Hi everyone,
I'm considering visiting Budapest or Sofia for the first time over the 30 Dec - 1 Jan.
I'm not interested in clubbing, shopping or large busy cities (I live in London). I am interested in architecture, villages, culture, museums, food, small local bars and the outdoors.
I'm wondering which one might be more suitable for me? I haven't heard of many people visiting Sofia.
Thanks
I prefer Budapest over Sofia, certainly in terms of sights, architecture and food however it is a lot busier and larger than Sofia. For the brief period you're planning on going then Sofia might fit your preferences better.
I agree exactly with JC, for the things you're interested in, and between the two, I'd say Budapest. But for a smaller city, Sofia will still have plenty to keep you busy.
I do wonder whether museums will be open on the 31st and 1st.
I just checked the National (art) Gallery in Sofia:
https://nationalgallery.bg/visiting/the-palace/
"THE NATIONAL GALLERY WILL BE CLOSED FOR VISITING ON 24, 25, 26, 27 and 31 December 2023, and on 1 January 2024."
I would think this would be similar to closures for most museums in most cities.
I would suggest making restaurant reservations ASAP, including for the 30th, which falls on a Saturday. Places I enjoyed in Sofia were booked up weeks in advance in May. And they will likely be limited to their indoor seating areas.
Either works. Look at flights, hotels, maybe NYE hotel dinner/party .... they can be nice. This late it's dependent on where you can get in. But in Budapest a lot of restaurants, bath houses, cafes etc will be open. Sofia I don't know as I have never been there on a holiday weekend. But maybe the same?
