Bulgarian National Museum of Military History
The Basics
There’s a moderate charge to visit the National Museum of Military History, with discounts for children, students, and families. (Under-7s get in free.) Guided tours are available in a range of languages for a more substantial fee. English-language signage is a bit patchy, and relatively few staff speak English, so a tour might be a good investment for military enthusiasts. Travelers typically visit independently and focus on the tanks, fighters, missile launchers, and war machines in the courtyard.
Things to Know Before You Go
The National Museum of Military History is a must for military enthusiasts. The tanks will appeal to many families with kids.
Touching and climbing on the exhibits is not allowed.
Only museum guides are allowed to lead tours here. They can be booked in advance or on arrival.
While the outside displays are wheelchair-accessible, the interior of the museum is not.
How to Get There
The National Museum of Military History is located about 3 miles (5 kilometers) southeast of downtown Sofia. Catch tram 20 from the Central Market Hall to the Romanian Embassy, about a 0.5-mile (800-meter) walk away. It’s also possible to connect by buses 9, 72, 120, 305, and 413.
Trip ideas
When to Get There
The National Museum of Military History is open from Wednesday to Sunday only, from morning until early evening. Admission is free on the last Wednesday of each month. While rarely busy, the museum is extremely popular on Bulgarian patriotic holidays, particularly March 3, National Liberation Day, and May 6, Bulgarian Armed Forces Day.
What Is There to See at the National Museum of Military History?
The National Museum of Military History boasts a history dating back to 1914 and a collection of more than a million items. While many of its aircraft have moved to the Aviation Museum in Plovdiv, the collection includes both helicopters and planes. Also of interest will be the armor selection, which includes pieces from the sixth century BC.
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