Travel Guide to Sofia
When you think of traveling to Europe, you probably don’t consider Bulgaria. Sofia, Bulgaria, has all the makings of a “traditional” European stop for its history, churches, and culture. However, my experience in Sofia proved it to be a seriously underrated city in Europe. It is a budget-friendly destination and has a creative scene that makes it tempting to stay longer.
Sofia is the capital of Bulgaria and its largest city. This diverse city dates from 7000 BC, located in the heart of the Balkan Peninsula. Because it lacks interest by travelers, it’s not as touristy as the other European capitals. I can honestly say that Sofia, Bulgaria was a delightful surprise.
Sofia is a fusion between ancient and modern, historical and contemporary. The city’s history could be traced to the Bronze Age, when it was a settlement of the Thracian tribe, Serdi. Constantine the Great often referred to the city as “Serdica” is my Rome during the Roman Empire.” The current name derives from Saint Sofia Church, one of the oldest churches in the city. Located at the northern foot of Vitosha Mountain makes it easy to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy the fresh air in the mountains.
Best Places to Visit in Sofia
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is the symbol of the capital and is one of the largest Eastern Orthodox cathedrals in the world. This fascinating landmark is over 100 years old, and it will leave you speechless with all its glittering golden domes. This enormous cathedral was pieced together with materials from several countries: marble from Munich, metal from Berlin, and mosaics from Venice.
This Neo-Byzantine-styled building is not only impressive on the outside but is just as impressive on the inside. The cathedral is devoted to all the Russian soldiers that lost their lives during the Russo-Turkish War of 1877-1878. It is named after a Russian prince, Saint Alexander Nevsky, who lived in the 13th century. The location is here.
- Hours: Monday-Friday; 8:00 – 17:00; Saturday worship service is held at 18:00.
The Church of St. George
The Church of St. George is the oldest church in the city and the oldest building! The building dates back to the 4th century, built by the Romans on a pagan temple. Inside, there are beautiful frescoes from the 12th-14th century. Several ancient Roman ruins are seen around the outside of the building. The location is here.
Saint Sofia Church
The church that gave the city its name is Saint Sofia Church dating back to the 4th-6th century. The structure is the best example of Early Christian architecture in Eastern Europe. The location is here.
Saint Sofia Church
Ivan Vazov National Theatre
Ivan Vazov National Theatre
Ivan Vazov National Theatre is one of the most stunning buildings in Sofia. The Neoclassical building is decorated with gold-colored ornaments, lions, and statues of Apollo. Named after a Bulgarian novelist and poet, known as “the Patriarch of Bulgarian literature.” Make sure to enjoy the lovely park with beautiful fountains. The location is here.
- Performances: Visit the website for dates and times.
Vitosha Boulevard
This is the most popular boulevard in the city. As you are strolling down the street, you will be able to find almost everything- cafes, restaurants, shops, etc. This is the busiest spot in Sofia during the warm months. It is a great place to go if you want to sit with a cup of coffee and people watch! The location is here.
National Palace of Culture
This landmark is one of the most emblematic buildings of Soviet architecture in Sofia. The building was officially opened in 1981 to mark 1300 years of the Bulgarian state. Today it operates as a multifunctional conference center, where events and exhibitions are hosted. The location is here.
- Check the website to find out what events are being hosted during your visit and purchase tickets online.
Ancient Serdika
Within the middle of the city center are the remains of the ancient town Serdika, founded 2,000 BC. Constantin the Great often referred to the city as “Serdika is my Rome,” which he loved as well as the mineral spring waters. The ancient town of Serika was discovered when construction began for the metro. The location is here.
Borisova Gradina
Not far from the city center is Borisova Gradina, where you will find many locals hanging out, playing sports, riding bicycles, drinking beer, and enjoying nature. This park is an excellent place for a walk or to take a break from sightseeing. The location is here.
Banya Bashi Mosque
Banya Bashi is a functioning mosque built over natural thermal spas in the 16th century. It is a reminder of the Ottoman rule of Bulgaria. The name Banya Bashi means “many baths.” The location is here.
- Learn more of the history by visiting this website.
- Note: When visiting the mosque, make sure to dress modestly; no shorts, headscarf, etc.
Sveti Sedmochislenitsi Church
Sveti Sedmochislenitsi Church is located in the middle of a beautiful park built from an abandoned mosque. It is known today as Sveti Sedmochislenitsi Church. The name is in reference to Sofia being liberated on the feast day of one of the Holy Seven Saints: Sveti Naum. The location is here.
St. Nedelya Church
The original church was built around the 10th century, hosting the Serbian King Stefan Milutin, who is buried inside the church.
Park Kambanite
Located on the outskirts of the city is Park Kambanite (meaning “the bell”). It was commissioned by Lyudmilla Zhiykova, the daughter of the former communist head of state. The occasion was the Year of the Child 1979. More than 90 countries donated bells for the cause. But, unfortunately, some countries represented no longer exist.
- Location: Take metro line M1 and get off at the last stop. Walk 1km to the site.
Russian Church “Sveti Nikolay Mirlikiiski”
With its five golden domes, and multicolor tile roof is one most picturesque church in Sofia. It was built in 1907 on the site of the Saray Mosque (which was destroyed in 1882) served as an official church of the Russian Embassy (located nearby). Inside are murals that have been darkened from the smoke of candles, have recently been restored. The location is here.
The Red Flat
If you are interested in Communist history or fascinated by life “behind the Iron Curtain,” you absolutely cannot miss the Red Flat. The Red Flat is designed to look like an average home in the communist era. Each item in the house relates to an audio story on the headset you’re given upon arrival. Purchase your ticket at the Gifted store.
- Fee: 18 lev
- Visit the website for more details!
Statue of Sveta Sofia
The Statue of Sveta Sofia is now standing in the place where once the statue of Lenin existed. In honor of the city patrons, it was erected in 2000. The location is here.
Presidential Palace
Built in 1950, it is like all other government buildings. Not much to see on the inside, but fun to watch the changing of the guards (If you have seen Buckingham Palace, you can skip this because it is a replica). Changing of the guards occur every hour on the hour from 8:00 – 16:00. The location is here.
Church of St. Petka of the Saddlers
It is a small church built during the 16th century, the name coming from the saddlers who performed their rituals in the church in the Middle Ages. The church is dedicated to Bulgarian saints from the 11th century. Inside are mural paintings from the 14-17th century. The location is here.
Museums & Galleries to Visit
National Museum of Military History
Here you will find the history of the Bulgarian military from the First Bulgarian Empire to the present. Over 30,000 military artifacts showcased both indoor and outdoor areas. The location is here.
- Hours: Wednesday – Sunday 10:00 – 18:00
- Fee: 8 leva; Military and children under 7 yrs. Free
- Guide: English tours are available for 40 leva
National Archeological Museum
It is located in one of the oldest and largest preserved buildings from the Ottoman period-The Büyük Mosque. The mosque was built in the 15th century under the rule of Mehmed II. During the Russo-Turkish War, the building was utilized as a hospital and later into a library. The location is here.
- Entrance Fee: Last Sunday of the month is free admission. An adult is 10 leva. Guided tours in English are available for 20 leva.
- Hours: May-October; 10:00 – 18:00 daily, November – April; 10:00 -17:00 (Closed on Monday). Check holiday schedules.
National Museum of Natural History
The National Museum of Natural History is the oldest in Bulgaria. It was founded in 1889 by Prince Ferdinand to house his collection of butterflies, birds, and mammals.
- Hours: Monday – Sunday 10:00 -18:30; open daily except January 1, March 3, and December 25.
- Entrance Fee: tickets may be purchased online. The fee ranges from $1.00 – $5.00 per person or family tickets are also available.
Museum of Socialist Art
The museum represents the communist regime in Bulgaria from 1944 to 1989. Many of the exhibits feature paintings and sculptures from the communist period. A statue of Lenin that once stood in the center of the city is located here.
- Hours: Tuesday – Sunday; 10:00 – 18:00, Closed Mondays and Bulgarian holidays.
- Fee: 6 leva
Royal Palace
The former Royal Palace was built after Bulgaria proclaimed Independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1878. The construction started in 1880 during the reign of Prince Alexander of Battenberg, the first monarch of Bulgaria.
Today, the palace houses the National Art Gallery. The gallery features a great collection of contemporary Bulgarian art from the period 1878-19990. The collection contains more than 30,000 masterpieces of paintings, sculptures, and prints. The location is here.
- Hours: Tuesday – Sunday 10:00 – 18:00, Closed on Mondays and official Bulgarian holidays.
- Fee: 6 leva; Lectures in English: 30 leva
Kvadrat 500
One of Sofia’s newest art museums includes Delacroix, Renoir, Picasso, and Vladimir Dimitrov, the most famous Bulgarian artist, located in Kvadrat 500. Over 42,000 artworks from all over the world are represented in the museum. Visit the website for more details.
- Hours: Tuesday-Sunday; 10:00 – 18:00; Closed on Monday and Bulgarian holidays.
- Fee: 10 leva Adult. If you are interested in a lecture in English; 30 leva
Sofia Central Mineral Baths
Bulgaria is known for thermal springs that have brought people to visit since 1913. The Sofia Central Mineral Baths are located in colorful buildings with Byzantine and Eastern Orthodox elements, now known as Sofia History Museum. It was used as a public bath up until about 40 years ago. Today, the building is home to the Museum of Sofia. The location is here.
- Fees: 6 leva; Guided Tour in English is 50 leva
Sofia, Bulgaria is a city well worth a visit! You will find a long list of historical sights to explore, many museums offering art, history, and so much more, as well as a variety of restaurants and cafes. In addition, I found Sofia affordable and easy to walk about the city. Here are a few more recommendations for your visit.
Museums & Galleries to Visit
National Museum of Military History
Here you will find the history of the Bulgarian military from the First Bulgarian Empire to the present. Over 30,000 military artifacts showcased both indoor and outdoor areas. The location is here.
- Hours: Wednesday – Sunday 10:00 – 18:00
- Fee: 8 leva; Military and children under 7 yrs. Free
- Guide: English tours are available for 40 leva
National Archeological Museum
It is located in one of the oldest and largest preserved buildings from the Ottoman period-The Büyük Mosque. The mosque was built in the 15th century under the rule of Mehmed II. During the Russo-Turkish War, the building was utilized as a hospital and later into a library. The location is here.
- Entrance Fee: Last Sunday of the month is free admission. An adult is 10 leva. Guided tours in English are available for 20 leva.
- Hours: May-October; 10:00 – 18:00 daily, November – April; 10:00 -17:00 (Closed on Monday). Check holiday schedules.
National Museum of Natural History
The National Museum of Natural History is the oldest in Bulgaria. It was founded in 1889 by Prince Ferdinand to house his collection of butterflies, birds, and mammals.
- Hours: Monday – Sunday 10:00 -18:30; open daily except January 1, March 3, and December 25.
- Entrance Fee: tickets may be purchased online. The fee ranges from $1.00 – $5.00 per person or family tickets are also available.
Museum of Socialist Art
The museum represents the communist regime in Bulgaria from 1944 to 1989. Many of the exhibits feature paintings and sculptures from the communist period. A statue of Lenin that once stood in the center of the city is located here.
- Hours: Tuesday – Sunday; 10:00 – 18:00, Closed Mondays and Bulgarian holidays.
- Fee: 6 leva
Royal Palace
The former Royal Palace was built after Bulgaria proclaimed Independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1878. The construction started in 1880 during the reign of Prince Alexander of Battenberg, the first monarch of Bulgaria.
Today, the palace houses the National Art Gallery. The gallery features a great collection of contemporary Bulgarian art from the period 1878-19990. The collection contains more than 30,000 masterpieces of paintings, sculptures, and prints. The location is here.
- Hours: Tuesday – Sunday 10:00 – 18:00, Closed on Mondays and official Bulgarian holidays.
- Fee: 6 leva; Lectures in English: 30 leva
Kvadrat 500
One of Sofia’s newest art museums includes Delacroix, Renoir, Picasso, and Vladimir Dimitrov, the most famous Bulgarian artist, located in Kvadrat 500. Over 42,000 artworks from all over the world are represented in the museum. Visit the website for more details.
- Hours: Tuesday-Sunday; 10:00 – 18:00; Closed on Monday and Bulgarian holidays.
- Fee: 10 leva Adult. If you are interested in a lecture in English; 30 leva
Sofia Central Mineral Baths
Bulgaria is known for thermal springs that have brought people to visit since 1913. The Sofia Central Mineral Baths are located in colorful buildings with Byzantine and Eastern Orthodox elements, now known as Sofia History Museum. It was used as a public bath up until about 40 years ago. Today, the building is home to the Museum of Sofia. The location is here.
- Fees: 6 leva; Guided Tour in English is 50 leva
Sofia, Bulgaria is a city well worth a visit! You will find a long list of historical sights to explore, many museums offering art, history, and so much more, as well as a variety of restaurants and cafes. In addition, I found Sofia affordable and easy to walk about the city. Here are a few more recommendations for your visit.
Where to Eat in Sofia
Villa Rosiche is a great place to eat cake, or if you have a sweet tooth and need something to satisfy you, this would be a great place to visit. The café is set in an old house with a lovely little garden near Vitosha Boulevard.
Gelateria Nutrale is an excellent option if you wish to eat ice cream.
Pod Liptie serves up traditional Bulgarian food such as Shopska Salad with Bulgarian rakia. Most of the produce comes from their farm.
Aubergine is a very cozy restaurant using interesting spices serving up some tasty dishes. Each meal is paired with local craft beer.
Mekitsa and Coffee is a wonderful place to start your day by enjoying a hearty breakfast.
The Apartment is a trendy spot, serving unique teas and delicious cakes. The design of this café is precisely as you would imagine it to be “an apartment.”
Rainbow Factory is located in a hipster neighborhood; it doesn’t look like much from the outside but is a great place to enjoy breakfast. Avocado toasts and eggs, along with Bulgarian breakfast such as banitsa and mekitsi with jam and cheese, are great options.
Q-ftetaria is a place to go if you are a meat lover. The menu focuses on meatballs, coming in a variety of flavors.
Restaurant Shtastliveca located on Vitosha Boulevard makes for a great place to enjoy lunch or dinner. The atmosphere is beautifully decorated with intimate seating. The menus offer a wide range of choices to pick from, along with Bulgarian crafted beers.
Rainbow Factory
Where to Stay in Sofia
R34 Boutique Hotel is a mix between Airbnb and a hotel located in the city’s heart. The rooms are creative in design and a good value for the money. Make sure you plan to arrive late that you arrange key pick up.
Sense Hotel Sofia is a modern hotel with modern and contemporary design rooms that view the city near Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and the Parliament. The hotel has a beautiful swimming pool, relaxing spa, and restaurant.
Central Hotel Sofia is located in the city center, perfect for walking to major attractions. Options to have a double or twin bedroom, several with seating areas and mini kitchens. Check as breakfast may be included.
Grand Hotel Sofia is a deluxe five-star hotel located next to the Sofia City Art Gallery. Rooms are large with a seating area. Bathrooms are spacious with a relaxing jacuzzi bathtub.
To find a perfect hotel, search Hotels.com
Tour Options
- Free Walking Tour: a great way to understand the city’s history and learn from locals about the community.
- Tour Schedule: Offered Daily at 11:00 & 18:00; meeting at the Palace of Justice.
- Street Art Tour: Murals are scattered throughout the city. If you enjoy wall art and want to get some amazing photographs, make sure to take this 2-hour tour at 18:00 daily.
- Balkan Bites Tour: This free food tour allows you to sample various types of Bulgarian food at different restaurants and authentic bakeries. The time takes about 2 hours, and in addition to sampling food, you will also learn the history behind the dishes.
- Tip: Book a place online via Facebook or arrive 20 minutes early at the meeting point. Don’t arrive late, or you will be turned away from the tour.
- Tour Schedule: Tours are daily at 14:00 from Crystal Garden.
Helpful Information
- If you have any questions or concerns about travel to Bulgaria from the United States, please review the website.
- Planning to stay in the city for a while, purchase a Sofia City Card.
Enjoy your travels! Please read my blog about other exciting places around the world at Traveling Lens Photography.
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Inshallah! ( God willing)
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