Oborishte Walk (Self Guided), Sofia

The Oborishte district is an enthralling place to spend some time, principally for its many monuments of national importance and historic houses. A good place to start your visit is at the St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral at the beginning of Oborishte Street. This Neo-Byzantine Bulgarian Orthodox cathedral is a vast edifice that can hold up to 10,000 people. It is the second biggest cathedral on the Balkan Peninsula. Stand outside and marvel at the impressive gold-plated dome. Inside, find the cathedral crypt which houses a museum of Bulgarian icons. The cathedral is next to St. Sofia Church, from which the city gets its name.

Continue down Oborishte Street, past elegant homes from the early part of the 20th century. Look at the beautiful decor of their Art Nouveau façades. Your route will also take you by important administrative buildings, including the French Embassy. Such is the architectural beauty of the street that it is often named among one of the most emblematic streets in the city.

While you are here, you can do a little bit of shopping in the stores. Afterwards, relax with something to eat and drink in any of the enticing and friendly coffee shops and restaurants. Then continue your wanderings by going down Shipka Street which has several coffee shops and small stores.