Your Last BordersTHINGS TO DO IN SOFIA BULGARIA
Sofia is Bulgaria’s capital and largest city. Home to 1.3 million people, the city sits in the west of the country, by Vitosha Mountain. Thus, it’s quite near Skopje in North Macedonia and Nis in Serbia. There’s many interesting things to do in Sofia Bulgaria, and this posts summarizes them all so you can have the perfect Sofia trip.
Sofia is inhabited since, at least, year 7000 BC. It was known as Serdica in antiquity and Sredets in the Middle Ages, until it got its current name from the local Saint Sofia church. Thus, due to its vibrant history and consequently beautiful architectural remnants, Sofia is one of the best places to visit in Bulgaria.
Those traveling to Sofia will encounter several wonderful churches, mosques, and synagogues. Along with interesting museums, roman ruins, mineral springs, communist buildings, and everything in between. Including cool cafes and restaurants serving delicious local dishes. And, of course, plenty of natural areas where to relax, hike, or even go skiing. Keep this post handy and get ready to enjoy the best things to do in Sofia Bulgaria.
Best places to visit in Sofia Bulgaria
The following are the real highlights of tourism in Sofia, all unmissable spots in the city’s old town. From ancient ruins to trendy restaurants, these are the top things to do in Sofia Bulgaria.
1. Marvel at the excavations in Serdika Metro Station
One of the tourist attractions in Sofia Bulgaria I enjoyed the most are the Roman ruins at the Serdika metro station. Serdika was the city’s name in Roman times and right at today’s central metro station lie the ancient remains of this Roman city.
The excavations to build the metro revealed tones of ruins from the 2nd century. These are well preserved and placed all along the station below a modern glass structure so commuters can enjoy them for free.
The exhibition includes coins, ceramics, pottery, and plenty of tools. It also includes a Roman amphitheater that was only discovered in 2004 despite being one of the largest in the empire. Make sure to check it out as these ruins are very unique among the Sofia things to see.
2. Shop at Vitosha Boulevard
Vitosha Boulevard is the main shopping street in Sofia. Here you’ll find the city’s fanciest boutiques, top-brand stores, and coolest cafes. Thus, window-shopping in the area and people watching from the many benches in this pedestrian street is one of the best things to do in Sofia Bulgaria.
Expect lots of art nouveau buildings, fancy restaurants, and souvenir shops along this 2.7km road. Additionally, lots of street performers come here and many Walking tours Sofia also use it as their meeting point.
3. Attend a show at the National Theater Ivan Vazov
The National Theater Ivan Vazov is one of the top things to see in Sofia thanks to its beautiful neoclassical design. Vienes architects designed it and the place is such an icon its towering portico appears on the country’s banknotes. Nevertheless, it suffered a lot and has been reconstructed many times. Particularly due to fire and WWII bombings.
As it opened in 1907 it’s one of Sofia’s oldest concert halls. The venue, named after a famous Bulgaria poet, hosts plays and concerts almost every night. You can get tickets here, and join the fun with almost another thousand people.
The theatre sits in the City Gardens, which also make interesting Sofia tourist attractions. Thus, expect to see elderly locals playing chess, plenty of street musicians and perhaps some seasonal market on the grounds.
4. Visit the National Palace of Culture
The National Palace of Culture is one of the unmissable attractions in Sofia Bulgaria. This is in fact the largest convention center in all of southeastern Europe. Among its 123,000m2, eight levels, and thirteen exhibition halls, it hosts events almost every day of the year.
Those who love communist architecture will have a blast here as the venue’s aesthetics really have that soviet vibe. The building is from 1981 and commemorates Bulgaria’s 1300th anniversary. Nevertheless, nowadays it’s a major meeting place among locals and there’s a monument to the victims of the communist regime at the entrance.
If you are looking for a great people watching place with an old communist vibe, add this to your list of things to do in Bulgaria Sofia. You won’t regret it.
5. Explore Sofia’s Central Market
If you are anything like me and love visiting farmers markets when traveling, Sofia’s Central Market should be on your Sofia things to do list. The Central Market is one of the most charming in the old town and sits in a cool neo-Renaissance building featuring a bell tower with three clocks. The main market hall of steel and glass is a great place to check out regardless of your shopping plans.
Along the stalls, you’ll come across a great selection of fresh fruit and vegetables, cheese, meat, spices and baked goodies. Additionally, it’s a great place to buy affordable souvenirs and handicrafts, or to relax and enjoy some great coffee.
6. Take a Communism Tour
One of my fondest memories as a tourist in Sofia is taking a guided communism tour around the city. These are perfect to learn about life during the country’s communist times, i.e. 1944-1989. Expect to see many remnants of communist buildings such as the headquarters of the former Bulgarian Communist Party or the monument to the Soviet Army. You can check prices and availability here.
It’s great to have a local guide explain how life looked like back in the days and what these remnants mean to bulgarians nowadays. Moreover, it’s crazy to picture the red communist star where the national flag waves today and to imagine the Lenin statue in the middle of the square, which was only removed in 2000.
Yet, what really blew my mind is understanding how different communist and capitalist shopping centers are, especially regarding the location of the stores and staircases. Finally, some of these tours also offer a ride in an old communist car, surely a highlight of every Sofia visit.
7. Spend an evening at the National Opera
One of my all time favorite things to do in every ex-communist country is to attend a show at the National Opera. Communist regimes used to cultivate culture and make it accessible to their large populations. Although these regimes are now long gone, the country’s love for music, dancing, and accurate performances have remained. Thus, expect great shows at very affordable prices.
Sofia’s Opera and Ballet Theatre sits in a stunning Neoclassical building. Visitors are welcome independently or on a guided tour. Yet, the best way to enjoy the premises is by attending a show. You can check prices and availability here. Just as in Bucharest, Yerevan, or Almaty, spending a night at the opera is a highlight of Bulgaria tourism.
8. Enjoy the local cuisine
Eating local recipes is a big part of discovering a new country. Thus, one of the best things to do in Sofia Bulgaria is sample the local cuisine and fall for some foreign flavours.
Bulgarian food is strongly influenced by neighboring countries in the Balkans, and by the Greek and Turkish cuisine. Expect lots of meat, fresh vegetables, olive oil and cheeses. Additionally, as eating in Bulgaria is way more affordable than going out in western Europe, this might be a great place to try some fine dining or simply forget about cooking during your holidays to Bulgaria.
The must-try Bulgarian recipes are:
- Shopska salad: olives, tomato, cucumber, and white chees
- Tarator Soup: yougur-based cold soup
- Skara Bar: grilled meat and potatoes
- Mekitza: Fried flat bread with jam and feta cheese
- Banitza: pastry filled with spinach and/or feta cheese
Some of the best restaurants in Sofia Bulgaria where to enjoy the above are: Made in Home, Aubergine, Hadjidragana Tavern, and Manastirska Magernitsa Restaurant. Enjoy!
Best churches to visit in Sofia Bulgaria
Sofia is a city of churches and every list of what to do in Sofia will include many of them. Regardless of whether you are a religious traveler, an architecture lover or a photography enthusiast, make sure to include the following churches in your Sofia sightseeing.
9. Marvel at the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
Alexander Nevsky Orthodox Cathedral is Sofia’s major landmark. A true icon that makes it to most postcards and that will always remain in the visitors memories. Therefore, wandering around the cathedral and admiring its interiors is one of the best things to do in Sofia Bulgaria. It’s open daily from 7am to 7pm and there’s no entrance fee.
This masterpiece is quite new as its foundations are from 1882 and the works ended in 1912. It honours the Russian soldiers dead during the Russo-Turkish War in the lat 19th century. As per its name, it hosts relics of Alexander Nevsky, a Russian leader and Orthodox saint.
The neo-Byzantine cathedral occupies 3,170m2. Thus, since St Sava Cathedral in Belgrade and the one of Bucharest are yet to be completed, Sofia’s is the largest cathedral in the Balkans. Its outdoors highlights are a 45-metre gold-plated dome and a 53-metre bell tower with 12 bells. Inside, you’ll find stunning Italian marble, Brazilian onyx, and Indian alabaster. Along with many portraits of saints, huge chandeliers, many sculptures, and a crypt hosting plenty of icons and relics.
10. Take a trip to Boyana Church
Boyana Church is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the outskirts of Sofia. Despite being 10km from the city center, the place is so beautiful it’s a Sofia must see. This majestic example of religious medieval art is open daily from 9am to 5.30pm.
The entrance fee is $5.60. And access to the church is organized in small groups and restricted to 10 minutes each to ensure the crowds don’t affect the paintings. The earlier you get there, the earlier you’ll make it inside. Waiting times can get long during high season so plan accordingly and do not miss Boyana when you visit Sofia.
This Orthodox building on Vitosha Mountain was built during the course of 400 years. Constructions began in the 900s and the main additions were made in the 1200s. The church’s frescos are some of the best-preserved in Europe and depict biblical figures and Bulgarian rulers. If you’d like to learn more about them, consider booking a guided tour here. Alternatively, Boyana is easily accessible by public transport, car, and taxi.
This must see in Sofia pairs perfectly with spending some time on Mount Vitosha. This is a great spot to enjoy sunset, get awesome views over the city, hike to Boyanna Waterfall, or even try some skiing in winter time.
11. Find St. George Rotunda
When visiting Sofia Bulgaria, one of the sites that will catch your attention are the ancient ruins of St. George’s Rotunda Church. This is actually the oldest building in modern Sofia. It dates back to the 4th century and was turned into a church in the 6th century. The church is open to visitors daily from 8am to 7.30pm.
This early Christian church is built in red bricks on what used to be a Roman street in ancient Seredica. It now stands between Sofia Hotel Balkan and the Presidential Palace of Bulgaria. Medieval frescoes were later added to the church, although the Ottomans destroyed most of them when turning the church into a mosque. During the 1990s, these were restored and visitors can now enjoy them.
12. Learn about Saint Sofia church
Yet another beautiful church among Sofia attractions, Sofia church actually gave the city its name during the second Bulgarian Empire in the 1300s. The second oldest church in Sofia, and one of the oldest in Europe, dates back to the 4th century and lies on top of Serdica’s necropolis.
Its walls of red bricks host great interior mosaics and graves from 1500 years ago. During Ottoman times and for over two centuries it became a mosque. Yet, it was abandoned in the 1800s when an earthquake destroyed it killing the imman’s son. Nowadays, it’s a functioning church open daily from 7am to 7pm. By the church stands the monument to the unknown soldier, which honours those dead defending Bulgaria and is also and interesting spot among Sofia places to visit.
13. Visit the Synagogue
Not only Christian churches make it to the list of what to see in Sofia. Religious attractions in Sofia also include the city’s Synagogue. This is Europe’s second largest Synagogue, only behind the one in Budapest.
Before WWII Bulgaria had a population of over 50,000 jews, the 80% of which lived in Sofia. In 1909 they built the city’s synagogue, which fits over 1,000 people. This beautiful building of Spanish-Arab architecture remains fully functional. It’s open to visitors Sunday to Friday from 9am to 5pm for less than $3. Check out its majestic hanging chandelier and stunning interior details.
When the war started King Boris II was asked to deport these jews to Germany, yet he kept postponing it which resulted in many Bulgarian jews being saved and then expatriated to Israel. The synagogue hosts an exhibition on the history of these Bulgaria’s jews which is also an interesting visit among the things to do in Sofia Bulgaria.
14. Admire the Banya Bashi Mosque
Despite its Ottoman past, there’s only one mosque still standing in Sofia. That’s Banya Bashi mosque and it should certainly be included among the things to see in Sofia. Back in the days there were over 100 mosques in town. Nowadays, the city’s muslim minority of mostly ethnic Turks congregates by the mosque every Friday following the call to prayer.
Banya Bashi mosque fits 700 worshippers. The mosque is from 1576 and was designed by one of the best architects in the Ottoman empire, Mimar Sinan. The mosque’s name comes from Sofia’s mineral baths as there used to be a hammam nearby. Its interior is spectacular and hosts beautiful calligraphy, stunning tiles, and detailed geometric shapes. The mosque is free to visit and open daily from 6am to 10pm. Coverings are available at the entrance and it is advisable to visit outside praying hours.
Best museums to visit in Sofia Bulgaria
Sofia offers many interesting museums. These make great places to visit in Sofia for history and art lovers. And also for those looking to space the heat or the rain. Some museums focus on a certain matter, such as the Military Museum or the Earth and man National Museum. And although they all are very interesting, the following are the coolest museum to add to your list of things to do in Sofia Bulgaria.
15. Drink hot water at the old the Mineral Baths
The old Mineral Baths are one of the most magnificent buildings among the places to visit in Sofia Bulgaria. No need to bring a swimsuit nor a towel though, as these no longer serve as public baths. Instead, the building now hosts the Sofia History Museum which is open from 10am to 6pm Tuesday to Sunday and charges $5 as entrance fee.
History lovers should add this museum to their list of best things to do in Sofia. Yet, regardless of your historical interests, spending time around the old Mineral Baths is one of the best things to do in Sofia Bulgaria.
This colourful Neo Byzantine building stands in the middle of a beautiful park. Although the hot baths, saunas, and massage centers are no longer operational, visitors will still find many natural hot water fountains within the park. Locals gather around the fountains and cue for free hot water of healing properties. Make sure to try some as this is one of the fun things to do in Sofia.
16. Visit the National Historical Museum
The National Historical Museum is the largest museum in Bulgaria. It hosts over 650,000 artifacts showcasing over a thousand years of Bulgaria’s history. Don’t be overwhelmed though, only 10% of these items are on exhibition. If you enjoy history and archeology, visiting this museum is one of the best things to do in Sofia Bulgaria.
The museum sits in a Stalinist building that served as the home of former dictator Todor Zhivkov’s. Don’t miss its massive front yard. The museum is open daily from 9.30am to 6pm and the entrance fee is $5.70. Within its doors you’ll find items from the prehistoric to the modern times. These include fine arts, war relics, textiles, maps, furniture, archeological findings, etc. Moreover, its highlights are treasures from the Odrysians, Valchitrans, Dabenes, Panagyurishtes and Thracians.
17. Explore the National Archaeological Museum
The National Archeological Museum sits within the 14h century Great Büyük Mosque of Sofia. Here visitors will come across an extensive collection of ancient mosaics, gold, silver, weaponry, and pottery belonging to Thracians, Romans, and also to Byzantines, Ottomans, Slavs, and of course Bulgarians.
The museum is open daily from 10am to 6pm. The entrance fee is $6.80. Those including this museum in their Sofia to do list shouldn’t miss its vault hall and medieval paintings.
Recap on the best things to do in Sofia Bulgaria
Sofia is one of the best places to visit in Bulgaria and hosts many tourist attractions to satisfy every traveler. Since landing at the airport in Sofia or crossing the land border from neighbouring Turkey, Greece, North Macedonia, Serbia, or Romania, there’s many cool things to do when one visit Sofia Bulgaria. And these are all included in this post, so keep it handy when preparing your Sofia itinerary.
In Sofia travellers will enjoy stunning churches, interesting museums, vibrant markets and ancient ruins. Along with wonderful theatres, parks, roman ruins, and local eateries. Within two days you’ll get to see most of Sofia Bulgaria tourist attractions. Thus, this city makes a great spot for a city break, base for day trips around the area, and spot during a longer Balkan trip.
If you’d like to know more about my experience in Sofia or have any additional questions, please leave a comment below. Or feel free to reach out directly through my Instagram and/or Tiktok pages. Happy travels!
