Travelling to Sofia – Bulgaria’s Capital

Things to do in Sofia city

Sofia offers plenty of activities, whether you prefer sightseeing, exploring hidden gems, enjoying nature, or experiencing the local nightlife. While there’s much more to discover, here are some of the most popular things to do in Bulgaria’s capital.

Attractions and popular sights

Some of Sofia’s most famous landmarks include:

• St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral – One of the largest Orthodox cathedrals in the Balkans and a symbol of the city
• National Palace of Culture (NDK) – A massive cultural and event center located in the heart of Sofia
• The Largo & Antique Serdika archaeological complex – A mix of ancient Roman ruins and modern government buildings
• Boyana church – A UNESCO-listed medieval church with well-preserved frescoes from the 13th century.

Hidden gems

Beyond the well-known attractions, Sofia has many lesser-known places worth visiting:

• Museum of Socialist Art – Showcasing statues, paintings, and propaganda from Bulgaria’s socialist past
• Park-Museum Vrana – The former royal palace and gardens, now open to visitors on weekends and official holidays
• Dragalevski monastery – A peaceful monastery at the foot of Vitosha Mountain
• Park Kambanite – A unique monument featuring bells from around the world.

Sofia city center

Sofia’s city center is vast, with no clear starting or ending point and the best way to explore it is by foot. 

Vitoshka Street is the main pedestrian boulevard, lined with cafes, restaurants, and shops. From here, you can easily reach NDK and enjoy a great view of Vitosha Mountain.

Image Source: Unsplash.com

City parks

If you need a break from the busy city streets, Sofia’s parks offer a great retreat. 

Some of the most popular ones include:

• Borisova garden – The largest and most famous park in Sofia, commonly referred to as “Borisovata”
• South park – Yes, like the cartoon. A great spot for jogging or picnics
• City garden – A small but lively park in front of the National Theater
• North park – A less touristy, spacious park in the northern part of the city
• Zaimov park – A cozy green space near Sofia’s center.

Nightlife

Sofia has one of the most active nightlife scenes in Bulgaria. There’s something for everyone, from electronic music clubs to jazz bars and rock venues. 

The city is packed with events, and you can always find something happening—even on a Tuesday night in the middle of winter. Concerts, live performances, and themed parties are frequent, making Sofia a great place for night owls.

Festivals and events

Sofia hosts a variety of festivals throughout the year, including music festivals, film screenings, cultural celebrations, and food events. 

Some of the most popular ones are:

• Sofia Film Fest – An international film festival held every March
• A to Jazz festival – A free jazz festival in the summer
• Sofia Science festival – A fun event for science lovers

Mountains

For nature lovers, Sofia is one of the few capitals in Europe where you can quickly escape to the mountains. 

Vitosha Mountain is visible from most parts of the city and offers various hiking trails, huts, and outdoor activities. 

Some of the most popular spots include:

• Hut Planinarska Pesen (“Mountain Song”) – A cozy spot for a mountain retreat
• Boyana waterfall – A scenic waterfall that’s an easy hike from the city
• The Golden Bridges – A scenic rock formation in Vitosha
• Hut Kamen Del – A high-altitude hut with stunning views over Sofia.

Shopping and мarkets

Sofia has plenty of options for shopping lovers and if you’re staying in the center, Vitoshka Street is a great place to start. 

The city also has numerous malls, boutique stores, and markets offering everything from fashion to handmade souvenirs. If you’re looking for fresh food, you’ll find many local markets and supermarket chains across the city.

Sofia city tours

If you want a guided tour of Sofia, you’re in luck—there are plenty of options, both free and paid. Tours cater to different interests, so whether you’re into walking and sightseeing, food and drink, graffiti and street art or architecture, there’s something for you.

No matter your preference, guided tours are a great way to learn more about Sofia while getting insights from locals.

Where to stay in Sofia city

Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly hostel, a luxury hotel, or a private Airbnb, Sofia has plenty of accommodation options to fit your needs. 

The key is to plan in advance, especially if you have specific preferences, as some months and dates are busier than others.

For the best experience, consider staying in or near the city center, as most attractions, restaurants, and transport links are easily accessible.

Where to eat in Sofia

Sofia has a diverse food scene with plenty of options, but if you’re visiting, you should definitely try traditional Bulgarian cuisine first as local restaurants serve authentic dishes that you won’t find elsewhere.

Beyond Bulgarian food, you’ll find a variety of international cuisines, burger joints and pizza places, pastry shops and bakeries, and vegetarian and vegan options.

Museums in Sofia

If you’re interested in history, archeology, culture, or art, Sofia has plenty of museums and galleries worth visiting. You can easily spend a day exploring different exhibitions, covering everything from archaeology to modern art.

Day trips from Sofia

Sofia is a great base for exploring other parts of Bulgaria. If you plan on staying just for a few days and want to spend one of them outside the capital, you’ll probably not want to go as far as the Black sea, but you’ll be happy to know that there are plenty of exciting options nearby.

Here are some of the most popular day-trip destinations from Sofia:

• Rila Monastery – Bulgaria’s most famous monastery and a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is located in the Rila Mountains.
• Plovdiv – Bulgaria’s second-largest city, known for its well-preserved Old Town, Roman Theater, and artistic district, Kapana.
• Koprivshtitsa – A picturesque town with colorful 19th-century houses and a strong connection to Bulgaria’s revival and liberation history.
• The Seven Rila Lakes – A stunning group of glacial lakes in the Rila Mountains that is perfect for hiking but that also attracts lots of tourists.

Other great options include the Iskar Gorge, Belogradchik Rocks, Prohodna Cave (Eyes of God Cave), and the Thracian Tomb of Starosel.

Useful tips from a local

When to visit Sofia?

The best time to visit Sofia depends on what you like, as there are four distinct seasons. 

However, generally speaking, summer (June to September) is a great time to visit. The weather is warm, and many locals leave the city for their summer holidays, making it a bit quieter. 

You’ll get the most out of the city’s attractions and outdoor activities, including hiking and sightseeing. You prefer less heat, April, May and October might be a good fit for you.

Getting around

Sofia is pretty easy to navigate, especially if you stick to the city center. In fact, you might not need any transportation at all—walking is often the easiest way to get around and explore the center. 

However, if you plan to visit different parts of Sofia, there are plenty of options:

• Metro – Fast and efficient, with a few lines covering key parts of the city, including the airport and the city center.
• Trams, buses and trolleys – A convenient way to get around, especially in areas not covered by the metro.
• Taxis – Easy to hail, but make sure to check if the meter is on to avoid overpaying.

If you plan to use public transport frequently, it’s worth checking out daily transportation cards as they’ll save you some money.

And, a little tip about cash—always bring cash with you, especially if you’re using public transport.

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“Must-know” local slang

• Жълтите павета (Zhaltite paveta) – It literally means “the yellow bricks,” and refers to the iconic yellow cobblestones in the city center.
• Копеле (Kopéle) – This one is a bit rough; it’s a slang term that can mean “bastard” but is often used between close friends; something like the Greek “malaka”.
• Кореняк софиянец (Korenyak sofiianets) – The phrase refers to the “true Sofia natives,” – people who were born and raised in the capital. It’s often used humorously to mock their “notable” origins.
• Клекшоп (Klekshop) – A small, informal shop that often sells snacks, drinks, and other essentials; what’s typical about it is that you need to squat to see the face of the seller and pay.

Sofia Province

Sofia Province is located in the south-western part of Bulgaria, situated within the Sofia Valley. 

It’s surrounded by several mountains that give the region a scenic backdrop and provide plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities. 

The province is bordered by the Vitosha, Stara Planina, Lyulin, and Lozenska mountains, making it an excellent spot for hiking, skiing, and enjoying nature while being close to the capital.