggage, access to the business lounge and extensive on-board catering.

For flexible travelers or Miles & More members, Lufthansa offers daily connections to Sofia, via Frankfurt or Munich. Travel time varies between 4 and 5 hours. Although Lufthansa does not offer Premium Economy class for this destination, we can help you reserve seats with extra legroom.

Relax at Sofia Airport

Although Sofia Airport is a relatively small airport without too much fuss, it still offers excellent facilities for business travelers. There are two business lounges that offer comfort and convenience during your stay at the airport.

Swissport Aspire Lounge

Located on the first floor (level 0), the Swissport Aspire lounge accommodates 167 guests. Here you can use free Wi-Fi, television, and enjoy a variety of food and beverage options. For Businessclass travelers, access to this lounge is free. Other travelers can gain access for a fee of €25. Payable in cash or by credit card.

VIP Lounge

In the west wing of Terminal 1, you will find the exclusive VIP lounge, consisting of two rooms with about 20 seats each. This lounge offers Internet, local and international newspapers and a selection of food and beverages. Access to the VIP lounge is accessible from both the arrival and departure halls. And an added bonus is that there is a dedicated VIP parking area. These VIP services are accessible upon request for a fee, where refreshments are included and you receive personal assistance from the parking lot to the aircraft.

Whether you choose the Swissport Aspire lounge or the VIP lounge, both offer a quiet and comfortable environment to relax or work before continuing your business trip.

Transportation from Sofia Airport

From Sofia Airport, it is about a half-hour drive to the city center. Although the metro and bus are convenient options, I personally prefer a cab or transfer. It is often possible to book a shuttle service with the hotel. Our Business Travel Consultant will be happy to arrange this for you. We can also assist in booking a rental car. There are several rental companies present at Sofia Airport, such as Avis and Hertz.

Comfortable and efficient Staying

Sofia offers an excellent selection of business hotels not inferior to other world cities. Well-known chains such as Best Western, Ibis, InterContinental, Ramada, Hyatt, Hilton and Metropolitan have locations here, all equipped with amenities tailored to the needs of business travelers. Some recommendations:

• Sofia Balkan Palace Hotel *****: An elegant hotel with a touch of stylish kitsch to match the atmosphere of the city.
• Grand Hotel Sofia *****: Offers impressive views of the city, within walking distance of the Ivan Vazov National Theater and the National Archaeological Museum.
• Les Fleurs Boutique Hotel ****: Located on the main street Vitosha Boulevard, with modern, comfortable rooms.

For those looking to stay near Sofia Airport, the Ibis Sofia Airport (3*) and Best Western Premier Sofia Airport Hotel (4*) are excellent choices, both just a half-hour drive from downtown.

Photos sources: Les Fleurs Boutique Hotel, Grand Hotel Sofia & Sofia Balkan Palace

Nazdrave! Cheers!

Bulgarian cuisine offers a tasty experience for any business traveler. It is a blend of Turkish, Greek and Russian cuisine. Don't be surprised if your Bulgarian business partner begins lunch or dinner with an extensive assortment of appetizers, as these are usually just as important (and tasty) as the main course. Enjoy dishes like bread with spicy garlic-aubergine dip and local lukanka sausage. Cheese lovers will enjoy the various local cheeses, such as siren. Also try the refreshing tarator soup and the delicious stews and hot soups. For a sweet ending, there is the tikvenik, a strudel with pumpkin filling. And to celebrate a great partnership, toast with a glass of rakiya (local brandy).

Discover the history of Sofia

Do you have some free time between meetings or visits? Then a city tour is an excellent way to explore Sofia. The city has a compact center where you can discover 2,000 years of history, from Greek and Roman ruins to imposing domed churches and monuments from Soviet times. During my work visit, I joined a free city tour organized by a nonprofit organization, guided by a volunteer student. This is a fun and educational way to explore the city, with meeting points at the Palace of Justice daily at 11:00, 14:00 and 18:00. If you only have more or less an hour of "free" time, that's no problem; you can hop on and off whenever you want. Find more information at: Free Sofia Tour.

After your work visit to atmospheric Sofia, you, like me, will surely make plans to return one day for a more extensive city break. Sofia offers a perfect blend of historical charm, modern facilities and culinary surprises that make any business trip a success.

Are you planning a business trip to Bulgaria? Then contact us and we are happy to help you realize a worry-free business trip to Sofia! Rather organize a group trip to this great city? Read more inspiration about your group trip to Sofia, Bansko & Plovdiv here.

Travel Well!

Maartje Martens 
Business Travel Consultant