Sofia: Top things to do in Bulgaria’s Capital City
Sofia, the capital city of Bulgaria, is situated just below the Vitosha mountains. In 1879, the city became the new capital following the country’s liberation from the Ottoman Empire by Russia.
The city center of Sofia holds a significant historical value, as many structures stand atop Roman ruins. The construction of the first metro station took 30 years due to the continuous discovery of Roman ruins. In my opinion, Sofia stands as one of the most beautiful capitals in the Balkans.
While the city’s warm baths, fueled by natural hot springs, attract visitors, they are not the only notable feature. Numerous well-preserved Roman ruins also grace the city, such as those located near the Central Bath (Tsentralna Banya), Banya Bashi Mosque, and TZUM Shopping Mall.
TOP THINGS TO DO
1. St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is probably the most iconic image of Sofia. The church is important to Bulgaria’s history. It was made to honor Russian soldiers who helped free Bulgaria from the Ottoman Empire.
There are 12 bells, all brought from Moscow and its domes are covered with gold. It’s right in the middle of the city, so you can’t miss it. This is one of the largest Christian Orthodox churches worldwide. It was the biggest Christian Orthodox Church in the Balkans until 1985 when St. Sava was completed in Belgrade.
Entrance to the cathedral is free and you can visit daily from 7 AM to 6 PM.
2. Ancient Serdica Archaeological Complex
The Ancient Serdica Archaeological Complex has been open in central Sofia since 2016. The complex is largely below street level and it expands over 9000 sqm.
This complex was found during the excavations for the metro station. The place is from around the 1st to 6th century AD. There are eight streets, a Christian church, six big buildings, and a medieval church.
3. Vitosha Boulevard
Vitosha Boulevard is the main shopping street in Sofia and it has a total length of 2.7 km (1.7 mi).
The boulevard is a great place to hang out, with lots of restaurants and bars to choose from. You can even have your morning coffee there so it makes perfect sense to book a stay nearby.
4. Boyana church
UNESCO World Heritage includes the Boyana Church located on the outskirts of Sofia. It consists of 3 buildings built in the 10th century and is famous for its frescoes dating back to the 13th century.
5. Try Banitsa and Bulgarian Yoghurt
Banitsa is a traditional pastry filled with white cheese that is made across the Balkans. Banitsa makes for the best high-caloric breakfast that will give you the energy for a full day of exploring the city. You will find it everywhere around Sofia in local pastry shops.
Did you know that Bulgarian Yoghurt is one of the reasons why Bulgarians live longer than people in their neighbouring countries? It is a creamy and delicious yoghurt that, unlike Greek Yoghurt, it’s not strained. What makes it unique is the bacteria it contains which can only be extracted from green plants only on the territory of Bulgaria.
Top day tours:
1. Rila Monastery
The Rila Monastery, located in Bulgaria, stands out as the most beautiful and largest orthodox monastery. It holds great significance as one of the country’s most important landmarks, to the extent that its image appears on the 1 Lev banknote.
You will appreciate not only the church’s stunning architecture but also the picturesque surroundings that embrace them. Nestled in the Rila mountains, the encompassing forests create an enchanting atmosphere reminiscent of a fairy tale. Since the monastery remains an active place of worship, there exists a strict dress code that visitors must adhere to. It is necessary to cover your shoulders and avoid wearing short dresses/skirts or shorts.
Access to the church complex is free, but if you wish to explore the history museum, there is an admission fee of 8 levs. Additionally, ascending the tower requires a payment of 5 levs.
How to get here:
To reach Rila Monastery, which is approximately 120km from Sofia, driving is the most convenient option. If driving is not your preference, you can also opt for a bus journey from Sofia’s West Bus Station Ovcha Kupel. The bus service departs from Sofia at 10:20 AM and departs from Rila Monastery at 03:00 PM. Although the time for exploration is limited to about 2 hours, it is sufficient to visit the religious complex.
Another option is to book a tour that allows you to visit multiple tourist attractions in a single day.
2. The Stob pyramids
The Stob Pyramids rank among Bulgaria’s most popular natural attractions, drawing numerous visitors. Situated near the village of Stob, they reside at the base of the Rila Mountains.
I suggest hiking up to witness the breathtaking view of the pyramids, ideally during sunrise or sunset. The hike itself lasts approximately 30 minutes for each leg. Along the trail, you will encounter rest stops to take a breather, and remember to bring water with you.
How to get here:
3. Vitosha mountains
Vitosha Mountain is a prominent landmark and natural treasure located near Sofia. Rising majestically on the outskirts, Vitosha offers a stunning blend of diverse landscapes, including dense forests, alpine meadows, and rocky peaks.
Its highest summit, Cherni Vrah, reaches an impressive 2,290 metres, providing breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding area.
How to get here:
Take the metro (M2) from Sofia to Vitosha and then take the 66 bus from the stop called Vitosha Metro station to the top of the mountain. You can exit the bus earlier if you would prefer to climb to the top.
3. Plovdiv
If you find yourself in Bulgaria, a visit to Plovdiv is a must. This city holds the distinction of being Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited city and is conveniently located just 2 and a half hours away from Sofia.
The old town of Plovdiv boasts charming cobblestone streets adorned with vibrant buildings, churches, mosques, and ancient historical sites that span over 2000 years. Notably, its main street holds the distinction of being the longest pedestrian street in Europe.
To reach Plovdiv from Sofia, you have the option of taking a bus or a train. Bus tickets start at 8 BGN for a one-way trip, while a second-class train ticket costs approximately 9 BGN for a one-way journey.
If exploring Plovdiv captures your interest, we recommend checking out our article Plovdiv: Exploring Europe’s oldest city
Where to stay
Budget – Hostel Mostel Sofia – Set in a renovated 19th-century building, this hostel is just a 10-minute walk from the Ancient Serdica Archaeological Complex
Medium – Design Hotel 36 – This beautifully designed hotel has the perfect location, next to Vitosha Boulevard and St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
High – The Sofia Balkan Hotel – if you’re looking for a luxury stay, right in the heart of Sofia, then The Sofia Balkan Hotel is the place to book!
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