GENERAL INFORAMTION
Time
EEST (Eastern European Summer Time) UTC/GMT +3 hours
Weather
During the last week of May, Sofia will have mild temperatures with highs of 24–26°C (75–79°F) and lows around 13–14°C (55–57°F). Expect frequent cloud cover and occasional light rain or afternoon showers. We recommend packing a light jacket and umbrella to stay comfortable while enjoying the city’s spring charm.
Language
The official language is Bulgarian. However, English is commonly spoken in hotels, restaurants, and tourist spots.
Monetary system
In Bulgaria, the official currency is the Bulgarian Lev (BGN). The fixed exchange rate is 1 EUR = 1.95583 BGN. Most places accept major credit and debit cards, but it’s wise to carry some cash for smaller shops or markets. ATMs and currency exchange offices are widely available throughout the city.
⚠️ Avoid unofficial ATMs, as they often charge high fees.
Safety
Sofia is generally safe and welcoming. Like any major city, stay alert in crowded areas and keep an eye on your belongings.
Getting to Millenium Hotel from Sofia Airport Transport
Sofia Airport is well-connected to the city, offering several convenient options to reach the Millenium Hotel. Depending on your preferences, you can choose from public transport, taxis, private transfers, or car travel.
Below are the recommended ways to get to the hotel:
By Sofia Metro (approx. 40 min)
There is a free shuttle bus between Terminals 1 and 2.
The metro station is next to Terminal 2 — just follow the blue floor markings. Take the metro to Serdika station, change to Line 2 (Blue), and ride one stop to National Palace of Culture (NDK). A single trip costs BGN 1,60. Tickets can be purchased at the station or you can travel and pay directly with your contactless bank card.
By Pre-booked Transfer
A private transfer can be booked through our trusted partners.
To arrange this, please create or log in to your account in the CISAC 2025 GA website here or contact Mrs. Petia Sokolova at petia@cmebg.com or at 00359895737827, available also on Viber and WhatsApp.
By Taxi
Yellow! is the only official taxi company at Sofia Airport. Their bright yellow cabs with Yellow! logo are stationed at designated taxi ranks at Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 (on the right side), ready to serve arriving passengers. Other way to arrange your ride is it to book a trip via the Yellow Taxi app.
⚠️ Some taxis do not have POS terminals. If you don’t have cash, we recommend confirming with the driver whether cashless payment is available before starting your trip.
Volt Taxi is а high-end taxi service in Bulgaria and can be booked easily via their app or website.
⚠️ Avoid unofficial taxi services offered in front of the terminal building or outside the official Yellow! taxi rank, as these may pose a risk of overcharging.
By Car (approx. 25–30 min, ~13 km)
Driving from the airport takes about 30 minutes. Rental services are readily available at the airport.
As the hotel is in a paid parking area, check with the hotel for on-site or nearby parking availability.
Sightseeing Explore Sofia
Sofia is the largest city and the capital of Bulgaria, with population of over 1,2 million people.
With a history spanning over 7,000 years, it is one of Europe’s oldest cities, blending Roman ruins, medieval churches, and contemporary culture. The city hosts diverse cultural offerings, including museums, galleries, and theaters.
Get our personalized map and explore some of Sofia’s gem spots!
Free Sofia Tour
The Free Sofia Tour offers daily guided walking tours of the city, led by enthusiastic local volunteers. It’s a great way to discover Sofia’s main landmarks, hidden gems, and history in an engaging and accessible way. For more information and schedule visit the Free Sofia Tour website.
Ancient Serdica
Beneath Sofia’s bustling center lie the remains of ancient Serdica—once a thriving Roman city. You can walk among preserved streets, walls, and early Christian buildings integrated into the modern urban landscape. The site is easily accessible near Serdika metro station and includes informative displays for a self-guided experience.
Vitosha Mountain & Boyana Church
Just outside the city, Vitosha Mountain offers a natural escape with scenic trails, fresh air, and panoramic views of Sofia. At its base, you’ll find Boyana Church—a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its 13th-century frescoes that are considered precursors to the European Renaissance.
Experience Sofia
Beyond sightseeing, Sofia offers rich local experiences—from joining a free walking tour or a pub crawl to relaxing in mineral baths or browsing open-air markets. Explore the city’s creative energy in its art galleries, cafes, and street art, or catch a live music performance in one of its many cultural venues.
How to Use the CISAC GA 2025 Sofia Map on Your Phone
Open the Map Link
Click the map link we’ve shared with you. It will open in your mobile browser or in the Google Maps app. (We suggest opening in Google Maps for the best mobile experience)
Explore Locations by Category
Use the legend (accessible via “View Map Legend”) to browse different categories like sightseeing, museums, restaurants, and other useful spots.
Get Directions Easily
Tap any location pin to see “More info” or tap “Directions” to navigate there from your current location using Google Maps.
Access the Map Later
To view the map again anytime, open the Google Maps app, go to Saved (“You”) > “Maps” (under the “Your lists” section), and you’ll find the map CISAC General Assembly 2025 there.
Let us know if you need help using the map — we’re happy to assist!
Traditional food and drinks Taste of Bulgaria
Bulgarian cuisine blends Balkan, Mediterranean, and Ottoman influences.
Below are some traditional dishes to try during your stay:
Shopska Salad
Bulgaria’s signature salad, made with tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and grated white brined cheese (sirene). It’s fresh, colorful, and usually served as a starter or side dish.
Banitsa
A beloved pastry filled with a mixture of eggs, cheese, and yogurt, layered in flaky filo dough. Commonly eaten for breakfast, it pairs perfectly with a glass of ayran or boza.
Kavarma
A rich stew typically made with pork or chicken, onions, peppers, and herbs. It’s slow-cooked in clay pots for deep flavor and often served with crusty bread.
Tarator
A refreshing cold soup of yogurt, cucumber, garlic, dill, and walnuts—ideal for hot summer days. It’s light, nutritious, and distinctly Bulgarian.
Meshana Skara (Mixed Grill)
A grilled meat platter featuring kebapche, kyufte, pork steaks, and sausages. This mixed grill is a carnivore’s favorite and commonly served with fresh salad and lutenitsa.
Rakia
National strong drink made out of fermented fruit. Most popular Rakia types are made of plums, grapes or apricots. The alcohol by volume is ~40 degrees and goes up to 50-70 degrees when homemade. Rakia is best combined with a Shopska salad.
Useful phrases
Здравей
Zdravey
(Hello)
Как си?
Kak si?
(How are you?)
Чао
Chao
(Bye)
Да / Не
Da / Ne
(Yes / No)
Моля
Molya
(Please / You’re welcome)
Благодаря
Blagodarya
(Thank you)
Наздраве!
Nazdrave!
(Cheers!)
Зеле!
Zele!
(“Cabbage!” – said when taking photos, like “Cheese!”)
Много вкусно!
Mnogo vkusno!
(Very tasty!)
Авторско право
Avtorsko pravo
(Copyright)
Threading Tradition into Innovation Bulgarian Shevitsa
Bulgarian embroidery, or shevitsa, is a rich element of the country’s folk tradition, often seen on traditional clothing, household textiles, and ceremonial items. Each pattern carries symbolic meaning—representing protection, fertility, health, or connection to nature—and varies by region.
For this year’s CISAC General Assembly in Sofia, the visual identity is inspired by the shevitsa, reinterpreted through a modern, pixel-based aesthetic. This transformation pays tribute to tradition while embracing the digital age—where creativity crosses borders and formats. Like threads in embroidery, all elements assemble together to form a cohesive whole, symbolizing the unity, collaboration, and shared vision of the global creative community.
Welcome to Bulgaria!
It is a true privilege for MUSICAUTOR to host this year’s CISAC General Assembly here in Sofia, and to welcome you to our vibrant and historic city.
We hope you enjoy your stay, creating new connections, sharing ideas and making unforgettable memories.
Sincerely,
MUSICAUTOR’S TEAM
