When I first planned my trip to Bulgaria, I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect. Sofia wasn’t one of those cities I’d grown up hearing about. But let me tell you — from the moment I stepped onto the sun-drenched streets surrounded by golden domes and Roman ruins, Sofia won me over. It’s rich in culture, surprisingly affordable, and filled with the kind of experiences that linger long after you’ve left.
Let me take you through my personal list of unforgettable things to do in Sofia — from majestic cathedrals to quirky courtyard cafés — and all the moments in between.
Why I Decided to Visit Sofia
I’ll be honest — Sofia wasn’t originally on my travel radar. But after reading about Bulgaria’s mix of Roman, Ottoman, and Soviet influences, affordable prices, and warm locals, I was hooked. Plus, it’s a perfect starting point for Balkan travel, with easy day trips to Rila Monastery and Vitosha Mountain.
My First Impressions: Friendly Faces & Ancient Streets
Stepping out of the airport, I immediately noticed how welcoming the city felt. The locals helped me navigate the metro (super easy, by the way), and I was in the city center within 30 minutes. Sofia feels lived-in yet layered with history. Every corner had something to discover — from 2,000-year-old Roman ruins to modern murals.
Exploring the Iconic Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
It’s impossible to visit Sofia and not be awed by the majestic Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. With its shimmering gold dome and green oxidized copper rooftops, it’s one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world.
I spent nearly an hour admiring the frescoes and the eerie yet beautiful crypt beneath — which also houses a museum of religious icons.
📍 Location: Pl. Sveti Aleksandar Nevski
🕰️ Opening hours: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM (free to enter)
Discovering Roman Ruins Beneath the City Center
One of the coolest things about Sofia is how its ancient Roman history is literally under your feet. The Serdica archaeological complex sits just below the modern city. I stumbled upon it walking through the metro station — suddenly surrounded by 4th-century ruins, including baths and streets once part of ancient Serdica.
📍 Located between the Serdika and TZUM metro stations
Strolling Vitosha Boulevard: Cafés, Boutiques & People-Watching
Vitosha Boulevard became my go-to hangout. This lively pedestrian street is lined with designer stores, book cafés, ice cream stands, and bustling patios.
Tip: Grab a seat at Raffy Bar & Gelato — their Aperol spritz was divine.
🛍️ Bonus: Many local boutiques have handmade jewelry and leather goods you won’t find elsewhere.
Hiking Vitosha Mountain for Panoramic Views
Just a 30-minute taxi or lift ride away, Vitosha Mountain is the perfect nature escape from the city. I joined a half-day hike that took us up to Boyana Waterfall and Boyana Church — a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The views of Sofia from the top? Absolutely worth the climb.
🎫 Book a Vitosha hiking tour: GetYourGuide
Sofia’s Free Walking Tours: History with Humor
I joined the Free Sofia Tour and it was one of the best intro-to-the-city experiences I’ve ever had. Our guide mixed fascinating history with local legends and hilarious stories about the country’s royal past.
🕒 Tours at 11 AM and 2 PM daily
🎫 Reserve: freesofiatour.com
Visiting the National Palace of Culture (NDK)
NDK is a huge, brutalist-style conference center and cultural venue in the heart of Sofia. Though not everyone loves its architecture, it grew on me. Inside, there are art exhibitions, concerts, and cafes — and the fountain out front is great for selfies.
📍 Boulevard Vitosha
Tasting Traditional Bulgarian Food at a Local Tavern
Let me rave about Bulgarian food. I dined at a traditional mehana (tavern) and ordered Shopska salad (tomato, cucumber, feta), grilled kebapche (spiced meat sticks), and banitsa (cheese pastry). Washed it all down with a shot of rakia (fruit brandy) — be warned, it’s strong!
Best mehana I visited: Hadjidraganovite Kashti — with live folk music and rustic decor.
Day Trip to Rila Monastery: A Sacred Escape
Rila Monastery, nestled in the Rila Mountains, is one of Bulgaria’s spiritual and architectural treasures. I booked a shuttle day tour, which included Boyana Church and lunch in the forest.
The monastery’s black and white striped arches and colorful frescoes were breathtaking.
🎫 Tour + transport: rilamonasterybus.com
Soaking in the Mineral Baths of Sofia
Sofia sits atop thermal springs, and the Central Mineral Baths are a testament to that. Though the bathhouse itself is now a museum, I filled my bottle from the nearby public fountains — the water is warm, rich in minerals, and free to drink.
You can still soak in mineral water at nearby hotels like Central Club Hotel Sofia.
🛁 Book spa hotels: booking.com
Admiring the Street Art & Hidden Courtyards
Behind many of Sofia’s buildings lie charming inner courtyards covered in murals and local art. I joined the Sofia Graffiti Tour, which took us through hidden alleys and explained the evolution of Bulgaria’s street art scene.
🎨 Free tour (reservation required): sofiagraffititour.com
Browsing Books at Slaveykov Square
This open-air book market is paradise for bookworms. I browsed secondhand books, vintage postcards, and maps — and even found a translated copy of Bulgarian poetry to take home.
The Enchanting Ivan Vazov National Theatre
Set against a blooming garden with fountains, the Ivan Vazov National Theatre is as beautiful outside as it is inside. If you have time, grab tickets to a performance or just admire its neoclassical facade lit up at night.
Watching the Changing of the Guards at Presidency Square
Every hour, the guards at Bulgaria’s presidential building switch shifts — a short but very formal ceremony worth catching. It’s located right behind the Council of Ministers building, near the Church of St. George Rotunda.
📸 Photo tip: Snap pics under the big stone arch with the cathedral dome in the background.
Exploring Sofia’s Synagogue and Mosque in Harmony
Few cities can boast such close religious coexistence. Within a few blocks, you’ll find the Sofia Synagogue (one of Europe’s largest), Banya Bashi Mosque, and several Orthodox churches — all operating peacefully.
It’s a beautiful testament to Bulgaria’s cultural layers.
Visiting the National History Museum & Boyana Church
Located in the outskirts near Vitosha, the National History Museum is filled with Thracian gold, medieval manuscripts, and royal artifacts.
Pair it with a visit to the 10th-century Boyana Church to admire its stunning medieval frescoes.
Local Markets I Loved: Zhenski Pazar & Central Market Hall
I adore markets, and Zhenski Pazar (Women’s Market) didn’t disappoint. Expect spices, fresh produce, textiles, and street snacks.
Nearby, the Central Market Hall offers a more upscale experience — perfect for grabbing souvenirs or Bulgarian rose oil.
Where I Stayed: My Boutique Hotel Experience in Sofia
I stayed at the Central Point Boutique Hotel — and highly recommend it. The location was central, my room had a balcony, and the spa facilities were dreamy after long walks.
Other top hotels:
- Central Hotel Sofia (expedia.com)
- Rosslyn Thracia Hotel Sofia
- Hotel Via Serdika
Getting Around Sofia Like a Local
Sofia’s metro is clean, efficient, and cheap. Single rides are about 1.60 BGN ($0.90), and stations are well-marked. Trams are quirky but fun — just remember to validate your ticket!
Tip: Download the Moovit app for local transit info.
Final Reflections: Why I’d Return in a Heartbeat
Sofia surprised me in all the best ways. It’s a city that wears its history with pride but still embraces creativity, community, and warmth. Whether you’re sipping coffee on Vitosha Boulevard, hiking to a waterfall, or admiring gold-domed cathedrals, you’ll feel like you’ve stumbled onto a secret.
And if you ask me, the best things to do in Sofia are often the simplest: wander, taste, talk, and let the city work its magic on you.
