Travel Guide

Zagreb

2011-12-25T22:07:00.000Z

Zagreb is a city in Central Croatia and the capital of Croatia.

[edit] Understand

Zagreb is a vibrant city of around 800,000 people (metropolitan area: 1,200,000). The city boasts a charming medieval 'old city' with architecture and cobbled streets reminiscent of Vienna, Budapest, Prague and other Central-European capitals. In 2005 it was visited by over half a million tourists, mainly from Austria, Germany and Italy.

[edit] Get in

[edit] By plane

Zagreb International Airport [1] (IATA: ZAG) (ICAO: LDZA), is located 17km south-east from the city center in the district of Pleso.

Croatia Airlines, [2], the national carrier and member of Star Alliance, flies to Amsterdam, Athens, Barcelona, Brussels, Copenhagen, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Gothenburg, London, Madrid, Moscow, Munich, Paris, Podgorica, Pristina, Tel Aviv, Rome, Sarajevo, Skopje, Vienna, Zurich. Domestically, Croatia Airlines operates numerous flights to Split, Dubrovnik, Zadar, Osijek (seasonal) and Pula.
THY-Turkish Air Lines [3] flies to/from Istanbul daily
Lufthansa [4] flies several times a day to Munich and Frankfurt, and low-cost carrier German Wings [5] flies to and from Cologne, Stuttgart, Hamburg and Berlin (Schönefeld).
Austrian [6] operates many flights to Vienna each day.
CSA Czech Airlines [7] flies from Prague to Zagreb all year round.
TAP Portugal [8] flies from Zagreb to Lisbon three times a week (Wednesdays, Fridays, Sundays) via Bologna in Italy.
Wizz Air [9] flies between Zagreb and London (Luton Airport).
Iberia [10] operates flights to Madrid from Summer 2009.
SAS [11] operates flights to Stockholm. - but this service is currently suspended since mid-2009
BH Airlines [12] connects Sarajevo and Mostar with Zagreb.
Air France [13] operates flights to Paris (Charles de Galle)
Aeroflot [14] flies to Moscow.
MALEV [15], the Hungarian national carrier, flies 3 times daily to Budapest
Spanair [16], operates direct flights to Barcelona from Summer 2010.
EasyJet [17], has direct flights from Dortmund, London Gatwick

Neighboring airports in Rijeka, Ljubljana, Graz, Klagenfurt and Trieste are serviced by low-cost carriers and are often a viable alternative to travelling directly to Zagreb. EasyJet [18] flies to Rijeka, Ljubljana and Ryan Air [19] flies to Pula,Graz and Klagenfurt.
There is a bus link between the airport (Zračna luka) and the bus station (Autobusni kolodvor) in Zagreb. A single (one-way) ticket costs 30 kuna (~ 4,2 Euro). The bus leaves the airport at 7AM and every thirty minutes between 8AM and 8PM. Between the last regular bus at 8PM and the first one at 7AM the next morning, there is a bus leaving for the bus station every time a Croatia Airlines plane lands. [20], car renting information.
The bus line between the bus station and the airport is slightly more complicated. Full details are available in English from [21]. The buses are located at the edge (facing city center) of the bus station. You'll see "croatia airlines" and "eurolines" written on that part of the building.

[edit] By train

Glavni kolodvor - Zagreb's Main Railway Station

Zagreb is a railway hub which has direct services to major European cities such as Vienna (6 hours), Budapest, Zurich, Munich, Berlin, Salzburg, Venice, Ljubljana, Sarajevo(one-way ticket costs 59BAM), Thessalonika, Belgrade as well as domestic services to all major towns (except Dubrovnik). There is also an all-year-round overnight train (with sleeping compartments) between Zagreb and Split.
Rail travel times within Croatia have been made competitive with car travel in many instances with new 160kph “tilting trains” connecting Zagreb with Split and other major cities in Croatia such as Varaždin, Osijek and Požega. If you make a reservation early enough you can get a substantial discount.
Tourists coming from or going to neighbouring capitals should note the following EuroCity and InterCity railway lines:

EC "Mimara": Frankfurt - Heidelberg - Stuttgart - Munich - Salzburg - Ljubljana - Zagreb
EC "Croatia": Vienna - Maribor - Zagreb
IC "Kvarner": Budapest - Zagreb
EN "Venezia": Budapest - Zagreb - Ljubljana - Venice
B "Lisinski": Munich - Salzburg - Ljubljana - Zagreb
B "Zürichsee": Zurich - Innsbruck - Ljubljana - Zagreb - Belgrade
EC "Sava": Munich - Salzburg - Ljubljana - Zagreb - Belgrade

Most services are operated by the Croatian Railways [22], whose schedules are also available on the internet in English.

[edit] By car

Almost all highways (motorway; autocesta in Croatian) in Croatia start or end in Zagreb.
Travellers from Vienna can pass by Graz and Maribor and then take the A2 highway upon entering Croatia. Mind the toll in Slovenia.
Travellers from Budapest can pass by Székesfehérvár and then use the Croatian A4 motorway. It also connects Varaždin.
Travellers heading from Serbia, Bulgaria, Macedonia, Greece and Turkey can use the Croatian A3 motorway to reach Zagreb.
Travellers heading from Ljubljana can use the A3.
Travellers coming from the west - Italy, as well as Rijeka or Istria - can use the A7 motorway (near and bypassing Rijeka), A6 motorway (Rijeka-Bosiljevo) and then the A1 (Bosiljevo-Zagreb).
Those travelling from Italy can bypass the expensive motorway toll in Slovenia by using the state route SS21 through Trieste, route E61 through Slovenia (in a bad shape) and then A7 south to Rijeka, then Rijeka bypass, then A6 east to Bosiljevo and A1 northeast to Zagreb.
Travellers heading from the south - Dalmatian coast (Zadar, Split, Dubrovnik, ...) or from Montenegro - can use the A1 highway, often combined with the state roads D8 (by the coastline) and D1 (through the hinterland).
To use highways in Croatia you must pay a toll either in Croatian national currency, the Kuna, or in Euro. One may also pay by credit card- American Express, Diners, Master Card, Maestro or Visa cards. A third option is to use the HAC Smart Card, which can reduce the cost of travelling on the Croatian highways by 10-25%. It is issued by Hrvatske Autoceste [23], but pays off only if travelling more than 500 km (that's a return trip Zagreb-Zadar or Zagreb-Serbia) or 250 km for a seasonal Smart Card (a return trip Zagreb-Rijeka or two return trips to Zagreb from Austrian border). You can find a toll calculator here (click Calculator on the left navigation bar).

[edit] By bus

The central bus station (Autobusni Kolodvor) is located to the south-east of the railway station - approximately 10 minutes walk, or 3 stops by tram (lines 2 and 6). Timetable information and prices can be found on the AKZ website [24].
Numerous Croatian and International coach operators maintain scheduled lines covering all major domestic and European cities, as far as London, Paris, Rotterdam and Amsterdam, numerous cities in Germany, Belgium, Switzerland, Italy, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Slovenia, Hungary, many destinations in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, and Macedonia.

[edit] Get around

Zagreb Tram

Zagreb has a well-developed and efficient public transport system that consists of trams, buses and trains. The tram network (route map [25]) operates 24 hours a day - from 4AM to 12AM there are 15 "day-time lines" (tram lines 1-9, 11-15 and 17), and from 12AM to 4AM there are 4 "night" lines (tram lines 31-34) which cover most of the day-time lines on a reduced (around 30-40 minute) frequency. Occasionally, buses replace trams on night lines. Tram line 3 does not operate Saturdays, Sundays and on public holidays. There are maps of the tram lines on almost every stop, so if you know the nearest stop to your destination you can simply figure out the shortest trip while you're at the stop.
As for the buses, there are 113 day-time and 4 night lines. ZET buses cover the area outside the city center, as well as some neighboring towns that administratively belong to Zagreb county. The buses use the same ticketing system as the trams.
A historic funicular railway (uspinjača in Croatian), one of the steepest in the world, operates between the lower and upper towns. Monthly, daily as well as single tram/bus ticket can be used, otherwise there is a small fee for a ride.
The price of a single one-zone ticket valid for 1.5 hours is 8 Kunas (~ 1.1€) when bought from a newspaper stand or ZET ticket office or 10 kn (~ 1.3€) when bought from the tram or bus driver. It can only be paid in local currency Kuna. There is also a 24 hours ticket (dnevna karta) available at 25 Kuna (~ 3.5 €). Buy a ticket and punch it (insert it) in the little orange machine once you enter to validate. All single tickets are transfer tickets valid in multiple vehicles traveling in a single direction, so you won't need a new ticket when switching trams and/or buses. Tariff zone system exists, but only for townships and communities outside of Zagreb city limits, all trams are in zone 1, as well as buses in the City of Zagreb. If you plan on taking more than two rides, buy a daily ticket.
Trains operated by Croatian Railways [26] (Hrvatske Željeznice) run every 15 minutes from east to west, connecting the suburbs of Zagreb with the central railway station. They are usually the quickest form of transport for those coming from the areas of Zagreb far from the railway station (Glavni kolodvor), or beyond the tram network.

[edit] Taxi

Whether you arrive in Zagreb by airplane or train and you need transportation to your final destination (hotel, apartment or private accommodation) you can use taxi service by calling 060800800. Taxi usually comes within 10 to 15 minutes from the call except in busy summer season where it depends on how much business they have. (Croatia area codes). You can also book online your transportation which is great when you are in a hurry or have a larger number of people in need of transportation, or you just want everything organized in advance. Zagreb airport transfer [27] has tariffs, service details and you can make bookings.
Zagreb's taxis are plentiful, as they are among the most expensive in the world (due to the monopolistic position of the taxi drivers' union[28]. Starting rates as of June 2005 are fixed at 19 kn (~2,5 €), the price per kilometer is 7 kn/km (~0.95 €/km), waiting by the hour is 50 kn/h (~6,8 €/h) and an additional fee for luggage is charged (3 kn per piece (0,4 € per piece of luggage)). Bear in mind that all the rates go up 20% from 10 PM to 5 AM (Mon-Sat) and during Sundays and national holidays (the whole day). Taxis are readily available at the Pleso international airport and offer a ride to the city center at a fixed rate of 150 kn (~21 €). Taxis are obliged to have their taxi-meter on and you won't fare well if you try to bargain.
Their monopolistic position has recently been challenged. Taxi Cammeo, a new competitor, is an alternative to Radio Taxi, with prices way below Radio Taxi's. Starting rate is HRK 15 (about 2€) and includes 2 free kilometres. The price for every next kilometre is 5 HRK (0,7€). Due to regulations, they are not able to pick up customers at the Pleso Airport. To order a cammeo taxi call 1212, wait 1 minute, tell the adress and a cab will come in less than 10 min. Taxi Cammeo is the cheapest taxi in Zagreb and a local favorite.
As of October 2011. a third taxi company started operating in zagreb -Oryx. Their Number is 1888 and come within 10 minutes. They are slightly more expensive than Cammeo but are cheaper than Radio Taxi. Call them if Cammeo is unavailable.

[edit] Zagreb Card

Travelers who are staying for several days should consider buying the Zagreb Card [29]. The card offers unlimited travel on public transport in Zagreb, discounts at virtually all of the city’s museums, reduced prices at many restaurants, shops, and service providers and many other concessions. It costs 90 kuna (approx. 12 euros) and is valid for 72 hours from the date and time entered on the card. Holders of the card also receive a special booklet with a list of all of the establishments and the discounts available to them. The card can be purchased at any of Zagreb's Tourist Information Centers and at the reception desks of the majority of Zagreb’s hotels.

[edit][add listing] See

[edit] The Upper and Lower Towns

Gornji grad, (Upper Town) and Donji grad (Lower Town) are the cultural, religious, and commercial hubs of Zagreb. These are where most of the restaurants, bars and tourist sights are located. The Upper Town, which is the medieval core of the city, developed as two separate (and often warring) towns - Kaptol, the seat of the Bishop (where the imposing Cathedral now stands), and Gradec, the free town where tradesmen and artisans lived (proclaimed by King Bela of Hungary in the 12th century) merged in the 1770s to form the northern section of historic Zagreb. Following this, the city expanded south of today's Trg Bana Josipa Jelacica (Jelacic Square) to the railway station and the Sava River.

Old Town Gate, at the top of Radićeva street (Upper Town). now a shrine to virgin Mary - the "Kamenita vrata" where you can light a candle and, as the locals believe, your wish will be granted. Please be silent, even if just passing through the Gate. The portrait of Mary is said to be sacred, because it is the only thing that survived the large fire. Near the Old Town Gate is the sculpture of St. George having slain the dragon. The other statue, him fighting the dragon, is located on the Marshal Tito's Square near the Croatian National Theatre. edit

Strossmayer šetalište. (eng. Strossmayer's walkway) In the summer, it is an outdoor scene for painters, musicians and other artists offering food, drinks, performances and concerts. Popular meeting place for all ages, with a great view of the Lower Town. edit

[edit] Parks

Maksimir Park & Zagreb Zoo, (tram #7 if you are coming from the Central Bus Station or trams #11 and #12 from the main square or the #4 of your coming from the railway station). The biggest park in Zagreb. Great place to chill out, drink coffee, eat lunch (picnic or at the park's restaurant) or take nice long walks through the forest or by the small lakes. Good for joggers, cyclists, also child and dog friendly. Offers lake rowing. The 85-year old zoo has red pandas. edit

Other city parks are connected in the "Lenuci Horseshoe", an unfinished project of combining small green squares and parks at the core of the center of the town.

Zrinjevac Park, (just south - east of the main square). the park of the Academy (connecting the Zrinjevac and Tomislav parks). edit

King Tomislav square, (south of Zrinjevac, just outside the main Train Station). edit

Botanical Gardens, (south of the K. Tomislav Square, near the Hotel Esplanade). edit

Mažuranić square. edit

Square of Maršal Tito, (the green square sorrounding the National Theatre). edit

[edit] Lakes

Zagreb has two very popular lakes:

Jarun, (at the south part of the city. Tram #5 or #17), [30]. Jarun Lake is a recreational area based around a large lake where locals go to relax, exercise - and party! The centerpiece of the area is the actual lake itself, which is used for windsurfing and has a large rowing section with spectator stands. There are also shingle beaches surrounding the water, alongside which are several bars that get very busy during the weekends but are also nice for a sunny lunchtime snack. All the bars there are considered 'fancy' places and usually play commercial music. edit

Bundek. hosts horticultural shows, firework festivals, workshops, concerts and music festivals (mostly during the summer). edit

[edit] Museums

Most museums and historical sights close at 1PM on Sundays and do not reopen until Tuesday.

Mimara Museum, Westin Hotel and Cibona Tower

Muzej Mimara (Mimara Museum), Trg Franklina Delanoa Roosevelta 5, (mimara@mimara.hr). Tue-Wed,Fri-Sat 10am-5pm; Thu 10am-7pm; Sun 10am-2pm. Houses some 3,700 works of art donated by Ante Topić Mimara. The collection comprises more than 1,500 exhibits dating from the prehistoric period up to the 20th century. Some of the most famous exhibits include works by Lorenzetti, Raffaello, Giorgione, Veronese, Caravaggio, Canaletto, 60 paintings by the Dutch masters Rembrandt, Van Goyen, Ruisdael, 50 works by the Flemish masters Van der Weyden, Bosch, Rubens, Van Dyck, more than 30 by the Spanish masters Velasquez, Murillo, Goya, some 20 paintings by the German masters Holbein, Liebermann, Leibl, some 30 paintings by the English painters Gainsborough, Turner, Bonington and more than 120 paintings by the French masters Georges de la Tour, Boucher, Chardin, Delacroix, Corot, Manet, Renoir, Degas. edit

Archaeological Museum

Arheološki Muzej (Archaeological Museum), Trg Nikole Šubića Zrinskog 19, [31]. Possesses over 400,000 objects, not all of them being exhibited. The holdings include evidence of Croatian presence in this area as well as rare samples which have made the museum known to the whole world. The most famous are the Egyptian collection, the Zagreb mummy and bandages with the oldest Etruscan inscription in the world (Liber Linteus Zagrabiensis), as well as the numismatic collection. A part of the museum is set aside for the collection of stone monuments dating back predominantly to the Roman period. edit

Muzej Suvremene Umjetnosti (Museum of Contemporary Art), Avenija Dubrovnik 17, [32]. Follows and presents contemporary trends in fine arts. 30 kuna. edit

Klovićevi Dvori, Jezuitski trg 4, [33]. introduces Croatian and foreign cultural and artistic heritage. edit

Umjetnički Paviljon (Art Pavilion), Trg Kralja Tomislava 22, [34]. Designed by by famous Viennese designers of theatres in Central Europe Hellmer and Fellmer. A neo-classical exhibition complex and one of the landmarks of the city center. The exhibitions are also held in the impressive Meštrović pavillion on Trg žrtava fašizma. edit

Hrvatski Muzej Naivne Umjetnosti (Croatian Museum of Naïve Art), Sv. Ćirila i Metoda 3, [35]. Houses more than one thousand works belonging to Croatian naïve art. edit

Moderna Galerija (Modern Gallery), Hebrangova 1, [36]. Comprises all relevant fine artists of the 19th and 20th centuries. edit

Museum of Broken Relationships (Muzej prekinutih veza), Sv. Ćirila i Metoda 2, ☎ +38514851021 (info@brokenships.com), [37]. every day from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. (from october 1st to may 31st), during summer time from 9 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. (from june 1st to september 30th). What remains after a break-up? Museum's permanent display is an opportunity to experience a unique emotional journey through dozens of love leftovers collected from all around the world. Museum is also the winner of Kenneth Hudson Award 2011 for the most innovative museum in Europe. edit

People and Art House Lauba (Kuća za ljude i umjetnost Lauba), Prilaz baruna Filipovića 23a, [38]. Every day from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m.. Presents works from the Filip Trade Collection, a large private collection of modern and contemporary Croatian art and current artistic production. edit

[edit] Mirogoj

Entrance to Mirogoj cemetery

Mirogoj is the central cemetery of Zagreb. It was opened in 1876 north of the city center. The mortuary, the impressive and picturesque arcades with the church of Christ the King (architect H. Bollé, 1883-1914) make it one of the most impressive cemeteries in the world. Here stand the tombs of notable personalities (including that of basketball hero Drazen Petrovic) who are relevant to Croatian history. To arrive from the central square, go to the near-by Cathedral and take bus number 106 (Kaptol - Mirogoj - Krematorij). The ride takes approximately 10 minutes. Note: the Croatian Day of the Dead is on November 1st. You may find the sight of hundreds of thousands of candles after nightfall impressive and worth seeing, but you may take note that on that day and a few preceding and following days the cemetery will be very busy and quite different from usual peaceful appearance; on those days buses to the cemetery are very frequent but crowded.

[edit] Medvenica and Medvedgrad

The imposing mountain overlooking Zagreb (Medvednica) contains a preserved fortress (Medvedgrad) and fascinating views of the city. Being respectful in the fort is a good idea, since it is the site of the Altar of the Homeland memorial, dedicated to Croatian soldiers who died in the Homeland war. There are several historical festivals during the year, including knights tournaments.
The gree jewel of a mountain Medvednica is over 1000m high covers a large area with many excellent hiking and biking routes. Since Zagreb is at roughly 120 m, it is quite a climb.
There are many small restaurants, mountain grills and cafes at the top of the mountain, open until early evening. In the early and late summer it can be crowded in places, especially on weekends.
It is possible to take the bus up to the top, Sljeme, from the end of the Tram system at Mihaljevac. This bus replaces the gondola, although there are allegations that this will eventually be rebuilt. The bus takes a circular route and comes back to the same place. It take about 30 minutes up, less coming down. Many other buses serve small villages at the foot of the mountain where the mountain paths start/stop.

[edit][add listing] Do

Snow Queen Trophy: Ladies Night Slalom [39]: Zagreb is the only capital in the world that hosts a Ski World Cup race. The slalom event - known as the "Snow Queen Trophy" (Snjezna kraljica) - usually takes place in January. It is the most expensive race on the women's world cup tour and an exceptionally popular sporting event in Croatia that attracts a crowd of around 25 thousand people. As of 2007 best skiers in men's competition are also expected to compete on Mount Sljeme that overlooks the city. If you fail to secure your ticket, you can watch the whole event on a giant screen in the Ban Jelacic Square.

[edit] Cinemas

Most English-language movies are subtitled, not dubbed; only children's movies are dubbed.
A ticket will cost you 20-33 HRK (2,7-4,4€)
About 30 HRK is the combined price of a medium popcorn and cola.

CineStar Zagreb, Branimirova 29; ticket reservation +385 1 46-86-600, [40]. A multiplex cinema (13 screens) in the vicinity of the Sheraton Hotel. The website is in Croatian, but can be understood using a Croatian-English online dictionary.
CineStar Novi Zagreb, Avenue Mall, Avenija Dubrovnik 16. [41]. A multiplex cinema (9 screens) in the vicinity of the Museum of Contemporary Art.
CineStar Arena IMAX (the only IMAX movie theatre in Croatia), Lanište 32 (west from Arena Zagreb). Located in a large mall.
Movieplex, Nova Ves 11; +385 1 48 60 777, [42]. A multiplex cinema (5 screens) within the Kaptol Shopping Center situated to the north of the Cathedral.
Kino Europa, Varšavska 3. - this cinema is located in the city center.
Kino Croatia, Katančićeva 3; +385 1 48-13-711.
Kino Jadran, Ilica 42; 062-100-100 (within Croatia).
Kino Central, Petrinjska 4; 062-100-100 (within Croatia).

Kino Tuškanac, [43]. Showing more than just European filmography, alternative and older films, sometimes for free, usually costs about 10 HRK (1.5€)

[edit] Learn

The University of Zagreb combined with the Croatian Heritage Foundation Matica Hrvatska offers comprehensive Croatian language courses for foreigners. The courses occur in the fall and spring semesters along with an intensive one month course in July. All courses cost around 600 Euro. More information can be found by visiting the University's website.
Many universities in Croatia accept a small group as international students every year, who stay in dorms and learn Croatian.
FER (Fakultet elektrotehnike i računarstva, trans. Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computing) is a globally-appreciated school of computer related learning. It is part of the University of Zagreb and accepts around ten international students a year.

[edit] Work

For creative types, Croatia is occupied by some street performers and many stands selling jewelery or other hand-crafted products, so the populace has an open mind to casually buying things from an interesting stand near the main square or dropping a few coins into a musician's case.

[edit][add listing] Buy

There are many small grocery stores around Croatia such as Konzum and Diona. There you can buy most necessary foods, hygiene products and items like cigarettes and alcohol. If you have a more specific need (like appliances, cutlery) or wish to go bulk shopping then try one of the larger Konzums, Kaufland or Mercator. Bread in Croatia is sold unsliced and is generally inedible after the second day of life, so if you don't eat bread much then ask for half a loaf "pola". Most brands that you likely know from home, like Nutella or M&M's, can be found in the larger stores but are rather expensive. Trying a domestic alternative or knock-off is not a bad idea.
Zagreb also has designated areas, the singular being a "platz", where you can buy and barter for clothes and shoes as well as perfume, chocolate and souvenirs. Illegally imported cigarettes are also often sold for cheap there (because of high importation taxes).

[edit] Souvenirs

Turistički Informativni Centar, Trg bana Josipa Jelačića 11 (in the central squar). Sells everything ranging from postcards and books to pottery and crystal edit

GEA Gallery, Radićeva Street 35. a wide range of souvenirs that are handmade in Croatia and are very reasonably priced. Very knowledgeable staff. edit

Millennium, Radiceva 9 (off Jelacic square). Pottery, crystal, costume jewelery, and other gifts. edit

[edit] Foreign books

Algoritam, Gajeva 1, [44]. edit

Profil Megastore, Bogovićeva 7. edit

[edit][add listing] Eat

Tobacco smoking is banned in all enclosed public spaces, including restaurants and some (but not all) bars and cafes. The smaller bars / cafes could opt (and some did) to allow smoking.

[edit] Budget

There are many take out, pizza-cut, sandwich bars and fast foods arround the city. Most are located in the city center (main square - Ban Jelačić and sorrounding blocks). There are also food chains such as the "McDonalds", "Daily Fresh", "Mlinar", "Pan Pek", and the preferred "Dubravica". Sandwich prices around the city varies from 10 to 20 kuna. You can also find many kebabs and pancake-to-go places.

American Doughnut, Teslina street. A sanwdich bar that also serves salads and deserts. edit

Baschiera 2, Selska cesta 215 (On the end of Savska street and beginning of Horvaćanski zavoj), ☎ +385 1 3698-999. Pizza. edit

Bonita, Flower Square. Popular sandwich bar that also serves pancakes and hot wine in the winter. edit

Colonia, Božidara Magovca 21 (In New Zagreb, in Mamutica), ☎ +385 1 6698-153. Pizza. edit

Dvojka, Nova Ves 2 (On Kaptol close to Centar Kaptol), ☎ +385 1 4817-462, +385 1 4666-111. Pizza. edit

Gigi, Petrovaradinska 39, ☎ +385 1 3885-092. Be sure to visit this pizzeria if you're going to the Jarun lake. edit

Karijola, Kranjčevićeva 7, ☎ + 385 1 3667-044. Pizza. edit

Mamma Mia, Ilica 63, ☎ +385 1 4846-093. Pizza. edit

Manzoku, Gajeva street, [45]. An excellent and so far only Japanese take-out in Zagreb. Tasty but rather expensive. edit

MOCA. Newly open at the main square serves great and cheap fried, deep fried and baked potatoes with a large variety of dipps for takeout. 10 kuna. edit

Nocturno, Skalinska 4 (On Kaptol, between Tkalčićeva street and Cathedral), ☎ +385 1 4813-394. Pizza. edit

Nova, Ilica 72/1, [46]. Vegetarian. edit

Oliva, Jarunska 5 (The Italian restaurant Oliva is located at the Jarun near the students` hall Stjepan Radic at the Eastern part of the volleyball center.), ☎ Phone: 01 3020 777, 3020 778 (restoran.oliva@gmail.com), [47]. 11-24. Italian restaurant (pizza, pasta) edit

Pizza Cut Duck, Teslina street. A pizza-slice bar that also serves fresh tortillas with veggie and/or meat filling. edit

Pyr, Teslina 13/1, [48]. Vegetarian. edit

Robin Food Catering, Derenčinova 1, [49]. Vegetarian. edit

Sandwich Bar Pingvin, Nikole Tesle 10 (on one of the central streets, close to the Flower Square and Trg Ban Jelcica), ☎ 01 48 11 446. Classic sandwich bar with a wide menu and reasonably good mix of languages. One of the most popular dishes is the toplo/hladno (hot/cold), a grilled chicken and vegetables sandwich. edit

Šestica, Medulićeva 6, ☎ +385 1 4846-248, + 385 1 4846-562. Pizza. edit

Stara Sava, Savska cesta 208 (Close to rotor and Mladost sports center), ☎ +385 1 3634-322. Arguably the best pizzeria in Zagreb. edit

VegeHop, Vlaška 79, [50]. Vegetarian. edit

Žirafa, Maksimirska cesta 64. Cheap mexican food and drinks. Nice summer terrace. edit

[edit] Mid-range

Asia, A. Šenoe 1, ☎ +385 1 48 41 218. 12AM-12PM. Chinese restaurant edit

Caramba, Frankopanska 6. Mexican food. edit

Ivica i Marica, Tkalčićeva 70, ☎ +385 1 481 7321 or +385 1 482 8999, [51]. Open every day except Mon 12PM-11PM. Wonderful food made only from natural ingredients, many sourced locally. edit

Mali Medo, Tkalčićeva 36, ☎ +385 1 4929 613. Another traditional Croatian restaurant. Lively atmosphere, youthful clientele, and all very affordable. Excellent ćevapčići and gulaš, not to mention superb beer. Mains: 20-40 kuna. edit

Mex Cantina, Savska cesta 154, ☎ +385 1 6192-156, [52]. Mexican food. Good service, great food, on Mondays they offer live music by the best Croatian mariachi band, Los Caballeros starting at 9PM. edit

Pivnica Medvedgrad, Samoborska cesta 217, Božidara Adžije 16, Tkalčićeva 36, [53]. Great food and beer for reasonable prices. Make sure to try 'čvarkuša' (4 HRK). 500ml beer: 12 HRK. edit

Restaurant Kvatric, Maksimirska 9, ☎ +385 1 2330 070, [54]. Croatian restaurant with very nice food for a reasonable price. Has a nice terrance in the back garden. Close to tramstop 'Kvaternikov Trg'. edit

[edit] Splurge

Boban, Gajeva 9. Italian food. edit

Feniks, Jurisiceva 19 (5 minutes walk from the Zagreb's main square), ☎ 01/481 44 11. Mexican food. edit

Le Bistro, Mihanovićeva 1, ☎ +385 1 45 66 666. Daily 8:30-23:00. A French restaurant within the Regent Esplanade Hotel.. edit

Opium, Branimirova 29. Thai food. edit

Panino, Nova Ves 11 (Centar Kaptol), ☎ +385 1 46 69 013, [55]. Nice little restaurant with great service and wonderful food. If you are into French and Istrian style food you will probably love this place. edit

Restaurant Suhina, Dr. F. Tuđmana 1, Orešje (near the Podsused bridge), ☎ +385 44 1 33 71 562. An old family-run restaurant on the old Samobor road that offers a variety of roasted food. edit

Srčeko, Vinogradska 135, ☎ +385 1 373 10 07, [56]. M-Sa 12AM - 11PM, Su 12AM-6PM. A very romantic little restaurant. edit

Takenoko, Nova Ves 11, in Kaptol Centar Shopping Center (Centar Kaptol), ☎ +385 1 48 60 530, [57]. Zagreb may not be synonymous with sushi restaurants, but this is one is superb. It is not cheap, but sushi they make is incredible. edit

Velika Klet Obitelji Bunčić, 20km from central Zagreb, ☎ +385 1/ 2781-132 | 01/ 2781-133, [58]. A very popular place that offers Croatian cuisine, live music on weekends, a stable, fish pond and basketball courtyard. edit

[edit] Desserts

100% juice bar, Tkalčićeva 5 (in the center of Zagreb. Down some stairs - look for the small sign). Pricey but a good place to get a healthy snack or fruit smoothie. edit

Ivica and Marica, Tkaličićeva. Offers traditional and diet, diabetic and organic cakes, ice creams and such. edit

SladoMazo, Zelinska 7. A pancake restaurant with a wide range of crazy both sweet and satly filling ideas. edit

Torte i To, Nova Ves 11, second floor of the Kaptol Centar. A great little caffe offering the best cheese cake in town, and other great cakes edit

Vincek, Ilica. Closed on Sundays.. The local, best known ice cream and cake palace in town center. Offers diet foods. edit

Konoba Didov San, Mletačka 11, Upper town, tel: 0038514851154, The best atmosphere restaurant in Zagreb with excelent food, unique menu, large portions and great location!!

[edit][add listing] Drink

[edit] Bars and pubs

Many bars are located around Flover square (Cvjetni trg), the main square (Trg Bana Josipa Jelačića), Preradovićeva, Tkalčićeva, Radićeva, Bogovićeva, and Gajeva streets.

Booksa, Martićeva 14d, [59]. A cafe/bookshop/library famous with local young intelectuals. edit

Cica, Tkalčićeva. Bar mostly known for its great and varied choice of the local schnappses (rakija). Interresting always changing, gallery-like interior. The whole bar is small but offers outdoor seating. Very popular and crowdy, brimming with young bussiness and student clientelle. edit

Funk. Cafe / bar that offers various music night programmes in the basement (moslty alternative, dj-s, world music) and spacial backpacker evenings. edit

Golf, Preradovićeva. Until 2am. Popular golf-themed cafe/bar. edit

KIC, Preradovićeva. Offers free internet and cheap international call center. Hosts a cinema wtih various alternative movies. edit

Kino Grič, Jurišićeva. Newly re-decorated old cinema. Hosts movies, festivals, music nights and Zagreb's hipster crowd. edit

Krivi Put (Wrong Way), Runjaninova 3. Closed:( edit

Mali Medo, Tkalčićeva. Offers a good choice of local beer and food. Indoors smoking prohibited. Has a terrace facing Tkalčićeva street. edit

Melin, Tkalčićeva. A cheap bar brimming with young people and students. Offers indoors, a roofed terraced leveled seating and an open terrace facing Tkalčićeva street. Known for crowds of people often drinking even arround the bar, in the park and playgroung in front of it. edit

Oliver Twist, Tkalčićeva. A choice of good Irish beer with a great atmosphere. Big summer terrace in front. edit

Pivnica Medvedgrad. edit

Bar Plan B, Tkalčićeva 84, ☎ 014811285, [60]. A cafe/wine bar/sports bar. Attracts a mix of locals and tourists. You can expect music from every genre, and decade, from Jazz to Alternative/Indie. edit

Portal, Tkalčićeva. Next to Melin, offers same service, the Portal and Melin crowds often mix at the outdoors terraces. edit

Purgeraj, Park Ribnjak. A bar/club located in the Ribnjak park in the city center. Offers mostly rock, blues and alternative music. Daily happy hour when you get two drinks for the price of one. Sometimes hosts concerts. Popular with student crowd esp on Thursdays when it hosts the newly popular "take me out" evening offering a mix of indie and alternative music. In the summer, outside Purgeraj, in the Ribnjak park there are live concerts and various workshops offering summer fun under the name 'Park In Zagreb'. edit

Tolkien's House, Opatovina. A small fantasy cafe/bar for Tolkien lovers. Offers a variety of beers, cider and hot drinks. edit

[edit] Clubs

Aquarius, Aleja Matije Ljubeka bb (Jarun Lake), [61]. Saturday night is drum'n'bass & dancehall music, Friday is hip-hop/r'n'b night. Good concerts. edit

Boogaloo, Ulica Grada Vukovara 68, ☎ +385 1 6313 022, [62]. Good electronic music. A bit expensive but worth seeing. Bar, restaurant and disco. edit

BP Club, Nikole Tesle 7, ☎ (+385-1) 481 44 44,, [63]. Open daily from 10 PM to 2AM. Jazz and blues lovers should check it out. edit

Hopdevil, [64]. A new bar, featuring live music on Tuesdays and Thursdays, plus a DJ on Saturday nights, it has 101 different types of Belgian beer. The unique interior features a waterfall that runs along entire wall, and stone archways. The water from the waterfall flows beneath a glass floor, which you can sit on. edit

Jabuka, Jabukovac 28, ☎ 01/48 34 397. Cult club for alternative, punk music. Cheap drinks opened on weekends, often concerts of alternative bands. Mostly visited on weekends, especially Fridays. Admission fee: 25 HRK. edit

KSET, Unska 3, [65]. A popular student club. Offers various indie and alternative programmes every night of the week. Indoors smoking prohibited. Serves only beer and non alcoholic drinks. Entrance prices from 10kn (students) to 45/60kn for concerts.. edit

Močvara, Prisavlje, [66]. A local alternative club (rock, punk, metal, indie)with various concerts and theme nights/programmes. Sometimes hosts festivals, young indie talent concerts, movie nights, exibitions etc. edit

SAX! - Klub hrvatskih glazbenika, Palmotićeva 22/2, ☎ (+385-1) 48 72 836, [67]. A great place to enjoy live music of a wide array of styles including blues, jazz, rock and pop. edit

Sirup, Donje Svetice 40, [68]. Interesting interior and atmosphere. Good electronic music. A bit expensive entrance fees, but worth seeing. edit

The Best, Jarunska 5 (out near the Jarun Lake complex), ☎ +385 1 3011 943, [69]. Largest club in Zagreb. Mainly dance style music. edit

The Jazz Club, Gunduliceva. Open daily. Jazz, blues, and funk bands, often from other countries. edit

[edit][add listing] Sleep

[edit] Budget

[edit] Hostels

Buzz Hostel, [70]. Furnished with modern, ikea furniture. Also a location in Split. Dorm bed: 120 kuna. edit

Dizzy Daisy Hostel Zagreb, [71]. Dorm bed: 100-150 kuna. edit

Fulir Hostel Zagreb, [72]. 2 rooms, including a 12-bed dorm. Great place to meet people, but can be a wait to use the bathroom. edit

Funk Hostel, Poljicka Street 13a, [73]. Dorm bed: 95 kuna. edit

Hobo Bear Hostel, Meduliceva 4, [74]. Dorm bed: 105 kuna. edit

Hostel Carpe Diem, Milana Sufflaya 3, [75]. Dorm bed: 80 kuna. edit

Hostel Lika, Pašmanska 17, [76]. Small and cozy hostel a bit out of the city center. Dorm bed: 100 kuna. edit

Hostel Mali Mrak Zagreb, Dubicka 8, [77]. Dorm bed: 100 kuna. edit

Nokturno Hostel, Skalinska 2a, [78]. Free internet access, free linens and towels. Dorm bed: 130 kuna; Single: 200 kuna. edit

Old Town Zagreb Hostel, Dordiceva 24 (Ulica Ignjata Dordica). Dorm bed: 100 kuna. edit

Ravnice Youth Hostel, I. Ravnice 38d, [79]. edit

[edit] Private accommodation

Apartment AS Zagreb, Crnčićeva 2 & Račićeva 12, ☎ +385 98 669 660, [80]. Two affordable and cozy apartments in a very quiet neighborhood Maksimir near city center. €50-100. edit

Apartment Rupa Pod Oblacima & Penthouse Zagreb, ☎ +385 99 5622 485, [81]. Lovely and cozy aprtment near centre of Zagreb, with beautiful view of to the whole city. The penthouse apartment is a 120 square meter duplex. 1-bedroom apartment: €50-70; 2-bedroom penthouse: €85-105. edit

Apartments Jadranka and Bella, Av. Marina Držića 15, Zagreb, Croatia (The apartment is located near the Zagreb main bus station), ☎ +385 91 733 7206 (bozena.katanec@zg.t-com.hr), [82]. checkin: from 12.00(noon); checkout: until 10.00. Whether you are just passing through Zagreb or staying for a long time, you will be comfortably accommodated in our apartments. Additional benefit is the transport service to and from the airport at extra charge. Jadranka: 55€/night, Bella: 48€/night. edit

[edit] Mid-range

Arcotel Allegra, Branimirova 29 (300 meters from the central railway station (Glavni kolodvor)), ☎ +385 1 46-96-000, [83]. 4-star hotel which is Zagreb's first "lifestyle" hotel. All rooms are spacious and air-conditioned and feature mini bar, safe, internet connection, bigscreen TV and DVD player. A very cool touch are the free apples supplied in your room in a very funky holder! edit

Best Western Premier Hotel Astoria, Petrinjska 71 (not far from the central square of Ban Jelačić), ☎ +385 1 48-08-900, [84]. 3-star hotel edit

Four Points by Sheraton Panorama Hotel Zagreb, Trg Kresimira Ćosića 9 (in the business district of Zagreb some 2.5 kilometers away from the central railway station (Glavni kolodvor)), [85]. 4-star hotel. edit

Hotel Aristos, Cebini 33, Buzin (in the vicinity of the Zagreb airport at the southern gates of Zagreb, in the Buzin commercial center), ☎ +385 1 66-95-900, [86]. 4-star hotel. edit

Hotel As, Zelengaj 2A (2.5 km north-west of the railway station (Glavni kolodvor)), ☎ +385 1 46-09-111, [87]. 4-star hotel. edit

Hotel Central, Branimirova 3 (150 meters from the railway station (Glavni kolodvor)), ☎ (+385 1 48-41-122, [88]. 3-star hotel refurbished in 1996. edit

Hotel Dora, Trnjanska cesta 11 (behind the Lisinski Music Hall (south of the main railway station - Glavni kolodvor)), ☎ +385 1 63-11-900, [89]. 3 star hotel. edit

Hotel Dubrovnik, Gajeva 1 (overlooking Zagreb's main square - Ban Jelačić Square), ☎ +385 1 48-63-500, [90]. 4-star hotel. edit

Hotel Holiday, (at the western entrance to Zagreb not far from the Zagreb Fair), ☎ +385 1 34-96-621, [91]. 3-star hotel. edit

Hotel I, Remetinečka cesta 106 (near the southern entrance into Zagreb, south of the Sava and in the vicinity of Zagreb Fair), ☎ +385 1 65-42-238, [92]. 3-star hotel. edit

Hotel International, Miramarska 24 (several hundred meters south of the central railway station), ☎ +385 1 61-08-800, [93]. 3-star hotel. edit

Hotel Jadran, Vlaška 50 (in the city center some 500 meters east of the Cathedral), ☎ +385 1 45-53-777, [94]. 3-star hotel. There is a big shopping center near-by - the Importanne Gallery. edit

Hotel Laguna, Kranjčevićeva 29 (near the Cibona Business Tower), ☎ +385 1 30-47-000, [95]. 3-star hotel. edit

Hotel Phoenix, Sesvetska cesta 29 (in an eastern suburb of Zagreb - Sesvete. It is located some 500 meters from the motorway on the main road that leads from Zagreb to Dugo Selo.), ☎ +385 1 20-06-333, [96]. 3-star hotel edit

Palace Hotel

Palace Hotel, J.J. Strossmayer Square, ☎ +385 1 48-14-611, [97]. 4-star hotel. It was built in the Secession style in 1891 and converted into a hotel in 1905. The Arts Pavillion is 50 metres away. edit

[edit] Splurge

Regent Esplanade Zagreb, Mihanovićeva 1 (just across the central railway station), ☎ +385 1 45-66-666, [98]. Built in 1925 for passengers of the famous Orient Express train, which connected Paris and Istanbul. If you can, check the Emerald Ballroom with its soaring dome shaped roof. The hotel also includes the Zinfandel's Restaurant, Le Bistro and the Esplanade 1925, the hotel's lounge and cocktail bar. edit

Sheraton Zagreb Hotel, Kneza Borne 2, ☎ +385 1 45-53-535, [99]. Features air-conditioned rooms and suites with classic furniture and marbled bathrooms. It also includes King Tomislav Restaurant, Fontana Restaurant, Piano Bar, Café Imperial, 17 meeting rooms and an 800-square-meter Grand Ballroom. edit

Westin Zagreb, Kršnjavoga 1 (next to the Mimara Museum and the Croatian National Theatre), ☎ +385 1 48-92-000, [100]. The hotel was renovated in 2004. It features the legendary Heavenly Bed and Heavenly Shower and probably offers the best view in the city. edit

[edit] Contact

[edit] Internet

Art Internet Caffee [101], Tkalčićeva 18, "Art" is an internet cafe bar, situated in the very center of Zagreb (Tkalčićeva 18), just a few steps from the Ban Jelačić square. In this modern and comfortable bar you can enjoy a fine selection of beverages as well as a large variety of computer services. Tel:+385 1 48 11 050. Open M-Su 08.00 - 23-00.
Aquarius net, Kralja Držislava 4.
Art Net Club, Preradovićeva 25.
KIC, Preradovićeva 5/1.
Klub SC,Savska 25.
Mama, Preradovićeva 18, is one of the coolest and cheapest cyber cafes in the city. They charge 10kn (1.36E) per hour or you can pay by the minute. Wireless connection, Skype, cool juices and coffee are available. The place is run by Multimedia institute [102], a nonprofit organization working in the fields of new media culture and digital technology, so there's chance of meeting some of the local and international cutting-edge artists or attending some interesting program.
MMC Zagreb [103], Gajeva 17, "MMC" is an internet point (Gaming & Surfing & Call & Fax), situated in the very center of Zagreb (Gajeva 17), just a few steps from the Ban Jelačić square. Tel:+385 1 48 72 671. Open Mon-Sun 09.00 - 23-00.
Sublink, Teslina 12.
Vip, Preradović square 5.
Vip, Ibler square.

[edit] Stay safe

As other cities in Croatia, Zagreb is very safe, but just as anywhere else dark alleys, parks during the night, etc. should generally be avoided, and common sense should be followed. The chance of getting in trouble in Zagreb is fairly low, especially in the center where most of the hotels and restaurants are located, and for foreigners who are in general respected and welcome. Visitors soon realize that Zagreb is way safer than the vast majority of other European capitals such as London, Paris, Vienna, Rome, Budapest, etc.
Pickpocketing isn't a particularly common occurence in Zagreb, but you might be approached by beggars and similar people on the street - ignore them and they will go away.
Park Ribnjak, located very close to the city centre, is safe during daytime and worth visiting, especially for children. However, it has recently become a night-time meeting place of alternative youngsters, and subculture violence involving "skinheads" and similar violent young people has occasionally occurred. It's best to steer clear of Ribnjak after dark, which shouldn't be a problem because of a lack of interesting content for most tourists anyway.
Further, if you are going out at night (especially on weekends) steer clear of any drunk and rowdy groups of young people you might encounter in the street or night trams as random beatings have been known to occur. It is not uncommon for such groups to start unprovoked attacks on passersby, although they target mainly younger crowd and teenagers. These are not common but they do happen occasionally, and people have been killed by such attacks in the past, so take precautions.
Avoid clubs which play what is known in Croatia as "Turbo-folk" music. These clubs are often featured in the local newspapers as violence erupts in them quite easily.
Also, avoid strip clubs at all costs. Zagreb is not famous for such clubs and they are rare, however most of them are often run by very shady characters, and often overcharge their guests. Recent cases include foreigners that were charged 2000 euros for a bottle of champagne. These clubs overcharge their customers to the extreme, and their bouncers will not have any mercy if you tell them you are unable to pay. You will soon find yourself in a local hospital. This not only applies to strip clubs in Zagreb, but also all over Croatia.

[edit] Cope

[edit] Reading and Speaking

Croatian children start learning a foreign language in primary school, and for the majority it is English, so younger people can usually speak the language well enough, and many older people know some. You may also try German or Italian, as both are popular (for historical and cultural reasons).
It is also advisable to learn a some basic Croatian words and phrases - because Zagreb can be a vibrant, busy city, a few basic molim or oprostite will go a long way to avoid being ignored by a busy local.

[edit] Embassies

Canada, Prilaz Gjure Dezelica 4 10000 Zagreb, Croatia, ☎ (385) 1 488 1200 (zagrb@international.gc.ca, fax: (385) 1 488 1230), [104]. Monday to Thursday: 10:00 - 12:00 and 13:00 - 15:00 Friday: 10:00 - 13:00. edit
China, Mlinovi 132 10000 Zagreb Zagreb. Tues and Thurs: 0900-1200. edit

Greece, Opaticka 12, 10000 Zagreb, ☎ +3851 4810444, Emergencies: +385 989 228 848 (greece-embassy@grembassy.hr, gremb.zgb@mfa.gr, fax: +3851 481 0419). 09:00 - 15:30. edit

Macedonia, Kralja Zvonimira 6/1 10000 Zagreb, ☎ +385 1 457 2812 (zagreb@mfa.gov.mk, fax: +385 1 462 0369), [105]. edit
United States, [106]. edit
United Kingdom, Ivana Lučića 4 10000 Zagreb Zagreb, ☎ (385)(1) 6009 100 (fax: (385)(1) 6009 111), [107]. Mon-Thurs: 0830-1700; Fri: 0830-1400. edit

[edit] Get out

Samobor - a picturesque medieval town with well preserved old lore and long tourist tradition. 25km west of Zagreb, accessible by bus (~30 min distance from Zagreb, ticket price ~20 HRK).

Vrbovec - a town for all who would like to see the typical way of Croatian life. 32km northeast of Zagreb, accessible by bus.

Karlovac - a stunning town at the intersection of 4 rivers. 45 km southwest of Zagreb, accessible by bus.

Ljubljana, Slovenia

Sofia

2011-12-25T22:03:00.002Z

Sofia (София) is the capital of Bulgaria. It is also the biggest city in the country with about 1.4 million citizens (including suburbs). Today, Sofia is a dynamic Eastern European capital, distinguished by its unique combination of European and Communist-style architecture as well as many beautiful orthodox churches. Furthermore, it claims to be one of the few European capitals with beautiful scenery and a developed ski-resort so close to it - the Vitosha mountain.

[edit] Understand

[edit] History

Sofia was founded around 2,500 years ago. Over the centuries, it has been given several names and the remnants of the old cities can still be viewed today.
Near Sofia lies Boyana church, which is one of the most valuable memorials of Bulgarian and European culture. The church has frescoes, acclaimed by specialists as “the best examples of eastern medieval art during its twelve century history”.
The decline of Sofia during the Turkish Ottoman Empire was followed by the rejuvenation after the Russian liberation in 1878, when Sofia was chosen as the capital of Bulgaria at the First National Constituent Assembly, and followed by a brisk and straight-forward period of construction.

[edit] Get in

[edit] By plane

Sofia Airport [1] (IATA: SOF) (ICAO: LBSF) is the busiest airport in Bulgaria and it was built around 1930. The new Airport terminal is now the main active one and was constructed in 2009. The airport is located only 10km from the city center, in the eastern part of Sofia.
Over 25 airlines fly in and out of Sofia Airport with daily flights linking Sofia with Athens, Paris, Vienna, London, Rome, Amsterdam, Munich and other European cities.
Some of the traditional airlines with flights to/from Sofia are Air France, Alitalia, Austrian Airlines, British Airways, Czech Airlines, LOT, Lufthansa, Malev, Olympic Airways, Tarom and Turkish Airlines.
Also, low-cost carriers traveling to Bulgaria are EasyJet [2] (to/from London-Gatwick, Madrid, Manchester), Germanwings [3] (to/from Cologne-Bonn), Wizz Air [4] (to/from Paris-Beauvais, Barcelona, Brussels-Charleroi, Dortmund, Eindhoven, London-Luton, Milan-Bergamo, Rome-Fiumicino, Valencia).
Bulgaria Air, [5], the national carrier flies to Alicante, Amsterdam, Athens, Barcelona, Beirut, Berlin - Tegel, Brussels, Bucharest - Otopeni, Frankfurt, Istanbul - Atatürk, Kiev - Boryspil, Larnaca, London - Gatwick, London - Heathrow, Madrid, Málaga, Manchester, Moscow - Sheremetyevo, Palma de Mallorca, Paphos, Paris - Charles de Gaulle, Rome - Fiumicino, Skopje, Tel Aviv, Tirana, Tripoli, Valencia, Vienna, Zürich. Bulgaria Air`s operates domestic flights to Burgas and Varna.
There are a few domestic flights, from Sofia to Varna and Burgas, including some charter flights.

[edit] Airlines and terminals

Make sure you check the terminal that you are arriving at or departing from carefully.
Terminal 1 (T1) is used by budget airlines like EasyJet, Germanwings and Wizz Air; and by charter flight operators.
Terminal 2 (T2) handles all 'traditional' carriers, and serves as a hub to Bulgaria Air, the national carrier.

[edit] Facilities

Terminal 1 (T1) has postal and banking services, a news stand, two coffee shops and one duty-free shop.
Terminal 2 (T2) is larger and has more duty-free shops, three coffee shops with some food offers. Before passport control there is only one coffee shop and a news stand.
Sofia Airport Terminal 2 have not longer any Bank or Moneyexchange Office in the public Area! During last Days, all Banks have closed their Branches in Terminal 2. There is only one small and very expensive Money Exchange Office in the Arrival Area, after Passport Control and before Baggage Claim, but with horrible Rates!!!

[edit] Transfer between terminals

There is a white shuttle bus running every 30 minutes between the two terminals, you should ask at the information about it. There are a few kilometers between the two terminals and they are not in a walking distance. Be aware that even if you decide to walk, you may get lost as the path is not marked and it could take you 20-30 minutes.

[edit] Between the airport and the city

By bus: Public bus line 84 travels to both terminals - the route is T1 -> T2 - Sofia University (metro station). Allow 30 to 40 minutes to reach the city, depending on traffic. You can get tickets from the news stands in both terminals, do not rely on buying tickets from the driver! Please make sure to purchase and punch your ticket after you board. You will need an additional ticket for any large piece of luggage/baggage (larger than 40/40/60 cm). If you forget to buy additional ticket for your large luggage/baggage, the fine is 10lev or €5. The best place to change from bus 84 to the metro is Orlov Most (Sofia University metro station). There is also a transit bus line 384, on the route Mladost I metro station > T1 > T2 > Mladost I metro station. It takes only 10 to 15 minutes between Mladost and the airport as the bus makes only a few stops in the airport area. It is very convenient for transfers to Mladost and anywhere close to a metro station. The bus currently (Sept 2011) runs two to three times per hour between 5 and 9 am and 4 and 8 pm. The schedule can be seen here [6] (only in Bulgarian).

By shuttle: Various companies run shuttle services to the hotel and back. These can be found at the airport arrival halls.

By taxi: Taxis in the airport are "regulated" and there are only companies, that are allowed to service the airport :"OK Taxi and "91280". The fare to the city center should be about 10-12 leva. More information here: [7]. Unfortunately there are many touts that will try to ask you if you need a taxi as you exit the departures area. These guys will seriously overcharge you. When you exit the customs/declarations door, turn to your right. You will see an office for OK Taxis in front of you. They speak English so the best thing is to give the person your destination. They will check it and then print out a slip with your taxi number on it. This saves having to explain to the taxi driver! The taxis are out the doors to your right. Go through these and a taxi controller will point you to your taxi. To reassure you, you'll see a big queue of "OK" taxis lined up with "O.K. (973 2121)" written on them in blue writing with the two dots in red. However, if you go straight out to the roadway rather than right, there are unregulated taxis. You should be careful, because there are taxis, which imitate the logo of the O.K. and the phone number. Before hiring a taxi look at the right-front-door window - there should be a tariff. The normal tariffs are: initial fee (about 0.60 lv), daily price per km (about 0.60 lv), night price per km (about 0.70 lv), price per minute of stay (about 0.20 lv), price for ordering a taxi via phone (about 0.50 lv). Please, check these figures and if you see ANY figure greater than 1.00 lv, do not take this taxi!

[edit] By bus

The Central Bus Station (Centralna Avtogara/Централна автогара) [8] is located near the city center. The website gives a listing of all domestic and international departure & arrival times and costs. Bear in mind that there are three other bus stations for minor destinations.

Many Bulgarian and International bus operators maintain scheduled lines covering all major domestic and European cities, like many cities in Greece and Macedonia, Istanbul, Vienna, and several times a week to different cities in Western Europe all the way to Portugal.

Timetable of International bus by major bus company MATPU 96: [9] in Bulgarian.

[edit] By train

International trains provide a large number of routes to Sofia, arriving from such places as Kiev, Istanbul, Vienna, Athens, Belgrade, Bucharest, Moscow and other common cities.
The primary trains from Bucharest to Sofia, and back, run twice daily through the border cities of Giurgiu and Ruse. For example, recent trains are scheduled from Bucharest to Sofia in the daytime departing 12:16/arriving 21:33 and a night train departing 20:04/arriving 06:00. From Sofia to Bucharest there are also two trains: a) Sofia 07:45 - Bucharest 17:19 and b) Sofia 19:30 - Bucharest 05:44. One way ticket is around €25up. Passport control and customs takes place in Giurgiu (RO) and Ruse (BG), approximately mid-trip. Check local train stations for more up to date information.
To Istanbul, the train costs 70 leva (a bus-tıcket is just 40 leva), the train departs at around 18:30 (there are 5 buses a day) and arrives at 9:00.
All services are operated by the Bulgarian State Railways [10], whose schedules are available on the internet in English.
The main railway station (Tsentralna Gara) can be somewhat confusing. Domestic departures go from the main terminal and that is where you can buy tickets for domestic travel. If you want to travel to an international destination, on entering the station from the front, turn to your left, walk past the heated waiting room on your left (and some small shops) and go to the office at the end of the wide corridor with "RILA" on it. It is straight ahead of you. They speak some English and to book a ticket, you will need your passport. They take credit cards.
If travelling to Thessalonika in Greece, travel in 2nd Class. It is excellent and you save some money. You get a 6 seater cabin with reclining seats and a great window. The train has a good chance of being uncrowded so you could end up with a cabin on your own. It will wind it's way through hills and valleys and is an excellent way to see the country. You can buy a ticket in advance which might save stress on the day. Top tips! Take loo paper on the train with you as well as plenty of food and water as there is no buffet car.
Platforms can be accessed from the main floor down the escalators at the far left corner. Platform numbering is somewhat confusing: Roman numerals indicate the platform number (I to VI), and Arabic numerals (1 to 12) indicate the actual track. Each platform is divided into East and West. Departures and arrivals are indicated on reliable electronic panels, but, beware, they indicate the track number, not the platform! In any case, leaving by train is mostly recommended if you want to travel overnight to destinations on the Black Sea, since trains for Varna and Burgas will leave late in the evening and get you there in the early morning (a couchette to Varna is 16 leva).

[edit] By car

All highways in Bulgaria are often under construction.
Access to Bulgaria's Capital is via several entry points:
1. From the North & South via E79/A6
2. From the East - via Thrace Highway E80/A1-A3 or from the old road paralelling the E80 Highway - Zlatitza - Pirdop - Pazardzhik route.
3. From the West - via A1/E80 Liking the city and the Bulgarian-Serbian Border point of Kalotina.

A1 is planned to be from Sofia to Burgas, but ends at the outskirts of Stara Zagora.

A2 is planned to be from Sofia to Varna, but ends around Pravets and continues from Shumen to Varna.

A3 is planned to be from Varna to Burgas, but currently has only a few kilometers built.

Otherwise coming from Greece the road E79/A6 is in very good shape, so the 300 km from Thessaloniki are done fairly fast if you don't happen to fall into Friday/Sunday traffic jams in the area of Sofia or Pernik.
Coming from the Republic of Macedonia, via Kiustendil the roads are relatively good but driving within speed limits would avoid you much hassle caused either by traffic police, or road conditions. From Central Europe you can drive almost the whole length on highways (via Slovenia-Croatia-Serbia or Hungary-Serbia), with only the last 100 km between Nis in Southern Serbia and Sofia being heavily trafficked mountain roads around the Nishava ravine in not the best shape.

[edit] Get around

[edit] By public transport

Sofia has a well-developed and efficient public transport system ([11]) that consists of buses, trolleys, trams, subway line. The public transport operates from 5AM to about 12AM. Taxis are the only transport option in the night.
The price of a single ticket is 1.00 lev (~ 0.50€) only paid in the local currency. There are also 10 (8.00lv) tickets for one passenger, combined ticket for subway and ground transport (1.40 lv), daily cards (4lv), valid for all lines, and 5-day cards (15lv). Tickets, daily and 5-day cards can be bought at most newspaper stands especially ones adjacent to public transport stops. If you can't find any, you can also buy tickets from the driver if he has any available, though this is not guaranteed. Punch a ticket immediately after you enter the vehicle. The inspectors rarely understand English and you might have problems with the security if you travel without a ticket or even with an unpunched one. Inspectors ambush and board buses and trams in groups (and their attitude is generally not friendly at all), sometimes accompanied by police, and make no exceptions. The fine is 10 lv or €5.
If you are traveling by tram with a large suitcase or backpack, be sure to buy a separate ticket for your bag/case or you might be fined!
There are 15 tram lines, 9 trolley lines, 93 bus lines and one metro line. Some of the buses cover the area outside the city center including neighboring villages. Useful routes are bus #84 from both terminals of the airport to the center; from the train/bus station to Orlov most - bus #213 or #214 or tram #1, #7 and #18 to Vitosha Street and Nedelya Square, #1, #6, #7 to the National Palace of Culture, #18 to Slaveykov square or #6 to Macedonia square.
The subway in Sofia is still under construction and a few more lines will be available in the next years. Currently there is one line that crosses from the western edge of town (Lulin, Obelya) through the city center to the southeast (Mladost r.d.), where it will eventually connect to the airport. From the last station in Mladost you can currently take bus N. 384 to the airport. (However, this is an experimental line and you should allow at least 30 minutes for waiting and travel time to the airport.)

[edit] On foot

Streets have adequate tiled pavements, especially in the city centre. However, they are frequently uneven and potholed, and walking is further made difficult by parked cars, street vendors and cafes. Except for areas in the very centre, pavements rarely have slopes for wheelchair access or designated lanes for bicycle riders. Pedestrian crossings are numerous and are relatively respected by drivers. Use pedestrian underpasses to cross large intersections, though avoid ones in the suburbs as these are usually derelict.

[edit] By mini-bus

Mini-buses (marshrutki) stop if you just wave a hand and usually are fast way to go somewhere without need to change the car. You pay to the driver when you get on the car. Prices are 1,50 leva (about 0,75 euro). You need to tell the driver if and when you want to get off.

[edit] By taxi

Taxis in Sofia are yellow. Taxis can be caught on the streets or can be ordered by phone, they arrive fast and are reliable. A drive inside Sofia will rarely exceed 10lv. There are many companies offering taxi services, some of them are OK Supertrans taxi (973 2121), €1 Taxi, "962-22-26", Yellow Taxi (91119) and Radio CV Taxi (91263) with fares around 0,70 leva (0,35€) per kilometer. Please check the phone number and the prices before you board, because there are some taxis trying to imitate the most popular ones, but having outrageous prices (up to 5,90 leva (3,00€) per kilometer) on them and usually hang around hotels and tourist spots picking on unsuspecting customers, its the top line for the per km fares and bottom line for time you need to look at. The general rule is that if a taxi driver comes to you and offers you a drive, never accept it because they will try to rip you off.

[edit] Rent-a-Car

Renting a car is possible, but not necessarily a good idea if you are not used to driving here. Be prepared for traffic jams and disorganized traffic. Parking is a major problem. To park you can use tickets for parking in the so-called Blue Zone (sinya zona/синя зона). These tickets can be purchased from the people wearing bright green jackets, hanging around the parking lots. The tickets should be clearly marked with pen and placed on the dashboard so they are clearly visible. The price is 1 lev for 1 hour. The easier and more convenient way however is to SMS the vehicle registration number to "1302" - same for all mobile operators. It will charge your bill with 1 lev. Five minutes before the prepaid time is up you will receive a warning sms. You can either send another message for another hour or move your car.
Pay attention to this traffic rule: "If a tram, bus or trolley stops and is on your left side of your car you must stop in your lane and behind it, ie. public transportation vehicle should be on your left side and in front of your car." It is because tram rails are in the middle of the road and tram station is on the pavement so passengers of a tram will disembark to the road. Even buses have bus stops in the middle of a road. Failing to stop in such manner may cause you to kill bunch of people who are disembarking from a public transportation vehicle and ensure to you a prolonged stay in Bulgaria, or to be precise Bulgarian prison.

[edit][add listing] See

Sofia is one of the oldest cities in Europe with ruins spread across the city center. It was founded because of the quality of its mineral waters. In the city alone there are 7 independent mineral water springs. One of the springs is in the central area of the city and is accessible for everybody - cross the square behind the mosque, next to TSUM (the intersection of Iskar and Ekzarh Yosif streets).
In the administrative center of Sofia the streets are covered with a specific yellow pavement. It was laid in the beginning of the 20th century and were a present to the Bulgarian Tsar Ferdinand for his wedding from the Austria-Hungarian royal family.

[edit] Popular attractions

National Assembly of Bulgaria, 2 Narodno Sabranie Sq., ☎ +359 2 939 39 (infocenter@parliament.bg, fax: +359 2 981 31 31), [12]. edit

Sofia University, 15 Tsar Osvoboditel Blvd., ☎ +359 2 9308 (fax: +359 2 946 02 55), [13]. edit

Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 1 15 November Str., ☎ +359 2 979 53 33 (fax: +359 2 981 72 62), [14]. edit

Ivan Vazov National Theatre, 5 Dyakon Ignatii Str., ☎ +359 2 811 92 19 (info@nationaltheatre.bg, fax: +359 2 987 70 66), [15]. edit

SS. Cyril and Methodius National Library, 88 Vasil Levski Str., ☎ + 359 2 988 28 11 (fax: + 359 2 843 54 95), [16]. 08:30 to 20:30. edit

National Palace of Culture, 1 Bulgaria Sq., ☎ +359 2 916 63 00 (fax: +359 2 865 70 53), [17]. The biggest congress center in the Balkans (a massive monolithic communist-style building). If asking for directions, ask for NDK (en-de-ka), as most Bulgarians refer to it by this acronym. edit

Central Military Club. It`s a multi-purpose monument of culture building in the city center. edit

[edit] Museums

National Museum of Military History, 92 Cherkovna Str., ☎ +359 2 946 18 05 (m.museum@bol.bg, fax: + 359 2 946 18 06), [18]. 10.00 to 18.00. edit

Ethnographic Institute with Museum, 6A Moskovska Str., ☎ +359 2 988 41 91 (eim_bas@mail.bg, fax: +359 2 980 11 62), [19]. Has a permanent collection of traditional Bulgarian costumes as well as a changing exhibition. edit

Earth and Man National Museum, 4 Cherni Vruh Blvd., ☎ +359 2 865 66 39 (earth.and.man@gmail.com, fax: +359 2 866 14 57), [20]. 10.00 to 18.00. 2 leva. edit

National Museum of History, 16 Vitoshko lale str. (Take trolley #2 southwest from the corner of Praga Blvd. and Patriarch Eftimi Blvd. Get off at the roundabout at the end of the bus line. Cross the busy Okolovrustino Shosse (ring road) and walk through the trees. The museum is not visible from the road, nor are there any signs.), ☎ +359 2 955 42 80; (nim1973@abv.bg, fax: +359 2 955 76 02), [21]. The National Museum of History in Sofia contains more than 650,000 exhibits and is one of the largest history museums on the Balkans. The aim of the museum is to provide a comprehensive view on Bulgarian history from the prehistory to present, in as broad an European context as possible. Be prepared to spend several hours as the museum is quite large. About half of the exhibits have English captions. 4 leva. edit

National Institute of Archaeology and Museum, 2 Saborna Str., ☎ +359 2 988 24 06 (aim-bas@aclubcable.com, fax: +359 2 988 24 05), [22]. 10:00 to 18:00. edit

National Polytechnic Museum, 66 Opalchenska Str., ☎ +359 2 831 30 04 (polytechnic@abv.bg, fax: +359 2 931 40 46), [23]. 09.00 to 17.00. edit

National Museum of Natural History, 1, Tzar Osvoboditel Blvd., ☎ + 359 2 987 41 95 (fax: + 359 2 988 28 94), [24]. 10.00 to 18.00. Has four floors of everything from rocks and minerals to insects and stuffed bison. It is a nice way to spend a rainy afternoon. edit

House-Museum of Ivan Vazov, (On the corner of the streets G. Rakovski and Ivan Vazov.). edit

Museum of Sport, 1A Bulgaria Blvd. (National Stadium Vasil Levski), ☎ +359 2 930 07 61. 09:00 to 17:00. edit

Museum of Paleontology and historical geology, 15 Tzar Osvoboditel Blvd. (Inside Sofia University.), ☎ +359 2 930 82 00. edit

National Literature Museum, 138 G. S. Rakovski Str., floor 2, ☎ +359 2 988 24 93. edit

National Agricultural Museum, 30 Suhodolska Str., ☎ +359 2 929 67 53. edit

National Ecclesiastical History-Archeological Museum, 19 Sveta Nedelya Sq., ☎ +359 2 988 13 43. 09:00 to 17:00. edit

[edit] Galleries

National Gallery for Foreign Art, 1 St. Aleksander Nevsky Square, ☎ +359 2 988 49 22 (ngfa@abv.bg), [25]. 11:00 to 18:00. 4 leva. edit

National Art Gallery, 1 Batenberg Sq., ☎ +359 2 980 00 93. 10:30 to 18:00. Has old Bulgarian art, icons, etc. 4 leva. edit

Sofia Art Gallery, 1, Gen. Gurko Str. (The entrance is from Kniaz Al. Batenberg Str.), ☎ +359 2 987 21 81, [26]. 10:00 to 19:00. free. edit

Sofia City Art Gallery (Софийска градска художествена галерия), 1 General Gurko St. (ул. Ген. Гурко 1), tel: +359 2 987 2181, [27].

[edit] Churches

Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. One of the largest orthodox churches worldwide. edit

Boyana Church, 1-3 Boyansko Ezero Str. (Getting here is quite difficult. Take tram #9 or #10 from the stop underneath NDK (National Palace of Culture) to Hladilnika neighborhood (the last stop). Then catch bus #64. The bus stop is just 50 meters away but you better ask someone for directions because there are several different stops in the vicinity. The stop for the church is a small plaza with a few shops near the end of the #64 bus line. Ask the driver or the other passangers where to get off and then walk uphill and turn left.), ☎ +359 2 959 09 39 (nmbc@nmbc.orbitel.bg, fax: +359 2 959 29 66), [28]. 09:00 to 17:00. This small 14th-century church and garden is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The church contains some very well preserved murals. It is located at the foot of Vitosha mountain and is a good starting point for day trips in the mountain. Entrance is 10 Lev, or 2 Lev for students. edit

Church of St. George, (It`s situated behind the Sheraton Hotel.). edit

Hagia Sophia Church, 2 Paris str.. It is located just across the square and to the right from the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. It was built in the 6th century over an even older church. It is a witness of the whole Bulgarian history and is a valued cultural monument. In the 14th century it gave its name to the city of Sofia. It was destroyed several times and during the Ottoman rule it was used as a mosque. edit

Catholic cathedral St. Joseph, 125, Knjaz Boris I (next 2 Sheraton Hotel), ☎ 02/9815548, [29]. Holy Masses: SAT 5,30pm & SUN 10,30am bulgarian; 12,00pm latin; 6pm bulgarian edit

St. Nicholas Orthodox Church

[edit] Other places of worship

Banya Bashi Mosque. edit

Sofia Synagogue. 09:00 to 16:30. One of the largest in Europe. edit

[edit] Historical buildings

Amphitheatre of Serdica, (Located in the geographical center of the city under the flags of the EU.). edit

Battenberg Mausoleum. The mausoleum and final resting place of Prince Alexander I of Bulgaria (1857–1893), the first Head of State of modern Bulgaria. edit

Monument to Vasil Levski. It commemorates the hanging of Bulgarian national hero and major revolutionary figure Vasil Levski in the city on 18 February 1873. edit

Monument to the Tsar Liberator. Representing the power of freedom and across from it are the National Assembly and the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences. edit

Monument to the Unknown Soldier. Across from Alexander Nevsky cathedral; on the side of Hagia Sofia's Church. edit

Knyaz Battenberg's Palace, (Right in front of the city garden.). edit

Sofia Public Mineral Baths. It is an old building of interest, although it is in process of renovation at the moment. edit

[edit] Open spaces

Borisova gradina. It`s the "lungs" of the city, with the Ariana Lake edit

City Garden. It`s the oldest and most central public garden, in existence since 1872. edit

Largo. edit

Orlov Most. It`s a bridge over the Perlovska River in the centre of Sofia edit

Prince Alexander of Battenberg Square. edit

Slaveykov Square. It`s an open-air book market. edit

Patriarch Evtimiy Square. edit

Sofia Zoo, 1 Sreburna Str., [30]. 09:00 to 17:00. edit

South Park. Yes, and it's not the cartoon series. A nice park in the south-east part of the city, although a bit to crowded on weekends. edit

[edit][add listing] Do

Cafes and restaurants. Sofia is full of trendy cafes with outdoor seating in the summer and good-quality restaurants. edit

National Opera and Ballet, [31]. edit

Arena Cinema, [32]. It`s one of the biggest Bulgarian cinema multiplex. Cinemas in Sofia play all films except children's films in their original language with Bulgarian subtitles. edit
Free Sofia Tour (The free English-language sightseeing walking tour of Bulgaria’s capital), Corner of Alabin Str. and 2 Vitosha Blvd., ☎ +359886993977, [33]. The free English-language sightseeing walking tour of Bulgaria’s capital. Every day, twice a day - both at 11AM & 6PM. No reservation required - just show up! Starting point - the corner of the Palace of Justice (Sudebna Palata). edit

[edit][add listing] Buy

The currency in Bulgaria is the Lev, plural Leva. You will also see the abbreviation lv. (лв.) or the ISO code - BGN. The currency exchange rate is fixed at 1 EUR = 1.95586 BGN. Exchange rate to USD is not fixed directly, but published by the Bulgarian National Bank [34] and is used for a benchmark in the exchange offices and banks.
Currency exchange offices and most banks offer a buy rate of 1.95 BGN and a sell rate of 1.96 BGN to 1 EUR. However, at the airport and train station the rates may differ substantially. During business days, it is strongly advisable to use banks for exchanging money. Although there are some really good exchange stalls giving you up to 1.955BGN/EUR, be aware of those who switch the digits giving you 1.59BGN/EUR. It's also possible to change money 24/7 in casinos where rate is good, but you are required to play even some. ATMs on all major credit car issuers (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Diner's, etc.) are widely available, although you have to watch for your daily withdrawal limit imposed by your card-issuing bank. Credit cards are widely accepted, only not in small souvenir stores or restaurants; you will definitely need to carry some cash.
Souvenirs can be bought many small shops in the subways in front of the old Party House and in the metro station at the Largo. The Ethnographic Museum has a small shop tightly crammed with souvenirs of all kinds from all over Bulgaria (on the right, just as you enter the main entrance). Antiques and souvenirs can also be found in Alexander Nevski square, in stalls just opposite the church.

Vitosha Boulevard. It`s the main commercial street in the centre of Sofia. It is known as the most expensive street in Sofia. edit

The Mall, 115 Tzarigradsko Shousse Blvd. (Many bus lines stop at THE MALL. Choose between bus no. 1, 3, 5, 6, 76, 84, 114, 204, 213, 214, 284, 305, 306, 313 and 604.), [35]. 10:00 to 22:00. a convenience store, Largest shopping mall in Bulgaria; contains also a Carrefour store, large Arena cinema, a lot of cafes and restaurants, etc. edit

Central Sofia Market Hall, Marie Louise Boulevard (Opposite the Banya Bashi mosque.). Has many stalls selling all kinds of food, drink and cosmetics. The second floor has various fast-food cafés. edit

TZUM, 2, Knyaginya Maria Luiza Blvd., ☎ +359 2 926 07 00 (tzum@tzum.bg), [36]. 10:00 to 21:00. edit

Mall of Sofia, 101, Alexander Stamboliiski Blvd., ☎ +359 2 929 33 77 (fax: +359 2 929 33 00), [37]. edit

City Center Sofia, 2 Arsenalski Blvd., floor 3, ☎ + 359 2 865 72 85 (communication@ccs-mall.com, fax: +359 2 865 71 37), [38]. edit

SkyCity Mall, 52 Kosta Loulchev Str. (You can get there by tram No 20, bus No 9, and Route Taxi No 1, 19 and 21.), ☎ +359 2 971 02 13 (office@skycitycenter.com, fax: +359 2 971 01 89), [39]. 10:00 to 22:00. Also has an entertainment center. edit

[edit][add listing] Eat

[edit] Fast food

You can easily find take away food in Sofia. For less than 2 leva you can get a slice of pizza, a hot-dog or a sandwich. You can get more traditional Bulgarian food in bakeries, offering banitsa and other kinds of pastry. This food is often consumed with ayran or boza . Another possibility is to get a katma, which is a big pancake filled with cheese, ham, jelly or chocolate.

[edit] Budget

Pizzeria-type restaurants and snack bars can be found all over Sofia. Although many are very uninteresting for the traveler looking for a meal with a local flavor, some include excellent Bulgarian dishes.

Mr.Pizza, 44 Neofit Rilsky Str., ☎ +359 2 988 82 58, [40]. Popular in Sofia, get there early or reserve if you want a table in their courtyard. 10 to 15 leva per person.. edit

Baаlbek, (Near Slaveykov Square.). This is great Arab food. Downstairs is take-away kebabs and falafels, and upstairs a small eat-in. Excellent hummus and salads, etc., and cold beer. edit

Trops House, [41]. It`s a fast-food type of place, offering traditional Bulgarian meals and drinks. It can be found in several locations throughout the city center. edit

[edit] Mid to High End

Happy's Bar and Grill, (Just across the street from the Sveta Nedelya church.), [42]. Happy's is the Bulgarian equivalent of an American diner, and the Sofia representative of a nationwide chain. There are English-language menus, and the staff (all microskirted young girls, who apparently have to be smiling when they serve you) all seem to have at least some English as well. Portions are generally huge and represent a sort of "watered down" version of their traditional Bulgarian equivalents, although more Western fare is also available. edit

Pizza Victoria, [43]. One of the best Bulgarian pizzas. edit

Pod Lipite, [44]. Very good traditional food. Reservation is required. edit

Motto, 18 Aksakov str. (Motto is on the street right behind the Radisson hotel, and then two blocks East (turn to the right on the first small street behind the Radisson if you are walking from the big horse statue) - it's kind of hard to find as the sign is a small black sign with white lettering.), ☎ +359 2 987 27 23, [45]. This place is always fairly busy with a trendy crowd. The decor is modern and cool, and the people typically good looking. The service here is usually pretty nice, and many of the wait-staff speak English. The food is consistent and enjoyable. 5 to 15 leva per dish.. edit

Carrera, 4 Golo Bardo Str., ☎ +359 2 960 28 66 (nikostoyanov@abv.bg). A fairly modern restaurant over in the Lozenetz area. The decor is well done, the service good, and the food very good. Prices are in line with the quality and style of the place. The wine selection is excellent. They also have a nice summer/winter garden area. edit

Maison Godet – French Wine & Dinner, 17 Al. Stamboliyski Blvd. (Just 100 m west from the Sveta Nedelya church.), ☎ +359 2 980 74 77, [46]. French gourmet cuisine with excellent French wines, own production of the house. Modern and cosy atmosphere with a nice ancient Roman wall inside the restaurant. Reservations are recommended. About 12 lev average per dish. edit

[edit][add listing] Drink

Hadjidraganovite kashti (Traditional Bulgarian Cuisine), 75 Kozloduy, Sofia 1202, Bulgaria ((2 minutes walking distance from the Lion Bridge, around the corner from Ramses II Casino)), ☎ +359 (2) 931 31 48, [47]. 11.30 a.m. - 2.00 a.m.. Amazing restaurant just off one of Sofia's main streets. The decor is old-style Bulgarian/Macedonian and the food is traditional Bulgarian, plentiful and very, very tasty. Entertainment includes a Macedonian walking band and guests are primarily locals. Staff is very friendly and most speak english. Reservations are necessary, even on weeknights. 10€-30€. edit

Mehana Karajata (Mehana Karajata), Bul.Ovcha kupel and ul.Zhitnitsa crosroad, ☎ +359 2 8558804, [48]. Try Bulgarian national cuisine - in a traditional Bulgarian home atmosphere. Nicely decorated restaurant with beautiful open garden, typical folk music. 10 EUR. edit

[edit] Cafés

Palachinkova Kashta (The Bulgarian pancake house), Dragalevtsi district, ☎ +359 88 66 207 66, [49]. edit

Starbucks, Corner of Vassil Levski Blvd & Gurko Blvd, [50]. edit

Onda Coffee Break, ☎ +359 2 980 49 40 (onda@onda.bg, fax: +359 2 980 19 39), [51]. edit

Pchela Sweet Shop, [52]. edit

Nedelya Sweet Shop, ☎ +359 88 560 08 30, [53]. edit

Costa Coffee, [54]. edit

Art Club since 1991, 6 Tsar Ivan Asen II Str.. edit

[edit] Bars

JJ Murphys Irish pub [55]

[edit] Nightlife

Apartment, [56]. Popular among locals as well as foreigners is the "apartamenta", some sort of private club in the second floor of a turn of the 19th century mansion: There you find a series of rooms, all in different styles and wall-drawings, colourful tapestries, etc. Go to the right, get a drink in the kitchen (everything non-alcoholic is 4 lv), and just pick and choose a room which looks cozy enough (shouldn't be too hard to find one with all the couches lying around). If you love the music, there are Mac computers in most of the rooms where you can pick something else out of the playlist. Have a game of chess. There is also a Cinema room, if there is nothing running just go in, pick a movie out of the list and start the projection. There is also home- made chocolate and cream and all different kind of organic drinks like Himalayan tea, Kiwi nectar and much more... edit

Lodkite. In the huge "Borisova gradina" park near the stadium(just ask you way around) you'll find this open-air place, located in an old leisure-park parcour (you know, that type of small water-channels where kid can drive around in little gondolas). The boats have gone and the channels serve as improvised sitting places (basic tables made out of wood planks put between the two sides of the channel). There are also some tables on the court and lights decorating the trees luminate the scene. The public sound system has experimental electronic music, ambiance, progressive rock, or whatever the DJs feel like. The later it gets, the more you'll find people sitting everywhere on the floor on the trees. On warm summer nights, this place is a must-be. edit

(contact@clubescape.bg).

Chervilo, [57]. edit

Yalta, 20, Tsar Osvoboditel Blvd., (office@yaltaclub.com), [58]. edit

The largest discos in Sofia are concentrated in Students' town (Studentski grad). The latter is situated in the southern part of the city and can be reached by buses #94 (from Sofia university and Culture palace), #280 (From Sofia University, Orlov most) and #102. The last bus to Studentski grad departs from the city center at about 11.30 PM (from Sofia University and Culture Palace). The entrance fee for most discos is between 1 and 5 leva (0.5 - 2.5 euro). Discos that can be visited there include: Avenue, Tantra, Orient 33, Jeam Beam, Maskata, Stroezha etc.

[edit][add listing] Sleep

[edit] Budget

Art Hostel [59] provides cheap accommodation and a friendly atmosphere where tourists and locals mingle in the small basement bar. Dormitory beds start from 12€ (09/2011), "The Guardian" says: "Probably the coolest youth-hostel in Europe"

Canape Connection Hostel, 12 A William Gladstone Street, ☎ +359 2 441 63 73 (hostel@canapeconnection.net), [60]. checkin: 14h; checkout: 12h. A new generation hostel that offers chill-out atmosphere in a small charming house in the city center. The spacious canopy beds ensure your good night-rest, while the rich and healthy home-made breakfast gives you a great start in the mornings. 11.00-16.00 Euro. edit

Internet Hostel Sofia,[61].50A Alabin Str/Vitosha Blvd Offers excellent service and rooms for every taste at top city location.

Hostel Lavele, 14 Lavele St (behind BulBank, which is in front of Sveta Nedelya Church.), ☎ +359 884 08 02 83 (lavelehostel@gmail.com), [62]. Cozy hostel with fantastic rooms and comfortable beds. Not a party hostel, but has a good staff that loves to help out and create a lively social atmosphere. Hidden in a small quite street. Good breakfast included in the morning including homemade yogurt and bread, filter coffee, and plenty more to fill you up. Lots of good maps and information about Sofia, including a really cheap day trip to Rila Monastery. They are still making improvements, and it looks to end up being a great choice in Sofia. Really central location with everything you need really close. Internet in all of the rooms. from €10 for dorm.. edit

Le Freak Deluxe [63] sofia.hostel@yahoo.com a cheap non-profit hostel. Twenty minute tram ride from centre and with a bus stop directly on the front gates. Running on a donation basis with 300лв (approx. €153, £122 or $244) being the minimun donation which entitles you to a stay of up to one month. Le Freak Deluxe as a seasonal alternative also provides camping facilities for 200лв per month - please see website for details.

Orient Express Hostel - Sofa [64] 8A "Christo Belchev" Str - This charming decorated small hostel offers a variety of room options.

Red Star Hostel [65]. In the city center between main street Vitosha Blvd. and City Garden with National Theatre, and offers cheap and clean accommodation in a variety of private rooms and dorms.

Sofia Backpacker's Inn, [66]. A cozy hostel located 5 minutes from the central train and bus stations.

[edit] Mid-range

Holiday Inn Sofia, 111 Alexandar Malinov Blvd, ☎ +359 2 8070707, [67]. Modern five star hotel offering conference facilities and spa centre. Rooms from € 68. edit

Holiday Village Diplomat [68] is near Vitosha mountain and 20 min away from the city centre. Spacious rooms, large park area and friendly staff.

Maxim Hotel hotel_maxim@abv.bg This was a very nice hotel just 5 min walking from the train/bus station and 5 min away in the opposite direction from downtown Sofia. It is a cute hotel with a nice bedroom and also a living/TV room, large private bathroom and includes breakfast buffet in the morning. Only negative is they do not have an elevator. Cost in slow season was €60 for 2 people, €50 for one person.

Metropolitan Hotel Sofia, 64, Tsarigradsko shose Blvd., ☎ +359 2 419 19 00 (Reservations@metropolitanhotelsofia.com, fax: +359 (0) 2 419 19 09), [69]. Business 4-star hotel located near Sofia airport, Bulgaria, ideal for business and leisure. edit

Hostel Mostel [70] - has a huge lounge to chill out, you can browse the net on modern computers. All en-suite dorm rooms, Trips to Rila Monastery are run daily.

Nightingale Hostel, 2A Petko R Slaveykov Square (behind open-air book market by the corner of Solunska St and Graf Ignatiev St), ☎ +359.888214888, +359.888455224, skype:nightingalehostel (silvy_gs@abv.bg), [71]. checkin: 13:00; checkout: 11:30. A hostel with dorm beds and private rooms in the center of Sofia. Breakfast served. Kitchen and laundry are available for use for a fee. Internet computers and WiFi are free. Central heating. Unpleasant staff. €7-20. edit

Red House B&B [72] - a charming B&B located in the Red House cultural centre.

Hotel Renaissance is situated in downtown Sofia, very close to the administrative and commercial center of the city. Double rooms start at €79.

Scotty's Boutique Hotel is centrally located near the Zhenski Pazar and moderately priced, and looks to be very nice.

Sofia Guesthouse, [73]. offers clean accommodation at the exact city center for EUR9 inc. breakfast.

[edit] Splurge

Maria Luisa Hotel occupies an exquisite building dating back to the turn of 20th century and listed as one of Bulgaria's cultural monuments of national significance. Maria Luisa Hotel offers a combination of the standards and services found in a luxury hotel plus the privacy and independence of one's own home.

Sheraton Sofia Hotel Balkan (Sheraton Sofia), 5, Sveta Nedelya Sq. (Opposite the statue of Sofia and Sveta Nedelya Church), ☎ (359)(2) 9816541, [74]. checkin: 14.00; checkout: 12.00. Sheraton Sofia is in very heart of Bulgaria capital. Impressive 5-storey hotel, in classical design, houses 184 rooms, including 19 suites. All rooms are soundproof, with air condition control, direct dial phone, message alert, TV with satellite program, radio, mini bar. edit

Park Inn Hotel Sofia (Park Inn Sofia), Atanas Dukov Str. 36 - 1407 Sofia Bulgaria, ☎ +359 2 861 5700, [75]. Set in a building that resembles a baroque castle, this hotel offers 77 rooms as well as 36 one or two bedroom apartments. edit

[edit] Stay safe

If you have a car, you are recommended to park it in a paid guarded lot. Parking in the center is difficult; although you can find free spaces, the Bulgarian police tends to behave harshly towards foreign license plates. Even though the other cars appear to be parked legitimately, double check that there are no signs or pavement markings prohibiting it. If you drive out of the city (or enter the country by road) you must have a vignette (винетка) on every high-way. Buy it right away at the border (even though no one will tell you to and there may not be signs) or before leaving Sofia(rental car) from any fuel station. The price (2011) is 10 leva for one week - this is the shortest period available, also one-month and one-year vignettes are available. You must place it on the front window, in the bottom right corner. The fine, if you forget the vignette, is about 200 leva.
Car lights are also compulsory in the light part of the day from November 1st until March 1st; it is best just to drive with them on always.
Pedestrians should be careful since Bulgarian drivers do not yield right of way to those on foot.
Generally at night, you should avoid the area around the Bus and Train Station, Maria Luiza Blvd, the Parks (around the Palace of Culture and Borisova) and the Lions' Bridge (Lavov Most). This is especially true for single women and girls. Junkies get high there, prostitutes (both female and transsexual) offer their "services", some people might want to tempt you with touts of contraband (stolen, illegal, etc.) and/or then try to mug you. These areas are also frequented with the homeless and the drunk. If your hotel is in the area you'll be alright, just don't hang around it unnecessarily. Try to act like you are familiar with the area (and farmiliarize yourself during the day) and look like a local. As long as you avoid the poorly lit areas, the centre is okay, stick to the well-lit areas such as Vitoshka, the Largo, the Sheraton hotel, the Ivan Vazov theater and Voennia Klub (Military Club). It is wise to choose a hotel/hostel in a better location, such as the ones listed above.
Do not get into conflict with locals especially if they seem aggressive or drunk. Avoid football fan groups, they tend to be drunk and aggressive. Avoid wearing football shirts or scarves of the Sofia-based football teams, especially on match days.
On top of it all there are strong allegations of deep-rooted corruption in the Bulgarian justice system. Foreigners may find themselves in serious difficulty if they get into any legal trouble.
There are many other reports of violence on foreigners in Sofia, although all of them were 'aggravated' cases such as a person trying to illegally buy documents or drugs.
Be careful with taxis, make sure you check the prices first before you get in (the fare is per kilometer and it should be something like 0.59 during the day and 0.70 during the night, avoid cabs that display their fare as above 1.00), also make sure the cab has the driver's card on the front with his name.
Also, be wary of money exchange shops. Some of them exchange money for generally lower rates than displayed on the exchange rate panel. Go to banks, otherwise you can easily become a victim and if you want your money back the security guard might intimidate you, rough you up or physically abuse you. One such change shop is on Maria Louisa as you walk towards the Lion's bridge (Лъвов мост) just after Halite (Халите) and Ekzarh Yosif street (you'll recognise it by the misspelling of currency, spelled 'currensy').

[edit] Contact

Sofia has a large number of mostly free wireless hotspots in bars, restaurants, and cafés. You may find also in hotels and public areas, like "Park Zaimov". The airport has a free public wireless hotspot for use in Terminal 2. So does the entire central train station in Sofia.

[edit] Get out

Vitosha is a magnificent landmark mountain rising just south of the capital. It is easily accessible by public transportation or by car and day trips in Vitosha in a sunny day are highly recommended. In the winter it is well suited for skiing [76] and its proximity allows one day ski-trips; in the summer it is great for hiking. A great way to spend few days in Sofia, being on its "balcony," enjoying sunny days on the mountain with a spectacular view on the capital. So going to Sofia provide gives you a unique chance to witness the rare symbiosis of the metropolitan city with its nature park.

Rila Monastery is the most famous monastery in Bulgaria, situated in the huge Rila Massive. It`s just one hour and a half drive away from Sofia.

Plovdiv is the second largest city in Bulgaria. It`s just one hour drive on a good highway away from Sofia. Plovdiv lies around three hills in the otherwise totally flat Thracian plain. It's historical center, Roman remnants & relaxed feeling make it a great day-trip.

Veliko Turnovo a beautiful city along a winding river, the former capital of Bulgaria in the middle ages. The original city castle and walls are reconstructed. Be sure also to visit nearby Arbanassi.

There are also many monasteries around Sofia.

2011-12-20T22:16:00.001Z

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Rome

2011-11-30T19:31:00.001Z

Rome is a huge city with several district articles containing sightseeing, restaurant, nightlife and accommodation listings — consider printing them all.

Rome (Italian: Roma), the 'Eternal City', is the capital and largest city of Italy and of the Lazio (Latium) region. It is the famed city of the Roman Empire, the Seven Hills, La Dolce Vita (sweet life), the Vatican City and Three Coins in the Fountain. Rome, as a millenium-long centre of power, culture and religion, having been the centre of one of the globe's greatest civilizations ever, has exerted a huge influence over the world in its c. 2,500 years of existence.

The Historic Centre of the city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With wonderful palaces, millenium-old churches and basilicas, grand romantic ruins, opulent monuments, ornate statues and graceful fountains, Rome has an immensely rich historical heritage and cosmopolitan atmosphere, making it one of Europe's and the world's most visited, famous, influential and beautiful capitals. Today, Rome has a growing nightlife scene and is also seen as a shopping heaven, being regarded as one of the fashion capitals of the world (some of Italy's oldest jewellery and clothing establishments were founded in the city). With so many sights and things to do, Rome can truly be classified a "global city".

[edit]

Districts

Central Rome

Rome can be divided into several districts. The so-called historical centre (centro storico) is quite small, only around 4% of the city's area. This is mainly made up of Old Rome andColosseo. Districts are explained below:

Modern Center
Where many of the hotels are, as well as shopping and dining galore along the Via Veneto; home to the Quirinale, Trevi fountain, Barberini, Castro Pretorio, and Repubblica areas.

Old Rome
The centre of the Roman medieval and Renaissance periods, with beautiful plazas, cathedrals, the Pantheon, and plenty of laid-back dining; includes the Navona, Campo de' Fiori, and the Jewish Ghetto neighbourhoods.

Vatican
The Papal City State and its endless treasure troves of sights, relics, and museums, as well as the surrounding Italian neighbourhood.

Colosseo
The heart of ancient Rome, the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, the Forum of Augustus, the Forum and Markets of Trajan, the Capitoline and its museums.

North Center
Situated in the north part of Rome, home to the Villa Borghese, the Spanish Steps, and the elegant neighborhoods of Parioli and Salario.

Trastevere
The land to the south of the Vatican, on the west bank of the Tiber River, full of narrow cobbled streets and lonely plazas that served as the inspiration for artists such as Giorgio de Chirico. Now arguably the centre of Rome's artistic life.

Aventino-Testaccio
Off-the-beaten-path neighbourhoods of Rome with plenty of surprises waiting for interested travellers, as well as some truly great food.

Esquilino-San Giovanni
South of Termini, with an indoor market, Piazza Vittorio Emanuele, and the Cathedral of Rome Saint John in Lateran (San Giovanni in Laterano).

Nomentano
Municipio III, the neighbourhoods "behind" the train station. Vibrant night life in San Lorenzo.

[edit]Outskirts

North
the vast suburban neighbourhoods to the north of the centre (Municipi 4, 15-20)

South
home of the Appian Way park, several catacombs, Fascist monumental architecture at EUR and extensive suburbs. (Municipi 5-13)

Ostia
Rome's beach resort and the impressive ruins of Ancient Rome's harbour.

If your goal is to visit Italy and don't feel just like another tourist, then CLICK HERE this eBook is exactly what you need

Lyon

2011-11-30T19:23:00.001Z

Founded by the Romans, with many preserved historical areas, Lyon is the archetype of the heritage city, as recognised by UNESCO. Long seen as a dreary, grey city, partly because of urban planning errors such as building motorways right through the city centre, Lyon is now a vibrant metropolis which starts to make the most out of its unique architectural, cultural and gastronomic heritage, its dynamic demographics and economy and its strategic location between Northern and Southern Europe. It is more and more open to the world, with an increasing number of students and international events.

The city itself has about 470,000 inhabitants. However, the direct influence of the city extends well over its administrative borders. The figure which should be compared to the population of other major metropolises is the population of Greater Lyon (which includes 57 towns or communes): about 1,200,000. Lyon and its metropolitan area are rapidly growing and getting younger, because of their economic attractiveness.

[edit]Districts

Lyon is shaped by its two rivers, the Rhône (to the East) and the Saône (to the West), which both run North-South. The main areas of interest are:

Fourvière hill
Also known as "the hill that prays" due to the numerous churches and religious institutions it hosts. The hill was also the place where the Romans settled.

Vieux Lyon (Old Lyon)
The Renaissance area, along the right bank of the Saône.

Presqu'île
Between the two rivers, the real heart of the city.

Croix-Rousse
North of Presqu'île between the two rivers, it is known as "the hill that works" because it was home to the silk workers (canuts) until the 19th century. This industry has shaped the unique architecture of the area.

Confluence
An emerging district with great contemporary architecture in a former industrial area.

Part-Dieu
The main business district and home to the main train station of Lyon.

Brotteaux
The wealthiest district, next to the beautiful Tête d'Or park.

Guillotière
A picturesque district with a large immigrant population.

Etats-Unis
An interesting 1920s housing project.

Vaise
Another developing district.

Fourvière, Vieux Lyon, Croix-Rousse and a large part of Presqu'île are classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Lyon has nine administrative subdivisions called arrondissements, which are designated by numbers. They correspond approximately to the following neighbourhoods:

1st arrondissement (centre): North of Presqu'île and slopes of the Croix-Rousse hill; home of the canuts (silk workers), and still a 'rebel' neighbourhood.
2nd arrondissement (centre): Most of Presqu'île; basically, this is where the action is.
3rd arrondissement (East): Part-Dieu, North of Guillotière, Montchat, North of Monplaisir; the most populated arrondissement with wealthy and popular neighbourhoods, former industrial or military sites and a modern business district.
4th arrondissement (North): Plateau of the Croix-Rousse hill; historical area with a "village" mood.
5th arrondissement (West): Vieux Lyon, Fourvière, Saint-Just, Point du Jour; historical sites and quiet residential neighbourhoods.
6th arrondissement (Northeast): Brotteaux; the wealthiest part of the city.
7th arrondissement (South): South of Guillotière, Gerland; from popular neighbourhoods to high-tech industrial zones.
8th arrondissement (Southeast): South of Monplaisir, Etats-Unis, industrial and popular neighbourhoods built mainly in the 1920s-1930s.
9th arrondissement (Northwest): Vaise, La Duchère, St Rambert; some of the areas which have evolved the most in recent years.
Don't forget to visit Sainte-Foy-lès-Lyon, a nice little town on the western hill of Lyon,across the river Saône, where you can enjoy a walk halfway between the city and the countryside, with marvellous perspectives on the city.

Zip codes for Lyon begin with 69 for the Rhône département and end with the number of the arrondissement: 69004 is therefore the zip code for the 4th arrondissement. Special zip codes may be used for businesses.

Paris

2011-11-30T19:17:00.001Z

Paris (pronounced /ˈpærɪs/; French: [paʁi] ( listen)) is the capital and largest city in France, situated on the river Seine, in northern France, at the heart of the Île-de-France region (or Paris Region, French: Région parisienne). The city of Paris, within its administrative limits (the 20 arrondissements) largely unchanged since 1860, has an estimated population of 2,211,297^[2] (January 2008), but the Paris metropolitan area has a population of 12,089,098,^[4] (January 2008), and is one of the most populated metropolitan areas in Europe.^[5] Paris was the largest city in the Western world for about 1,000 years, prior to the 19th century, and the largest in the entire world between the 16th and 19th centuries.^[6]^[7]^[8]

Paris is today one of the world's leading business and cultural centres, and its influences in politics, education, entertainment, media, fashion, science, and the arts all contribute to its status as one of the world's major global cities.^[9]^[10]^[11]^[12] It hosts the headquarters of many international organizations such as UNESCO, the OECD, the International Chamber of Commerce or the informal Paris Club. Paris is considered as one of the greenest^[13] and most liveable^[14] cities in Europe. It is also one of the most expensive.^[15]^[16]

Paris and the Paris Region, with €552.1 billion (US$768.9 billion) in 2009, produce more than a quarter of the gross domestic product of France.^[17] According to 2008 estimates, the Paris agglomeration is Europe's biggest^[18] or second biggest^[19] city economy and the sixth largest in the world.^[20] The Paris Region hosts the headquarters of 33 of the Fortune Global 500 companies,^[21] the highest such concentration in Europe, hosted in several business districts, notably La Défense, the largest dedicated business district in Europe.^[22] The Paris region has the highest concentration of higher education students in the European Union,^[23] is the first in Europe in terms of research and development capability and expenditure^[23] and is considered as one of the best cities in the world for innovation.^[24] With about 42 million tourists annually in the city and its suburbs,^[23] Paris is the most visited city in the world. The city and its region contain 3,800historical monuments and four UNESCO World Heritage Sites.^[23]

New York

2011-11-30T18:46:00.001Z

New York is the most populous city in the United States^[9] and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world.^[10]^[11]^[12] New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and entertainment. The home of the United Nations Headquarters,^[13] New York is an important center for international affairs and is widely deemed the cultural capital of the world.^[14]^[15]^[16]^[17]^[18] The city is also referred to as New York City or the City of New York^[19] to distinguish it from the state of New York, of which it is a part.^[20]

Located on one of the world's largest natural harbors,^[21] New York City consists of five boroughs which were consolidated in 1898:^[22] The Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island.^[23] With a 2010 United States Censuspopulation of 8,175,133^[7] distributed over a land area of just 305 square miles (790 km²),^[24]^[25]^[26] New York is the most densely populated major city in the United States.^[27] As many as 800 languages are spoken in New York, making it the most linguistically diverse city in the world.^[28] The New York City Metropolitan Area's population is the United States' largest, estimated at 18.9 million people distributed over 6,720 square miles (17,400 km²),^[8]^[29] and is also part of the most populous combined statistical area in the United States, containing 22.2 million people as of 2009 Census estimates.^[30] New York is the most highly googled location in the world; registering 4.6 billion search results as of September 2011.^[31]

New York traces its roots to its 1624 founding as a trading post by colonists of the Dutch Republic, and was named New Amsterdam in 1626.^[32] The city and its surrounds came under English control in 1664^[33]^[34] and were renamed New York after King Charles II of England granted the lands to his brother, the Duke of York.^[35]^[36] New York served as the capital of the United States from 1785 until 1790.^[37] It has been the country's largest city since 1790.^[38] The Statue of Liberty greeted millions of immigrants as they came to America by ship in the late 19th and early 20th centuries^[39] and is a globally recognized symbol of the United States and its democracy.^[40]

Many districts and landmarks in New York City have become well known to its nearly 50 million annual visitors.^[41] Times Square, iconified as "The Crossroads of the World",^[42]^[43]^[44]^[45] is the brightly illuminated hub of the Broadway theater district,^[46] one of the world's busiest pedestrian intersections,^[47] and a major center of the world's entertainment industry.^[48] The city hosts many world renowned bridges, skyscrapers,^[49] and parks. New York City's financial district, anchored by Wall Street in Lower Manhattan, functions as the financial capital of the world^[50]^[51]^[52]^[53]^[54]^[55]^[56] and is home to the New York Stock Exchange, the world's largest stock exchange by total market capitalization of its listed companies.^[57] Manhattan's real estate market is among the most prized and expensive in the world.^[58] Manhattan's Chinatown incorporates the highest concentration of Chinese people in the Western Hemisphere.^[59] Unlike most global rapid transit systems, the New York City Subway is designed to provide 24/7 service.^[60] Numerous colleges and universities are located in New York,^[61] including Columbia University, New York University, and Rockefeller University, which are ranked among the top 100 in the world

Terana

2011-11-30T18:38:00.001Z

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