Welcome to Sofia, the largest city and capital of Bulgaria. This exciting city is a place of beautiful and interesting churches, cathedrals and mosques. Different religions are able to function here, side by side, accepting their differences.

The capital is rich in amazing museums, as well as several green parks that are ideal for an afternoon stroll. And if you are looking for some great souvenirs, Vitosha Boulevard got you covered. Sofia is a great city and if you have time to visit just one city in Bulgaria, it should definitely be Sofia.

Our first encounter with the Bulgarian capital Sofia turned out to be very positive. The center of the city is clean and neat, we could get everywhere on our feet and despite the heat it was very pleasant to explore.

Our favorite places turned out to be the parks, where we could observe the residents of Sofia during their daily activities, as well as the beautiful churches, where each one we visited looked completely different from the previous one.

#1 Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

The amazing Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is the most recognizable building in Sofia, if not in all of Bulgaria. The symbol of the city is of impressive size and is one of the largest Eastern Orthodox church buildings, able to accommodate as many as 5,000 worshippers.

The building looks impressive not only from the outside, but also from the inside. The walls are covered with amazing, beautiful paintings, as well are the ceilings. In the middle hangs huge chandeliers, which are giving limited light, thus adding to the mystique of the cathedral. If you only plan to visit one church in Sofia, it should definitely be this one.

Entrance to the cathedral is free, while taking photos or videos is for a small fee of $5.50 (BGN 10).

#2 St. Sofia Church

Located just a few steps from Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the Church of Saint Sofia is the second oldest church in the city of Sofia. The first building on this place was build in fourth century. Beneath the church are tombstones from the necropolis of the ancient city of Serdica, believed to date from the third to fourth centuries.

It is to this church that the city owes its name, which it gained in the fourteenth century (the earlier name of the city was Serdica), and although the building itself may not seem impressive, it is definitely worth a visit, if only to learn about its rich history of this place.

Entrance to the church is free and no photos can be taken inside.

#3 Church of St. Nicholas the Miracle-Maker

The church of St. Nicholas the Miracle-Maker is a Russian Orthodox church located in the center of Sofia. The beautifully decorated church has five onion-shaped domes, which are covered with gold. Inside the building, the beautiful paintings have been somewhat darkened over the years by smoke from burning candles, which definitely adds to its charm.

Entrance to the church is free, while for filming and taking photos you need to pay a small fee.

#4 City Garden

After visiting several churches, take a stroll to the City Garden, a beautiful green oasis with a huge fountain in the middle. Stroll along the designated paths, sit on a bench in the shade, watch other strollers or go for a delicious ice cream at the old-school ice cream shop.

#5 Ivan Vazov National Thether

In the City Garden, across from the fountain is the sizable Ivan Vazov National Theater building. This is the largest theater in Bulgaria, with two main rooms, one for 750 spectators, and second for 120.

If you’re a fan of architecture, don’t skip this place when visiting, as this building is definitely impressive and beautifully decorated.

#6 St. George Rotunda Church

St. George Rotunda Church is not only the oldest church in Soffi, but also the oldest building in the city. Built by the Romans in the fourth century, the church is surrounded by the remains of the ancient city of Serdica.

Inside, the church is small in size, but full of magnificent paintings, on which the passing of time is already definitely visible.

#7 Serdica Ancient Complex

In 2010-2012, during the construction of the subway, the remains of the ancient city of Serdica were discovered.

Interestingly, the place can be admired directly from the street. The ruins are the remains of an early Christian basilica, baths, houses from the fourth to sixth centuries, as well as fragments of as many as eight streets.

The second part of the complex is located in the building and access to it costs $3.25 (6 BGN).

#8 Saint Sofia Statue

Standing at more than 15m high dark granite pylon, the scalpture of Sveta Sofia was erected in 2000. It was already controversial from the beginning because of how it was depicted, many thought it was too erotic and pagant to be reffered to as a saint.

The goddess holds in one hand a wreath the symbol of fame, on her arm is sitting owl, the symbol of wisdom, and on her head she is wearing a crown, the symbol of power. It’s definitely an impressive statue, and the fact that it’s located in the heart of the city makes it look like she’s closely watching what’s going on in her city.

#9 Sofia History Museum

The impressive building of the Sofia History Museum was a Turkish bath for more than 100 years. It was not until the eleventh century that the place was transformed into a museum. Although the current museum is quite new, as it was only established in 2005.

Inside the building you can admire numerous exhibitions with such props as traditional costumes, jewelry, tableware and even vehicles. Access to the Sofia History Museum costs $3.25 (6 BGN)

#10 Banya Bashi Mosque

One of the oldest working mosques in Europe, and the only working mosque in Sofia, the Banya Bashi Mosque is located across from the Sofia History Museum. The site was originally a Turkish bath.

Inside, the building is very nicely done, with beautiful paintings on the walls and ceiling, crystal chandeliers, as well as wooden elements.

Entrance to the building is free and possible for all visitors. However, be sure to remove your shoes and dress appropriately.

#11 Sveta Nedelya Church

Built probably in the tenth century, the Sveta Nedelya church has been rebuilt several times over the years. The first building was made of wood and survived until the 19th century, when it was demolished and built anew. In later years the building was enlarged and renovated several more times.

The building impresses not only from the outside (especially in the evening when it is beautifully illuminated), but also from the inside. It is full of paintings, icons and a magnificent chandelier in the middle.

Entrance to the church is free, while filming and taking pictures is allowed for a small fee.

#12 Vitosha Boulevard

Vitosha Boulevard is an almost three kilometre long avenue located in the very center of Sofia. Closed to car traffic, the promenade is an ideal place for a stroll, shopping or dinner in one of the numerous restaurants along this street.

The boulevard leads from the Cathedral Church Sveta Nedelya, all the way to the South Park. During the day, due to the scorching sun the street may seem deserted, but in the evening it is full of locals and tourists.

#13 National Palace of Culture

After walking down Vitosha Boulevard, head to the park, which is located at the end of the street. In the middle of the park is a large fountain, and behind it you can see the National Palace of Culture. The huge building serves as a venue for festivals and cultural events.

• Constantinoff | Most beautiful Restaurant with local cakes
• Moma | Yummy local Bulgarian food

Airplane

Sofia has an international airport, which makes it the easiest way to get to the capital. There are flights from several big cities around Europe like Budapest, Warsaw or Belgrade.

Car

If you decide to go on a road trip in Bulgaria you will certainly choose this means of transportation, as the roads in Bulgaria are safe and will get you everywhere.

The car is one of the fastest and comfortables ways to explore Bulgaria. However, rental prices during the summer season can be quite high, especially if you book a vehicle at the last minute.

Bus

Bus service to Sofia from another country in Europa like Croatia or Turkey is direct. Keep in mind that bus tickets, especially during the summer season can sell out very quickly. With that said, book them online at least a week in advance.

If you decide to travel around the country, keep in mind that depending on where you are traveling from you will sometimes have to reckon with a bus change. If you are traveling from the coast of the country, for example from Golden Coast or cities like Veliko Tarnovo you will have to change the bus on your journey.

Buses in Bulgaria are well-maintained, fast and comfortable. Definitely a great alternative to travel cheap while visiting popular places.

Train

The train is the last means of transportation you can use, when traveling to Sofia from another city in Bulgaria, but here, too, you sometimes have to reckon with a train change. In addition, the trains in Bulgaria are not the newest, the passages are narrow, the cabins are small and, unfortunately, there is no air conditioning, which can be a bit of a nightmare if you are traveling in summer.

Although Sofia is a big city, the best way to explore it on your feet. This way you will feel the energy of the city and you will be able to see what it looks like also outside the main tourist destinations. In the inner center everything is located relatively close to each other, going smoothly from one sight to the next.

If you need to get somewhere further, take a local taxi, or the subway, which is fast, modern and will get you almost anywhere, including the airport.

How to get to the Sofia airport?

Depending of where you’re staying, you’ll need to get for example to the Serdica station. From here you’ll have to change to the M4 metro line (yellow). The cost to get to the airport is $0.99 (BGN 1.80). And while the metro stations are very well described, unfortunately the metro itself is not. So it’s best to ask other travellers which vehicle goes to the airport in case you didn’t learn to read Cyrillic during your stay.

The best time to visit Sofia is between May and September. You can be sure of perfect warm or even hot weather then. However, remember that June, July and August are the months when temperatures in Bulgaria are quite high, so visiting the city can be a bit more strenuous and it is best to do it in the morning, or in the afternoon, when temperatures drop a bit.

Sofia has a wealth of accommodation on offer, but as always, hotels, hostels or even Airbnb located in the city center are often very expensive, unfortunately, especially in high season.

We stayed at Luba’s Airbnb and enjoyed every second! She’s a great host and the flat is incredible beautiful and modern decorated.

Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, is a large city and has many interesting sights to offer, so in order to fully feel the atmosphere and energy of this city, reserve at least three full days for sightseeing and enjoying.

The prices are per person, except for the accommodation, which we rent for 2 people.

Accommodation: $39 / night

Restaurant: $20 – $25 / meal

Snack: $1 – $2 / meal

Pleasure: $6 – $9 / event

Activity: $5.50 / event