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• Free Sofia Tour

• Sofia Jewish Tour

• Free Plovdiv Tour

Other Tours

• Communist Tour
• Sofia Pub Crawl

Book a Private Tour

• Red Flat Communist Museum
• Sofia Treasure Hunt
• Info Center
• Sofia Theatre in English
• Private Tour

13+ Years of Experience

With more than 13 years of experience and thousands of positive reviews, Free Sofia Tour (by the 365 Association) is the #1 thing to do in Sofia, according to TripAdvisor users and other popular online outlets.

We have a team of local, professional, licensed tour guides with extensive training and experience, ready to provide the best possible experience for you while sharing their love for the city.

Other tours

COMMUNIST TOUR

SOFIA PUB CRAWL

SOFIA JEWISH TOUR

FREE PLOVDIV TOUR

Book a private tour

Explore Sofia’s biggest landmarks with a private guide! You can book a tailor-made private tour every single day! You get to choose the route, starting point, and time, and shape the whole experience! A sightseeing tour is one of the must things to do when in Sofia.

Discover the best of Sofia with our team of wonderful local guides.

Sofia is Bulgaria’s capital and largest city. Situated in the very heart of the Balkan peninsula, it is one of Europe’s oldest cities. It has by far the most dynamic cultural life in the country and offers a large variety of activities. The Free Sofia Tour covers most of the main things to see in Sofia: the St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral, the National Theatre, the St. George Rotunda, the Bulgarian Presidency and many more. It will also immerse you into the city’s rich Roman heritage.

The city’s appereance today has been widely shaped by the twists and turmoils of the 20th century. One of them is the unique plot-twist story of the Bulgarian Jewish community during WW2, which is extensively covered on the Sofia Jewish Tour . The second half of the 20th century saw Bulgaria firmly locked behind the Iron Curtain. Make sure to explore this rather controversial period of Bulgaria’s history with our Communist Tour .

Any trip to Bulgaria would be incomplete without diving into our country’s unique food, folklore and traditions. Our Culture Tour is all about that! For those looking to explore Sofia off the beaten path, the Sofia Alternative Tour takes you to the city’s hidden spots on a quest-like adventure. To top it all off, Sofia’s great nightlife is also not to be missed! Our daily Pub Crawl takes you to Sofia’s best bars.

Red Flat Sofia

Free Sofia Tour Recommends

Gifted Urban Culture Hub

Sofia guide.

Practical Information about Sofia

Things to do in Sofia

Where to eat in Sofia

Where to drink in Sofia

Shopping in Sofia

Events in Sofia

Day Trips from Sofia

Margarita r.

I was born and grew up in Sofia, but when I learned that there’s a free tour, similar to those in other big cities, I decided to do it. The perfect opportunity was when my boyfriend and I visited my parents. Anna was an incredible guide and she did our tour unforgettable. She has not only a great knowledge of our history, but also presented it in an understandable, easy to remember and funny way. She made me feel proud to be Bulgarian. A big thanks to the whole organisation for offering such a unique way to get to know Sofia! I will definitely recommend the tour not only to my foreign friends visiting Sofia, but to everybody!… Read more “Margarita R”

You get to know a bit of the rich history of Sofia, it is also funny. It takes 2 hours and gets you by the most interesting and beautiful places and buildings in Sofia. It is a fantastic and free initiative done by some enthusiastic volunteers.… Read more “Lynn D”

Stefan was our guide and he was awesome – educated young man with a great sense of humor. I am Bulgarian and took the trip with a couple that visits me from the States. The two hours tour was just about the right portion of history and walking for my friends. If it was not that freezing (mid December) I would have loved a longer walk. Since I was not born and raised in Sofia I learned pretty good stuff as well. Recommend the tour not only to tourists but to locals as well. We do have a beautiful country!… Read more “DiYaneva”

Sandy Hempe

My first free walking tour, and it could not be better! Thanks to our enthusiastic guide, Nora! Highly recommended, a must do if you visit Sofia!… Read more “Sandy Hempe”

Best walking tour I have ever take and all because of our amazing tour guide Kristina Arnaudova, no doubts she is the best guide tour. If you can take the tour with her i totally recomend it.… Read more “Mau Tamez”

Rachel Doyle

I can highly recommend this tour. Our tour guide Vanya was really friendly and very knowledgeable. We really felt that afterwards we had ‘seen’ Sofia. I would encourage any visitor to Sofia to join this tour.… Read more “Rachel Doyle”

My family was planning a vacation at a beach resort on the black sea. We were traveling by car from Slovakia to Bulgaria and I decided that we would reduce the continuous car time by stopping over in Sofia. When we got there, the city looked like… Well, not much. I had read about the free Sofia tour and had planned to take it. It fit perfectly in my plans. I was not sorry and judging by the attendance, word of mouth attracks a great deal of business to them. I personally loved it! Anna was our tour guide. Her English was better than mine and she new her city and how to make it interesting to all, including my 11 year old daughter. The tour lasted a little over 2 hours, mostly because she new how to get the group involved and that generated a great deal of interesting questions. I strongly recommend it to anyone who is interested in learning about the rich history of Sofia. Thank you… Read more “Alain T”

JACKSONS-NORTHERNGOA

My hubby and I have just moved to Bulgaria to live and thought it was important we leRn about the countries history. We could not have chosen a better way to do so! You start the tour at the Palace of Justice at 11am or 6pm ( the building with 2 huge lions in front ) and as we were a large group as per an earlier review we were split into 2 small groups. Our guide Nikki was fantastic and explained everything in a way that kept us interested for the full 2 hrs 30 mins. The walking is at a steady pace not needing a lot of exertion and you get to appreciate the beautiful buildings you may otherwise miss. As the main buildings and monuments are in a reasonably compact Area it’s easy to get your bearings for a visit back to any of them on your own for a longer viewing. We are looking forward to the Communisim walk tomorrow.… Read more “JACKSONS-NORTHERNGOA”

Sophie Martial

Really nice tour! 2h30 passed so fast, a really good way to see everything from outside in the city and to get precious informations and details about history. I hope you’ll never stop this tour because it’s really usefull for travellers like us!… Read more “Sophie Martial”

Tour Reviews

THE 10 BEST Sofia City Tours

City tours in sofia.

• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Cultural Tours
• Walking Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Likely to Sell Out
• Special Offers

• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Exploring Sofia’s Garden Wonders

2. Private City Tour of Sofia

3. Private Sofia Guided Walking City Tour with Traditional Breakfast

4. Sofia City tour from Skopje

5. Afternoon Delights in Sofia Tour

6. Private Sofia Tour with Boyana Church and National History Museum

7. Day tour from Sofia to Skopje, Matka canyon and Vrelo cave

8. Private Sofia City Tour by Bike

9. Sofia Communist History 2-Hour Tour in a Classic Trabant

10. Day tour to ancient Plovdiv, Starosel and Hisarya with SPA

11. Private & Ultimate Sofia 2,5-hour Walking Tour

12. Breakfast & Sights

13. Logistics Organization for Any Trip in Bulgaria

14. Private Sofia Guided City Tour with Gourmet Lunch

15. Sofia by Night Panoramic Private Tour with Dinner, Folklore Show

16. 8 Days Tour in Balkan and Greece Sofia to Sofia Expedition

17. Full Day Private Tour of Rila Monastery, Stob Pyramids from Sofia

18. Private Full Day Tour to Veliko Tarnovo & Arbanassi

19. Nis - the Capital of South-East Serbia

20. Day tour from Sofia to the former capital Veliko Tarnovo

21. Plovdiv Full-Day Tour From Sofia. Free pick up from the hotel

22. Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanasi Private Tour from Sofia

23. Private Tour to Lovech, Devetaki Cave and Krushuna Waterfalls

24. Pokémon GO Private Tour of Sofia

25. Private Tour to the Belogradchik Rocks and Fortress from Sofia

26. 7-Day Private Tour in the Heart of Bulgaria and Greece

27. Private Tour to Plovdiv, Asen's Fortress and Bachkovo Monastery

28. Explore the Instaworthy Spots of Sofia with a Local

29. Full-Day Guided Tour to Seven Rila Lakes in Bulgaria

30. Transfer from the Sofia airport to your hotel in Sofia OR vice versa

What travelers are saying.

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PLOVDIV FULL-DAY TOUR 2024-03-15

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Latest reviews

• Skopje Day Trip 10.00 05/06/2024 Gaura Mccarthy United Kingdom I travelled by myself
• Free Tour of Sofia 10.00 04/29/2024 Nancy The United States I travelled with my partner
• Skopje Day Trip 10.00 04/21/2024 Stefanie United Kingdom I travelled by myself

30 excursions and activities in Sofia

Skopje Day Trip

Boyana Church and Rila Monastery Day Tour

Sofia Private Tour

Free Tour of Sofia

Transfers in Sofia

Lovech and Krushunski Waterfall Trip

Communist Sofia Tour

Bulgaria Caves Tour

Niš Day Trip

Plovdiv Full-Day Tour

Civitatis Travel Insurance

Belogradchik Rocks Trip

Rila Monastery and Seven Lakes Trip

Rila Monastery + Cave of Saint John Day Trip

Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanasi Trip

Rose Valley Tour + Buzludzha Monument

Day Trip to Plovdiv & Perushtitsa

Plovdiv & Koprivshtitsa Day Tour

Hisarya & Starosel Day Trip

Private Day Trip from Sofia

Sofia Night Tour with Dinner

Melnik & Rozhen Monastery Day Trip

Seven Rila Lakes Hiking Tour

Sofia Guided Tour

Sofia Food Tour

Iskar Gorge Day Trip

Vitosha Mountain & Lake Pancharevo Day Trip

Sofia Pub Crawl

Bulgaria & North Macedonia Monasteries Tour

Mount Musala Hike

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Home » Travel Guides » Bulgaria » 15 Best Sofia Tours

15 Best Sofia Tours

Sofia is Bulgaria’s capital and its most populous city.

It’s located near the center of the Balkans, almost equidistant between the Black and Adriatic Seas.

As an amazing old-world city, it has made great leaps in modernization in recent years. Sofia is brimming with impressive churches, leftover remnants of Soviet-era architecture, and an abundance of historical sites that are well worth a visit.

Sofia also has a rich art history and a budding food culture that blends a number of international influences into a truly unique and vibrant cuisine.

Below are 15 of the best tours of Sofia, Bulgaria.

1. 3-Hour Food and Cultural Heritage Tour

Three hours may not sound like a lot of time to experience the essence of Sofia, but previous participants claim to have done just that.

This 3-hour, value-packed tour includes some of the city’s most revered historic attractions, like the National Theater and King’s Palace – but the fun definitely doesn’t end there.

Guests will learn about the city’s intriguing history and culture along the way and visit a few off-the-beaten-path restaurants and cafés, where they’ll sample traditional Bulgarian food and drink.

Of course, baklava is one of the perennial favorites, but you’ll also sample local wines, cheese, and a popular yogurt drink with a name that’s nearly impossible to pronounce.

2. Private Guided Walking Tour of Historic Sofia

Sofia is a very pedestrian-friendly city; many of its main attractions are close enough to permit energetic visitors to see them in conjunction with one another.

This private city walking tour is a big hit with the international crowd because it’s available in more than two dozen languages.

The tour focuses on downtown attractions like St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral and the Presidential Palace.

Witnessing the changing of the guard at the palace’s main entrance is a truly unforgettable experience, and most visitors are surprised to see churches of many different faiths coexisting peacefully in such close proximity.

There will also be time for shopping along Vitosha Street at the tour’s end.

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3. 4-Hour Hidden Bar and Pub Crawl

Pub crawls are great ways to rub elbows with locals, get the lay of the land, and give yourself one whopper of a hangover.

This 4-hour pub crawl explores drinking establishments that are slightly off the well-worn path. It’s great for singles and small groups because it’s common to meet other travelers from all over the world.

Under the care of your knowledgeable guide, you’ll head out to parts of the city that don’t typically get much tourist traffic, so it’ll be a more unique and memorable experience than it’d be otherwise.

If applicable, entry fees are included, as are complimentary drinks at each stop.

4. Communist Walking Tour

Comrades of the world unite…

At least, temporarily, for this quirky and fascinating 3-hour tour of Bulgaria’s communist-era hot spots.

Not a communist, Marxist, socialist?

Fear not; political preferences aside, you’ll have the opportunity to see some of the city’s most unique attractions, like the Bulgarian Communist Party Headquarters, the National Palace of Culture, and a macabre facility where police investigators once interrogated citizens they suspected of subversion.

You’ll learn interesting tidbits of local lore and history at each location, and probably compile a list of things you’d like to check out more thoroughly later.

Food, drinks, and gratuities aren’t included.

5. Afternoon Food and Wine Tasting Walking Tour

There’s no better way to spend an afternoon in Sofia than by exploring the city on foot.

For foodies and self-proclaimed wine aficionados, it’s a great way to get an overview of the city’s culinary scene without spending a bundle or setting aside an entire day.

Guests will follow their guide to a number of cafés and enjoy lots of traditional Bulgarian dishes, including soups, salads, sausages, and baklava.

Eager foodies will learn about the places they’re visiting and the food and wine they’re enjoying. Along the way, they’ll see many historic attractions, like St. Joseph Cathedral, Sofia Synagogue, and the Central Market.

6. Discover Bulgaria with Dance

It’s been said that if you eat what the locals eat and dance the way they dance, then you’ve successfully immersed yourself into their culture.

If those sound like wise words, signing up for the ‘Discover Bulgaria with Dance’ trip would be a great way to spend an hour while in Sofia.

Guests will learn about the country’s music and dance traditions and have the opportunity to take what they’ve learned and strut their stuff if the spirit moves them.

The tour includes a traditional meal and the chance to take a few photos dressed in authentic Bulgarian dance garb as well.

7. Sofia Alternative Tour

Like escape rooms? Treasure hunts?

Scoff at bus tours filled with dozens of tourists intent on seeing every last overcrowded attraction in the city?

If so, read on, because this alternative 4-hour tour may be just the antidote.

It’s perfect for young and active travelers and those who relish adventure.

You’ll trek all over the city following clues and seeing amazing sights, work your way out of an escape room, and have an all-around fantastic time.

Expect to see sides of the city that most tourists never do and get interesting insights into the city’s remarkable past.

8. Sofia Full-Day Tour

With so much to see and do, most visitors to Sofia dedicate multiple days to exploring the city before heading off to other parts of the country.

This full-day tour includes pickup at your hotel and the services of a professional guide and can accommodate a maximum of 20 guests.

Due to its length, it’s a more in-depth experience than you’ll get on shorter tours, so it’s a great fit for serious history buffs and lovers of culture.

Much of the tour is conducted in an air-conditioned minivan, but there will be opportunities to get out, stretch your legs, take a few photographs, and recharge your batteries with food and drink.

9. Sofia Photo Tour

Amateur and professional shutterbugs seem to love Sofia for its abundant historic attractions, impressive architecture, and the melding of the old and new worlds that make it truly unique.

This 3 ½-hour is led by a local guide with tons of camera experience who’s dedicated to making each excursion a memorable one.

Not only will you see the city’s sights at just the right time to capture the moment perfectly, but you’ll get helpful pointers and tips that you can use long after the tour is officially over.

You’ll need to bring your own camera.

10. One-day Hiking Trip to Vitosha Mountain Nature Park

Though Vitosha Mountain Nature Park is technically outside Sofia city limits, it’s only a 30-minute drive from the city center and is one of the country’s oldest nature preserves.

That makes it the perfect escape destination for those in need of a change of pace from the city’s chaotic urban setting.

Vitosha Mountain’s peak reaches more than a mile into the sky overlooking the Bulgarian countryside, but don’t let that dissuade you if you’re not a seasoned mountaineer; there are a number of trails, and many of them are appropriate for beginners.

The tour lasts six hours and begins and ends in Sofia.

11. Rila Monastery and Boyana Church Full-Day Tour

The Rila Monastery and Boyana Church are two of Bulgaria’s icons, and they recently celebrated their 1,000th birthdays.

Yes, they’re that old, and they’re part of a sprawling complex tucked into a particularly beautiful portion of the countryside outside the city.

It’s a two-hour drive each way, but en route, you’ll get an engaging and educational narration from the tour’s guide, and the scenery will be nothing short of breathtaking.

While onsite, guests will have ample time to explore on their own and learn about the country’s fascinating religious history.

Transportation to and from Sofia are included in the cost of the tour.

12. Guided 3-Hour Culture Tour

Sofia is a relatively easy city to explore on your own, but to make the most of your limited travel time, it may be a good idea to experience it with a guide.

This 3-hour interactive tour couldn’t be more different than most tours, largely because the providers strive to make it a wonder for the senses.

The city is full of unique sights, sounds, and smells, in addition to historic attractions, and they all add to the overall experience.

You’ll learn about Bulgarian customs and holidays, taste traditional food, and even try your hand at local dancing and conversing in the native tongue.

13. Traditional Food and Wine Tour

Created by foodies and wine lovers for foodies and wine lovers, this traditional combo tour is a great fit for those who love a full stomach and that warm, all-body buzz that only wine can provide.

You’ll start the tour with a traditional Bulgarian yogurt breakfast and by getting acquainted with your guide. From there, the tour will head out to four special food and wine venues.

Guests will sample several local wines, as well as cheese, meat, fresh vegetables, and homemade bread.

It’s a good fit for either diehard meat eaters or those who prefer plant-based sustenance, and there will be plenty of sweets on-hand as well.

14. The Valley of the Roses and Koprivshtitsa

Roses have always played some important roles in Bulgarian society, and the Valley of the Roses is the country’s most productive growing region.

It’s also remarkably beautiful, and relatively close to Sofia as well.

On this guided tour, you’ll learn more about roses than you’d ever thought possible, and see them in all their natural splendor.

The tour also includes a number of historic attractions, like a temple constructed to memorialize the birth of Christ and a centuries-old tomb in Kazanlak.

Transportation to and from Sofia in an air-conditioned van is included, but the tour isn’t accessible for those who use wheelchairs.

15. Self-Guided Sofia Sightseeing Tour

Do-it-yourselfers have lots of easy options when visiting Sofia, and those who choose to take advantage of this self-guided tour can relax, because all the hard work has already been done by the tour’s creators.

The package includes the locations of the city’s most notable attractions, directions, and a brief overview of each.

For most, that’s just enough to get started. Once at each site, participants will have the luxury of spending as much or as little time as they’d like.

For those who do things strictly by the book, the tour usually takes about a half-day.

15 Best Sofia Tours:

• 3-Hour Food and Cultural Heritage Tour
• Private Guided Walking Tour of Historic Sofia
• 4-Hour Hidden Bar and Pub Crawl
• Communist Walking Tour
• Afternoon Food and Wine Tasting Walking Tour
• Discover Bulgaria with Dance
• Sofia Alternative Tour
• Sofia Full-Day Tour
• Sofia Photo Tour
• One-day Hiking Trip to Vitosha Mountain Nature Park
• Rila Monastery and Boyana Church Full-Day Tour
• Guided 3-Hour Culture Tour
• Traditional Food and Wine Tour
• The Valley of the Roses and Koprivshtitsa
• Self-Guided Sofia Sightseeing Tour

Christian Kober/AWL Images/Getty Images

Bulgaria's pleasingly laid-back capital is often overlooked by visitors heading to the coast or the ski resorts, but they're missing something special. Sofia is no grand metropolis, but it's a modern, youthful city, with a scattering of onion-domed churches, Ottoman mosques and stubborn Red Army monuments that lend an eclectic, exotic feel. Excavation work carried out during construction of the metro unveiled a treasure trove of Roman ruins from nearly 2000 years ago, when the city was called 'Serdica'. Away from the buildings and boulevards, vast parks and manicured gardens offer a welcome respite, and the ski slopes and hiking trails of mighty Mt Vitosha are just a short bus ride from the centre. Home to many of Bulgaria's finest museums, galleries, restaurants and clubs, Sofia may persuade you to stick around and explore further.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Aleksander Nevski Cathedral

One of the symbols not just of Sofia but of Bulgaria itself, this massive, awe-inspiring church was built between 1882 and 1912 in memory of the 200,000…

Sveta Sofia Church

Sveta Sofia is one of the capital's oldest churches, and gave the city its name. A subterranean museum houses an ancient necropolis, with 56 tombs and the…

Boyana Church

Tiny 13th-century Boyana Church is included on Unesco’s World Heritage list and its 90 murals are among the very finest examples of Bulgarian medieval…

Archaeological Museum

Housed in a former mosque built in 1496, this museum displays a wealth of Thracian, Roman and medieval artefacts. Highlights include a mosaic floor from…

Sveti Georgi Rotunda

Built in the 4th century AD, this tiny red-brick church is Sofia's oldest preserved building. The murals inside were painted between the 10th and 14th…

Museum of Socialist Art

If you wondered where all those unwanted statues of Lenin ended up, you'll find some here, along with the red star from atop Sofia's Party House. There's…

Sofia History Museum

The history of Sofia is presented on two floors of the magnificent former Turkish Mineral Baths, just behind the mosque. Exhibitions are divided…

Ancient Serdica Complex

This remarkable, partly covered excavation site, situated just above the Serdika metro station, displays the remains of the Roman city, Serdica, that once…

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A Walk through Trendy Sofia

Sofia is Bulgaria’s relaxed capital and still one of the most affordable, bang-for-your-buck destinations In Europe despite the country joining the European Union back in 2007. This trendy, unique, and youthful city of shopping malls and 5-star hotels nicely complements its post-Soviet attitude with block buildings and Red Army monuments.

The Balkan “capital” never misses a beat with its rich culture of museums, architecture, restaurants, and lively art scene. People-watch along Vitosha Boulevard, be amazed by the Ottoman mosques and Cathedral of Saint Alexander Nevski, or shop in one-of-a-kind boutiques supporting young, local artists. Attend an outdoor opera, listen to jazz at a local venue, dance the night away at fun nightclubs, and watch a Broadway show on Rakovski Street. Finally, a must-see for anyone visiting is the remains of an 1800 year old Roman city and coliseum beneath modern day Sofia.

Not surprisingly, Sofia is also a green city filled with parks and well-manicured gardens like Borisova Gradina. And Mt. Vitosha is just a short bus ride outside of the city center awaiting adventurers of all levels for hiking trails and skiing. Whether there’s a preference for the cosmopolitan scene or laid-back nature, Freetour.com recommends Sofia, the perfect place for your next visit.

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Sofia Travel Guide

Last Updated: August 30, 2023

Sofia is the stylish capital city of Bulgaria , nestled beneath the towering peak of Mount Vitosha. While the mountain is the first thing you’ll notice when you arrive, Sofia has so much more to offer than just the view. The city boasts a rich history, friendly people, cheap drinks, and delicious food.

In short, it’s a budget traveler’s paradise.

Admittedly, when I first arrived, I expected a dreary ex-communist city full of blocky architecture and a lack of personality.

Fortunately, I was way off.

Instead, I found a multicultural, fast-growing, and modernizing European hub popular with the backpacker crowd. In fact, Sofia impressed me so much that I ended up staying a few extra days! It’s a perfect budget-travel destination that sees a fraction of the tourists you’ll find in Western Europe.

This travel guide to Sofia can help you plan your trip, save money, and make the most out of your time in this incredible destination.

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Sofia

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Sofia

1. Visit the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

Constructed in the early 20th century, this is one of the world’s largest Eastern Orthodox cathedrals (it’s even made the list of the 50 largest Christian churches in the world). The gorgeous cathedral can hold up to 5,000 people at a time. The cathedral was named after the Russian prince, Saint Alexander Nevsky and was intended to honor the Russian soldiers who lost their lives when fighting in the Russo-Ottoman war during the late 1800s as the war resulted in Bulgaria’s independence from the Ottoman empire. Visitors can explore the stunning interior and the museum of Bulgarian religious icons in the cathedral crypt, famed to hold the most extensive collection of Orthodox religious icons in Europe. Topped with the characteristic gilded domes of the Neo-Byzantine style and with a beautiful Italian marble interior, it’s my absolute must-see here. The bell tower holds 12 bells that weigh 23 tons!

2. See Sveti Georgi Rotunda

Dating to the fourth century, this tiny circular Roman building is the oldest preserved structure in Sofia and sits undisturbed amongst other Roman ruins. The red brick building was built in the 4th century on a site that was believed to be an even older pagan temple. Originally a bathhouse, the interior is painted with magnificent murals that date between the 6th and 14th centuries. In total there are five layers of ornate frescos that were painted over when the church was converted into a mosque during Ottoman rule. They were only uncovered during the church’s restoration in the 20th century. The rotunda and the ruins are surrounded by modern government buildings and preserved in a large courtyard that remains open to the public. The small church holds weekday services so just dress respectfully.

3. Hike Vitosha mountain

Head for a hike to reach the summit and you’ll be treated to incredible panoramic views over Sofia and the surrounding area. The highest summit is Cherni Vrah at 2,290 meters (7,513 feet). Most trails just take a couple of hours. It’s surprisingly easy to reach Vitosha’s trails, all you have to do is take a bus to the Simeonovo ski lift. Once you arrive, you’ll feel worlds away from the hustle and bustle of the city, surrounded by craggy rocks and ancient pine trees. Vitosha mountain is part of Vitosha National Park, which is one of the oldest in the Balkans and includes a massive cave you can explore.

4. Visit the National Gallery Quadrat 500

This enormous gallery contains artwork from both the National Gallery and the former Museum of Foreign Art. Having opened in 2015, Quadrat 500 is the most recent admission to the National Gallery and contains 1,700 pieces of art. Wander through 28 halls and four levels filled with art from around the world and you’ll find works from beloved Bulgarian 19th-20th century artists here (including Georgi Mashev and Vladimir Dimitrov) alongside African tribal masks and sketches from Renoir and Matisse. Admission is 10 BGN. You can receive discounted admission on Thursdays for 2 BGN. The museum also hosts a variety of lectures in both Bulgarian and English throughout the year.

5. Day trip to Rila Monastery

This is the most important Eastern Orthodox monastery in the country, having been a spiritual space for over 1,000 years. Rila was founded in the 10th century by Saint John of Rila. Then a simple hermit, the site of the monastery was believed to be the place where he lived and died. After his death, they were converted into a monastery that was a center of spiritual and social activity during the medieval period. The original building was destroyed in a fire in the early 19th century and later rebuilt in the Bulgarian Renaissance style in the mid-1800s. You’ll find stunning religious art and colorful architecture, including golden domes and striped archways. Entrance to the monastery is free.

Other Things to See and Do in Sofia

1. take a free walking tour.

The first thing I do in a new city is take a free walking tour. It’s the best way to see the main sights on a budget and connect with a local guide who can answer all your questions. Free Sofia tour runs regular free walking tours that cover all the main highlights. Just be sure to tip your guide at the end!

2. See the Presidency and the Guard Ceremony

The Bulgarian president’s office lies within the eastern end of the same building that houses the Sheraton Hotel. The office isn’t open for public viewing, but the changing of the guard occurs every hour. The stomping march of the uniform-clad men can be heard all around the area. It doesn’t take long but it’s worth stopping by to see.

3. See what’s on at the National Palace of Culture

Usually referred to as the NDK, this building has 15 separate halls, making it the largest cultural complex in the country. During the summer, there is a regular schedule of various events and a diverse range of shows to check out, including concerts, dance performances, and theater. Check out their website to see what’s on during your visit.

4. Attend an event at the Red House

Home to political debates, poetry readings, and dramatic performances, the Red House is an independent cultural center that’s not as mainstream as the NDK. The building itself is a mansion from the early 20th century that once belonged to Bulgarian sculptor Andrey Nikolov. Events are usually free, and often in English. Check their website to see what’s on during your visit.

5. Have fun in Kokolandia

This is an outdoor adventure activity center located inside Borisova Gradina park. There are all sorts of fun challenges here including rope climbing, rock climbing, mini-golf, and a tree-top obstacle course. This adventure park is considered kid- and adult-friendly (though it’s mostly for kids; there are trampolines and bouncy castles too). Activities cost 6 BGN per person.

6. Go paintballing

Paintballing has become increasingly popular throughout Sofia. There are over half a dozen different places you can go that offer equipment rentals, paintballs, and both indoor and outdoor gaming areas. It’s super fun and a great way to spend a couple of hours! Reservations are usually required and sessions cost 90 BGN.

7. Stroll Vitosha Boulevard

This is a high-end pedestrian street filled with fashionable boutiques and designer shops, but it’s worth the stroll for the view of snow-capped Vitosha Mountain. Art Nouveau buildings line the street, and there are several small sidewalk cafes where you can grab a coffee and relax. Come here to browse, people-watch, and take in the local pace of life.

8. Check out the Museum of Socialist Art

This museum in Sofia showcases art from when the country was under Communist rule (1944-1989). A large outdoor sculpture park contains everything from a giant statue of Lenin that once stood in the center of the city to the red star that topped the socialist party headquarters. Inside you’ll find propaganda paintings, documentary videos, photographic galleries, and more. Admission is 6 BGN.

9. See the National Museum of Military History

This is one of the most visited museums in Sofia. There are three floors, each featuring detailed exhibits on warfare in Bulgaria from antiquity and the Middle Ages to World War II. You’ll see rebel flags, military uniforms, and artifacts, including the personal effects of actual soldiers. There’s also a collection of vehicles, including tanks and fighter planes. Admission is 8 BGN.

10. Visit the Archaeological Museum

This museum is located inside a former mosque that dates to the 1400s. The museum is home to a collection of Roman and medieval items, including a delicate mosaic floor from the Church of Sveta Sofia. Other artifacts come from the Thracians, a group of Indo-European tribes living in the area since the 8th century BCE. The incredibly detailed Thracian gold burial mask from the 4th century BCE has an especially impressive life-like appearance. Admission is 10 BGN.

11. Tour the Sofia History Museum

Housed inside the former Central Mineral Baths from the Ottoman era, the history of Sofia — from prehistory to the modern day — is on full display here. The museum spans two floors and includes rooms dedicated to the Bulgarian royal families of the 19th and 20th centuries. These rooms provide a glimpse of the lavish lives they lived. There’s even a horse carriage from Marie Antoinette here. Admission is 6 BGN.

12. Go skiing

If you’re here during the winter, hit the slopes on Vitosha. Unlike in much of Western Europe, skiing is super affordable here. You can get a lift pass for as little as 50 BGN, making this one of the most affordable winter sports destinations on the continent!

  For more information on other cities in Bulgaria, check out these guides:

• Plovdiv Travel Guide
• Varna Travel Guide
• Veliko Tarnovo Travel Guide

Sofia Travel Costs

Hostel prices – A bed in a hostel dorm with 4-6 beds costs between 12-25 BGN per night. For a private room in a hostel, expect to pay between 35-75 BGN per night. Free Wi-Fi is standard and most hostels also have self-catering facilities.

If you’re traveling with a tent, wild camping is illegal in Bulgaria. There are campgrounds outside the city, however, you can’t book online or find prices in advance so you’ll need to check on arrival.

Budget hotel prices – Budget two-star hotels cost around 40-65 BGN per night. Expect basic amenities like TV and free Wi-Fi.

Airbnb is available all over the city, with private rooms starting at 30-55 BGN per night. Entire homes and apartments start around 55 BGN though prices average double that.

Food – Bulgarian cuisine is hearty and similar to that of its Balkan neighbors. Meaty stews with lamb, goat, or chicken are common, as are sausages and all kinds of yogurts (dairy products are big here). Popular dishes include kebapche (grilled mincemeat), shopska salad (a salad with tomato, cucumber, and cheese; similar to Greek salad), and moussaka.

You can find foods like banica (cheese pastry) for as little as 1.50 BGN, or you can pick up a hearty shopska salad or kebab for about 5 BGN. Pizza slices and hot dogs are usually no more than 4 BGN, while a sandwich is between 4-5 BGN.

A combo meal at McDonald’s costs 12 BGN while a meal at a mid-range restaurant with a drink shouldn’t cost more than 15-20 BGN.

If you want to splash out, a three-course dinner with a glass of wine at an upscale restaurant ranges from 35-50 BGN.

Beer is around 4 BGN while a latte/cappuccino costs around 3.70 BGN. Bottled water is 1.60 BGN.

Grocery shopping is incredibly affordable here, costing around 50-65 BGN per week for basic staples like rice, pasta, seasonal produce, and some meat.

Backpacking Sofia Suggested Budgets

If you’re backpacking Sofia, expect to spend about 60 BGN per day. On this budget, you’ll be staying in a hostel dorm, cooking your meals, limiting your drinking, taking public transportation to get around, and sticking to mostly free activities like free walking tours and hiking. If you plan on drinking, add 5-10 BGN to your daily budget.

On a mid-range budget of 150 BGN per day, you can stay in a private Airbnb, eat out for most meals at cheap fast food joints, enjoy a couple of drinks, take the occasional taxi to get around, and do more paid activities like visiting museums and attending performances.

On a “luxury” budget of 275 BGN or more per day, you can stay in a hotel, eat out for all your meals, drink more, rent a car or take more taxis, and do whatever tours and activities you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages — some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in BGN.

Sofia Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Since Sofia is the capital city of Bulgaria, prices are a little higher here when compared to other parts of the country. However, it’s still incredibly affordable as there are so many cheap and free things to do. Here are some ways to save money in Sofia during your visit:

• Stay with a local – If you look early, you can likely find a Couchsurfing hosts in Sofia. This not only gets you free accommodation but you’ll connect with a local who can share their insider tips and advice.
• Take a free walking tour – Walking tours are a great way to get familiar with the city and its culture while on a budget. Just be sure to tip your guide at the end!
• Look for free events – There are always free events and festivals happening in Sofia (especially in the summer). Be sure to ask your hostel staff or host about what’s going on during your visit.
• Bring a water bottle – The tap water here is safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay in Sofia

Sofia has several fun, clean, and affordable hostels. They fill up fast during the summer so book early. Here are my suggested places to stay in Sofia:

• Hostel Mostel
• Hostel Ivory Tower
• Park Hsotel Sofia

How to Get Around Sofia

Public transportation – Sofia’s metro has two lines connecting the city center and the airport, as well as the central bus and train stations. Individual tickets are 1.60 BGN each, but they can’t be used on the buses, trams, or trolleybuses.

However, you can purchase a day pass for 4 BGN or a three-day pass for 10 BGN with unlimited rides on all public transportation. Use the official website (sofiatraffic.bg) to look up schedules and routes. This is by far the best deal for getting around the city.

Sofia’s bus system is extensive and can get you just about anywhere you need to go using it. You can use the sofiatraffic.bg website or the Moovit app to help plan your journey. You’ll need the exact change to buy a ticket from the driver on board the bus. Tickets are 1.60 BGN and you can purchase a 10-ride pass for 12 BGN.

Taxi – The normal start rate for a taxi in Sofia is 2 BGN, and then an additional 1-2 BGN per kilometer. The rate at night is 1.99 BGN per kilometer. While affordable, they can add up fast if you use them often so stick to public transportation if you can.

Bicycle – There are lots of bicycle rental services in Sofia. You can rent a bicycle for one full day for about 20 BGN. Sofia Bike Rental and Rent a Bike Sofia are two good options.

Car rental – Car rentals are super affordable here, costing as little as 25 BGN per day. You don’t need one to get around the city, however, if you want to explore the region a car might be helpful. Drivers need to be at least 21 years old and have an IDP (International Driving Permit).

When to Go to Sofia

Sofia has four distinct seasons, of which summer (June-August) is the busiest. June can be quite rainy, but otherwise, the daily temperature is usually over 30°C (86°F). Keep in mind that this is the most expensive time to visit, as prices for hostels and hotels increase.

I personally think the best time to visit is spring (April-May) or fall (September-October). Both seasons have pleasant temperatures, fewer tourist crowds, and lower prices. The foliage around Mount Vitosha is spectacular during the fall, making for some excellent hiking. Temperatures range from 5-21°C (41-70°F) in the spring and 6-17°C (42-62°F) in the fall.

Winter (December-March) is the quietest time of year to visit, as temperatures drop below freezing. The weather can be snowy and unpredictable during this time. If you like winter sports, this is the best time to visit for skiing Mount Vitosha or nearby Bansko. Accommodations are cheapest during this time as well. If you’re not coming for winter activities, though, I’d skip a visit during the winter.

How to Stay Safe in Sofia

Sofia is very safe. Scams and petty crimes like pick-pocketing are the most common danger you’ll face, but those are rare. Nevertheless, always keep your valuables secure and out of sight just to be safe.

Solo female travelers should generally feel safe here, however, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.).

When it comes to scams, if a stranger stops to talk to you out of the blue, be aware that they may be working in a team to try and grab your wallet. The best thing to do is ignore them and keep walking. Some taxi drivers have been known to overcharge their customers, so make sure your driver has a metered cab before you get in it.

You can read about common travel scams to avoid right here .

Pedestrian safety can be a concern as some drivers do not give pedestrians the right of way. Take caution when crossing the street.

If you experience an emergency, dial 112 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID. Forward your itinerary along to loved ones so they’ll know where you are.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past.

Sofia Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• HostelPass – This new card gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. It’s a great way to save money. They’re constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and glad it finallt exists.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• The Man in Seat 61 – This website is the ultimate guide to train travel anywhere in the world. They have the most comprehensive information on routes, times, prices, and train conditions. If you are planning a long train journey or some epic train trip, consult this site.
• Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. It will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost.
• FlixBus – Flixbus has routes between 20 European countries with prices starting as low 5 EUR! Their buses include WiFi, electrical outlets, a free checked bag.
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

Sofia Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling Bulgaria and continue planning your trip:

The Cost of Traveling Far Eastern Europe

I Despise Sunny Beach. Here’s Why You Should Not Visit There

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• Where To Stay
• Transportation
• Booking Resources
• Related Blogs

40 Fun & Unusual Things to Do in Sofia, Bulgaria

• 16 Pinterest

Dating back to 7000 BC, Sofia’s rich history is noticeable throughout the Roman Ruins in which the city was built, and its diverse architectural stylings, from neo-Byzantine and neo-Baroque to communist-style buildings.

Wealth in theaters and opera houses, there are plenty of fun things to do in Sofia , a city that has made a name for itself on the southeastern European cultural map.

With its proximity to nearby countries like Serbia and North Macedonia, travel plans expand with even more activities and day trips to take part in.

Tourist Attractions & Sightseeing Tours

1 – visit the neo-byzantine st. alexander nevsky cathedral.

Considered one of the most emblematic sites in Sofia and one of the most important Orthodox churches in Bulgaria , the St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral was built as a symbol for those who perished during the Russian-Turkish War of 1878-1879, which helped to liberate Bulgaria from the Ottoman Empire.

Be amazed by the beautiful Neo-Byzantine architecture with gold-covered domes, and take in the other lavish materials used to give the church its fine details, from Italian marble, Brazilian onyx, and Indian alabaster.

Admission: Free. Opening hours: Daily from 7 am – 7 pm.

Housed inside the crypt , step inside the Christan art museum , showcasing religious art from Bulgaria and interesting facts from the cathedral’s construction. Visits are open from Tuesday to Sunday, 10 am – 6 pm, and tickets cost BGN 6 (€3).

• Walking tours in Sofia

2 – Take the kids to the Sofia Zoo

Spend an afternoon in the oldest zoo in the Balkans , observing the grand variety of animals that call the Sofia Zoo home.

With over 2,000 varieties of animals and around 280 represented species, both local and international, this is a great family-friendly activity to learn more about each animal and its habitats.

Visitors can expect to see animals like otters, goats, lions, bears, lamas, birds of various varieties, and learn about 40 different tree species from all over the world.

Admission: Free for children under 3; BGN 2 (€1) for 3 to 17 years old; BGN 4 (€2) for adults. Opening hours: Daily from 9:30 am – 6 pm.

3 – Go back in time on a communism tour

Learn about life during the communist era (1946-1989) as you walk through the streets of Sofia.

Admire the architecture of the National Assembly building, the former headquarters of the Bulgarian Communist Party , walk past the Prince’s Garden , and learn about the dedication behind the sculptures of the Monument to the Soviet Army .

Stop by the Museum of Socialist Art for various poster propaganda, a large 5-pointed star, films, and texts from the time. Finish with some drinks at the Raketa Rakia bar , a communist-styled bar .

• Communism tours in Sofia

4 – Explore the National Palace of Culture

Built in 1981, the National Palace of Culture (NDK) is the largest convention center in the southeastern region of Europe, covering approximately 123,000 square meters and towers around 8 stories high.

Hosting about 300 events per year, from concerts to conventions, conferences, exhibitions, festivals, and more, check out their website to find more information on upcoming shows and events taking place inside.

Tip: Make sure to check out the piece of the Berlin wall , located on the left side of the main entrance of the NDK.

5 – Visit the famous churches of Sofia

The Church of St. Nicholas the Miracle-Maker is a Russian church in the heart of Sofia and offers beautiful 16th-century Russian architecture stylings , and stunning frescoes inside. Stop by the crypt where the remains of Bishop Serafin lie.

The Church of St. George Rotunda , also known as St. Georgi, went through waves of different uses based on religious influences, from a Christian church to a mosque and an Orthodox church . Stop by on a Sunday morning to listen to the sound of church chants and singing.

A bus tour is a fast and easy way to get informed and appreciate the different architecture of each church, all retelling a piece of important Bulgarian history.

6 – Check out the unique Ancient Serdica Complex

Discovered during the construction of the Arena di Serdica Hotel of FPI Hotels & Resorts in 2004, the uniqueness of the Amphitheater of Serdica lies in the theater that was excavated underneath.

Scholars named these two findings as the Ancient Serdica Complex , dating back to the 3rd-4th century . Coins, pottery, and ceramics were found and nowadays visitors can check out the ruins along with the findings themselves.

Admission: Free. Opening hours: Daily from 7 am – 10 pm.

7 – Learn about the turbulent past of the Sofia Synagogue

The Sofia Synagogue , one of the largest in Europe and it’s 1 of the last 2 remaining functioning synagogues in Bulgaria , serves the small yet present Jewish community of Sofia.

Enter the holy space and take in the beautiful Spanish-Arab architecture while noticing the majestic hanging chandelier in the middle.

Visitors can find other religious spaces nearby such as the Banya Bashi Mosque and Catholic Cathedral.

Admission: BGN 5 (€2.50). Opening hours: Daily from 7 am – 10 pm.

8 – Shop at the best markets

Stop by the Sofia Central Market Hall , a great foodie spot, and taste authentic local dishes on a delicious market food tour .

Experience local everyday life in Sofia with a visit to Zhenski Pazar Market , also known as the Women’s Market, the oldest market in Sofia , dating back to the early 20th century, where you can find stalls of fresh and local produce brought by local farmers.

Near the famed Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is the Alexander Nevsky Antiques Market , an open-air flea market where visitors can expect everything from soviet union memorabilia to home articles.

On Saturday mornings, for an authentic experience and random yet intriguing second-hand goods , visit the Bitaka (Malashevtsi) Flea Market .

9 – Visit Banya Bashi Mosque

The only remaining functioning mosque in Sofia , Banya Bashi Mosque showcases a typical architectural style of the Ottoman Empire.

It’s open for respectful visitors of all religious backgrounds to take in the stunning interiors, that can fit up to 700 people and display incredible calligraphy, geometric shapes, Islamic art, and beautiful tile work.

Look beside the mosque to find remnants of an old Hamman, perhaps giving the name “many baths” to the Mosque.

Admission: Free. Opening hours: Daily from 6 am – 10 pm.

10 – Relax and unwind in Sofia’s best parks

Check out some of the best parks in Sofia to escape the busy city life for a while.

Borisova Gradina Park is one of the oldest parks in Sofia and is located 7 minutes south of downtown Sofia. Offering walking trails, beautiful picnic spaces, and historical sculptures.

Located close to the National Art Gallery is the City Garden . Check out the beautiful gardens where locals of all ages come out to meet with friends and enjoy a coffee.

Take your young ones to the playground inside Park Zaimov , offering tennis courts, cafes, and even a theater.

11 – Walk throughout Vitosha Boulevard

Located in the downtown area, Vitosha Boulevard is Sofia’s main shopping avenue .

Stretching for 1.678 miles, it boasts some of the most luxurious brands known globally, from Bulgari to Max Mara, and a few local high-end fashion brands.

With many restaurants and bars recognized for Bulgarian delicacies like moussaka and gyuvetch, this is often an attraction that many people flock to.

Due to its central location, many free walking tours meet here, as it intersects with many popular sites like Sveta Nedelya Orthodox Church and the Sofia Court of Justice.

12 – Squat down and purchase from a Klek Shop

During the communist era, when it wasn’t allowed to privately own a shop, homeowners used their basements to conceal their business activities by only using a small window to interact with customers .

Selling everything from snacks, water, candy, and ice cream, to bread, groceries, and wine, even though Klek shops (Klek meaning squat in Bulgarian) are not as common anymore, visitors still search for this unique experience in Sofia .

Some of the underground spaces have been converted into speakeasies, so make sure to check them out.

Outdoor, Adventure & Sports

13 – paraglide to get a bird’s eye view of sofia.

Fly with a professional and take in some of Sofia’s most famed sights including the St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Church St. George Rotunda, and the Sofia History Museum.

The paragliding adventure usually lasts 10-30 minutes depending on the weather conditions and can go up as high as a few thousand meters in the sky.

Ticket prices may vary, but start at around €150 .

Many of the take-off sites are located not too far from downtown Sofia, so a quick taxi ride or bus ride will be the easiest mode of transportation.

• Paragliding in Sofia

Theme Parks

14 – take your family to kokolandia adventure park.

Located about 1 hour from Sofia, adventure calls at Kokolandia Adventure Park , a family-friendly amusement park that creates bonds over challenging tree-top obstacle courses .

With activities ranging from rope climbing to trampolines , Children will also love the newly opened Vozhelandia, combining swinging, jumping, hiding, and rolling around a wide colorful net.

Every game and activity is backed up with insurance and safety nets everywhere, providing a fun and safe environment for the entire family .

Admission: BGN 10 (€5) per round. Opening hours: Daily from 10 am – 7 pm.

Directions in Google Maps

15 – Splish splash at Vazrajdane Aqua Park

Located in the heart of the city, inside the extensive Vazrajdane Park, easily accessed via public transportation by train or bus, Vazrajdane Aqua Park is one of the best things to do in Sofia with kids .

This aqua park offers incredible relaxing, exciting, and entertaining options. Enjoy a large indoor swimming pool , a sauna park , and fun outdoor swimming pools with twisty slides .

Parents can enjoy the swim-up bar, catch some sun rays on the sunbeds, have lunch at the restaurant on-site, or even indulge in a massage , salt room, tangent baths, and so much more.

Admission: Starts from BGN 11 (€5.5) for pool access. Opening hours: Daily from 7 am – 11 pm.

16 – Jump in on the fun at Park Boby & Kelly amusement park

Situated 16 minutes southeast of downtown Sofia, Park Boby & Kelly is guaranteed to give your family long-lasting memories, with games ranging from trampolines to child-size roller coasters , arcade games , airplane simulators and so much more.

Access to the park is free, however, to ride the games there’s a small fee. A parent with a child between 0-3 years old can get on the rides for free.

Admission: Single-use tickets start from BGN 5 (€2.5). Opening hours: Weekdays from 4 pm – 10 pm, weekends and holidays from 10 am – 10 pm (winter) / Daily from 10 am – 10 pm (summer).

Museums & Games

17 – check the national history museum.

With over 650,000 exhibits, the National History Museum , Sofia’s largest museum , welcomes visitors to learn more about Bulgaria’s fascinating and deep history.

From the Bronze Age and the Middle Ages, to showcasing war relics and everyday textiles, maps, furniture, and more, the museum takes visitors across the different eras of Bulgaria .

The archaeological and historical rooms are also worth visiting, to examine the incredible items found during excavations throughout the country.

After learning about Bulgarian history, consider having lunch at the museum buffet, and stepping into the library and souvenir shop.

Admission: BGN 12 (€6). Opening hours: Daily from 9:30 am – 6 pm (winter) / 7 pm (summer).

• National History Museum tickets & tours

18 – Learn about the past at the Regional History Museum of Sofia

Located in the former Central Mineral Bathhouse , an iconic building from the early 20th century, the Regional History Museum of Sofia shares Sofia’s history, from the beginnings of the city’s settlement to current-day progressions.

With 8 exhibits showcasing the different eras of Sofia , the museum offers insights into the prized materials of the Kings that once ruled Sofia, the Turkish influence in the city, and what a Neolithic home six millennia BC was like.

Next to the museum, peek at the mineral springs for a visual of the abundance and common practice of mineral spring water fountains throughout the city.

Admission: BGN 6 (€3). Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am – 6 pm.

19 – Do double takes inside the Museum of Illusions

The Museum of Illusions is jam-packed with incredible fantasies, where technology, riddles, art, and a strong sense of imagination come together to create a unique experience .

With a space of 400 square meters, prepare to spend 1-2 hours enjoying the exhibits , where children and adults can draw with light, take pictures with interactive cameras, amongst other fun things.

Admission: Free for children under 3; BGN 9 (€4.5) for 3 to 6 years old; BGN 18 (€9) for students and BGN 23 (€11.5) for adults. Opening hours: Daily from 10 am – 8 pm.

• Museum of Illusions tickets

20 – Check out the art hot spots in Sofia’s art galleries

Browse the 28 halls and over 42,000 art pieces inside The National Art Gallery . Some of the most prized Bulgarian art pieces on display range from the mid-19th century, all the way to international pieces from the Americas and Africa.

Consider the Sofia City Art Gallery for a dose of Bulgarian contemporary art , and check out their 3 exhibits: Past, Present, and Future, showcasing the progression and expression of modern art throughout the times.

For street art lovers , there are plenty of great things to do in Sofia, from provocative and important socio-political murals to images that will be understood no matter the language barrier. It’s worth stopping by Art Street Samuil (also known as Tzar Samuil) and visiting the many art galleries.

21 – Take a look at war relics inside the National Museum of Military History

Learn about the intense and fascinating history of the Bulgarian military inside the National Museum of Military History , showcasing uniforms, tools, weaponry, photographs, flags, and many other pieces of military materials.

Open since 1916, the museum aims to educate and inform Bulgarian citizens about the national defense and build pride and respect for those who lost their lives fighting for their country.

Walk through the different exhibits showcasing the wars in which the Bulgarians were involved , and see the stories and strategies come alive through imagery. To make the most of your visit, guided tours are available and encouraged.

Admission: BGN 10 (€5). Opening hours: Wednesday to Sunday from 10 am – 6 pm.

• Museum of Military History tours

22 – Admire well-preserved artifacts at the Bulgarian Archeological Museum

Visit the spectacular Bulgarian Archaeological Museum , housed inside what used to be the Ottoman Empire’s largest mosque , showcasing the historical findings throughout the excavations in Bulgaria.

Sorted chronologically, visitors will observe the prehistoric hall , admire old paintings dating back to Medieval times , see up close weaponry and other tools used every day in the Late Bronze Age , and much more.

Check out the special collection of items in the unique Vault hall, where visitors can find some of the most precious and prized possessions belonging to Bulgaria’s rich heritage.

Admission: BGN 12 (€6). Opening hours: Daily from 10 am – 6 pm (summer) / Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am – 5 pm (winter).

23 – Learn about a collection of rare insects at the National Museum of Natural History

Originally organized in 1889 to store the personal collection of the Royal Prince Ferdinand, the National Museum of Natural History officially opened its doors to the public in 1907 and is considered the oldest museum in Bulgaria .

With 15 separate halls on 4 floors, each housing exhibits on mineralogy, birds, fishes, insects, and more, visitors will see remnants of unique animals such as the last pure-bred aurochs , the California condor which has now gone extinct, huge African tortoises , and so much more.

Admission: BGN 10 (€5). Opening hours: Daily from 10 am – 6 pm.

24 – Create magical family memories at Muzeiko Children’s Museum

Combining science, curiosity, and imagination, Muzeiko is a space where children of all ages are encouraged to play and have fun while learning about the world via science, culture, history, and art.

Science comes alive with 15 exhibits showcasing natural sciences, creative inventions, the planetarium, child-size city and nature replicas, archaeology, and so much more. The museum has information written in English and Bulgarian , making it easy to understand.

Parents can grab lunch at the museum cafe, and browse through the souvenir shop while their children enjoy over 100 interactive games and activities .

Admission: Free for children under 2; BGN 12 (€6) above 2 years old. Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am – 6 pm.

25 – Check out Earth and People National Museum

Opening its doors to the world of mineralogy in 1987, the Earth and People National Museum is one of the biggest mineral museums in the world , keeping more than 20,000 items, from ceramics made from naturally occurring minerals to collections of precious stones.

Explore the different hallways showcasing the process of mineral production, the use of minerals, the different types of minerals, and so much more.

Check out the Pete Tranteev collection of rarely-seen minerals discovered throughout 45 years of cave expeditions. The most famous piece in the collection is the cave pearls which are small dots of concentrated calcite.

Admission: BGN 10 (€5). Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am – 6 pm.

26 – Test your critical thinking skills in an escape room

Beat the timer inside an escape room, where you and your group have to work together to think of creative ways to solve riddles and questions to escape the room you’re in.

With various types of themed escape rooms , choose from robbery, murder mystery, toxic lab, an insane asylum, and many others to test your luck and skill.

Be sure to book your spot in advance online to skip the line and guarantee your slot with your party. Most escape rooms are located throughout the heart of Sofia, starting at €20 .

• Escape rooms in Sofia

Day Trips from Sofia

27 – visit rila monastery, a unesco world heritage site.

Step back in time at the largest and most well-known monastery in the Eastern Orthodox faith , dating back to the 10th century.

Telling the history of the spiritual and social life of those who lived through the medieval era in Bulgaria , the Rila Monastery houses a museum with 4 exhibits ranging from the history of the monastery, social and cultural practices, art pieces, and weapons and tools.

If you take a day trip from Sofia to the Rila Monastery, a stop at Boyana Church is often included, where visitors can observe the delicate yet marvelous medieval frescoes dating back to the 13th century.

Those feeling extra adventurous can enjoy the enchanted mountain views on a bike tour , guaranteed to be an unforgettable experience.

• Rila Monastery tours from Sofia

28 – Roam the streets of Plovdiv – Bulgaria’s second-largest city

Built around 7 hills, Plovdiv is recognized nationally and internationally as the oldest continually inhabited European city .

Known as the cultural capital of Bulgaria , local festivities happen all year round. In 2019, Plovdiv also received the title of European Capital of Culture.

Check out the picturesque Ancient Theater , delivering incredible views of the city, made out of marble. Walk through the artsy neighborhood of Kapana , and get a view of the city’s best art pieces inside the abundance of galleries.

A tour from Sofia often includes a stop in the nearby Koprivshtitsa , another rich and historical city known for its Bulgarian-style architecture dating to the 19th century.

• Plovdiv tours from Sofia

29 – Gaze at the beauty of the Seven Rila Lakes

Located north of Sofia, the Seven Rila Lakes were created due to glacial activity that today, gives Bulgaria an undisputed level of natural beauty for all to enjoy.

Considered the most visited series of lakes in Bulgaria , it is surely a place to add to your list of things to do in Sofia and see their unique shape.

Join one of the several hiking tours and explore The Tear (the most transparent lake), The Kidney (a crescent-shaped lake), The Eye (an oval-shaped lake), and a few more. Afterward, relax with a therapeutic dip in a warm pool at the nearby thermal spas .

• Seven Rila Lakes tours from Sofia

30 – Plan a day trip to North Macedonia or Serbia

The advantage of visiting the Balkans is knowing that you’re never more than a few hours away from the next country, which means incredible day trip opportunities .

Check out a day trip to Skopje in North Macedonia, and wander through the country’s capital, dating back to 4,000 BC. Visit some of the top sites, including the Old Bazaar , the Skopje Eye Bridge , and Karpos’s Rebellion Square .

Also not too far from Sofia is the city of Nis , the 3rd largest city in Serbia, where visitors can check out important sites like the Skull Tower , and the Nis Fortress , and enjoy Serbian cuisine .

31 – Uncover the magnificent site of Belogradchik Rocks

Located in the northwestern region of Bulgaria, under 3 hours away from Sofia, the Belogradchick Rocks are a stunning natural phenomenon , reaching over 200 meters.

The nearby Belogradchik Fortress draws the eyes and attention even wider, making the site look like a grand Bulgarian castle. Walk around the 12-meter tall walls, and explore the fortress yards, giving way to one of the best views of the dramatic rock formations .

You can reach this popular attraction by taking one of the three different train journeys departing from the town of Oreshec, and a taxi from the Belogradchick station to the rocks. The easiest and fastest way to get there is by booking a day trip from Sofia.

• Belogradchik Rocks tours from Sofia

32 – Go on a hiking expedition on Vitosha Mountain

The Vitosha Mountain is a popular alpinism and skiing spot , adored by many Bulgarians seeking to get in touch with nature, just under 1 hour from Sofia.

Enjoy a guided snowshoe trek , a waterfall hike, and a mountain bike expedition , or sit on a chair lift to get incredible unmatched views of the surroundings.

The mountain is easily accessible via public transportation, but a guided tour from Sofia allows you to fully optimize your time, and even visit popular attractions nearby , such as the Dragalevtsi Monastery – a Bulgarian Orthodox monastery located near the slopes of Vitosha Mountain.

• Vitosha Mountain tours from Sofia

33 – Wander through the streets of Veliko Tarnovo

Veliko Tarnovo is located northwest of Sofia, perched high in the mountains and offering incredible hiking opportunities and a picturesque atmosphere.

Check out the medieval Tsarevets Fortress , step inside one of the many museums sharing archaeological finds, and get an insider look into life in this small town in the early 19th century.

Take a bus tour from Sofia, which oftentimes stops in Arbanasi , another wonderful small town brimming with rich history, and unique sites like the Church of Nativity and the 17th-century house Konstantsalieva .

• Veliko Tarnovo tours from Sofia

Gastronomic Experiences

34 – check out the local food scene on a food tour.

Try some of Bulgaria’s most emblematic dishes, such as Banitsa , a cheesy pastry, Tarator , a cold, fresh, and creamy soup, or the traditional Shopska salad .

Book an exciting food tour that will grant you access to some of the best food markets , hole in the wall restaurants, and feast on some of the freshest produce.

On the way to these different foodie places, you’ll also get a city tour, and see all the important sites. Be led by a local food expert, and learn about the farm-to-table approach very present in Bulgaria.

• Food tours in Sofia

35 – Wind down the evening at the best rooftop bars and restaurants

Enjoy stunning views of the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral through the windows of the rooftop bar at Sense Sofia Hotel . Offering a complete menu of gastronomic delights and craft cocktails to accompany your views, make sure to reserve your spot ahead of time.

Get panoramic views of Sofia’s cultural charm at the National Theatre Restaurant, located inside the beloved Ivan Vazov National Theatre , a great dinner option if you have plans to attend the theater that evening.

The Scene Rooftop Bar & Terrace offers stunning mountain views , locally inspired cocktails and Mediterranean-inspired dishes.

36 – Experience a deluxe wine tasting

Guided by a professional wine master, taste and learn about wines that span over the 5,000 years of wine-making tradition and history in Bulgaria.

Taste the sweet nectar of some of Bulgaria’s most local grapes : Miskets, Melnik, Mavrud, Guzma, and Rubin, and learn about the wine-making process that has deep roots in Bulgaria.

When wine comes to mind, Sofia is not always a region to think of, but passionate wine-makers will educate you on some lesser-known information about Bulgarian wine .

Often complimented with a cheese tasting , offering visitors a taste of some of the best cheeses crafted in Bulgaria and in the Balkans.

• Wine tastings in Sofia

37 – Enjoy dinner and a Bulgarian folklore show

Catch dinner at one of the best Bulgarian food restaurants in the city, while enjoying a cultural dance presentation. Folkloric dances in Bulgaria are slow and fast and are one of the best and most memorable ways to experience local culture.

Enjoy a delicious 3-course meal , as your attention moves to the Bulgarian dancers taking center stage at the restaurant, performing cultural dances such as Horo , a combination of hands and feet movement, and other dances like Dunavsko and Sitno Vlashko .

• Dinners in Sofia

Shows, Music & Nightlife

38 – experience an opera show at the sofia opera and ballet house.

Situated in the heart of the city, the Sofia Opera and Ballet House , hosts a wide variety of cultural and theatrical shows and performances all year long.

From ballet performances, theater and musicals, to concerts, and opera, visitors will easily find something at a very accessible price .

With opera season typically running from September – June , check out the opera’s website to pick a show you’d like to attend. Tickets can be purchased ahead of time at the ticket booth beside the theater, or online.

39 – Join a fun pub crawl

Prepare for a fun night out on a pub crawl, where you’ll be guided by a local and be taken to some of the hottest spots in Sofia for a pint of local beer , fun bar trivia activities, and a grand time.

Meet new people, sample local alcoholic beverages and sing karaoke, as you interact with Sofia’s entertaining nightlife .

Visit some of Sofia’s hidden and unique bars , and explore party neighborhoods where the parties last well into the next day.

Pub crawls usually start at €15 .

• Pub-crawls in Sofia

40 – Attend a show at a Bulgarian theater

Check out the other amazing theaters throughout the city, each offering different styles of art, performances, and genres that cater to every traveler.

Visit Ivan Vazov National Theater , known as one of the main landmarks of Sofia, as well as one of the oldest theaters in Bulgaria , located downtown. Be sure to check out the stunning gardens in front of the theater.

The Bulgarian Army Theater puts on a variety of multi-genre shows from musicals, comedy performances, classic and contemporary dramas, and improv. Its name comes from the nearby Military Club, a building owned by the Bulgarian Army.

For those traveling with young ones , it’s worth checking what’s on at the Sofia Puppet Theatre .

Make sure to take a stroll down Rakovska Street, known by many locals as Theater Street , where most of Sofia’s theaters can be found, which are a few more than the ones we listed here.

Travel tips

How to get to sofia.

Sofia Airport is situated only 10 kilometers outside of the city center of Sofia. To get to the city center from the airport, the most common methods used by travelers are the metro and airport transfers .

The metro stop is located inside Terminal 2 and will get you to the city center in 26 minutes, making stops along the way.

An airport transfer will provide the most comfortable and quickest journey to your hotel, arriving in Sofia city center in 15 minutes or less.

Where to stay in Sofia?

Stay in the historical Art ‘Otel , housed inside a 1930s house, in the heart of the historic district of Sofia. Take advantage of the closeness to Vitosha Street, the Palace of Culture, and the excellent breakfast buffet included in the rate price.

Consider the Hyatt Regency as your home away from home in Sofia, boasting 5-star quality amenities such as abundant dining options, a rooftop terrace with views of the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, and an incredible spa.

Rosslyn Central Park Hotel offers beautiful park and city views in the heart of downtown Sofia, as well as access to some of the city’s best cafes, restaurants, bars, and pedestrian-only zones nearby. Enjoy panoramic views as you indulge in your breakfast and morning coffee on the rooftop terrace.

• Best hotels in Sofia

Visiting Sofia on a budget?

Free walking tours are some of the best activities to do while traveling to a new city, to get acquainted with your new surroundings, and gain an appreciation for the local culture, history, and architecture.

Meet other travelers, befriend the guide, and learn where the best restaurants and museums to check out are.

Where to go next?

To get the most out of your trip to Sofia, check out multi-day trips , strategically prepared by local guides to get you to the most important sites , no matter how long or short your stay in Sofia is.

Explore remote locations like the Belogradchick Rocks without worrying about train schedules, or combine a visit to Plovdiv with a Bachkovo Monastery or Rose Valley experience.

If you wish to explore even further, just a few hours from Sofia you’ll find the charming city of Bucharest , showcasing beautiful architecture, interesting cultural sites, and lively nightlife, the capital of Romania is packed with fun activities and surely won’t disappoint.

A little further west of Sofia, you’ll find the charming capital of Serbia, Belgrade , with a vibrant energy and rich history, that will captivate you at first sight. Explore the impressive Kalemegdan Fort, perched on a hill with panoramic views of where the Sava and Danube rivers meet.

South of Bulgaria, located in the northern region of Greece, is the city of Thessaloniki , with incredible Mediterranean food markets, fascinating Byzantine culture, abundant art exhibits, and historic ruins at the turn of every corner.

Final thoughts

With its incredible sites and history spanning millennia back in time, there are plenty of fun things to do in Sofia for curious travelers, and plenty of activities to engage in, learn from, and admire no matter the travel style or plan.

Happy travels!

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Bulgaria Tours & Trips from Sofia

Find your perfect adventure! We have 41 tours of Bulgaria that start in Sofia, Bulgaria. The most popular month is September, and tour lengths range between 3 and 23 days.

41 Bulgaria tour packages from Sofia with 108 reviews

• In-depth Cultural
• Coach / Bus

Best of Bulgaria Roundtrip

Vera was amazing—hard working, determined to please the guests, personable, expert, and truly dedicated to excellence. She is a gem. I will recommend her tours!!

• Hiking & Trekking
• Mountain Hikes

Rila-Pirin Mountain Trek (Bulgaria), guaranteed departures

Fantastic week of peaks with knowledgeable guides. The scenery is immaculate. And best of all - it’s not crowded.

Legends of Emperors and Crusaders , Wines, Traditional Cuisine. Museum Towns and Villages

This was a very good tour. We had an excellent guide and saw many interesting places. Bulgaria is a beautiful country which now has good roads and very attractive towns and villages. There is a lot to see. We stayed in several four star hotels, mostly for one night. For the most part they were good, although one hotel did not have a lift, which was a nuisance and another, where we stayed for two nights, had hardly any guests the first night. The room was good and the staff were friendly, but it provided a very poor breakfast the first morning and really was below par. The receptionist was new and had not been trained to use the software properly. My fellow traveller was put in a room with no chair. The receptionist (who was a pleasure to speak to and was extremely helpful) and him (he was 88) had to manouvre a chair into his room from another bedroom. This really is not what I would expect from a four star hotel. The second night, they had a tour group, so there were more people and it provided a proper breakfast. On balance I was very impressed with this tour and with the tour guide. I would certainly consider using Tour Radar again. They were very prompt to deal with email queries as well.

Bulgaria: Rodopi Mountains

• Winter Walks

Peaks & Lakes of the Pirin and Rila Mountains

It was a GREAT trip and our guide, Stefka, was amazing. You do have to be in shape as the hikes are strenuous, but it is a great adventure.

Go Local: Best of Bulgaria, Self-Drive

We really enjoyed the excellent communication from Emiliana and we found every detail of the organisation to be perfect. We had a delightful day with our very knowledgeable and engaging guide from Varna. We thought all the hotels were well placed and comfortable. The hire car was very good and all arrangements for it went smoothly. We very much appreciated the suggested place to visit and did our best to cover all of them. We also enjoyed the meals arranged for us. In short, we loved Bulgaria and would happily recommend your company to anyone.

Natural Beauty Adventure in Bulgaria

Through the Rugged Pirin and Rila Mountains

Bulgaria at a glance: Sofia City Break

• Sightseeing

Essence of Bulgaria

From Sofia to Bucharest

Absolutely flawless. We (myself and my son) were met at Sofia airport as planned one day before, kept up-to-date with logistics, stayed in 4 beautiful hotels and were transferred to Bucharest airport right on time at the end of the trip to fly home. The guide, Viktor, was extremely personable and interacted so well with our group of 10 people. He really made an effort to ensure we were well looked after. He played online chess with my 13yr old son on one long journey, educated another passenger about the local agriculture and joining of Bulgaria to the EU, went out of his way to tell me about the meaning of ancient astronomical symbols and ensured another traveller (who had expressed an interest in Communist rule) was well-informed about the history and regime. Being tri-lingual, he was at ease talking to some of our group from the USA in Spanish/English, and others in English, without anyone feeling excluded. The tour was, as planned though, conducted in English. During our walking tours, the pace was perfect and sensitively guided and Viktor made sure all our questions were answered, and if he did not know the answer to a question, he would look it up later and come back to us. If anyone requested a slight deviation from the route (a few of us wanted to go to an antique shop!) he ensured that everyone was comfortable with this, and safe and looked after and also had the opportunity to pursue their own interests later. Viktor also knew when we were tired and needed a nap on the bus, and so turned the microphone off at the right time :-) to let us rest. He clearly worked 24/7 to make sure we had a safe, enjoyable and informative experience. I am so glad we had him as our guide :-) Please thank him enormously. I am also happy that there was only 10 of us in the group and we were on the English-speaking bus. The other bus (Spanish speaking) had 40 guests, which is a lot to take on a walking tour I think. I don't think a group should be more than 20 people. Our driver was also very patient and approachable. The times of the tours and the itinerary were also well-thought through. We signed up on this tour for culture, scenery and learning. Not for relaxing lie-ins! The times of daily departure and hotel rest times and meal times were perfect :-). The food was also great. A delicious mix of a breakfast fry-up or healthy fruit, and traditional fare for dinner. I was kept informed by email & the App, so felt very well looked after. Thank you very much indeed.

Bulgaria: Realm of the Brown Bear

Today was the 4th times she has treated me extremely abrupt and unprofessional, rude.

Enchanting Balkan Charm: Exploring the cultural gems of Bulgaria - guaranteed departures

Balkan Village Trek (8 days progressive ride in Teteven Balkan area)

• Road Cycling

Rodopi Road Cycling (Bulgaria)

The tour covered very impressive country side and most of the roads were great for cycling. My guide Ivan was excellent; he was well informed on history and all aspects of the regions we explored. Overall, he was great company (and his English was excellent). The only problems I encountered were related to the information given prior to the trip. First, the pick up at Sofia airport: my information was that an OK taxi would provide pick up and delivery to hotel. I expected to be met by an OK taxi person at the airport; however, it turned out that I had to find the OK taxi booth myself and ask for taxi - you should make that clear. Second, the information on what to bring was very confusing. A whole list of things that were irrelevant for a vehicle supported cycling tour was provided. For example, it was advised to bring bike panniers, but given the vehicle support that was clearly unnecessary. Someone who was less experienced in these sorts of trips may have gone out and bought expensive panniers unnecessarily - that would have been a total waste of money.

What people love about Bulgaria Tours from Sofia

Good trip, tour guide very knowledgeable on history, art and culture of Bulgaria and all other balkan states.

Tours starting from Sofia

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• In-depth Cultural from Sofia (12)
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• Hiking & Trekking from Sofia (8)
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• Self-Guided from Sofia (6)

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The Perfect 1, 2, or 3 Days in Sofia Itinerary

Last Updated on February 1, 2024

by Maggie Turansky

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Mapping out the ideal Sofia itinerary is a highlight of visiting Bulgaria and spending 1, 2 or 3 days in Sofia is an unbeatable experience. Sofia is a city that is often overlooked, too frequently shunted and added to “skip it” lists without a second thought. And, to be honest, it might be understandable at first sight of Bulgaria’s capital city.

Sofia is not beautiful and the few architectural gems it does have are often hidden by functional communist-era housing blocks, connected by a drab, sometimes crumbling pavement. However, this does not mean that Sofia isn’t worth visiting.

Despite its dreary exterior lies a lively metropolis that is just as likely to charm its visitors as a more traditionally beautiful city, which is why planning a trip to Sofia is a choice you will not regret.

Table of Contents

How Many Days in Sofia?

The ideal length for a trip to Sofia is three days if you want to be able to see all of the main sites and still be able to dig a little bit deeper and get to know the city well.

In contrast, if you only plan to spend one day in Sofia, then you will only really be able to scratch the surface and leave with a list of things to do in Sofia the next time you visit.

1, 2 or 3-Day Sofia Itinerary

Sofia is a massive city with a lot of interesting things to see and do and one could easily spend more than a week in the city and not get bored. However, those embarking on a short Sofia city break or only have a weekend in Sofia still will be able to get a good feel for the city before they have to leave.

Day 1 – Central Sofia Sites

The first day of this Sofia itinerary sees you visiting some of Sofia’s main sites and monuments. Today will give you a great introduction to the city and is the ideal starting point.

Serdika Station

Begin your time in Sofia at Serdika Metro Station. While this may seem like an odd choice to begin sightseeing, it is worth noting the Serdika has a lot more to offer than just a metro line.

Serdika, which was the ancient name for Sofia, sits at the historical centre of the Bulgarian capital and in the metro station, you can see the ancient remains of the former city. Seeing these ruins truly puts into context just how old Sofia is and how long humans have been living in the city.

Another sight near the station would be the Church of St George Rotunda, which is a 4th-century church that sits among the ruins. It is still in operation today and, though it is certainly smaller than most of the other spectacular churches in Sofia, it is still worth a visit.

Sveta Nedelya Church

After marvelling at the ruins of Serdika, walk only about 100 metres to the Sveta Nedelya Church. This Eastern Orthodox church is one of the most important in Bulgaria and is defined by its incredible architecture.

The Church is located in Sveta Nedelya Square which is considered to be the geographical centre of Sofia and therefore has been a historical crossroads of the city for hundreds of years.

Though originally constructed in the 10th century, it has been reconstructed twice, once in 1867 where it took on the look it has today, and once more in 1933 after it was nearly destroyed in a bombing meant to assassinate the reigning tsar of Bulgaria.

The attack still remains the most deadly in Bulgarian history, with more than 150 innocent people killed.

Sofia History Museum & Central Mineral Baths

Close to the Sveta Nedelya Church is the Sofia History Museum. Located in what used to be the central bathhouse of the city, the building now houses relics and history from the city from its ancient past until 1944.

However, if you’re interested in visiting the Museum of Sofia because you want to learn more about the communist regime of Bulgaria, you will find that there is no information on that particular period here.

Outside of the museum, you will find a series of public fountains where you will notice locals filling up bottles and jugs of water, all giving off a faint smell of sulphur. This is because Sofia sits atop a bed of natural hot springs and these fountains spit out a never-ending stream of geothermally heated water.

It is safe to drink and the water is always around 35°C, so you will notice a distinct cloud of steam around the taps in the cooler months.

National Theatre Ivan Vazov

Around a 5 to 10-minute walk from the mineral baths and the Museum of Sofia lies the National Theatre. Named for who is arguably Bulgaria’s most famous author and playwright, the Ivan Vazov Theatre is one of the most famous and beautiful monuments in Sofia.

Opened in 1907, the theatre was considerably damaged during the WWII bombings in Sofia in 1943-44 and was reconstructed in 1945. It also sustained significant damage from a fire in 1923 but was reconstructed in 1929.

To this day, the theatre puts on some magnificent performances that are worth going to if you’re into theatre. Although the show will be in the Bulgarian language, it can still be worthwhile to see a lavish performance in such a historic building.

Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

End your tour of Sofia’s most famous monuments at perhaps the most iconic structure in the Bulgarian capital: the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral.

This beautiful Eastern Orthodox Cathedral was, up until the year 2000, considered to be the largest Orthodox cathedral in the world and some still claim it is the largest in the Balkans.

However, most reliable sources will say that the largest cathedral is the St Sava Church in nearby Belgrade, Serbia . Bulgarians say their claim is valid because the larger St Sava Church and another orthodox cathedral in Bucharest have yet to be fully completed.

Nevertheless, this grand cathedral is truly a stunning form of architecture and is the one monument you absolutely cannot miss when visiting Sofia. It is also free to enter if you choose not to take photos — which does cost an extra fee.

You can visit and learn about all of these monuments and more on a free walking tour run by Free Sofia Tour . While you won’t be able to enter any of the sites, the 2-3 hour walking tour will give you some excellent historic and cultural insight into Sofia and is a great starting point for enjoying the city.

There is no need to book in advance and, though the tour itself is free, it is good practice to tip your guide what you thought the tour was worth at the end. If you can, it is very much worth going on this tour as it will give you far more insight than visiting all of the places on your own.

Day 2 – Religious Sites & Sofia’s Culinary Scene

Day two of this itinerary sees you digging a bit deeper into the sites and history of Bulgaria’s capital. It also will introduce you to the thriving culinary scene in Bulgaria that will have you casting away any preconceived notions of heavy Eastern European food.

Sofia Synagogue

Make your first stop of your second day be the beautiful Sofia Synagogue. Sofia, and Bulgaria as a whole, has an incredibly interesting Jewish history that is different to many other European countries, especially countries allied with the former Axis Powers.

During WWII, Bulgaria was allied with the Axis Powers and received significant pressure from the Nazi government to deport its Jewish population to concentration camps. However, Bulgaria never did such a thing and is the only country that was allied with Nazi Germany to have saved its entire Jewish population — some 50,000 people.

Though the majority of the Jews in Bulgaria did eventually emigrate, there is still a presence in the capital, namely in the grand Sofia Synagogue. As the third-largest synagogue in Europe (the first is the Dohány Street Synagogue in Budapest ), the building was first constructed in 1909 and is truly a beautiful work of architecture.

If you are interested in learning more about Sofia’s Jewish culture, then it can be worth taking the free Sofia Jewish Tour .

Banya Bashi Mosque

Though more than 80% of Bulgarians are of the Eastern Orthodox Christian faith (though most Bulgarians today are largely secular), there is a sizeable Muslim minority consisting mostly of those Bulgarians of ethnic Turkish descent. One of the best monuments to Bulgaria’s Islamic history and Ottoman past is the Banya Bashi Mosque.

This beautiful mosque is located only a couple hundred metres away from the Sofia Synagogue, it was originally constructed in the 16th century when Bulgaria was under Ottoman rule.

It is possible to visit the mosque free of charge outside of prayer hours, just remember that you must remove your shoes before entering and women must cover their hair.

The presence of the synagogue, mosque, and Sveta Nedelya Church all within a few hundred metres of each other is a testament to the religious tolerance that has shaped Bulgarian culture for centuries.

Sofia Central Market Hall

Across the street from the Banya Bashi Mosque lies Sofia’s central covered market. Though at one point, this was the central marketplace where locals would do their shopping, today it operates as more of a shopping centre with a few food stalls and a number of cafes and restaurants.

Regardless of whether you were expecting the hall to be a bustling bazaar or not, this is still a great place popular with locals to grab a quick bite to eat, do a bit of shopping, or to pick up some local specialities and it is very much worth stopping by.

Ladies Market

About 200 metres behind the synagogue and central market lies the open-air Ladies Market. The name of this marketplace is deceiving, as people of all genders are welcome and present.

The Ladies Market operates daily and has a massive selection of just about everything you could possibly need, however, it is mostly full of local fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs.

If you are looking to get some fresh fruit when you’re in Sofia, then you are sure to find a much better selection and quality available at the Ladies Market that you will in any supermarket. Buying here also helps you to support local farmers and vendors, rather than a multinational supermarket chain!

Free Food Tour

After you’ve spent your morning exploring some more of the history of Sofia, it is time to spend your afternoon learning about its thriving culinary scene!

Though Sofia is not a place that jumps to mind when most think of a “foodie destination,” the people at Balkan Bites are trying to change that! This innovative free food walking tour is one of the coolest things to happen to Sofia and it really would be a shame to visit the city without going on it.

The tour meets every day at 2PM in the Crystal Park in front of the head sculpture of Stefan Stambolov. The tour will last a couple of hours and will take you by some fantastic Sofia eateries, giving you a few samples to try, while also teaching you about both traditional Bulgarian cuisine and the new culinary movements in Sofia.

Though it is a food tour, don’t expect to get a lot of food on the walk (it’s mostly just small samples) as it is free. So it is definitely helpful to eat a decent lunch beforehand! Also, the guides work only for tips so make sure to tip your guide when the tour is through.

Day 3 – Explore Sofia’s Communist Past

If you have more than 2 days in Sofia, then spend your third day in Bulgaria’s capital learning more about the communist regime that Bulgaria lived under from the years of 1944-1989.

Though Bulgaria today is a proud member of the EU and NATO with a market economy and a democratically elected government, there are still noticeable remnants of its socialist past. Spend day three of this Sofia itinerary to learn more about what life was like only 30 years ago.

Museum of Art from the Socialist Period

One of the best places to see communist remnants in Sofia is at the Museum of Art from the Socialist Period . This museum, located a little bit outside of the city centre, has a large collection of former communist monuments, statues, and posters that is very worth browsing through.

The most interesting thing about the museum is its courtyard filled with communist statues that used to decorate the city streets of Sofia. Most notably, you can see the massive statue of Lenin that stood where the St Sofia Monument stands today and the Red Star that adorned the top of the Communist Party Headquarters — a Bulgarian flag flies in its place today.

The museum is located within easy walking distance from Georgi Dimitrov metro station and is easily reached by public transport. Don’t come here expecting to learn about the socialist regime in Bulgaria, this is solely an art museum with little to no historical context provided.

Former Communist Party Headquarters

Back in the city centre lies the former headquarters of the communist party in Bulgaria. This imposing building, close to Serdika Station, is a striking example of socialist architecture. It was here that the Red Star seen at the Museum of Socialist Art stood atop the spire.

As one of Sofia’s top landmarks, the building was completed in 1955 and serves as headquarters for the Party in Bulgaria until the collapse of the communist regime.

Today, it is used by the National Assembly of Sofia and there are talks of moving the parliament permanently back to the building. Of course, that decision meets its fair share of controversy in Bulgaria today.

Monument to the Soviet Army

Another of Sofia’s most famous, and controversial, landmarks is the Monument to the Soviet Army. Constructed as a testament to the Red Army that “liberated” Sofia in 1944, this is one of the most blatantly communist monuments still standing in Sofia today.

The monument is, however, perhaps best known for the street art it has attracted. The most famous is when the soldiers at the base were painted, overnight, to adorn the clothing of American superheroes.

National Palace of Culture

Another shining example of communist architecture is the National Palace of Culture, located close to the city centre. This building, opened in 1981, was constructed to commemorate Bulgaria’s 1,300th anniversary and was seen, though it is in socialist style, as an example of nationalism that was discouraged under such regimes.

The Palace today is surrounded by a lovely park that is fantastic to spend a few chilled-out hours in. There is also a monument to the victims of the communist regime and even a bit of the Berlin Wall on display.

If you want to learn more about communism in Bulgaria, then we strongly recommend going on the Sofia Communist Tour , run by the same people behind the Free Sofia Tour. Though this tour is paid, it is an absolutely excellent way to learn about this era of Bulgarian history and is presented with great educated nuance.

Have More Time?

If you plan to spend more than 3 days in Sofia, then this gives you an excellent option to embark on a few day trips from the city.

One of the most popular day trips is to the Rila Monastery. Though it can be difficult to reach the monastery by public transport, you can arrange an affordable organised day tour from the city. This guided tour is a great option and takes you to both the monastery and Boyana Church.

Another popular place to visit is Vitosha Mountain, which is easily reached by public transport from Sofia city centre. The mountain offers ample hiking opportunities in the warmer months and a place for some great, affordable skiing in the winter.

If you have four or more days and would rather spend more time in the city itself, it can be worth checking out the city’s alternative scene. There is, for instance, a fantastic street art culture in Sofia, however, it isn’t necessarily concentrated in one distinct area. A great way to learn more about the street art scene and of notable Bulgarian artists is to go on a free street art tour.

The Sofia Grafitti Tour is run by the same people who do Balkan Bites and is really worth it. There is no need to book in advance and it is free of charge, but like all free tours, make sure to tip your guide what you thought the tour was worth as that is how they make their living.

Where to Eat & Drink in Sofia

Though there are great restaurants throughout the city, some of the best eateries in Sofia are concentrated on or near Shishman Street.

This area can be something of a hipster mecca as it not only has some fantastic hip restaurants, but it also filled with a number of trendy shops and cool, chilled-out bars. If you want to spend your evenings exploring Sofia away from the major monuments, then this is the area to visit.

Sofia isn’t the first place to jump to mind when you think of foodie destinations, however, the city has a great up-and-coming restaurant scene and it is a far cry from the heavy Eastern European food that you may have expected to eat.

Casual Restaurants in Sofia

Sun & Moon — This vegetarian restaurant and bakery is a favourite in the city. They have four locations across Sofia and serve a range of vegetarian and vegan-friendly dishes at affordable prices. They are open for both lunch and dinner and also have daily specials along with a regular menu.

Made in Home — This cosy restaurant is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a hip and trendy place to eat in Sofia. They have an extensive menu with enough options to please both carnivores and vegetarians alike and use only seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. They also have seasonal daily specials.

Aubergine — If you’re looking for one of the best trendy eateries in Sofia, then look no further than Aubergine. This restaurant serves a range of “modern Bulgarian” cuisine that is incredibly healthy and seasonal. They also have an extensive craft beer menu and include a beer suggestion with every dish.

The Little Things — This hip restaurant located in a converted house on Shishman Street is one of the best restaurants in Sofia. They have a great, fresh menu and a number of daily specials that are all homemade and prepared to order. Keep in mind that this restaurant does get very popular, so it is advisable to book a table in advance.

Made in Blue — This is another of Sofia’s ultra-trendy eateries that is a very popular place to grab lunch or dinner. Located in a renovated house, Made in Blue offers modern versions of traditional Bulgarian food in a very cosy setting. They also have a number of vegetarian options available and serve some local craft beers.

Fast Food in Sofia

Supa Star — Soup bars are incredibly popular in Bulgaria and if you want to try some of the best soup in Sofia, then head to Supa Star. This restaurant serves a range of soups that rotate on a daily basis, though they are always delicious!

Street Chefs — If you like burgers, then you can’t miss Street Chefs in Sofia. This trendy food truck serves a range of burgers, including a delicious vegetarian version, at affordable prices. They also have seating available with outdoor heaters to take the edge off even the most chilly of days.

Fine Dining in Sofia

Secret by Chef Petrov — If you’re celebrating a special occasion in Sofia or are just interested in Michelin-style dining, make sure to head to Secret by Chef Petrov. This high-end restaurant serves an incredible 17-course tasting menu that puts an innovative twist on Bulgarian classics and the results are truly fantastic. It is a chef’s table style restaurant and truly an unforgettable dining experience in Sofia.

Bars in Sofia

Crafter — This is an excellent place to go if you want to have a craft beer or a glass of Bulgarian wine. This trendy bar has a range of both local and international beers available and several great Bulgarian wines. They also have a helpful staff who are there to assist you in making the difficult choice of what to drink.

The Apartment — This is one of the most interesting bars in Sofia, as it is located in an apartment building and it feels as if you are just visiting a friend’s home, hence its name. It is famous for its raspberry wine, however, there are drinks and some snacks available.

Where to Stay in Sofia

Art ‘Otel — This hotel is a great option if you are after a little bit more luxury on your trip to Sofia. They have a number of clean and comfortable rooms available and breakfast is included in the rooms rate. It is also conveniently located within walking distance or an easy metro ride to all of Sofia’s main attractions.

Les Fleurs Boutique Hotel — Located on the thriving Vitosha Boulevard, this boutique hotel is ideal for those looking for a plush place to stay in the Bulgarian capital. They have a range of comfortable and stylish rooms to choose from, an unbeatable location and a great breakfast included in the room rate!

Hostel Mostel — If you’re travelling solo or on a budget, then you really can’t go wrong with Hostel Mostel. This is one of the best hostels in Sofia and is a great place to meet other travellers. They have a range of both dorm beds and private rooms available, and a massive breakfast and light dinner (with a beer!) is included in the nightly rate.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Sofia hotels!

Best Time to Visit Sofia

The Bulgarian capital has a continental climate and very much experiences all four seasons and there are definite pros and cons to whenever it is you choose to visit.

If you’re willing to brave the cold and visit Sofia between the months of November-February, then expect high temperatures to average somewhere around freezing, often dipping quite a bit below. The winters are cold and snowy, though most places are very well-heated inside.

Visiting Sofia in winter does give you the opportunity to partake in arguably some of the most affordable skiing in Europe within easy reach of the city centre. Sofia is blessed to be at the foot of the imposing Vitosha Mountain which has a ski centre that is easy to reach from the city and accessible at quite affordable prices.

Summers, by contrast, can get sweltering and humid, with temperatures soaring to well over 30°C (86°F). Many locals will use the summer months to flock to Bulgaria’s coastline as temperatures can get unbearable in the city, however, there are also numerous outdoor cafes and a great energy to be found in the summertime as well.

Like most of the Balkans , arguably the best time of year to visit Sofia would be in in the shoulder seasons between the months of March-May and September-November. While Spring can see a bit of rain and late autumn does start to get chilly, the majority of this time is blessed with mild temperatures that cling to summer warmth long after the season has passed.

Getting To & Around Sofia

Sofia is now a popular place for budget airlines Ryanair and Wizzair, connecting it to many other cities in Europe. It is easy to reach the centre of Sofia from the airport as it is directly connected to the easy-to-navigate Sofia metro. You can buy tickets at the machines in the stations for 1.60 lev, however, they often only take cash.

If you arrive by bus from other cities like Plovdiv , it is worth knowing that the central bus station lies a bit outside of the city centre, however, it is also conveniently linked to the metro system. This makes it easy to get from the bus station to your accommodation at an affordable price.

Taxis are also affordable in Sofia, but you do need to be wary of taxi scams, just as you do in every city around the world. This can be better avoided if you call a taxi directly or use the TaxiMe app rather than hailing one directly off the street.

Always make sure that the meter is running and your driver is taking the most direct route. If you have no data or just want to get a taxi from the bus station, the Yellow Taxi or Ok! Taxi are reputable companies. There is no Uber in Sofia, unfortunately.

Though not especially beautiful on the surface, Sofia has an undeniable charm and energy and it is sure to enchant visitors no matter how long your Sofia itinerary has you there.

Are you planning a trip to Sofia? Have any questions about this itinerary? Let us know in the comments!

Related Posts:

How to Get From Sofia to Thessaloniki by Bus, Train or Car

12 Things to Do in Veliko Tarnovo: A One-Day Itinerary

Is Bulgaria Expensive? A Guide to Prices in Bulgaria

About Maggie Turansky

Maggie is a co-founder and writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from the US, she has lived in five different countries and has travelled to dozens more, both solo and with her partner, Michael. She particularly loves exploring Spain and spending time in the Caucasus and the Baltics. Read more about Maggie

Going to Sofia 2-6 April!!

Have a great time!

Tip from a local: the taxi company “Ok! Taxi” has a lot of fake duplicates that are hard to distinguish from the original so double-check the pricing before you get into of those

Thanks for the tip!

Thank you very much Maggie. Leaving tomorrow for few days. Looking forward to it!

Glad you found this helpful, Sebastien! Hope you have a great trip — Sofia is a fantastic city 🙂

Download the “Yellow” taxi app (search for yellow taxi sofia) , you can order the taxi there and it gives the price! Recommendable as taking taxis without this always ends with paying too much and/or discussions…

Thanks for providing information about Sofia, it is useful.

Thanks, Varun!

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The Archeological Museum

The banya bashi mosque and the mineral baths, borisova gradina, the city art gallery, drinking and nightlife, the largo, party house and council of ministers, mount vitosha, the national gallery for foreign art, the rotunda of st george and the presidency, the russian church and aleksandar nevski cathedral, sveta nedelya church.

Sofia was founded by a Thracian tribe some three thousand years ago, and various Roman ruins attest to its zenith as a regional imperial capital in the fourth century AD. The Bulgars didn’t arrive on the scene until the ninth century, and with the notable exception of the thirteenth-century Boyana Church, their cultural monuments largely disappeared during the Turkish occupation (1396–1878), whose own legacy is visible solely in a couple of stately mosques . The finest architecture postdates Bulgaria’s liberation from the Turks: handsome public buildings and parks, and the magnificent Aleksandar Nevski Cathedral .

Most of Sofia’s sights are centrally located and within easy walking distance of each other. The pedestrianized Bulevard Vitosha forms the heart of the shopping district and leads north to the Church of Sveta Nedelya, from where bul. Tsar Osvoboditel passes the major public buildings, culminating with the grand Aleksandar Nevski Church.

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Relaxing beach fun - the Black Sea Coast in Bulgaria and Romania

The perfect trip for those that are looking for sun, sea and sand while also getting to know the culture and history of both Bulgaria and Romania. Start and end in Bucharest and discover Constanta, Sunny Beach, Nessebar, Burgas and Madara Rider.

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The legend of Dracula

Transylvania is known to be the land of Dracula. Are you curious to visit the places mentioned in the book and the castles that hosted the major life events of Vlad the Impaler, the cruel ruler known as Dracula? Explore mysterious places and breathtaking landscapes all over Romania.

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World Heritage in Romania and Bulgaria

Discover the most important UNESCO heritage sites in Romania and Bulgaria as well as some lesser-known attractions. From the capital Sofia to Plovdiv and Nessebar, as well as Veliko Tarnovo in Bulgaria to Romania's capital Bucharest to Sibiu, Cluj and Dracula's castle in Brasov.

There is a wealth of hospitable, characterful and downright quirky hostels in central Sofia, with competition between them ensuring that prices remain reasonably low. If the bunk-bed lifestyle doesn’t appeal, many of Sofia’s hostels do offer self-contained double rooms as well. Hostels fill up quickly in summer, putting pressure on both staff and facilities, so always ring in advance to secure a bed. The business end of the market is well catered for, and a growing number of boutique hotels, mid-priced family-run establishments and guesthouses have added considerable variety to what’s on offer.

A fifteenth-century mosque now holds the Archeological Museum , whose prize exhibit is the magnificent Valchitran Treasure, a Thracian gold cauldron plus cups. Also on show is a collection of Thracian armour, medieval church wall paintings and numerous Roman tombstones.

The Banya Bashi Mosque was built in 1576 by Mimar Sinan, who also designed the great mosque at Edirne in Turkey. The mosque is not officially open to tourists but modestly dressed visitors may visit outside of prayer times. Behind stand Sofia’s mineral baths , housed in a splendid yellow-and-red striped fin-de-siècle building, closed since 1986 and still being restored. Locals gather daily to bottle the hot, sulphurous water that gushes from public taps into stone troughs outside, opposite ul. Exzarh Iosif.

Down bul. Tsar Osvoboditel, past Sofia University, is Borisova Gradina , named after Bulgaria’s interwar monarch, Boris III. The park – the largest in Sofia – has a rich variety of flowers and trees, outdoor bars, two football stadiums and two huge Communist monuments.

The City Art Gallery in the City Garden, immediately to the south of pl. Aleksandar Batenberg, stages regular exhibitions of contemporary Bulgarian art.

Drinking in Sofia is a round-the-clock activity, with numerous cafés and kiosks doling out coffee, juice and alcohol during the day, and bars and pubs pulling in punters by night. For evening entertainment, there’s an ever-growing number of clubs, most playing a mix of pop, retro, rock or the ubiquitous local “folk pop”( chalga ). Jazz and Latino music are also popular. Entrance fees for clubs range from nothing to 20Lv depending on the venue, expect to pay more if a major DJ is manning the decks. A valid ID is compulsory.

While none of Sofia’s restaurants could be classed as truly outstanding, you’ll at least find a greater choice here than anywhere else in the country. The cheapest places to grab snacks, a beer or a coffee are the many cafés and kiosks around bul. Vitosha or in the city’s public gardens. International coffeehouse chains such as Starbucks and Costa have opened a number of cafés in recent years and there are plenty of pricier restaurants offering a range of international cuisine.

Laid out in the 1950s to demonstrate the power of Communist rule, the Largo is an elongated plaza flanked on three sides by severe monumental edifices built in Soviet Classicist style. They include the towering monolith of the former Party House , originally the home of the Communist hierarchy, and now serving as government offices. The plaza extends westwards to the Sofia Monument , the city’s symbol which represents the eponymous Goddess of Wisdom. On the northern side of the Largo is the Council of Ministers , Bulgaria’s cabinet offices.

A wooded granite mass 20km long and 16km wide, Mount Vitosha , 8km south of the city, is where Sofians go for picnics and skiing. The ascent of its highest peak, the 2290m Cherni Vrah , has become a traditional test of stamina. Getting here on public transport is straightforward, although there are fewer buses on weekdays than at weekends. Take tram #5 from behind the Law Courts to Ovcha Kupel bus station, then change to bus #61, which climbs through the forests towards Zlatni Mostove , a beauty spot on the western shoulder of Mount Vitosha beside the so-called Stone River . Beneath the large boulders running down the mountainside is a rivulet which once attracted gold-panners. Trails lead up beside the stream towards the mountain’s upper reaches: Cherni Vrah is about two to three hours’ walk from here.

An imposing nineteenth century building houses the National Gallery for Foreign Art , which devotes a lot of space to Indian wood-carvings and second-division French and Russian artists, though there are a few minor works by the likes of Rodin, Chagall and Kandinsky. Heading west past Alexander Nevski Cathedral, you’ll pass two recumbent lions flanking the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, set beside the wall of the plain, brown-brick Church of Sveta Sofia which gave the city its name in the fourteenth century.

Sofia’s oldest church is the fourth-century Rotunda of St George , built upon the city’s oldest Roman foundations and housing frescoes from the eighth century onwards. Surrounding the church is the Presidency , guarded by soldiers in colourful nineteenth-century garb (Changing of the Guard hourly).

Built on the site of a mosque in the early twentieth century, the Russian Church is a stunning golden-domed building with an emerald spire and an exuberant mosaic-tiled exterior, which conceals a dark, candle-scented interior. The nearby Aleksandar Nevski Cathedral is one of the finest pieces of architecture in the Balkans. Financed by public subscription and built between 1882 and 1924 to honour the 200,000 Russian casualties of the 1877–78 War of Liberation, it’s a magnificent structure, bulging with domes and semi-domes and glittering with gold leaf. Within the gloomy interior, a beardless Christ sits enthroned above the altar, and numerous scenes from his life, painted in a humanistic style, adorn the walls. The crypt, entered from outside, contains a superb collection of icons from all over the country.

The city’s main shopping street, bul. Vitosha, is the place where you are most likely to come across familiar high-street shops and brands. Luxury goods, clothes and accessories are also on display at Tzum, which served as the city’s main department store during the Communist period, and still radiates a modicum of Stalin-era grandeur. The City Center and Sofia malls are characterless yet immensely popular malls stuffed with clothes shops, eateries and bars. For souvenirs there’s a long line of open-air stalls just in front of the Aleksandar Nevski Memorial Church selling paintings, reproduction icons, Russian-style fur hats, antiques, lace and embroidery.

At the heart of Sofia is ploshtad Sveta Nedelya , a pedestrianized square dominated by the distinctive Sveta Nedelya Church , whose broad dome dominates the vast interior chamber. Colourful modern frescoes adorn every square inch of its walls.

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RILA MONASTERY AND BOYANA CHURCH TOUR

SHUTTLE GROUP DAY TRIP

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The cave of saint john and the rila monastery – day tour from sofia, vitosha mountain and pancharevo lake, rila monastery and stob pyramids, krushuna waterfalls and devatashka cave.

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11 Wonderful Day Trips from Sofia, Bulgaria

Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria , isn’t the most popular destination among European cities. But this is actually a really cool place to visit, with numerous great things to do there and a wonderful atmosphere.

Sofia can be also a great base to explore some of the best places to visit in Bulgaria and even beyond. There are many amazing places nearby that you can visit as day trips from Sofia and you should definitely consider them when planning your Bulgaria itinerary .

I was lucky to visit Sofia on a few occasions and each time I also went for at least one of Sofia day trips. Many of them can be easily doable by public transport, other places are in a bit remote locations and a tour is the best option.

Below you can see the selection of my favorite day trips from Sofia as well as a few recommendations from fellow bloggers.

Planning a trip to Sofia?

Here are the highly-rated hotels, tours, and services recommended for your trip:

Accomodation:

• Design Hotel 36 (8.9/10)
• Art ‘Otel (9.0/10)
• Art Hotel 158 (9.0/10)

Tours and activities:

• Sofia Private City Tour
• Rila Monastery & Boyana Church Small Group Tour
• Wine Tasting in Heart of Sofia

Internet: Stay connected with Airalo eSim card – click here to get yours!

Airport Transfer: Use Welcome Pickups for a smooth ride from the airport to your accommodation in Sofia Click here to book the airport transfer.

Insurance: Get insured for your trip to Bulgaria with SafetyWing

Car rental: Compare prices and find the best deals on rental cars in Bulgaria on Discover Cars .

Table of Contents

Day trips from Sofia

Rila monastery.

Visiting Rila Monastery is one of the most popular day trips from Sofia. This amazing UNESCO World Heritage Site is located around 120 km away from the capital of Bulgaria and getting there takes around 2 hours. You can reach Rila Monastery by car or with a tour, public transport is also available but it is a bit more challenging and time-consuming.

The caves near the site were inhabited already in the 10th century by hermit Ivan of Rila (eventually the monastery was named after him). The first monastery was established here in the 14th century but the beautiful buildings you can see today are from the mid-19th century when the monastery had to be rebuilt after the fire.

The main reason to visit Rila Monastery is the stunning external frescoes, some of the most impressive you will ever see. They are bright, colorful, very decorative, and packed with various motives, including some weird and disturbing images like the devil walking with a man on a chain.

Visiting Rila Monastery will take you around 2 hours. Even if the place is rather small, it is full of attractions. Inside the monastery complex, you can visit the Nativity of the Virgin church, the tower of Hrelja from the 14th century (the oldest of all the buildings), and the History Museum.

Once you are done with the sightseeing just sit down in the courtyard and enjoy the beauty and the atmosphere of the place.

If you get hungry or would like to get some souvenirs you can find a few shops and restaurants just outside the monastery gate.

And keep in mind this is a holy place and still a working monastery (around 60 monks live there) so visit the site with the respect.

You can read more about visiting Rila Monastery in the article I wrote “Day trip from Sofia to Rila Monastery, Bulgaria”.

Recommended tours to Rila Monastery:

• Rila Monastery and Boyana Church Full-Day Tour
• Rila Monastery Day Trip from Sofia
• From Sofia: Rila Monastery & Boyana Church Small Group Tour

Recommended by Sue from Sue? Where? Why? What?

The Seven Rila Lakes are located 100 km from the centre of Sofia & take less than 2 hours to get to. The journey culminates in a 20-minute ride on a chair lift to get to the start of a spectacular hike.

The Rila Lakes are numbered from top to bottom & named after the shapes they most closely represent. Among them, you have the most famous Babreka (the Kidney), Okoto (the Eye), and Salzata (the Teardrop).

You can opt to walk to the top & back (which takes 4 hours) or do a circular full-day hike. It is moderate in difficulty, but with some steep climbs involved along the way. Once you reach the peak, the effort is well worth it for the magnificent view across the valley with the lakes laid out before you.

The easiest way to reach the lakes is via a shuttle transfer & self-guided tour, alternatively, you could opt to combine the 4-hour hike with a visit to Rila Monastery on a full-day guided tour.

Recommended tours to Rila Lakes:

• From Sofia: 7 Rila Lakes and Rila Monastery Self-Guided Trip
• The Seven Rila Lakes: Full-Day Tour from Sofia
• Seven Rila Lakes Hiking Day-Tour from Sofia
• From Sofia: Seven Rila Lakes & Rila Monastery Full-Day Tour

Koprivshtitsa

Koprivshtitsa is one of the prettiest and most underrated places to visit in Bulgaria and the good news is you can easily visit it as a day trip from Sofia. The town, located around 110 km east of Sofia, can be reached by train (and then a bus from the train station to the town itself but it’s pretty straightforward) or with a tour.

Koprivshtitsa, picturesquely located in a valley surrounded by green mountains, is a real gem. The town is very charming with its cobbled lanes and beautiful architecture, typical of the so-called Bulgarian Revival style from the 19th century. The buildings have sleek, distinctive shapes with vivid colors and rich decorations.

Many of the historical houses were turned into the museums of well-known Bulgarians – even if you are not familiar with the people it is still worth visiting them to see the original interiors from the times the houses were built in.

The town is perfect for wandering around and getting lost in the maze of narrow lanes. It feels like the time has stopped there and it’s impossible not to fall under its charm. Once you are done with sightseeing you can sit down in the local cafe and enjoy the vibe of the town before heading back to Sofia.

You can read more about Koprivshtitsa in the article I wrote “Koprivshtitsa, Bulgaria – is this the prettiest town in the country?”

Recommended tour to Koprivshtitsa: From Sofia: Koprivshtitsa Full-Day Trip with Optional Lunch

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Plovdiv, the second-largest city in Bulgaria, deserves more time than just a few hours but if you are short on time a day trip from Sofia to Plovdiv can be a good way to see this interesting place. You can easily get there by train, the journey takes around 2,5 hours one way.

Plovdiv is known as the oldest continually inhabited city in Europe, with traces dating back to the 6th century BC. Even if you can’t see the old remnants at first, they are there, just well hidden under the layer of the new town. Some of the best ancient monuments include the impressive Roman Amphitheater from the 1st century AD or the Roman Stadium from the 2nd century AD, discovered only in 1923

Plovdiv, with its picturesque location on seven hills, is such a charming and vibrant place. There are cobbled streets and beautiful houses in the Bulgarian Revival style, but you can also find the remnants of the medieval fortress or the edgy and alternative area. All of these places are neatly mixed in the UNESCO-listed old part of Plovdiv.

In 2019 Plovdiv held the title of the European Capital of Culture and it is indeed the main cultural hub of Bulgaria. You can attend there numerous events and the best place to enjoy the artistic vibe is the Kapana Art District, where you will find numerous cafes, galleries and the best atmosphere in the city.

Recommended tours to Plovdiv:

• From Sofia: Full-Day Old Town Plovdiv Trip
• Plovdiv and Koprivshtitsa Full-Day Tour from Sofia
• From Sofia: Full-Day Tour to Plovdiv and Bachkovo Monastery
• From Sofia: Full-Day Tour of Plovdiv with Lunch

Veliko Tarnovo

I personally think that Veliko Tarnovo is one of the most beautiful and interesting places to visit in Bulgaria that you simply need to visit during your trip there. Due to its importance in history (it was the capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire in the Middle Ages) it is known as the “City of the Tsars”.

Today you can visit numerous monuments from the golden old times, with the most important one Tsarevets Fortress located at the edge of the town. This place is one of the highlights of Bulgaria. Even if today you can only see remnants of the former glory this was actually the center of the Bulgarian rule back in the days. You can explore the area to find all the great reminders of the past but the other reason to visit Tsarevets Fortress is the wonderful view of Veliko Tarnovo and the surrounding that you can admire from there.

The large market area is packed with beautiful 19th-century houses (built in the Bulgarian Revival period) and wandering around is a pure pleasure. Don’t stick only to the main streets but go to some backstreets too as you can find some gems there, not to mention even more great views of the city and beyond.

And once you are done with sightseeing you can sit down in one of the many restaurants to enjoy delicious Bulgarian food.

You can combine your visit to Veliko Tarnovo with the picturesque Arbanasi village, located only a few kilometers away from the city, where you can see a few beautiful churches (mostly from the 17th century).

Veliko Tarnovo is located a bit over 200 km away from Sofia so you can expect a long day trip but it’s definitely worth all the efforts.

You can read more about Veliko Tarnovo in the article I wrote “Day in Veliko Tarnovo – my highlight of Bulgaria”

Recommended tours to Veliko Tarnovo:

• Veliko Tarnovo & Arbanasi Full day tour
• Sofia: Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanasi Day Trip

Belogradchik

Belogradchik is yet another good option for a day trip from Sofia that is still not widely popular. The small town in the north-west part of the country, near the border with Serbia and some 170 km from the capital, is worth visiting for the unique rock formations and a fortress neatly incorporated into them. This is actually the most impressive rock formation in Bulgaria, reaching up to 200 meters, making the site very picturesque with the landscape a bit similar to the famous Meteora in Greece .

The Kaleto fortress dates back to the times of the Roman Empire and was built in the 3rd century. Over the years it expanded and today this is one of the most unique fortresses you can find in Europe, where nature and the work of humans are combined into a real masterpiece.

When going on a day trip to Belogradchik you can also stop at the nearby Magura Cave with the valuable prehistoric wall paintings.

The best way to reach Belogradchik is by car or with the tour, the use of public transport on this route takes too much time and makes this day trip a bit too difficult to organize.

Recommended tours to Belogradchik:

• From Sofia: Belogradchik Rocks Full-Day Tour
• Belogradchik Rocks and Fortress from Sofia

Recommended by Daniela from Ipanema Travels

Bansko is an adorable small town located at the foot of the Pirin mountain. In the winter Bansko is a famous ski resort and in the summer a doorway to Pirin National Park, popular with hikers and day-trippers.

Bansko can be easily visited on a day trip from Sofia even if you are not traveling around by car. By bus, the trip takes about 3 hours. There are buses leaving to Bansko from two bus stations in Sofia: Central Bus Station and Bus Station Ovcha Kupel (for the early birds).

When in Bansko, stroll along the cobbled streets of the lovely Old Town and enjoy the typical architecture in National Revival Style. The houses in Bansko, built in the 18th – 19th century, are of the so-called fortified houses type, which is quite unique for Bulgaria.

A fine example of this architecture is the Velyan’s House, which is open for visitors. Another attraction to visit in Bansko is the St. Trinity Church, which is one of the most remarkable churches in Bulgaria.

Typical for Bansko are the tavern-type restaurants in traditional style with live music, where you can try the local dishes: kapama, chomlek, or babek.

Melnik is the smallest town in Bulgaria, having a population of only around 400 inhabitants. But nevertheless, it is worth visiting.

The town is well-known for its wine-making traditions that have been present since the 14th century. The local wine is so good it used to be a favorite wine of Winston Churchill!

But wine isn’t the only reason why you should visit Melnik. The town has a beautiful location in the shadow of the Pirin Mountains, just under the so-called Melnik Earth Pyramids – unique rock formations.

You can find many beautiful traditional houses in Melnik as well as the 12-the century Byzantine House – one of the oldest remaining civilian buildings in the Balkans.

You can combine visiting the town with the nearby Rozhen Monastery famous for its 16th-century frescoes.

The best way to reach Melnik, besides the car, is with a tour. The town is located around 180 km away from the capital, near the border with Greece, and reaching Melnik by public transport takes too long to do as a day trip.

Recommended tours to Melnik:

• Sofia: Full-Day Hiking to Rozhen Monastery & Melnik
• Melnik Wine Tour
• Full-Day Tour to Rila Monastery and Melnik

Krushuna Falls

Recommended by Diana from The Globetrotting Detective

The Krushuna Falls are a series of stunning waterfalls situated in the northern part of Bulgaria near the village of Krushuna in the Krushuna National Park. It’s a remarkable natural wonder formed by travertines, a kind of limestone that is deposited by mineral springs.

Try to go there during the week as it’s a very busy travel destination on the weekend. The entrance fee for the national park costs only 5 lv.

In the national park itself, there are two trails: the red and blue trail. The most beautiful one is the red trail along which you can admire several sparkling cascades. It takes around an hour to explore it.

The best way to organize visiting the Krushuna Falls is connecting it with visiting the karst cave called Devetashka Cave and one of the oldest villages of Bulgaria, Lovech. The Krushuna waterfalls are located about 185 meters from Sofia and it takes nearly three hours to get there.

On the way back to Sofia, first, you can visit the Devetashka Cave which is 16 km from the Krushuna waterfalls. After exploring the cave, drive another 20 km and you will find the village of Lovech. This trip is recommended by car. If you don’t have your own car, join an organized tour.

Recommended tours:

• Sofia: Lovech, Devetaki Cave and Krushuna Waterfalls Tour
• From Sofia: Full-Day Krushuna Waterfalls & Devetashka Cave
• Lovech Day Tour

If you are looking for a more unconventional day trip from Sofia then the Buzludzha monument might be a good option. This iconic brutalist masterpiece in the shape of a spaceship is located over 3 hours driving from the capital, on top of the mountain with the same name in the central part of the country.

The Monument House of the Bulgarian Communist Party (as that’s the official name of it) was finished in 1981 to commemorate the assembly of the socialist movement in the area 90 years earlier that eventually led to the foundation of the Bulgarian Social Democratic Party. After the collapse of communism in Europe the building was left abandoned and felt do disrepair which makes it even more interesting (although it is said the renovations will start soon).

The Buzludzha monument is impressive both from the outside and inside although currently, it is not possible to visit the interior with mosaics showing well-known communist figures like Lenin, Marx, or Engels among others. Nevertheless, it is a great place to visit, not only to see this architectonic wonder but also to admire the beautiful landscape of the Central Balkan Mountains.

Recommended tour: Sofia Communist Landmarks Day Tour

If you would like to combine your trip to Sofia with visiting another country you can hop across the border to North Macedonia and see – Skopje. It might be a long day trip since the capitals are located around 250 km away from each other, but it would give you a taste of North Macedonia. And Skopje is actually one of the most underrated capitals in Europe, even if at first it looks a bit weird.

The center is a mix of weird buildings that don’t really fit into each other – there are ancient-looking yet modern pieces, some gems of brutalist architecture that Skopje is known for , or random blocks of flats. And of course, crazy statues in bulk amounts that are scattered all over the place.

But Skopje offers more than that. You can find here the second-largest bazaar in the Balkans (after Istanbul) where you can spend hours just wandering around, getting lost in the narrow lanes and enjoying the vibrant life that goes by. The city is also a great nature getaway as just at the outskirts you can find stunning Matka Canyon or Mount Vodno with some hiking trails.

The list of things to do in Skopje is long but even if you only have a few hours there you still can enjoy the city and its main highlights.

You can read more about Skopje in the article I wrote “What to do in Skopje, the kitschy yet cool capital of North Macedonia”.

Recommended tours to Skopje:

• Day Tour from Sofia to Skopje, North Macedonia
• From Sofia: Skopje, Northern Macedonia Day Tour

Final thoughts on day trips from Sofia

As you can see above, the variety of places you can visit as day trips from Sofia is really big and everyone can find something for their taste. Whether you are interested in culture, history, or landscape – you can find it all near Sofia.

When planning your trip to the capital of Bulgaria give yourself some time to see the surroundings of the city too, I bet you will enjoy them too!

Further reading

I published many articles about Bulgaria that you might find useful when planning your trip there. Here are some of them:

• 23 Amazing Places to Visit in Bulgaria
• Bulgaria itinerary – what to see in Bulgaria in 2 weeks
• 19 Amazing Things to Do in Sofia, Bulgaria
• Koprivshtitsa, Bulgaria – is this the prettiest town in the country?
• 7 Perfect Things to Do in Sozopol, Bulgaria
• 9 Great Things to Do in Burgas, Bulgaria
• Why you should visit Shumen, Bulgaria

If you are looking for articles about a specific destination – check out the map with all the articles I’ve published (and their locations). You can also join my Facebook group about traveling in the Balkans and ask your questions there.

Travel Resources

Below you can find the brands I trust and use when planning trips:

• You can find the best accommodation options at Booking . They have many discounts and excellent customer service. Click here to look for the place to stay in Bulgaria
• I recommend joining organized tours to get to know the place better and to visit more places during your trip. You can find a great selection of tours at Viator or Get Your Guide .
• To always stay connected I use Airalo eSim cards – click here to get yours!
• For transportation and booking tickets online , I usually use 12Go or Omio
• Looking for the airport pickup ? Check Welcome Pickups!
• Never travel without travel insurance , you never know what might happen and better safe than sorry. You can check the insurance policy for Bulgaria here.
• If you plan to rent a car during your trip to Bulgaria check Discover Cars to compare prices and find the best deals
• Make sure to have the offline map always installed on your phone, they can save you so many troubles. I always use the free app Maps.Me .

For the end I left a few announcements that might interest you:

• Sign up to my newsletter or follow me on Bloglovin to get updates about the new posts
• Join my Facebook group about Eastern Europe, the Balkans and former USSR and connect with fellow travellers and enthusiasts of these regions – just click here!
• I’ve included a few handy links of services and products I personally like and use so you can plan your own trip to Sofia too. They are often affiliate links. This means I will get a small commission if you book/purchase anything through my links, at no extra costs for you. Thank you!

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