Both cities have their own charm.They both show their beauty by restoring old buildings and building new ones.Lets just appreciate what both cities offer.
What I understand is that Belgrade is better in terms of nightlife and metropolitan feel. On the other hand Sofia has better infrastructure, internet, wages and parks. Belgrade is better to visit and Sofia is better to live in.
I have never been to Belgrade yet unfortunately but have seen many videos and documentaries and indeed the city seems to be developing nicely. There is a nightlife, street food culture and obviously each city having a river makes it more grandeur and beautiful e.g. Budapest, Prague, Cologne, etc. The area around the Danube seems to be thriving. On the other hand, Sofia has dramatically changed during the last decade most notably the transport system. You can even find electric buses with USB ports. Trolleybuses, buses and trams have improved and most importantly is the metro which now has 43 stations and 3 operational lines connecting it to the airport. The city is full of huge parks and most importantly Mount Vitosha which is a 15min drive from the city. There are more and more skyscrapers popping (not in the downtown area) and many boulevards have been fixed and traffic has significantly improved. Not to mention more 5 star hotels opened and being currently built. Whilst not having a coast, you can easily reach Burgas or Greece in 3 hours time. Travel to Varna is very cheap and easy even if it is more far away than Belgrade :D Sofia was never a touristic place compared to Plovdiv, the coast, Veliko Tarnovo, Bansko/Pamporovo but it's still fine for a quick weekend trip. Tbh, I think both cities have their advantages and disadvantages but in the end both cultures are very close and it's a pity that politicians managed to divide us a part when we should be more united.
I’d say that Belgrade is definitely a better city. Seems bigger, more going on, has two rivers, great nightlife, just like you said seems more urban. Sofia is better from the tax point of view, and flight options. If I was choosing a city to move to permanently Belgrade would win in this equation.
Michael Rosmer Honestly it just feels that there’s much more going on in Belgrade, it feels more grand and more metropolitan. Sofia is waaay more peaceful it’s more about long walks in the park, having coffee on the go and chilling. Belgrade is hustle and bustle, it’s always on the go. At least this is my perception and I’ve spent lots of time in both cities. Btw I’d like to see more videos from you in this manner.
@T W, It is good that you used "seems" as Sofia is the bigger city and much more developed one, having a metro system with 4 lines, several business parks and so on and so forth. Historically Sofia has always been more important city, although Belgrade was founded by Bulgarians. It was Bulgaria there for like a millennium.
@@spartakbugarski3281 historically Sofia was always the more important city? During what period of history? Belgrade by far has more historic significance being on the intersection of the two rivers throughout most of its history. Sofia was very significant until modern history, actually Varna and others were the bigger more significant centers going back say 1000 years. This is probably in large part do to the lack of bodies of water in Sofia, which is a historical anomaly especially for what is now a capital city. Have you been to Belgrade recently? They aren't so different in terms of size or development. Populations are very similar. Sofia might have more business parks but the new Belgrade area is arguably larger than any of those individually. While yes there's the 4 metro lines in Sofia and getting around is much easier (the bridges in Belgrade really create bottlenecks and traffic is fairly bad), Belgrade is also a higher density city so some of those factors are counter balanced.
I was born in Belgrade, and I have lived in Sofia for 10 months. I wouldn’t say the night life in Sofia is that worse, there are a lot of cool places. Bulgarians were always very nice to me, but that could be because of my origins and the fact I can understand them and vice versa. I really like their mentality, they are a bit calmer and more polite than Serbians (at least in Sofia vs Belgrade), but then it is pretty similar. Maybe like the US vs Canada 😊 As for the quality of food: this is one area where the EU plays a major role, their food industry has been commercialized and the quality of food has dropped. In Serbia, it still maintains the natural quality. Infrastructure is generally much better in Sofia, except for roads which can be a disaster in Sofia (holes, cracks).
Interesting experience I definitely haven't noticed that Bulgarians are more polite. Food in grocery stores in Sofia tends to be bad but markets you can get good stuff minus beef, which is generally horrible in this part of the world. Good pork though.
@@tw9419 The only good places in Bulgaria for nightlife is the much younger crowd (rave types), although I love Sofia I wish there were more places for older folks at night, but plenty or enough places during the day. Sofia is pretty much Vitosha St. which I love as well, just not enough of it. Ive been through Belgrade many times and had long layovers by train there, but never went into the city due to the drab appearance of the place at the train station, maybe a huge mistake, but I plan to visit Belgrade and Serbia again knowing it can be compared to Sofia because I absolutely loved Sofia and Bulgaria and didnt think there was a place to compare it to close by. Only problem is it can get boring if you are not working all week which is why I am more attracted to Belgrade now, seems to have more to do. You can always hop on a train to either, but I have to say Serbia is a little more centrally located unless you are into going to Turkey and Greece. So if the food is even and the rent is close and the people basically the same.....Id have to give it to Belgrade (which also has Novi Sad not too far away). In the summer Id have to hit the Bulgarian coast or Odessa, another city I love. Hopefully this scamdemic will end soon because I need to get back there fast!
I feel this has been very fair comparison. Often you-tubers when they do this kind of video they are either not fully knowledgable or they compare in odd and incomparable way or they are biased. I felt this was on point and as if you had experience with all spoken. I can not say which one is better because I haven’t lived in Sofia, so I can not be objective but I can add a quote from Croatian singer that lives in Belgrade part time and this is why I love Belgrade (this will be literate translation with a lot off mistakes): “ I often get mad at you. You are dirty, noisy and bit neurotic. It is difficult to raise children with you, you are far from an oasis of peace and healthy living. You say everything in everyone's face, you smoke and drink as if there is no tomorrow, you laugh, that wild energy often scares me. And again. No one in the world has received me with so much joy. Wherever I go, smiles greet me. You love and support everything I do, even when we don’t understand each other and you feel like I fell off Mars with my ideas, I know you’re glad I’m here. You don't try to change me, you love how I talk, you don’t push me to talk like you talk. In 7 years I have not experienced a single rudeness, not a single provocation, not a single one: here it is said bread, not bread(this is serbo/croatian dofference in word bread). There is a lot for one immigrant. The older I get, the more I appreciate it. You opened the door wide, to be my home. Thank you, Belgrade! " Ida Prester (singer)
@@OffshoreCitizen you are most welcomed. I think pure facts will never be on side of Belgrade to be the best city in something, but I think the energy and “freedom” of the city and how much people there believe in their ideas is just beautiful and I never felt that anywhere else where I used to live.
Good comparison, that is why i choose for Bulgaria, if you have an online business you prefer not to be outside of the EU. But i would like to spent some months in belgrade next year.
Sofia is better for bulgarians, Belgrade for Serbs. What is common for Belgrade and Bulgaria. BG. In Serbia, BG is short name for Belgrade, in Bulgaria for Bulgaria. For foreigners, i do not know. Cities are simmilar, tha same region, almost the same people, Slavs, the same culture,... Very simmilar cities.
@@MichaelRosmer Every region in Serbia has different culture, the same with Bulgaria. Bulgarians are not pure Slavs but they are Slavs, the same as Serbs. Bulgarian people is basicaly mix of some serbian tribes and Tatar people, 7:1. Tatars conquered teritory of today Bulgaria, this teritory was home for couple slavic tribes, Tatars beat that tribes and conquered them, but Tatars are outnumbered by Slavs 7:1 and Tatars accepts slavic language and culture. Result is today Bulgarians.
Those are minor diferences, it was the same people and same language in the middle ages, Bulgarian and Serbian started to differe during the turks in 16-19 century with reforms that looks like both wanted to made it differe from each other, might be some strategy dont know. Not unfamiliar strategy of creating new nations, beloursians, ukrainians, croats, macedonians, here comes montenegrins, bosnians... From what i know and understand Bulgaria was not mixed with Tatars but there was Tatarian elite that ruled over some slavic tribes in Balkans that came after exiled from an old Tatar Bulgaria in Caucasus region.
Good one! I haven't managed to visit Belgrade yet, Sofia didn't seem the prettiest place when I went there, but it's very well connected for air routes. I'm curious about the small and attractive places in BG like Bansko, Veliko Tarnovo etc. Have you been?
@@goodfella5654 yeah Belgrade is also ugly in terms of the old buildings, both pretty similar, the river and Belgrade waterfront area makes Belgrade maybe slightly nicer but pretty similar.
Regarding places like Bansko and other small communities I personally find them too removed, small etc but some people like the quieter areas. I'm a cities guy unless we're talking about brief periods away to relax like I might go spend a couple weeks in the mountains or Ubud or Maldives.
Belgrade and Sofia are both relatively ugly cities by European standards. After the destruction WWII caused, the communist governments just didn’t care about rebuilding/ refurbishing the historic and beautiful buildings that were erected during the monarchist era. Instead they just built dull, and gray concrete boxes all over the place.
I think Belgrade sits on a much more important geopolitical and strategic location overall, which has, and will certainly play an important role in the future. It went recently through more turbulence and stagnation than Sofia, but is now developing faster. I think it has a very strong young talent and startup potential. There is still a range of issues, but with smart city management, those can be overcome, perhaps with the help of EU and US.
Yeah I think those are all good observations. On your last point I don't think Belgrade or Serbia more broadly has good management, one of the most horrible governments I've seen in my life. If the government was good, more like what Estonia has had they could do great.
@@MichaelRosmer You are absolutely right about the current city management, and especially the government. My two cents: Institutions are fragile, a lot of gov't decision-making makes little sense, I get that tackling Serbian external and internal geopolitical situation is not an enviable job. But... they have still not seriously tackled some major issues like corruption, rule of law and sometimes it looks like they were aiming for some of the absolute worst and most incompetent people in a land full of talent. Which is to say when less morally inclined people see that their state does not care about a range of things, and lets them slide, then they care even less and start breaking the law, disrespecting and disregarding everything and everyone, crossing the boundaries of civilised behaviour, etc. This mindset needs to be put an end to, permanently, or else educated young people will continue leaving the country. Now, not everything is 100% terrible, certain things are visibly improving and it seems to be possible to fix things, just if they come back to their senses, but soon. Every day of letting things slide takes away the time Belgrade does not have. It would be a shame to let to waste all the EU and US economic cooperation potential, especially now that US pledged to open a permanent DFC HQ in Belgrade. I'm not familiar with the Estonian political situation, but will certainly take a gander, thanks.
@@disquette8958 honestly, I don't think the leadership wants to tackle issues like corruption because they are corrupt. In Serbia people go into politics to get rich not to do good. But so long as the people tolerate this it will continue happening. Estonia did a great job of modernizing. A while back Georgia did as well. They've slipped more recently but still have good momentum. But what you needed was a leadership team with the will to fix things. A friend of mine was the minister of economy at the time and he said on his first week on the job he was offered a, huge bribe to open up an industry in the country favorably. He needed to have the will to resist in those cases and most people don't. Serbia could improve a lot very quickly and be a really compelling place but it needs to start with great leadership and that just isn't there right now.
@@MichaelRosmer One of the most horrible governments I've seen in my life???? Rally? On what do you base that statement? You seem very opinionated for a tourist. Btw. Comparing Estonia and Serbia is ridiculous. Estonia did not go through a bloody war, was not bombed by NATO, did not go through 10 years of devastating sanctions. It has not been sabotaged and blackmailed by EU or USA. It has been helped by the west because of its closeness to Russia. In my 40 years of living in Serbia, i have never seen so much economic boom, so much enthusiasm, so much things going on. It is evident to everyone here that things are getting better every day. And im not even a supporter of Vucic. I didnt vote for him, and im not planing to. But im honest enough to admit when things are getting better. If this is horrible, than i hope it become more horrible soon, because we seem to be on a right track.
@@zograf4572 yes terrible government. Why are wages lower than in Bosnia (Bosnia let's remember was far more the center of war than Serbia), Montenegro, Croatia? Financial regulations seem designed to keep people poor. I've seen countries where they try to make it difficult to get money out, Serbia is one of the very few where they make it hard to get money in, which has the effect of hurting locals. It's probably the most educated population in the region maybe even in eastern Europe and yet this hasn't reflected in salaries for people. The passport has improved very quickly over the last few years I will give them that. The government is hyper corrupt robing the country. Consider for one of many examples the Christmas tree they bought that cost more than the one in NYC, ridiculous. Import rules mean most goods cost more than in most of Europe (I find for instance about a 20% premium on clothes) not to mention fraud at the borders, difficulty shipping to the country and getting your goods without customs issues. Socials are ridiculous and on the flip side so are pensions. Compliance regulations for businesses are highly bureaucratic and inefficient. Banking is a disaster, some of the worst in Europe. Infrastructure for online payments is close to non-existent robbing the people of many opportunities to do business online and forcing them to operate through foreign companies. Capital markets are poor and interest rates are high meaning if you want to raise capital for a new venture you'll probably need to go to Bulgaria or elsewhere and investors lack confidence in the local legal system for these things. There's some nice new developments I'll grant you that. The area around the river and train station in Belgrade for example is nice, though I wouldn't give the local government credit for that if anything they probably got rich off it. Estonia is a point of comparison because they've embraced technology and it doesn't matter about the war or bombings Serbia has those same opportunities but doesn't embrace them. Serbia is a country with massive potential if activated but that potential is being squandered. All the progress I'd give credit to the people who are mostly great, not the government. And yeah I have tons of opinions it's based on first hand experience doing many types of business in a multitude of countries and comparing them. Very few other people have that direct first hand experience with many places to be in a position to compare.
Sofia is larger and has a bigger population than Belgrade but has a lower population dencity because the city is more spread out. This makes Sofia appear indeed more phlegmatic. Also, Sofia is one of the most walkable capitals in Europe which separates it not only from Belgrade but from other capitals, too. Also, Sofia is in the vicinity of Vitosha mauntain which is not a small thing. You can hike in the spring and in the summer and in the winter people ski and snowboard there. On the other hand Sofia is indeed more peaceful and has more green spaces and parks than Belgrade which are also quite well maintained. Crime rate in Sofia is practically zero in recent years, too. There is this hustle in Belgrade which is charming. Pay attention that after WW2 Yugoslavia was split 50:50 between the West and the Soviet Union whereas Bulgaria was entirely blocked behind the Iron Curtain. In this period Belgrade was europenised while Sofia underwent a deliberate "sovietification" which is visible in the ugly communist brutalist architecture in the suburbs of Sofia. This type of brutalist communist archtecture is more or less absent in Belgrade. Maybe that is one of the reasons why Sofia appears "colder" than Belgrade. Also, Belgrade has two rivers-Sava and the Danube. They give this cosmopolitan nice vibe to the city but at the same time on practical you cannot swim there like in the Rhein in Basel and on the downside in the summer they attract lots of mosquitos.
@@deitero Ok, I stand corrected. Admittedly, according to Wikipedia Belgrade has 1, 3 million inhabitants whereas Sofia 1, 2. On the other hand as per Wikipedia again in terms of area Sofia is 492 km^2 while Belgrade is 359 km^2. Sofia is teritorially very massive. The thing is that you have these huge communist neighborhoods which are designed only to sleep there. This might create the deceptive visual impression that Sofia is smaller than it really is.
What an interesting comparison. Thanks for this. I live in Belgrade and I have the feeling that most people here (myself included) just don't know very much about Sofia or what life there is like. I have to get down there one of these days and try some of those restaurants you mentioned. One thing you didn't mention much in the video is the political situation. I don't know what it's like in Sofia but Belgrade is being pretty badly mismanaged at the moment (putting it politely). And that has to be factored in for people who are thinking of moving here. Although, I suppose there's a good chance things are more or less the same for our southern brothers... but I doubt it because of the EU. There are a couple of things I'm jealous of that Sofia has and Belgrade doesn't. The metro system (we are long overdue to get one here in Belgrade) and the ease of banking and transferring money internationally. Those two things would make my life here so much easier. Obviously the metro system would cost billions and is hard to build in a city on two rivers and with so many hills... but the banking and payments thing could be changed pretty much overnight and I just don't see why we're still in the dark ages (relatively speaking).
Absolutely agree with you on all accounts. The financial infrastructure in Serbia is a disaster and traffic is annoying, a metro would be nice. Maybe Elon Musk will make building one cheaper. The political situation is Serbia is terrible, corrupt, some of the most abusive I've seen. I wouldn't say it's great in Bulgaria but it is better. Yes you should definitely visit.
@@MichaelRosmer Not holding my breath for Elon to help us out but maybe the Chinese... not holding my breath for that either actually. There are supposed to be talks going on for a French-Chinese collaboration on a metro system but there's no telling how likely that is and how much is just political grandstanding by all involved. Anyway, definitely looking forward to visiting Sofija some time soon. Mostly for the food, if I'm honest :)
@@MichaelRosmer Corruption in Bulgaria is widely spread to an extent that people don't even pay attention to it that much anymore. It has just become part of our lives. We know it's there, we know people who are corrupted, media knows it, the law-enforcement, judges, prosecutors, everyone knows it, but nobody gives a damn. There is a saying that "fish stinks from the head" and the head in our case is the government. The government is so corrupted that it's outrages, but this government has the back of EU and EU does not care about what these corrupted morons are doing in their own country as long as they follow the foreign EU policies. Which in other words means that EU is corrupted as well and every decision and every support that they offer is a political decision and not an objective one. I had high hopes about EU , I hoped that it'll control our corrupted morons more, but I was wrong.
Serbia is interesting as it has no CFC rules, so you can basically just keep assets in an overseas entity at zero tax and only pay taxes when distribution are done.
@@MichaelRosmer I like that it’s chill, hipster, artistic place. It is cleaner and more relaxed than Sofia. The weather is also milder than Sofia, so walking and cycling is easier.It is cheaper. At the same time the job opportunities are very interesting and diverse. You are 2 hours away from best destinations- Sofia, Black see, Greece, etc.
Serb here, lived in Belgrade, visited Sofia few times. Belgrade was the capital of Yugoslavia for 100 years, so mini-imperia, and even before that, was the first to liberate from Turks, was called the Piemont of Balkans before WW1. Belgrade had and has huge influence oh the whole region in any aspect (especially culturally) - and it's more to be compared to Bucharest or even Budapest (of course - another level is Budapest) - but you get the point. At some point, the Kingdom of Yugoslavia for example was one of the largest European countries. Sofia and Belgrade are now similar in population, but Belgrade was always more important, mayor city for region, in a strategic position, it was much more important in Ottoman times (just google battle for it or observe Belgrade fortress) and not to mention 1920-1990s period. Yugoslavia was a major regional power and cultural hub, a unique country. Even today, Belgrade has a large influence on nearby countries (especially the Ex-Yu zone). It had first radio in the region in 1920, the biggest fair, the first nightline airline in the world (with Bucharest), and many 'first' for the region. First nightclub in the region. First McDonald's (funny thing but to mention) in Eastern Europe - 1988 (way before some western cities like Glasgow etc). It has a football champion Red Star (Sofia does not) - Red Star FC is actually known across Europe, no Sofia clubs are. Not to mention other sports things, basketball (it's the cradle of Europe basketball). It has its own way in architecture from 1920/the 30s - Belgrade modern, and it's actually along with Bucharest, Madrid and some other cities, best in Europe when it comes to 20/30s European art deco and similar architecture. Back then, it was important also politically, it was founder of the non-aligned movement. Cinematography, is one of the best in Eastern Europe, especially before. Biggest funeral in history was held in Belgrade. Just compare Knez Mihailova with Vitosha street - yep, Knez Mihailova is not Vacy street, but it looks closer to it, than to Vitosha. Visually, Belgrade is more appealing, bridges, old palaces, MUCH better commi architecture - just compare some suburbs of Belgrade, with quality commy architecture as it was not an iron curtain, but a showoff of how Yugoslavia can look if they move from Russia (which we did) - they in Bulgaria even had saying in 80s - if something can't be found in Belgrade, can't be found anywhere.. xd It was even strategic for the nazis, HQ for the region was in Belgrade, Lili Marleen song was popularised via Radio Belgrade at that time. It's popular even in games (in Civilization 4/5 - you have Belgrade), in Half-Life and other games. But also in movies. So, much better Commi and not- commi architecture, Sofia has better modern buildings, but that is also changing. Not to mention much better individual housing in Belgrade, style, size of houses, we took Slovenian/Austrian model of houses, Bulgarians did not really. Sofia more reminds like some Tbilisi, Yerevan IMO, something in between, while Belgrade looks more Europe, but also a specific mix. Belgrade was/is someone producing culture, and exporting it, Sofia never really was. Not to mention that Serbo-Croatian (so it's one language) speakers are more than 20 million in the world, while Bulgarian much much less, maybe 9? Not to mention rivers, i mean Belgrade has like hundreds boat restaurants, thousands of boats/yachts, river life - it's so unique, islands, beaches. What i look in Sofia, is bigger spaces, parks, greenery, public transport, more calm, spread out, closer to sea.
Are you mad or something?You read so much just to say Belgrade is like London and Sofia is like Sarajevo.Sofia have bigger wages and more places to work,have metro,roman ruins,better infrastructure.
Serbia experienced a big decline in economy during 90s an later for almost 20 years due to wars in x-Yug region. Also Belgrade and Serbia were severely bombed by NATO for 72 days 24/7. Bulgaria joint EU not because it was a good contry already it was a political decision after Bulgaria joint NATO. EU helped Bulgaria financially. Etc...
@@spartakbugarski3281 the comments above where regarding Belgrade not Bulgaria. That being said how do you evaluate countries and decide if they are "good"?
Bulgaria worked hard to join the EU and when it joint it passed all criteria. That is why it was admitted. The convenient talking point that Bulgaria was not ready is not only a lie. It is offensive to the EU as an institution. When Bulgaria joint it was more ready to do so than Greece. If anyone was admitted in the EU for political reasons and not for merits it is Greece.
EU didn't helped Bulgaria at all do you call 100.000 people leaving a year a help? Bulgaria could be more powerful if it had its 8.9m people instead 7m
sofia is bigger than belgrad but belgrad have more history and have big river which cross the city Dunav. but i prefer sofia because have more poppulation and opportunity
@@MichaelRosmer For me its important for the city to have a good economy. Cuz you will live better and you will have more opportunities for jobs. Yeah Belgrade is beatiful but his economy is very bad econony compared to Sofia. I just think people like more Belgrade because of the river it makes it more classy. This is my opinion
@@MichaelRosmer The city is very beautiful and has a wonderful nightlife. In the heart of the city, there are remains from three different periods! There are many ancient remains! I can't say everything, just the city must be visited ...
You can't compare one of the oldest cities in Europe, the cultural inheritage, ancient history that Sofia have with Belgrad. Near Sofia is the Vitosha mountain. The biggest (on the Balkans) and one of the most beautiful cathedrals is in Sofia. The other very old churches. Sofia is more cosmopolitan - we have the so called square of tollerance where in the center of the city are Catholic church, Mosque, Orthodox church and Sinagoge. All of them less than a kilometar between each other. The best place for cultural events concerts is National Palace of Culture. There are 3 metro lines. A lot of big parks. Very good restaurants and very good night life.
Sofia is the most depressing and unsightly capital city I have ever visited. Belgrade is incomparably more lively and much more beautiful. Veliko Tarnovo, on the other hand, is a beautiful city and I would recommend everyone to visit it.
I don't know in practice I definitely wouldn't describe Belgrade as a euro metropolis you can't compare it with Paris or Barcelona or London or Berlin they aren't remotely on the same playing field. Belgrade definitely has more of a big city feel than Sofia, more like Bucharest in this sense but in practice I don't notice a lot that it offers on substance to match that feel. I think the feeling comes from being more dense, which tends to result in worse traffic and being somewhat less convenient. The nightlife in Belgrade is definitely better, shopping is not in fact it might be worse and prices on electronics and clothes are definitely higher, there's more culture in Belgrade such as theater but it's almost all in Serbian so not great for foreigners, as far as good goes they are similar. What do you find Belgrade offers that Sofia does not?
@@MichaelRosmer Belgrade have vibe of big city ,unique spirit and people in Belgrade are much ,much more opened for internacional influence and newer been behind comunist iron wall . Learn some history ,Belgrade and Serbia are something unique and special realy noting compare in this part of the europe .
@@aleksandardzelajlija2438 I don't find that history translates in many practical ways when you're there as a foreigner. How much time have you spent in Bulgaria? The two things I notice in terms of Belgrade vs Sofia are higher levels of education and more a local culture hub. Beyond those things they are a lot more similar probably than Serbians might like to believe.
Dude what are you talking about...Serbia have a bad internet ??? You must be joking man.I guess you were in some shitty coffee shop and connection was not so good...We got one of the fastest internet in world and price is cheap.For example I have a 100 mbps and I pay 25 $ monthy but most usuall package people have at home is 50 mbps and its like 14 $...Our IT industry is really good and we as a country was rated at top 5 countries for digital nomads.....must be cuz internet is shit :D Dont judge cuz u had one bad experience
Serbia has some of the fastest internet in the world? No, that's just not accurate. The fastest internet in the world is typically in Asia or hyper local areas in parts of the US where they have Google fiber otherwise some parts of Scandinavia. www.speedtest.net/global-index Serbia is currently ranked 32 & 55th respectively by internet connection type. The big problem I notice in Serbia is with cell data plans they simply aren't nearly up to par on a relative basis not to mention the huge inconvenience of a lack of roaming. Yes, they are cheap but in many hotels, etc. they are trash. Last year I took my family on a 6 country tour around the region and we did speed tests in each place and Serbia ranked by far the worst (worse than reflected in the link listed above). If you can get a good connection in your home, yes they can be perfectly fine for that but comparing the service broadly to Bulgaria I've never had issues with the later, which is also cheap, allows roaming anywhere in Europe, unlimited data, and nice high speeds, whereas Serbia I've found great options to be the exception rather than the rule. As for being top 5 rated for digital nomads, that very much depends by who and based on what criteria. Serbia is relatively inexpensive, this is appealing for a lot of people. Many people like the culture and social life there. Weather tends to be mediocre. Availability of services and conveniences tends to be somewhat below average. So it depends on your values and what you're comparing to. Some people rank Bali really high for digital nomads, personally I think it's trash for digital nomads (far worse infrastructure than Serbia) but the weather is good and there's some beautiful nature to enjoy and people are friendly. Very big difference if you're an employer or contractor, whether you're living there or visiting for a few months (ie do you need to pay taxes there), what income range you're in, what types of climate you like (some people hate the humidity of Malaysia for instance, I'd rather have it than the cold winters myself but that's personal preference) and of course there's what cultures you enjoy. Serbia has a great workforce, lots of excellent people there, most of the people I hire I try to hire in Serbia first, for some areas of IT I find this somewhat difficult, for general skills it tends to be good, for very specific skillsets there just aren't enough people so you're often better off looking in Romania, Ukraine, Poland, or India but I always try to start in Serbia because I really like people there and have great experiences working with Serbians. It does create some additional hassles in terms of paying people vs places like Romania or Poland because it's not part of the SEPA region and the Serbian government is one of the worst governments to their people I've ever seen and that part unfortunately, seems to be getting worse rather than better (government going after people for income earned online from abroad).
Sofia is far ahead of Belgrade and Skopje and much better economically, while Skopje is the most underdeveloped city in the Balkans. Sofia is a super beautiful city
@@MichaelRosmer Based on size, population, geographical location, historical importance and also architecture. In my opinion, Belgrade in those departments can be compared with Bucharest or Budapest, not Sofia.
@@markomarkovic7075 its about the same size and population. To each their own on preference but the statement seemed strange because Belgrade isn't close to as nice as Vienna and Sofia isn't close to as bad as Tirana. I find Sofia and Belgrade actually fairly comparable these days each with pros and cons. Bucharest could also be in there yes along with Tbilisi and a few others.
@@OffshoreCitizen Whether is really good, especially in the summer when it can reach up to 107.6 F, and there are palm trees with one big and a few other smaller water parks within the neighborhoods. That's what I love most about it + the cultural heritage. It's a lot better than Basel or Bern in Switzerland, that's for sure.
Follow us on Instagram 👐👐👐
instagram.com/offshore_citizen?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
This is our only profile there!
Both cities have their own charm.They both show their beauty by restoring old buildings and building new ones.Lets just appreciate what both cities offer.
St*u u cringe
I prefer Belgrade!
What do you prefer about it?
What I understand is that Belgrade is better in terms of nightlife and metropolitan feel. On the other hand Sofia has better infrastructure, internet, wages and parks. Belgrade is better to visit and Sofia is better to live in.
I have never been to Belgrade yet unfortunately but have seen many videos and documentaries and indeed the city seems to be developing nicely. There is a nightlife, street food culture and obviously each city having a river makes it more grandeur and beautiful e.g. Budapest, Prague, Cologne, etc. The area around the Danube seems to be thriving.
On the other hand, Sofia has dramatically changed during the last decade most notably the transport system. You can even find electric buses with USB ports. Trolleybuses, buses and trams have improved and most importantly is the metro which now has 43 stations and 3 operational lines connecting it to the airport. The city is full of huge parks and most importantly Mount Vitosha which is a 15min drive from the city. There are more and more skyscrapers popping (not in the downtown area) and many boulevards have been fixed and traffic has significantly improved. Not to mention more 5 star hotels opened and being currently built. Whilst not having a coast, you can easily reach Burgas or Greece in 3 hours time. Travel to Varna is very cheap and easy even if it is more far away than Belgrade :D
Sofia was never a touristic place compared to Plovdiv, the coast, Veliko Tarnovo, Bansko/Pamporovo but it's still fine for a quick weekend trip.
Tbh, I think both cities have their advantages and disadvantages but in the end both cultures are very close and it's a pity that politicians managed to divide us a part when we should be more united.
Great comments, definitely agree
I would like to visit Sofia,greeting from Belgrade.✍️
Greetings! Definitely do it, it's a short drive
U are always welcome brother 🇧🇬❤️🇷🇸
Добре си дошъл брат! Иди и на Черно море 🇧🇬✊🇷🇸
How's Belgrade lol?
Само внимавай с ресторантите, особено в центъра на София - цените са доста солени напоследък.
I’d say that Belgrade is definitely a better city. Seems bigger, more going on, has two rivers, great nightlife, just like you said seems more urban.
Sofia is better from the tax point of view, and flight options.
If I was choosing a city to move to permanently Belgrade would win in this equation.
What are the things you like in Belgrade that Sofia doesn't have?
Michael Rosmer Honestly it just feels that there’s much more going on in Belgrade, it feels more grand and more metropolitan. Sofia is waaay more peaceful it’s more about long walks in the park, having coffee on the go and chilling. Belgrade is hustle and bustle, it’s always on the go. At least this is my perception and I’ve spent lots of time in both cities.
Btw I’d like to see more videos from you in this manner.
@T W, It is good that you used "seems" as Sofia is the bigger city and much more developed one, having a metro system with 4 lines, several business parks and so on and so forth. Historically Sofia has always been more important city, although Belgrade was founded by Bulgarians. It was Bulgaria there for like a millennium.
@@spartakbugarski3281 historically Sofia was always the more important city?
During what period of history?
Belgrade by far has more historic significance being on the intersection of the two rivers throughout most of its history.
Sofia was very significant until modern history, actually Varna and others were the bigger more significant centers going back say 1000 years.
This is probably in large part do to the lack of bodies of water in Sofia, which is a historical anomaly especially for what is now a capital city.
Have you been to Belgrade recently? They aren't so different in terms of size or development. Populations are very similar. Sofia might have more business parks but the new Belgrade area is arguably larger than any of those individually.
While yes there's the 4 metro lines in Sofia and getting around is much easier (the bridges in Belgrade really create bottlenecks and traffic is fairly bad), Belgrade is also a higher density city so some of those factors are counter balanced.
@@MichaelRosmer During every single period.
I was born in Belgrade, and I have lived in Sofia for 10 months. I wouldn’t say the night life in Sofia is that worse, there are a lot of cool places. Bulgarians were always very nice to me, but that could be because of my origins and the fact I can understand them and vice versa. I really like their mentality, they are a bit calmer and more polite than Serbians (at least in Sofia vs Belgrade), but then it is pretty similar. Maybe like the US vs Canada 😊
As for the quality of food: this is one area where the EU plays a major role, their food industry has been commercialized and the quality of food has dropped. In Serbia, it still maintains the natural quality. Infrastructure is generally much better in Sofia, except for roads which can be a disaster in Sofia (holes, cracks).
Interesting experience I definitely haven't noticed that Bulgarians are more polite.
Food in grocery stores in Sofia tends to be bad but markets you can get good stuff minus beef, which is generally horrible in this part of the world. Good pork though.
Which cool places do you recommend in Sofia? :)
@@tw9419 museum of illusions is fun
@@MichaelRosmer What I meant was good places for nightlife :)
@@tw9419 The only good places in Bulgaria for nightlife is the much younger crowd (rave types), although I love Sofia I wish there were more places for older folks at night, but plenty or enough places during the day. Sofia is pretty much Vitosha St. which I love as well, just not enough of it. Ive been through Belgrade many times and had long layovers by train there, but never went into the city due to the drab appearance of the place at the train station, maybe a huge mistake, but I plan to visit Belgrade and Serbia again knowing it can be compared to Sofia because I absolutely loved Sofia and Bulgaria and didnt think there was a place to compare it to close by. Only problem is it can get boring if you are not working all week which is why I am more attracted to Belgrade now, seems to have more to do. You can always hop on a train to either, but I have to say Serbia is a little more centrally located unless you are into going to Turkey and Greece. So if the food is even and the rent is close and the people basically the same.....Id have to give it to Belgrade (which also has Novi Sad not too far away). In the summer Id have to hit the Bulgarian coast or Odessa, another city I love. Hopefully this scamdemic will end soon because I need to get back there fast!
I feel this has been very fair comparison.
Often you-tubers when they do this kind of video they are either not fully knowledgable or they compare in odd and incomparable way or they are biased.
I felt this was on point and as if you had experience with all spoken.
I can not say which one is better because I haven’t lived in Sofia, so I can not be objective but I can add a quote from Croatian singer that lives in Belgrade part time and this is why I love Belgrade (this will be literate translation with a lot off mistakes):
“ I often get mad at you. You are dirty, noisy and bit neurotic. It is difficult to raise children with you, you are far from an oasis of peace and healthy living. You say everything in everyone's face, you smoke and drink as if there is no tomorrow, you laugh, that wild energy often scares me.
And again. No one in the world has received me with so much joy. Wherever I go, smiles greet me. You love and support everything I do, even when we don’t understand each other and you feel like I fell off Mars with my ideas, I know you’re glad I’m here. You don't try to change me, you love how I talk, you don’t push me to talk like you talk. In 7 years I have not experienced a single rudeness, not a single provocation, not a single one: here it is said bread, not bread(this is serbo/croatian dofference in word bread).
There is a lot for one immigrant. The older I get, the more I appreciate it. You opened the door wide, to be my home. Thank you, Belgrade! " Ida Prester (singer)
Wow, this is a beautiful comment! Thank you!
@@OffshoreCitizen you are most welcomed. I think pure facts will never be on side of Belgrade to be the best city in something, but I think the energy and “freedom” of the city and how much people there believe in their ideas is just beautiful and I never felt that anywhere else where I used to live.
Sofia should do winter Olympics. They are a big city with beautiful mountains nearby, if Sarajevo could do it, so can Sofia.
Bulgaria has the best coastal cities and resorts on the black sea with amazing small paradise beaches
Good comparison, that is why i choose for Bulgaria, if you have an online business you prefer not to be outside of the EU. But i would like to spent some months in belgrade next year.
Belgrade is definitely worth visiting
Sofia is better for bulgarians, Belgrade for Serbs.
What is common for Belgrade and Bulgaria. BG.
In Serbia, BG is short name for Belgrade, in Bulgaria for Bulgaria.
For foreigners, i do not know. Cities are simmilar, tha same region, almost the same people, Slavs, the same culture,... Very simmilar cities.
They are similar that's true. I notice subtle differences in the cultures even though they are similar.
@@MichaelRosmer Every region in Serbia has different culture, the same with Bulgaria. Bulgarians are not pure Slavs but they are Slavs, the same as Serbs. Bulgarian people is basicaly mix of some serbian tribes and Tatar people, 7:1. Tatars conquered teritory of today Bulgaria, this teritory was home for couple slavic tribes, Tatars beat that tribes and conquered them, but Tatars are outnumbered by Slavs 7:1 and Tatars accepts slavic language and culture. Result is today Bulgarians.
Basicaly, it is a mix of slavic, oriental and western culture. This is whole Balcan, very simmilar in any of countries here.
Those are minor diferences, it was the same people and same language in the middle ages, Bulgarian and Serbian started to differe during the turks in 16-19 century with reforms that looks like both wanted to made it differe from each other, might be some strategy dont know. Not unfamiliar strategy of creating new nations, beloursians, ukrainians, croats, macedonians, here comes montenegrins, bosnians... From what i know and understand Bulgaria was not mixed with Tatars but there was Tatarian elite that ruled over some slavic tribes in Balkans that came after exiled from an old Tatar Bulgaria in Caucasus region.
The Bulgarians are not Slavs, and Serbs are mix of Slavs and Ilyrians.
Good one! I haven't managed to visit Belgrade yet, Sofia didn't seem the prettiest place when I went there, but it's very well connected for air routes. I'm curious about the small and attractive places in BG like Bansko, Veliko Tarnovo etc. Have you been?
If Sofia wasnt pretty for you, Belgrade would not also.
@@goodfella5654 yeah Belgrade is also ugly in terms of the old buildings, both pretty similar, the river and Belgrade waterfront area makes Belgrade maybe slightly nicer but pretty similar.
Regarding places like Bansko and other small communities I personally find them too removed, small etc but some people like the quieter areas. I'm a cities guy unless we're talking about brief periods away to relax like I might go spend a couple weeks in the mountains or Ubud or Maldives.
Belgrade and Sofia are both relatively ugly cities by European standards. After the destruction WWII caused, the communist governments just didn’t care about rebuilding/ refurbishing the historic and beautiful buildings that were erected during the monarchist era. Instead they just built dull, and gray concrete boxes all over the place.
@@OfficialOGI very true, the communists weren't much for art and beauty in their architecture.
I think Belgrade sits on a much more important geopolitical and strategic location overall, which has, and will certainly play an important role in the future.
It went recently through more turbulence and stagnation than Sofia, but is now developing faster.
I think it has a very strong young talent and startup potential. There is still a range of issues, but with smart city management, those can be overcome, perhaps with the help of EU and US.
Yeah I think those are all good observations. On your last point I don't think Belgrade or Serbia more broadly has good management, one of the most horrible governments I've seen in my life. If the government was good, more like what Estonia has had they could do great.
@@MichaelRosmer You are absolutely right about the current city management, and especially the government. My two cents: Institutions are fragile, a lot of gov't decision-making makes little sense, I get that tackling Serbian external and internal geopolitical situation is not an enviable job. But... they have still not seriously tackled some major issues like corruption, rule of law and sometimes it looks like they were aiming for some of the absolute worst and most incompetent people in a land full of talent. Which is to say when less morally inclined people see that their state does not care about a range of things, and lets them slide, then they care even less and start breaking the law, disrespecting and disregarding everything and everyone, crossing the boundaries of civilised behaviour, etc. This mindset needs to be put an end to, permanently, or else educated young people will continue leaving the country.
Now, not everything is 100% terrible, certain things are visibly improving and it seems to be possible to fix things, just if they come back to their senses, but soon. Every day of letting things slide takes away the time Belgrade does not have. It would be a shame to let to waste all the EU and US economic cooperation potential, especially now that US pledged to open a permanent DFC HQ in Belgrade.
I'm not familiar with the Estonian political situation, but will certainly take a gander, thanks.
@@disquette8958 honestly, I don't think the leadership wants to tackle issues like corruption because they are corrupt.
In Serbia people go into politics to get rich not to do good. But so long as the people tolerate this it will continue happening.
Estonia did a great job of modernizing.
A while back Georgia did as well. They've slipped more recently but still have good momentum. But what you needed was a leadership team with the will to fix things. A friend of mine was the minister of economy at the time and he said on his first week on the job he was offered a, huge bribe to open up an industry in the country favorably. He needed to have the will to resist in those cases and most people don't.
Serbia could improve a lot very quickly and be a really compelling place but it needs to start with great leadership and that just isn't there right now.
@@MichaelRosmer One of the most horrible governments I've seen in my life???? Rally? On what do you base that statement? You seem very opinionated for a tourist.
Btw. Comparing Estonia and Serbia is ridiculous. Estonia did not go through a bloody war, was not bombed by NATO, did not go through 10 years of devastating sanctions. It has not been sabotaged and blackmailed by EU or USA. It has been helped by the west because of its closeness to Russia.
In my 40 years of living in Serbia, i have never seen so much economic boom, so much enthusiasm, so much things going on. It is evident to everyone here that things are getting better every day. And im not even a supporter of Vucic. I didnt vote for him, and im not planing to. But im honest enough to admit when things are getting better. If this is horrible, than i hope it become more horrible soon, because we seem to be on a right track.
@@zograf4572 yes terrible government. Why are wages lower than in Bosnia (Bosnia let's remember was far more the center of war than Serbia), Montenegro, Croatia? Financial regulations seem designed to keep people poor. I've seen countries where they try to make it difficult to get money out, Serbia is one of the very few where they make it hard to get money in, which has the effect of hurting locals. It's probably the most educated population in the region maybe even in eastern Europe and yet this hasn't reflected in salaries for people.
The passport has improved very quickly over the last few years I will give them that.
The government is hyper corrupt robing the country. Consider for one of many examples the Christmas tree they bought that cost more than the one in NYC, ridiculous.
Import rules mean most goods cost more than in most of Europe (I find for instance about a 20% premium on clothes) not to mention fraud at the borders, difficulty shipping to the country and getting your goods without customs issues.
Socials are ridiculous and on the flip side so are pensions. Compliance regulations for businesses are highly bureaucratic and inefficient.
Banking is a disaster, some of the worst in Europe.
Infrastructure for online payments is close to non-existent robbing the people of many opportunities to do business online and forcing them to operate through foreign companies.
Capital markets are poor and interest rates are high meaning if you want to raise capital for a new venture you'll probably need to go to Bulgaria or elsewhere and investors lack confidence in the local legal system for these things.
There's some nice new developments I'll grant you that. The area around the river and train station in Belgrade for example is nice, though I wouldn't give the local government credit for that if anything they probably got rich off it.
Estonia is a point of comparison because they've embraced technology and it doesn't matter about the war or bombings Serbia has those same opportunities but doesn't embrace them.
Serbia is a country with massive potential if activated but that potential is being squandered. All the progress I'd give credit to the people who are mostly great, not the government.
And yeah I have tons of opinions it's based on first hand experience doing many types of business in a multitude of countries and comparing them. Very few other people have that direct first hand experience with many places to be in a position to compare.
Serbia is making a Digital Nomads law starting in january. Maybe it will ease doing buisness there.
Hopefully...
I just hope they don’t make it worse than it already is. 😐
@@tw9419 exactly, lol
Can u provide a link of the mentioned digital nomad business plan for the next year?
@@ukLz666 Just type Serbia digital nomads in google.. first results
The only advantage of Belgrade is that you can smoke indoors in bars and restaurants. The public transport infrastructure is a disaster.
Sofia is larger and has a bigger population than Belgrade but has a lower population dencity because the city is more spread out. This makes Sofia appear indeed more phlegmatic. Also, Sofia is one of the most walkable capitals in Europe which separates it not only from Belgrade but from other capitals, too. Also, Sofia is in the vicinity of Vitosha mauntain which is not a small thing. You can hike in the spring and in the summer and in the winter people ski and snowboard there. On the other hand Sofia is indeed more peaceful and has more green spaces and parks than Belgrade which are also quite well maintained. Crime rate in Sofia is practically zero in recent years, too. There is this hustle in Belgrade which is charming. Pay attention that after WW2 Yugoslavia was split 50:50 between the West and the Soviet Union whereas Bulgaria was entirely blocked behind the Iron Curtain. In this period Belgrade was europenised while Sofia underwent a deliberate "sovietification" which is visible in the ugly communist brutalist architecture in the suburbs of Sofia. This type of brutalist communist archtecture is more or less absent in Belgrade. Maybe that is one of the reasons why Sofia appears "colder" than Belgrade. Also, Belgrade has two rivers-Sava and the Danube. They give this cosmopolitan nice vibe to the city but at the same time on practical you cannot swim there like in the Rhein in Basel and on the downside in the summer they attract lots of mosquitos.
Sofia is not bigger than Belgrade
@@deitero Ok, I stand corrected. Admittedly, according to Wikipedia Belgrade has 1, 3 million inhabitants whereas Sofia 1, 2. On the other hand as per Wikipedia again in terms of area Sofia is 492 km^2 while Belgrade is 359 km^2. Sofia is teritorially very massive. The thing is that you have these huge communist neighborhoods which are designed only to sleep there. This might create the deceptive visual impression that Sofia is smaller than it really is.
GRINGO Sofia is smaller then Belgrade 1,2 vs 1,7 milions of people.
@@gringoroko No, Belgrade 1 680 000 people, 17 municipalities. Official data from latest cenzus.
Gringo Roko ...Search about Ada Ciganlija
What an interesting comparison. Thanks for this.
I live in Belgrade and I have the feeling that most people here (myself included) just don't know very much about Sofia or what life there is like. I have to get down there one of these days and try some of those restaurants you mentioned.
One thing you didn't mention much in the video is the political situation. I don't know what it's like in Sofia but Belgrade is being pretty badly mismanaged at the moment (putting it politely). And that has to be factored in for people who are thinking of moving here. Although, I suppose there's a good chance things are more or less the same for our southern brothers... but I doubt it because of the EU.
There are a couple of things I'm jealous of that Sofia has and Belgrade doesn't. The metro system (we are long overdue to get one here in Belgrade) and the ease of banking and transferring money internationally. Those two things would make my life here so much easier. Obviously the metro system would cost billions and is hard to build in a city on two rivers and with so many hills... but the banking and payments thing could be changed pretty much overnight and I just don't see why we're still in the dark ages (relatively speaking).
Absolutely agree with you on all accounts. The financial infrastructure in Serbia is a disaster and traffic is annoying, a metro would be nice. Maybe Elon Musk will make building one cheaper.
The political situation is Serbia is terrible, corrupt, some of the most abusive I've seen.
I wouldn't say it's great in Bulgaria but it is better.
Yes you should definitely visit.
@@MichaelRosmer Not holding my breath for Elon to help us out but maybe the Chinese... not holding my breath for that either actually. There are supposed to be talks going on for a French-Chinese collaboration on a metro system but there's no telling how likely that is and how much is just political grandstanding by all involved.
Anyway, definitely looking forward to visiting Sofija some time soon. Mostly for the food, if I'm honest :)
@@MichaelRosmer Corruption in Bulgaria is widely spread to an extent that people don't even pay attention to it that much anymore. It has just become part of our lives. We know it's there, we know people who are corrupted, media knows it, the law-enforcement, judges, prosecutors, everyone knows it, but nobody gives a damn. There is a saying that "fish stinks from the head" and the head in our case is the government. The government is so corrupted that it's outrages, but this government has the back of EU and EU does not care about what these corrupted morons are doing in their own country as long as they follow the foreign EU policies. Which in other words means that EU is corrupted as well and every decision and every support that they offer is a political decision and not an objective one. I had high hopes about EU , I hoped that it'll control our corrupted morons more, but I was wrong.
Belgrade❤️
Great, please do more comparison videos after exploring EU after pandemic.
Definitely can do. I've visited a lot, living in fewer but will see what I can do.
Serbia is interesting as it has no CFC rules, so you can basically just keep assets in an overseas entity at zero tax and only pay taxes when distribution are done.
Thanks for putting this together. Heading out to Belgrade in a few weeks. I'd recommend getting a mic you can be close to, to eliminate echo. 🙂
Thanks. Good feedback, I just got one so hopefully most of the future videos we record depending on where we're recording will use it.
Plovdiv is the best!
What do you love the most about Plovdiv?
@@MichaelRosmer I like that it’s chill, hipster, artistic place. It is cleaner and more relaxed than Sofia. The weather is also milder than Sofia, so walking and cycling is easier.It is cheaper. At the same time the job opportunities are very interesting and diverse. You are 2 hours away from best destinations- Sofia, Black see, Greece, etc.
Stolipinovo 🤣🤣🤣
@@fartonzoanusov9280 bruh
@@fartonzoanusov9280 haha
Serb here, lived in Belgrade, visited Sofia few times.
Belgrade was the capital of Yugoslavia for 100 years, so mini-imperia, and even before that, was the first to liberate from Turks, was called the Piemont of Balkans before WW1. Belgrade had and has huge influence oh the whole region in any aspect (especially culturally) - and it's more to be compared to Bucharest or even Budapest (of course - another level is Budapest) - but you get the point. At some point, the Kingdom of Yugoslavia for example was one of the largest European countries.
Sofia and Belgrade are now similar in population, but Belgrade was always more important, mayor city for region, in a strategic position, it was much more important in Ottoman times (just google battle for it or observe Belgrade fortress) and not to mention 1920-1990s period.
Yugoslavia was a major regional power and cultural hub, a unique country.
Even today, Belgrade has a large influence on nearby countries (especially the Ex-Yu zone).
It had first radio in the region in 1920, the biggest fair, the first nightline airline in the world (with Bucharest), and many 'first' for the region. First nightclub in the region. First McDonald's (funny thing but to mention) in Eastern Europe - 1988 (way before some western cities like Glasgow etc). It has a football champion Red Star (Sofia does not) - Red Star FC is actually known across Europe, no Sofia clubs are.
Not to mention other sports things, basketball (it's the cradle of Europe basketball). It has its own way in architecture from 1920/the 30s - Belgrade modern, and it's actually along with Bucharest, Madrid and some other cities, best in Europe when it comes to 20/30s European art deco and similar architecture.
Back then, it was important also politically, it was founder of the non-aligned movement. Cinematography, is one of the best in Eastern Europe, especially before. Biggest funeral in history was held in Belgrade.
Just compare Knez Mihailova with Vitosha street - yep, Knez Mihailova is not Vacy street, but it looks closer to it, than to Vitosha.
Visually, Belgrade is more appealing, bridges, old palaces, MUCH better commi architecture - just compare some suburbs of Belgrade, with quality commy architecture as it was not an iron curtain, but a showoff of how Yugoslavia can look if they move from Russia (which we did) - they in Bulgaria even had saying in 80s - if something can't be found in Belgrade, can't be found anywhere.. xd
It was even strategic for the nazis, HQ for the region was in Belgrade, Lili Marleen song was popularised via Radio Belgrade at that time.
It's popular even in games (in Civilization 4/5 - you have Belgrade), in Half-Life and other games. But also in movies.
So, much better Commi and not- commi architecture, Sofia has better modern buildings, but that is also changing. Not to mention much better individual housing in Belgrade, style, size of houses, we took Slovenian/Austrian model of houses, Bulgarians did not really.
Sofia more reminds like some Tbilisi, Yerevan IMO, something in between, while Belgrade looks more Europe, but also a specific mix.
Belgrade was/is someone producing culture, and exporting it, Sofia never really was.
Not to mention that Serbo-Croatian (so it's one language) speakers are more than 20 million in the world, while Bulgarian much much less, maybe 9?
Not to mention rivers, i mean Belgrade has like hundreds boat restaurants, thousands of boats/yachts, river life - it's so unique, islands, beaches.
What i look in Sofia, is bigger spaces, parks, greenery, public transport, more calm, spread out, closer to sea.
Are you mad or something?You read so much just to say Belgrade is like London and Sofia is like Sarajevo.Sofia have bigger wages and more places to work,have metro,roman ruins,better infrastructure.
which has better English speaking young people? Starting a business is so much easier when communication is decent.
Serbia experienced a big decline in economy during 90s an later for almost 20 years due to wars in x-Yug region. Also Belgrade and Serbia were severely bombed by NATO for 72 days 24/7. Bulgaria joint EU not because it was a good contry already it was a political decision after Bulgaria joint NATO. EU helped Bulgaria financially. Etc...
Yeah absolutely true. I feel bad for the Serbian people I feel like they are great people who have been dealt a rough hand.
Actually, Bulgaria was a good country when joined the EU. It has always been good country.
@@spartakbugarski3281 the comments above where regarding Belgrade not Bulgaria.
That being said how do you evaluate countries and decide if they are "good"?
Bulgaria worked hard to join the EU and when it joint it passed all criteria. That is why it was admitted. The convenient talking point that Bulgaria was not ready is not only a lie. It is offensive to the EU as an institution. When Bulgaria joint it was more ready to do so than Greece. If anyone was admitted in the EU for political reasons and not for merits it is Greece.
EU didn't helped Bulgaria at all do you call 100.000 people leaving a year a help? Bulgaria could be more powerful if it had its 8.9m people instead 7m
sofia is bigger than belgrad but belgrad have more history and have big river which cross the city Dunav. but i prefer sofia because have more poppulation and opportunity
Actually they are pretty similar in population , both capitals and countries
Is not true, Belgrade is a litle bigger...and much better.
so Paypal is supported in Bulgaria? even with the Paypal card on the ATMs?
PayPal is supported in Bulgaria. Not sure about the PayPal card I haven't tried that
Belgrade all day long!
I think Sofia is better i google it and its more bigger than Belgrade and has more developed economy than Belgrade
Yeah those things are true. What sort of lifestyle do you like though?
@@MichaelRosmer For me its important for the city to have a good economy. Cuz you will live better and you will have more opportunities for jobs. Yeah Belgrade is beatiful but his economy is very bad econony compared to Sofia. I just think people like more Belgrade because of the river it makes it more classy. This is my opinion
@@sddcanjihfjfj8704 yeah makes sense. I think the modern way is to work online then the local economy doesn't matter so much.
@@MichaelRosmer I prefer Tirana lol
@@MichaelRosmer Serbians don't care for my kind.
Where would you put skopje
Bulgaria🇧🇬🔥♥️
Plovdiv is better...
What is it you especially like about it?
@@MichaelRosmer The city is very beautiful and has a wonderful nightlife. In the heart of the city, there are remains from three different periods! There are many ancient remains! I can't say everything, just the city must be visited ...
@@GK-fc8bu yeah I've been there a few times, the center is charming, it's a bit small for me but I know a bunch of people who love it
You can't compare one of the oldest cities in Europe, the cultural inheritage, ancient history that Sofia have with Belgrad. Near Sofia is the Vitosha mountain. The biggest (on the Balkans) and one of the most beautiful cathedrals is in Sofia. The other very old churches. Sofia is more cosmopolitan - we have the so called square of tollerance where in the center of the city are Catholic church, Mosque, Orthodox church and Sinagoge. All of them less than a kilometar between each other. The best place for cultural events concerts is National Palace of Culture. There are 3 metro lines. A lot of big parks. Very good restaurants and very good night life.
Sofia is the most depressing and unsightly capital city I have ever visited. Belgrade is incomparably more lively and much more beautiful. Veliko Tarnovo, on the other hand, is a beautiful city and I would recommend everyone to visit it.
EZ BULGARIA W
0:20 Comrade, main reason is, we are Slavs, it is two slavic balcan cities.
Similar? Maybe but historycally opposed and at war with each other.
Very true!
Sofia is big wilage ,Belgrade is big euro metropolis . Not to compare .
Dont be hater, both cities are good
I don't know in practice I definitely wouldn't describe Belgrade as a euro metropolis you can't compare it with Paris or Barcelona or London or Berlin they aren't remotely on the same playing field.
Belgrade definitely has more of a big city feel than Sofia, more like Bucharest in this sense but in practice I don't notice a lot that it offers on substance to match that feel. I think the feeling comes from being more dense, which tends to result in worse traffic and being somewhat less convenient.
The nightlife in Belgrade is definitely better, shopping is not in fact it might be worse and prices on electronics and clothes are definitely higher, there's more culture in Belgrade such as theater but it's almost all in Serbian so not great for foreigners, as far as good goes they are similar.
What do you find Belgrade offers that Sofia does not?
I agree ☝🏻
@@MichaelRosmer Belgrade have vibe of big city ,unique spirit and people in Belgrade are much ,much more opened for internacional influence and newer been behind comunist iron wall . Learn some history ,Belgrade and Serbia are something unique and special realy noting compare in this part of the europe .
@@aleksandardzelajlija2438 I don't find that history translates in many practical ways when you're there as a foreigner. How much time have you spent in Bulgaria?
The two things I notice in terms of Belgrade vs Sofia are higher levels of education and more a local culture hub. Beyond those things they are a lot more similar probably than Serbians might like to believe.
Sofia is, was, and always will be the capital of Balkans!
?😂 You misspelled Istanbul
nope
@@aomamebnk5999 Well, you guys always wanted to be part of Europe, but please, stop dreaming. And don't forget that you are not europeans.
I prefer Sofia
What makes Sofia better in your opinion?
No time to watch right now, just somebody tell me who won 😀
Dude what are you talking about...Serbia have a bad internet ??? You must be joking man.I guess you were in some shitty coffee shop and connection was not so good...We got one of the fastest internet in world and price is cheap.For example I have a 100 mbps and I pay 25 $ monthy but most usuall package people have at home is 50 mbps and its like 14 $...Our IT industry is really good and we as a country was rated at top 5 countries for digital nomads.....must be cuz internet is shit :D Dont judge cuz u had one bad experience
Serbia has some of the fastest internet in the world? No, that's just not accurate. The fastest internet in the world is typically in Asia or hyper local areas in parts of the US where they have Google fiber otherwise some parts of Scandinavia.
www.speedtest.net/global-index
Serbia is currently ranked 32 & 55th respectively by internet connection type.
The big problem I notice in Serbia is with cell data plans they simply aren't nearly up to par on a relative basis not to mention the huge inconvenience of a lack of roaming. Yes, they are cheap but in many hotels, etc. they are trash. Last year I took my family on a 6 country tour around the region and we did speed tests in each place and Serbia ranked by far the worst (worse than reflected in the link listed above).
If you can get a good connection in your home, yes they can be perfectly fine for that but comparing the service broadly to Bulgaria I've never had issues with the later, which is also cheap, allows roaming anywhere in Europe, unlimited data, and nice high speeds, whereas Serbia I've found great options to be the exception rather than the rule.
As for being top 5 rated for digital nomads, that very much depends by who and based on what criteria. Serbia is relatively inexpensive, this is appealing for a lot of people. Many people like the culture and social life there. Weather tends to be mediocre. Availability of services and conveniences tends to be somewhat below average. So it depends on your values and what you're comparing to. Some people rank Bali really high for digital nomads, personally I think it's trash for digital nomads (far worse infrastructure than Serbia) but the weather is good and there's some beautiful nature to enjoy and people are friendly.
Very big difference if you're an employer or contractor, whether you're living there or visiting for a few months (ie do you need to pay taxes there), what income range you're in, what types of climate you like (some people hate the humidity of Malaysia for instance, I'd rather have it than the cold winters myself but that's personal preference) and of course there's what cultures you enjoy.
Serbia has a great workforce, lots of excellent people there, most of the people I hire I try to hire in Serbia first, for some areas of IT I find this somewhat difficult, for general skills it tends to be good, for very specific skillsets there just aren't enough people so you're often better off looking in Romania, Ukraine, Poland, or India but I always try to start in Serbia because I really like people there and have great experiences working with Serbians. It does create some additional hassles in terms of paying people vs places like Romania or Poland because it's not part of the SEPA region and the Serbian government is one of the worst governments to their people I've ever seen and that part unfortunately, seems to be getting worse rather than better (government going after people for income earned online from abroad).
No extradition in Serbia
Beograd is not center of serbocroatian region.Its just center of serbia
Fuck Belgrade.. Idemooo Niš...
Beograd is better ❤🇲🇰🇷🇸☦️
Sofia is far ahead of Belgrade and Skopje and much better economically, while Skopje is the most underdeveloped city in the Balkans. Sofia is a super beautiful city
Sofia is better than belgrade always
What makes you say so?
@@OffshoreCitizen cuz i know it i live in sofia ive been to belgrade, its not that good that s*rb nationalists r saying
@@ioanhogwarts4953 What did you prefer about Sofia?
@@MichaelRosmer what do u mean what i live here
@@ioanhogwarts4953 yes I understand you live in Sofia but what do you prefer about it as compared with Belgrade
lol the serbian trols are everywhere.. Just look at the statistics - salaries, economy and tourism and you will understand very fast where is better.
Very different if you don't need to make money there though
What statistics? To compare Belgrade and Sofia is like comparing Vienna and Tirana.
@@markomarkovic7075 how do you figure?
@@MichaelRosmer Based on size, population, geographical location, historical importance and also architecture. In my opinion, Belgrade in those departments can be compared with Bucharest or Budapest, not Sofia.
@@markomarkovic7075 its about the same size and population.
To each their own on preference but the statement seemed strange because Belgrade isn't close to as nice as Vienna and Sofia isn't close to as bad as Tirana. I find Sofia and Belgrade actually fairly comparable these days each with pros and cons. Bucharest could also be in there yes along with Tbilisi and a few others.
Sofia is better
Plovdiv is better than Sofia and Belgrade put together. It's better than Vienna too, if you count out all the good stuff that is ;)
Interesting opinion, what do you like so much about Plovdiv?
@@OffshoreCitizen Interesting question, have you ever been and do you know anything at all about that region?
@@OffshoreCitizen Whether is really good, especially in the summer when it can reach up to 107.6 F, and there are palm trees with one big and a few other smaller water parks within the neighborhoods. That's what I love most about it + the cultural heritage. It's a lot better than Basel or Bern in Switzerland, that's for sure.