Travel Guide of Sofia in Bulgaria by Influencers and Travelers

Sofia is the capital and largest city of Bulgaria. The city is at the foot of Vitosha mountain in the western part of the country. Being in the centre of the Balkans, it is midway between the Black Sea and the Adriatic Sea, and closest to the Aegean Sea. Sofia is the 13th largest city in the European Union.

The Best Things to Do and Visit in Sofia

TRAVELERS TOP 10 :

1 - City Garden

The City Garden is Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria's oldest and most central public garden, in existence since 1872. It is located between Tsar Osvoboditel Boulevard to the north, Knyaz Alexander Battenberg Street to the west and Joseph Vladimirovich Gourko Street to the south, in the historical centre of the city.

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2 - Former Communist Party House

The National Assembly Building is used by the Bulgarian parliament for parliamentary debates. The main building has been proclaimed a monument of culture for its historic significance.

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3 - Sightseeing | Sofia

Full-day tour from Sofia to explore the Old Town of Plovdiv, featuring visits to unique museums. Discover and visit over 20 attractions

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4 - Boyana

   7 km away

Boyana is a neighbourhood of the Bulgarian capital of Sofia, part of Vitosha municipality and situated 8 km south of the city centre, in the outskirts of Vitosha. Boyana is one of the most expensive parts of Sofia to live in.

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5 - Monument to the Tsar Liberator

The Monument to the Tsar Liberator is an equestrian monument in the centre of Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria. It was erected in honour of Russian Emperor Alexander II who liberated Bulgaria from Ottoman rule during the Russo-Turkish War of 1877-78.

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6 - Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

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7 - Pastorant

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8 - West Park

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9 - South Park

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10 - Russian Church "Sveti Nikolay Mirlikiiski"

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11 - Park National Palace of Culture

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12 - Kominite

   11 km away

Kominite are several minor andesite peaks in the Vitosha Mountains near Sofia, Bulgaria. The peaks are in the upper valley of the Dragalevska River near the Bay Krastyo tourist site.

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13 - Golden Bridges

   12 km away
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14 - Sofia City Province

   12 km away
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15 - Lake Pancharevo

   13 km away

Lake Pancharevo is an artificial lake in western Bulgaria, at the end of the Pancharevo Gorge of the Iskar River, located at 600 m above sea level between the Vitosha and Lozenska mountains.

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16 - Aleko hut

   13 km away

Aleko is a site on Vitosha Mountain in Bulgaria situated at the northern foothills of Malak Rezen Peak, in the watershed of Yanchevska River draining eastwards towards the village of Bistritsa, Sofia.

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17 - Pancharevo

   14 km away

Pancharevo is a resort village and district located on the outskirts of Sofia close to Vitosha, Lozenska and Plana mountains and occupies the southeastern part of the Capital Municipality.As of 2011 the village has 3,433 inhabitants, but the district about 28,000.

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18 - Vitosha

   15 km away

Vitosha, the ancient Scomius or Scombrus, is a mountain massif, on the outskirts of Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria. Vitosha is one of the symbols of Sofia and the closest site for hiking, alpinism and skiing.

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19 - Kremikovtsi

   18 km away

The Kremikovtsi Monastery of Saint George is a Bulgarian Orthodox monastery near Kremikovtsi to the northeast of the Bulgarian capital Sofia.

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20 - Gara Bov

   36 km away

Gara Bov is a village in Svoge Municipality, Sofia Province, western Bulgaria.

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21 - Waterfall Skaklya (Zasele)

   38 km away
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Pictures and Stories of Sofia from Influencers

20 pictures of Sofia from Georgi Kalaydzhiev, Christopher Ivanov, Alexandr Bormotin and other travelers

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Why should you visit Sofia ?

Travel to Sofia if you like:

  🏞️ Watercourse     ⛰️ Mountain     🌲 Forest  

How to visit Sofia ?

Why travel to Sofia?

Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, is a city rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. With its stunning architectural landmarks, vibrant street art, and a thriving culinary scene, Sofia offers a unique blend of old-world charm and modern sophistication. Travelers who visit Sofia can expect to uncover ancient ruins, explore lush parks, and experience the warm hospitality of the local people.

How to get there?

Sofia is well connected by air, with Sofia International Airport being the primary gateway to the city. The airport is served by numerous airlines, including low-cost carriers such as Ryanair and Wizz Air, making it easy to find affordable flights from various European cities. From the airport, you can take a taxi or use the metro to reach the city center conveniently.

What to book in advance?

It is advisable to book your accommodation in advance, as Sofia is becoming an increasingly popular destination. If you plan to visit popular attractions like the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the National Palace of Culture, or Vitosha Mountain, it is a good idea to purchase your tickets online ahead of time to avoid long queues.

What are the costs?

Sofia is known for being an affordable European city, making it an excellent destination for budget-conscious travelers. You can find decent accommodations for as low as €20 per night, while a meal at a mid-range restaurant will cost around €10 per person. Public transportation is also relatively cheap, with a single ticket priced at €0.80.

What are the best things to do?

Some of the must-see attractions in Sofia include Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the ancient Serdika ruins, Vitosha Mountain, and the Boyana Church. For a taste of local culture, visit the National Palace of Culture, the National Art Gallery, and the Museum of Socialist Art. Don't forget to unwind at one of Sofia's many parks, such as Borisova Gradina or South Park.

Where to eat?

1. Made in Home: This cozy restaurant offers delicious homemade Bulgarian and European dishes made with locally sourced ingredients.
2. Rakia & Co: Known for its extensive selection of Bulgarian rakia, this eatery also serves traditional Bulgarian dishes in a modern and stylish setting.
3. Shtastlivitca: A popular spot for Bulgarian cuisine, Shtastlivitca offers a variety of tasty dishes, including vegetarian options.

Where to stay?

1. COOP Hotel: This 4-star hotel is located near the city center and offers comfortable rooms, a fitness center, and a restaurant.
2. Hostel Mostel: A popular choice among budget travelers, Hostel Mostel offers clean dorms, private rooms, and a friendly atmosphere.
3. InterContinental Sofia: For a luxury stay, the InterContinental Sofia provides elegant rooms, a spa, and fine dining options.

Off the beaten path:

For an unusual travel experience, consider visiting the Kambanite Park, also known as the "Park of the Bells." This unique park features bells from over 100 countries, symbolizing peace and unity. You can stroll through the park, listen to the melodic sounds of the bells, and take a moment to appreciate the spirit of international harmony they represent.

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Welcome to the fourth largest city in the Balkans

Sofia, the Bulgarian capital, is a city in constant evolution

Not to mention that it is located at a strategic point, providing a link between Western Europe and the Near and the Middle East, notably thanks to the cities of Belgrade, Skopje, and Istanbul. This has largely contributed to its demographic expansion: indeed, there are about 1.4 million inhabitants.

Sofia is also one of the cheapest cities in Europe

This is fortunate because the Bulgarian capital is a haven of knowledge and historical monuments.
You can visit monasteries such as Dragalevtsi, Lozen, or Osenovlag; museums such as the Ivan Vazov Museum (named after the most famous Bulgarian writer), the National Museum of Ethnography and National Art Gallery, or the National Museum of Military History.
Finally, you can stroll along the streets, discovering the city and its secrets, or simply rest or simply relax. 

For this, go to one of the green parks of Sofia. You can choose between Borisova Gradina Park, the most famous one, where you can rent a boat for a ride on the park's lake in the summer or go ice skating in the winter; Yujen Park where free concerts take place regularly or Oborishte Park where the Sofia Dramatic Theater is located and, good to know, you can enjoy a WIFI connection in the whole park.

Sofia is endowed with an enormous tourist and even aesthetic asset

It offers the possibility of various activities, depending on the season (walks in summer and snow sports in winter) but also to escape from the bustle of the city for the time of a small excursion in the mountains.

 Finally, the artificial lake of Pancharevo (also called "Sofia Sea") allows you to relax for a weekend. The locals particularly like to spend the weekend in this place where fishing, swimming and water sports are very popular.

Sofia is not lacking in picturesqueness despite the sad buildings of Stalinist architecture that disfigure its panorama. Today, the city finally seems to be coming out of its decrepitude, the facades are repainted, the public squares cleaned, the trees pruned. There is still a lot to do but the impulse is there.

To see for the atmosphere : 

• the book market
• the flea market 
• the big market where vegetables, herbs, and pottery are sold 
• the large pedestrian square Battenberg and the square Svéta Nédélia. 

For culture:

• the magnificent neo-Byzantine cathedral Alexander-Nevski,
• the Museum of Church History
• the national museum of history
• the churches of St. Nicholas, St. Petka, St. Nedelya
• the Banya Bashi mosque 
• the synagogue of Sofia.

In the surroundings, a walk on Vitosha mountain allows you to visit the Boyana church and the Dragalevtsi monastery.

Frequently Asked Questions by Travelers planning a trip to Sofia

Sofia : what to do?

The Bulgarian capital offers a possibility that other capitals do not have: the mountain air, just a stone's throw from the city.
The Vitosha mountain range, at the foot of Sofia, allows you to go hiking in summer.
In winter, put on your skis and go to the Aleko ski resort. Take a walk in Vrana Park where you can admire the botanical collection, the artificial lake, and the small alpine garden.


Also take a trip to the "Sofia University" metro station, where you will see the monument to the Soviet army.
It is a place of interest, especially since the statues of liberating soldiers have been turned into superheroes.

Sofia : what to eat?

If Bulgarian cuisine is not known for its finesse, you will still find good comforting and hearty dishes.

Try the drop sarma, prepared with lamb liver and rice, decorated with herbs. It is covered with a yogurt/egg sauce and baked au gratin.
You can also taste the chorba, the tripe soup (cooked in milk).

Finally, for a little sweetness, treat yourself to a kürtöskalác, a small cylindrical cake with a choice of flavors (plain, hazelnut, cinnamon...).

Sofia : what to bring back?

If you go to Sofia, take the opportunity to offer yourself a small original gift: a communist souvenir.

You can buy them at the flea market, near the cathedral. You can also go to the Sveta Paraskeva church.
Indeed, the basement of the church serves as an "antique" store, even if it is a store of objects: you will find toys, postcards, books, army uniforms, and paintings, among others.

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