Hello! My name is Miguel, from Portugal, and I was invited to be a small part of this team by creating what I expect to be some interesting travel maps. At the beginning of 2026, I decided to use some of my savings to take the year off and travel around the world (well, essentially Europe). Thanks to programmes like Worldpackers and Couchers, I have been able to make my savings last longer, but because of how these different programmes work, I often end up staying in one place for a long period (usually one to two months), which I have used to explore the city and take day trips to nearby cities.
When travelling, I like to meet other travellers and volunteers, exchange stories and experiences, explore cultural landmarks & occasionally enjoy some nightlife. Sometimes, I plan things to do in advance, but most of the time I end up deciding in the moment, as my current life involves a lot of moving around, between looking for new temporary jobs, planning trips & exploring the cities I am in.
My recommendations include mostly places I have visited myself, but also some suggestions from other friendly travellers I met along the way โ I tried to experience these myself, but some were easier than others! The information for each is a summary of various sources: tour guides, informational plaques at monuments, Wikipedia, official websites... all with a sprinkle of personal opinion, of course!
So, whether you are planning a short or longer trip, with a carry-on or full-on luggage, I hope you enjoy these recommendations.
Why Sofia?
Thanks to my recent adventures, and a bit of โwhy not?โ from the Universe, I ended up spending the month of August 2026 living in Sofia, Bulgaria. Founded more than 7,000 years ago, the city blends religious heritage, ancient history and architecture with green parks and the looming presence of Mount Vitosha beyond the city centre. It is also a gateway to many Bulgarian hidden gems. This map presents the most impressive places I found, visited, or heard about from the good friends I met along the way. All condensed into a single space, so you can enjoy them on your trip to Sofia.Map updated on 23-09-2026