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Photo: Stella Ivanova
The British online publication The Independent has released its ranking of the ten most attractive and affordable destinations in Europe for short city breaks in 2026. The list highlights cities that offer a variety of experiences, from history and architecture to nature and gastronomy, while remaining budget-friendly.
Sarajevo tops the ranking, praised for its Ottoman heritage and low costs for Turkish coffee, local food, transportation, museums, historical sites, and cultural events.
Sofia comes in second, immediately after the Bosnian capital. The Bulgarian capital is described as having a compact city center that is convenient to explore on foot, blending ancient history with Byzantine and Soviet-era architecture. In addition, the nearby Vitosha Mountain provides opportunities for nature tourism.
Following Sofia, the ranking lists Braga, Bucharest, Krakow, Tirana, Seville, Budapest, and Thessaloniki, each recognized for offering quality experiences at affordable prices.
Residents and visitors in Sofia will be able to park without payment in the city’s “blue” and “green” zones during the upcoming Easter holidays
A 40-meter-high Ferris wheel has been installed in central Sofia, becoming a new attraction for residents and visitors seeking panoramic views of the capital.
Health authorities have reported a total of 66 confirmed measles cases in Bulgaria, with the first infection now recorded in Sofia, according to data published on the Ministry of Health’s epidemic monitoring platform.
A total of 147 years have passed since Sofia was officially designated as the capital of Bulgaria
Restaurant and café prices in Bulgaria have increased sharply over the past decade, rising by close to 110%, according to analysis by the Institute for Market Economics
The Ombudswoman institution has voiced strong opposition to the proposed increase in heating prices in Sofia, which is expected to approach nearly 30 percent
Specialists in the real estate and tourism sectors are forecasting a notable rise in the prices of vacation properties in Bulgaria, with estimates pointing to an increase of between 25% and 30%
The ski zone above Bansko is set to welcome visitors during the Easter holidays with exceptional late-season conditions, as snow cover near Todorka Peak has reached close to three meters
President Iliana Yotova has called for Bulgaria to be actively promoted as a safe and competitively priced destination in order to secure a strong tourist season, during a meeting with caretaker Tourism Minister Irena Georgieva
From May 20, 2026, around half of Bulgarian short-term rental listings are expected to disappear from platforms such as Airbnb and Booking, as new EU rules on digital registration and data exchange come into force
Sofia’s Vasil Levski Airport is entering the summer 2026 season with a significantly expanded flight network, offering more destinations and greater connectivity across Europe and beyond
The Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has elevated the travel risk level for Cuba to Level 4, advising citizens to avoid travel to the country except in situations of extreme necessity.
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