Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2025 All Rights Reserved

Sofia-Istanbul international train is among the top destinations of Lonely Planet for 2023

Photo: bdz.bg

Lonely Planet, a world leader in guidebook publishing, has compiled a list of the best trips we can take in 2023. The publication has listed the top 30 attractions in its annual ranking, which includes five categories: Eat, Journey, Unwind, Connect, and Learn.

The Sofia-Istanbul international train is among the top destinations. “The recently restored overnight service between Sofia and Istanbul will whirl two adventures into one, leaving the place where east meets west in Istanbul and depositing you in Bulgaria’s laid-back capital city 11 hours later,” Lonely Planet's train expert Tom Hall writes. He describes the Istanbul-Sofia night express as “threading across fortress-like frontiers into Bulgaria and crossing mountain passes before arriving in underrated and very affordable Sofia.”

In Tom Hall’s words “leaving Istanbul, you’ll cross ancient landscapes and borders, then take in superb scenery as you chug through Bulgaria’s mountains. From Sofia, pathways open up to further epic journeys across Europe.”

Alexander Nevsky cathedral

Upon arriving in the capital of Bulgaria the Lonely planet advises the traveler to visit the Aleksander Nevski Cathedral, the National Museum of Natural History and the National Gallery Quadrat 500. 


The author mentions where tourists can have a tasty brunch and drink good craft beer. “Local travelers I spoke to recommended the narrow-gauge journey from Septemvri to Dobrinishte as a very scenic backcountry detour just off the Plovdiv-Sofia line, Tom Hall adds at the end.





Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

Coolness, hiking and impressive views – escape from the heat with a trip to Svoge

When the temperature in Sofia mercilessly approaches 40°C, the air becomes heavy as lead and the streets get deserted, people begin to seek coolness in the mountains. Just about an hour's drive away, northwest of the capital city,..

published on 8/2/25 6:05 AM

"Bulgaria Land" - a walk through the centuries in the heart of Pravets

A new cultural and historical park has opened on the shore of the city lake in Pravets, as it extends on over 14 decares. The "Bulgaria Land" offers a unique opportunity to get acquainted with the Bulgarian heritage, presented on a..

published on 7/27/25 11:05 AM

Unconventional underwater park attracts divers to St. Anastasia island

A spectacular “amusement park” is open to divers 18 metres below the surface of the sea close to St. Anastasia island – an Orthodox chapel rises and opposite the church – a Soviet Chaika car with a chrome grill is parked. Right next to it there is a..

published on 7/26/25 1:30 PM