Sofia

Its symbol is the gold-domed Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, one of the largest Orthodox cathedrals in the world. Nearby are the 4th-century Rotunda of St George, hidden in a courtyard among government buildings, and the remains of ancient Serdica, still visible beneath the modern city. A short walk away, the Banya Bashi Mosque, the Sofia Synagogue and the Cathedral of St Joseph stand close together, a reminder of the city's many faiths.

For everyday life, stroll the busy Vitosha Boulevard, a pedestrian street of shops and cafés with the mountain as its backdrop, or relax in the City Garden in front of the neoclassical Ivan Vazov National Theatre. Just outside the city, the Boyana Church holds remarkable medieval frescoes and is a UNESCO site, while Vitosha itself offers forest trails and views back over the rooftops.

Sofia is where our All the Balkan Countries: A 16 Day Tour begins, with a city walk and a traditional dinner, and it is also a stop on the East Balkans: Albania to Romania in 14 Days tour, combined with the Seven Rila Lakes. From Sofia, Plovdiv, Veliko Tarnovo and the Rila Monastery are all within easy reach.

Sofia Airport lies on the eastern edge of the city and is linked to the centre by metro. Spring and early autumn are the most pleasant seasons for walking, while in winter snow often covers Vitosha above the city.

Gallery photos: acediscovery (CC BY 4.0), teodorpk (CC BY 2.0), Todor Bozhinov / Тодор Божинов (CC BY-SA 3.0), Stolichanin (CC BY-SA 4.0), Ivano Giambattista (CC0), Fiorenzo Fiorenza (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Wikimedia Commons