The Best Travel Guide to Sofia

All Travel Guides

Bulgaria

Sofia

Provided by: RossHelen/Shutterstock.com

Our travel guides are free to read and explore online. If you want to get your own copy, the full travel guide for this destination is available to you offline* to bring along anywhere or print for your trip.

*this will be downloaded as a PDF.

Price

€4,95

Purchase

Europe Bulgaria Sofia

Overview

Sofia The guide was updated: 2023-10-27

Sofia could be likened to a Sleeping Beauty rousing from her slumbers, reawakening to share her charm with the rest of the world. With relics from Roman times to the Soviet era, a vibrant cultural and entertainment scene, and breathtaking views of the Vitosha mountain massif, Sofia is ready to reclaim her rightful place as one of the leading lights on the European sky.

Facts

Population:	Approximately 1,2 million
Currency:	Euro (EUR) €1 = 100 cents 1 Lev (BGN) = 100 stotinki
Search Accommodation:	Hotels »
Emergency numbers:	Emergency: 112 Fire Brigade: 160 Police: 166
Newspapers:	Duma Trud 24 Chasa The Sofia Echo
Website:	www.visitsofia.bg/en
Opening hours:	Most shops are open from 10 am until 8 pm on weekdays and between 11 am and 7 pm on weekends. Big shopping malls are normally open from 10 am to 10 pm.
Tourist information:	Tourist Information Centre 1 Sveta Nedelia Sq, Sofia July-September: Mon-Fri 8 am-8 pm. Sat-Sun 10 am-6 pm October-December: Mon-Fri 9.30 am-6.30 pm Closed on Public Holidays +359 2 987 9778

Read more

Section in Sofia

The central downtown district is where you will find the major sights of Sofia’s long history, with traces of Roman, Byzantine, and Soviet presence (neoclassical Stalinist architecture is still to be seen). This is also the city's business and commercial heart, where the major shopping avenues and entertainment areas are located.

Aleksandar Nevski Memorial Church

Aleksandar Nevski Memorial Church

This is the most popular tourist attraction in Sofia. The beautiful orthodox cathedral was built in 1912 and took 30 years to complete. The cathedral was created in honor of the Russians soldiers that died in the Russo-Turkish war and holds up to 10,000 people.

Russian Church of St Nicholas

Russian Church of St Nicholas

This gorgeous Russian Orthodox church is located in central Sofia. It was built by Russia after the liberation of Bulgaria. The grave of Saint Archbishop Seraphim is located under the main floor - believers still visit for pilgrimages, leaving notes with wishes and prayers.

Rotunda of St George

Rotunda of St George

Encircled withing a courtyard of modern dwelling buildings, Rotunda of St George is the oldest preserved structure in the city, which has also been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. The beautiful cupola holds a fourteenth-century portrait of Christ surrounded by four angels.

Ethnographic Museum

Ethnographic Museum

Here you can view excellent displays of folk art and crafts. The museum has several different collections of items such as traditional clothing, copper objects, woodcarving, ceramics, and more. It is a rather compact space, but the guide provides comprehensive information about the exhibits.

Boyana Church

Boyana Church

Boyana Church is the oldest Orthodox church in Sofia. This medieval construction, set in a green area at the foot of the mountains, was added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites due to its renaissance-style frescoes. In the church you can see 89 scenes with 240 human images.

Mount Vitosha

Mount Vitosha

If you want to escape the pace of the city you can go to Mount Vitosha, whose peak is visible from multiple spots in the city. Here you can enjoy a hike through the forested slopes or rocky peaks, and even go rock climbing if active pursuits are a thing for you.

Ivan Vazov National Theater

Ivan Vazov National Theater

This old, ornate building is a perfect place to go for some of the best postcard-ready photos in town. Its main draw, however, are the many shows held here. Check the schedule to see what performances are currently put on. Tickets may be bought online.

Saint Nedelja Church

Saint Nedelja Church

Another one of the city's many religious structures, the Saint Nedelja Church dates back to as early as the 16th century, and can be found in the heart of Sofia. If you enjoy old icons and beautiful architecture, stop by along the route of your itinerary.

Museum of Socialist Art

Museum of Socialist Art

The Museum of Socialist Art first opened in 2011. Here you can find a sculpture park and exhibitions featuring paintings and plastic easel works that relate to the socialist era in one way or another. The sculpture park contains a plethora of statues, from prominent leaders to factory workers.

National Opera and Ballet

National Opera and Ballet

A lesser-know attraction, the National Opera and Ballet is Sophia's hidden gem. Performances are of very high quality, and good seats are easy to get (and incredibly great value). This is also the place to go and listen to classical music by great masters like Wagner and Rossini.

Vitosha Boulevard

Vitosha Boulevard

Vitosha, one of the most popular streets in Sofia, is certainly the place to be on a sunny day. This spacious boulevard has many cafés and shops, and is teeming with leisurely strollers and shoppers at almost any given time. The Vitosha Mountain dramatically dominates the skyline in the south.

Statue of Slaveikovs

Statue of Slaveikovs

The famous Statue of Slaveikovs is located in its namesake Slaveikov Square. The statue eternalizes two poets, a father and son, sitting on a bench. Feel free to sit down right next to the famed Bulgarian publicists and capture the moment on camera.

Food Tour

Food Tour

A different way to discover what the city has to offer in terms of culinary delights, a food tour is good for those looking to discover some under-the-radar family-run restaurants and sample some incredible local cuisine. One company that offers such tours is Balkan Bites:

Boyana Waterfall

Boyana Waterfall

Boyana Waterfall is a natural waterfall that can be reached going up from the Boyana neighbourhood (Boyana Church). Marked paths of two levels of difficulty are available (the shorter route is much steeper, and better for dry weather). Guided tours are offered by Sofia Green Tour:

Borisova Gradina

Borisova Gradina

One of the nicest green areas in the city, Borisova Gradina is where locals come to spend a leisurly afternoon when the weather allows. Nearby are Vasil Levski and CSKA Stadiums, so the park will fit well into football-lovers' itineraries. There are a few cafes and children's playgrounds on premises.

Monument to the Soviet Army

Monument to the Soviet Army

A must-see landmark, the Monument to the Soviet Army is a nostalgic reminder of socialist times. It shows a brave soldier surrounded by hard-working members of the proletariat looking ahead to the bright future that awaits. Located at the eastern entrance to Borisova Gradina park.

Load more