Sofia City Guide
Sofia is Bulgaria's capital and largest city — population 1.24M (city) / 1.55M (metro) — and one of Europe's oldest continuously inhabited capitals (Thracian origins ~7000 BC). The city sits at the foot of Vitosha Mountain (2,290m) with a layered Roman + Byzantine + Ottoman + Soviet-era + post-1989 modern cityscape. Sofia hosts Bulgaria's government, central bank, the rapidly-growing technology cluster (Sofia Tech Park), and the country's professional-services + financial-services + manufacturing employment core. Average residential property prices reached €2,400/m² by January 2026 — roughly 60% cheaper than Lisbon at €5,500+/m². With Bulgaria's January 2026 Eurozone accession + 2024 Schengen membership + 2007 EU accession, Sofia is now a fully-integrated European capital at the EU's most affordable price point.
Figures are indicative and subject to change. Regulations, taxes and market conditions vary by jurisdiction. Do your own due diligence and seek independent legal and financial advice.
