24 Very best Factors to Do in Sofia in 2024
Currently being the cash, Sofia is a single of the ideal places to stop by in Bulgaria. This city is packed with lifestyle, background, architecture and amazing people.
There is a good deal of amazing factors to do in Sofia ranging from church buildings and mosques to wonderful, scenic destinations. Discovering the sights in the town centre are a ought to-do for everyone viewing Sofia.
Subsequent this, we reckon it’s a fantastic plan to head out on day excursions depending on how a great deal time you have remaining.
Rila Monastery and Vitosha Mountain are the noticeable picks, but Belogradchik is a different spectacular possibility. You can even stop by Plovdiv from Sofia if you aren’t already arranging to devote some evenings there.
Points to Do in Sofia
1. Check out Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
It ought to occur as no shock that the unbelievable Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is at the prime of this listing. This Jap Orthodox cathedral was accomplished in 1912 and constructed as a tribute to the Russian troopers who died in the Russo-Turkish War of 1877-1878.
This was a notably pivotal war for Bulgaria as these troopers fought and died to liberate Bulgaria from the reign of the Ottoman Empire, returning Bulgaria to the people who are living there.
The cathedral is monumental, standing 53m significant with a capability of 5,000 worshippers we had been instructed it was the premier Jap Orthodox cathedral in the earth till the yr 2,000 when the Serbs bought a greater 1.
Entrance to the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is definitely free and it is a should-take a look at for any person exploring Sofia.
2. Just take a Day Journey to Rila Monastery
Getting these types of a compact region, there are a lot of achievable day outings from Sofia. Traveling to the Rila Monastery is the most well-known just one and we’d advocate it as the most important day trip. If you have more time, of class, you can check out out some other individuals but appear into accomplishing this 1 to start with.
Regretably, obtaining to Rila Monastery is just about difficult by community transport, particularly if you desire to discover the nearby lakes. It is a about two hour generate so your finest guess is to reserve a tour that consists of the 7 Rila Lakes as effectively. We recommend this preferred just one which can take 12 hrs and is rather inexpensive. Make guaranteed to verify that the chairlift is working for the lakes.
The monastery by itself is a pivotal element of Bulgaria’s history, having been constructed around 1,000 several years in the past by the pupils of the hermit Ivan of Rila, who the monastery was named immediately after.
It is also a UNESCO earth heritage web-site, however, many folks take a look at to see the special layouts of the structures, especially for their striped paintwork. This can make it a single of the most remarkable and special monasteries in the location, as nicely as a single of the most essential historically.
If you’re on a spending plan, or the lakes are inaccessible (this occurs outside the house of Summer months), then this is the greatest tour. It is seriously low-priced as it brings together Boyana Church with Rila Monastery, but skips the Rila Lakes. We reckon the lakes are truly worth the further charge if you can pay for it, even though.
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3. See the Regional Historical past Museum aka Central Mineral Baths
The Central Mineral Baths had been at first, as the title implies, the area where by citizens headed when they desired a bathtub. It was utilized up till 1986, however, from the early 20th century it turned increasingly prevalent for persons to have water plumbed into their homes, decreasing the need to have to head out for a bathtub.
These times, never bring your towel when viewing the baths. They’ve considering that been transformed into the Regional Heritage Museum which is a fantastic museum exhibiting the heritage of Bulgaria.
4. Visit the Saint Sofia Church
Positioned upcoming to the significantly a lot more renowned Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the Saint Sofia Church is the oldest church in Sofia relationship back to the 4th century.
Curiously, there was a statue of Saint Sofia erected in the city by the Bulgarian govt which incorrectly assumed the town was named soon after the Saint. As an alternative, the city was named after the Saint Sofia Church.
This is because a lot of persons checking out Sofia, known as Serdika at the time, had been truly browsing the Saint Sofia Church and the name became primarily synonymous with the city so they resolved to modify it.
As a final result, absolutely everyone hates the statue in Sofia, but they really like the church and we can see why.
5. Hike to Boyana Waterfall
The Boyana Waterfall is a scenic waterfall found on Mount Vitosha. It is simple to consider community transportation to the starting up level of the hike at the foot of the mountain here.
We uncovered the hike to the leading rather tough and the footing really slippery with no climbing boots but certainly do-in a position in May possibly. The waterfall itself is stunning and the park is tranquil and tranquil.
6. Take a look at the Historic Serdica Archaeological Elaborate
When the council was digging the tunnel for the Sofia subway they arrived across ruins from the historic town of Serdica. Development of the tunnel was paused to let archeologists to excavate the ruins, unveiling what you can see currently.
The ruins date back again to the 2nd Century and it is amazing how you can see them preserved, for no cost, as you stroll as a result of the educate station.
7. Sit Inside of the Banya Bashi Mosque
All through the Ottoman rule of Sofia the Banya Bashi Mosque was made. There was after hundreds of mosques about Sofia, nevertheless now it is the only performing mosque in Sofia as most of the state has transformed to Orthodox Christianity.
It is an imposing construction, standing tall in the center of city and created entirely out of bricks. The identify Banya Bashi translates to ‘many baths’, likely because of to its site on major of purely natural thermal spas.
The Banya Bashi Mosque is cost-free to go to outside the house of prayer occasions. Recall to have on a head covering if you are feminine and the two men and women of all ages need to costume conservatively.
8. Head to the Belogradchik Rocks
The Belogradchik rocks are in fact a 3-hour drive from Sofia so they don’t definitely represent one particular of the best matters to do in Sofia, but they are 1 of Bulgaria’s normal wonders and technically reachable inside a single incredibly extended day.
These obviously fashioned sandstone rocks are amazing and ideal for allowing your creativeness operate wild. Belogradchik Fortress is located in close proximity to the rocks and uses them as a part of its exceptional fortifications.
Getting below from Sofia is only seriously achievable on a working day journey these kinds of as this a single which usually takes 10 hrs and features transport, guide and entrance fees.
9. Attend a Free of charge Going for walks Tour
In our view, a person of the best items to do in Sofia is to show up at a single of the Free Sofia Going for walks Tours held 3 instances a working day. You can obtain the area on Google Maps in this article and you can verify their web page for the instances as they adjust once in a while.
The great element is that in just two several hours you will be in a position to tick off a lot of the things to do on this record along with a proficient tour information who we found to be incredible.
It is value noting that these tours are not really free – one thing which we locate a bit deceptive. There is also some controversy about the ethics of no cost walking tours in standard, however, we located this tour to be great so we have to endorse it regardless.
When it arrives to tipping you should really suggestion what you feel the tour was well worth. No a single at any time seriously is familiar with the ideal total, but most people tip all over $10 BGN, with a few people today tipping extra, fewer or not at all.
10. Admire the Countrywide Palace of Tradition
Just one of the most spectacular buildings in Sofia is the Countrywide Palace of Tradition. There’s no need to go inside of (except you are attending a clearly show), but we reckon it is well value going for walks to the conclude of Vitosha Boulevard to admire the architecture.
11. See the St. George Rotunda Church
The St George Rotunda Church was crafted in the early 4th Century by emperor Constantine the Great. He was recognized to like Serdika, now Sofia, so a great deal that he thought of creating it the cash instead of Constantinople.
He visited Sofia typically to love his baths so he made the decision to create a church appropriate upcoming to them – the St. George Rotunda Church.
Walk earlier the baths and check out the church, think about wandering within to see the well-preserved inside. If you are undertaking the free walking tour it will get you earlier this spot.
12. Climb or Go Skiing on Mount Vitosha
Everybody visiting Sofia should get to working experience the mountain that usually means so much to the city. If you’re travelling during summer season there are miles of tracks close to Mount Vitosha that present commanding sights more than the area.
If you are checking out during winter, which we’re hoping to do a person working day, you can head up Mount Vitosha to go skiing or snowboarding. The vacation resort appears to be like very affordable and the town is super near indicating you can keep in Sofia, love all the places to eat and amenities of a large town then head up the mountain for the duration of the times.
13. Take a look at Sveta Nedelya Church
At a single finish of the popular Vitosha Boulevard you will occur throughout the Sveta Nedelya Church. You will see it at any level as you walk down Vitosha Boulevard.
Like most churches in Sofia, it is an Jap Orthodox Cathedral that dates again to the 10th Century.
From the outside it is impressive, but from the inside of there are intricate paintings and carvings that make it truly worth venturing within.
14. Stroll along Vitosha Boulevard
The principal walking street, Vitosha Boulevard, stretches through the centre of Sofia. It is the central spot of the town and the principal vacationer district where you’ll uncover quite a few retailers, dining establishments and bars lining the streets.
The most well known places have glass containers extending out into the boulevard which are perfect for sitting down and having fun with a espresso or a cocktail even though you enjoy the crowds stroll earlier.
15. Test Out the Earth and Gentleman Countrywide Museum
The Earth and Individuals Museum is one particular of the premier mineralogical museums in the globe. If you nerd out above rocks and minerals, then you’ll be fired up to see its thorough collection of crystals, gemstones and rocks.
The exhibition has gathered rocks from all about the environment (truly, also from the moon) and will be significantly extraordinary for any one viewing Bulgaria. The spotlight of the museum are the large crystals that had been brought below from Brazil.
The museum is open up each day and expenditures 10 LEV to enter.
16. End by the Church of St. Petka
The Church of St Petka is an intriguing, minor church found correct next to the teach station. It was uncovered throughout excavation for the subway, with the subway likely on pause for 5 many years when the archeologists worked on the church.
It is a medieval Bulgarian Orthodox Church which was established up by the Saddlers. The saddlers have been an really significant and wealthy team in Sofia during the time which is why they resolved to set up their personal church.
You just can’t go within but you can admire it from the outside, the two in the train station and from the street previously mentioned.
17. Admire the Ivan Vazov Nationwide Theater
Throughout the early 20th Century Ivan Vazov was a movie star in Sofia. He was a poet, novelist and playwright who was mainly responsible for the foundation of Sofia’s tradition and development of literacy in the city.
This amazing theatre was founded in 1904, but in 1962 its title was adjusted to consist of the famed author Ivan Vzov who was beloved by a lot of in Sofia. We’d enjoy to pay a visit to to check out a perform just one day but from the exterior this is a marvellous creating and the encompassing park is gorgeous. It is the great place for an evening stroll.
18. Stroll all over the Awesome Avenue Art
As you check out Sofia you will not be capable to pass up the abundance of street artwork painted on walls throughout the town. From complete structures to little, person artworks, these are not your standard metropolis graffiti. These are genuine works of artwork that completely transform the metropolis into an artwork gallery.
We appreciated stopping as we walked all over to admire the paintings, nonetheless, there is a street artwork tour supplied by 365 Affiliation that I am confident would be really worth checking out.
19. Find out About Bulgaria at the Countrywide Archaeological Museum
Launched in 1892, the National Archaeological Museum in Sofia is the household of thousands of artefacts documenting Bulgaria’s abundant and intensive history, from Stone and Bronze Ages to nowadays.
Artefacts assortment from mosaics, pottery and sculptures to artworks and national treasures.
Also of interest is the exclusive locale of the museum, which uses the previous Fantastic Mosque, Koca Mahmut Paşa Camii, as its creating to property all the artefacts. This is the oldest and premier previous mosque in Bulgaria.
20. Peruse the National Art Gallery
If you adore art this will be just one of the finest totally free factors to do in Sofia, as it is residence to in excess of 50,000 objects ranging from painting and prints to sculptures.
The gallery is housed within just the historic Ottoman Chelebi mosque and Ottoman konak which have been afterwards transformed into the Royal Palace of Bulgaria.
If you’re not as fired up by artwork as some and really feel like skipping this, at least wander past as the building is surely remarkable.
Entrance to the gallery is absolutely free.
21. Check out the Church of St. Nicholas the Miracle-Maker
Exactly where Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is certainly the most remarkable cathedral in Sofia, if not the entire Balkan area, St Nicholas the Miracle-Maker is a adorable variation with ornate interior decorations and a beautiful exterior.
It is worthy of heading inside of to the exquisite paintings, on the other hand, we feel the Church of St. Nicholas the Miracle-Maker is best considered from the outside. It is the perfect instance of 17th Century Russian Orthodox design and style, with gold domes topped with crosses.
22. National Heritage Museum
The Countrywide Heritage Museum in Sofia is Bulgaria’s greatest museum containing in excess of 650,000 objects linked to archaeology, great arts, background and ethnography. Despite the fact that just 10% of these objects are on exhibit, the museum is however very massive and can choose a although to investigate.
Entrance to the National Background Museum is 12 BGN. Record fans and museum-obsessed travellers should really make sure it’s on their museum, but normally if you’re shorter on time there are better museums in Europe.
23. Head Within Sofia Synagogue
The Sofia Synagogue is the major synagogue in Southeastern Europe and 1 of just two in Bulgaria. The synagogue held a pivotal role in Bulgaria’s history, participating in a significant section in preserving the significant Jewish population in Sofia during WW2.
Regardless of staying an ally of Germany all through the war, Bulgaria was the only a person who managed to safeguard all of the jews residing in the country, primarily owing to protests by the people today and the chief of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church.
The jewish population in Bulgaria has shrunk appreciably with most getting migrated to Israel.
Entrance is 5 LEV.
24. Try out the Community Delicacies
Bulgarian foods is predominantly Balkan with some attention-grabbing influences from Turkey, Greece and Russia. You will locate kebabs and pizza all above the place, however, these aren’t specifically classic.
Soups are a popular local dish, including fish soup, tripe soup and tarator (which is a cucumber and yoghurt soup comparable to tzatziki).
Our favorite spot to check out the area delicacies, and for affordable, is Магданоз located here.
The place to Stay in Sofia
There are a good deal of awesome locations to remain in Sofia, even so, we have offered a pair of our favorite finances alternatives down below. We’d also advocate going to Plovdiv so we involved a couple of suggestions for Plovdiv as nicely!
Sofia
Spending plan & Mid-Assortment: Hostel N1 – Procedures. A Ton of principles. No ingesting, tranquil immediately after 10pm, added costs for things you’d get for absolutely free at other hostels. Nevertheless, Nina was these a kind operator and the position was really terrific. If you’re searching for a silent hostel where the other attendees are commonly all good folks, then Hostel N1 is for you. You are going to satisfy other travellers, but be capable to snooze early.
Spending plan & Mid-Range: Hostel Mostel – If you’re right after a bit much more of a vibe then Hostel Mostel is the place for you. If not for the one point that you’re permitted to consume at the hostel. Velin, the proprietor of Ginger Residence in Plovdiv, encouraged Hostel Mostel, as did a bunch of other travellers we achieved in Plovdiv. It’s most likely the very best decide on in Sofia.
Plovdiv
Funds & Mid-Variety: Ginger House – We stayed here and it was a single of the greatest places we have stayed. The owner, Velin, was the kindest and most useful hostel owner we’ve ever satisfied. The rooms are thoroughly clean and essential but it is Velin who can make this place so awesome. Keep below! The vibe was silent but we fulfilled a whole lot of amazing men and women staying in this article.
Spending plan & Mid-Array: Hostel Aged Plovdiv – We did not continue to be listed here but we met a lot of other travellers who did. It has more of a vibe than Ginger House and is in a improved spot. If you’re wanting someplace with a buzzier environment then attempt this.
