Newly inducted into the European Union, Bulgaria is anything but young. Its capital, Sofia, was established some 2,500 years ago and touts itself as one of Europe’s oldest capital cities. Most of the sights in Sofia center on ancient and historic buildings, such as the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, one of the world’s largest orthodox cathedrals. There are also plenty of historical museums, churches and other intellectual buildings. Sofia is also known for its plethora of natural mineral springs, of which there are seven within the city.

Though still finding its feet as a tourist destination, Sofia is a lovely and picturesque ancient city with lots to offer the visitor.