Are you looking at visiting Eastern Europe? Bulgaria is a diverse destination in the far east of the continent with a capital city that is full of history, culture, parks, markets and great food. There are lots of things to do in Sofia that make it a unique city destination for a trip.
- Travel to Bulgaria
- About Sofia
- Best time to visit?
- How long do you need?
- Getting there
- Getting around
- Things to do in Sofia
- Bulgarian food
- Where to eat
- Where to stay
- Motorhome parking
A (little) bit about the history of Sofia and Bulgaria
Bulgaria is a country in Eastern Europe with a history that spans several millennia.
The territory of modern-day Bulgaria was originally inhabited by Thracian and Slavic tribes, and later became part of the Roman Empire.
Sofia was initially known as Serdika and became the capital in 1879 after liberation from Ottoman rule.
About Sofia
Sofia is the capital and largest city of Bulgaria. It is situated in the western part of the country in the Sofia Valley at the foot of Vitosha Mountain.
As a capital city is a vibrant destination with history, culture, brilliant architecture and a whole lot of cafes that have made it a new foodie landing place.
What is it like to visit?
The capital city of Bulgaria is a beautiful city to explore and easy to get around by metro and tram.
We spent two full days in the city which meant lots of metro rides and churches. But it also meant plenty of time to taste our way around too…
What is the best time of year to visit?
Like much of Eastern Europe, Sofia gets seriously cold in the winter months. So the best time to visit Sofia is during spring (April-May) or autumn (September-October) for pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
We visited in May while the weather was beautiful.
How long do you need?
To experience Sofias main attractions, we reckon you need two days.
This is enough time to explore the city’s historic centre, visit key sights like the Alexander Nevski Cathedral, the Mineral Baths, Ladies Market and you have plenty of time to taste some new Bulgarian foods.
We spent three nights in Sofia and had two days of exploring in the city. This was a good amount of time for a first visit – and we would love to go back.
With 1 – 2 days in the city you can see all the things to do in Sofia listed below.
Getting to Sofia, Bulgaria
Sofia is well connected with other European cities by air, rail and road.
Flights
Sofia is well connected with other European cities by air. There are regular flights to Europe and Türkiye including cheap flights with Wizz Air and RyanAir.
To get from the airport to the city centre, you can take a direct train to Serdika Station.
Train
There are both national and international train routes to Sofia.
Bus
There are regular international bus routes from other countries in the Balkans, such as Serbia, North Macedonia and Romania.
Car
If you are travelling in your own vehicle, it is easy to reach Sofia from Greece, North Macedonia, Serbia and Romania.
We arrived to Sofia from Greece. Then from Sofia we headed north to Bucharest. The drive from Sofia to Bucharest is around 5 – 6 hours.
- Read about things to do in Bucharest, Romania.
Getting around in Sofia
Sofia is a very walkable city. We took the train from the city outskirts into the centre of town.
Most of the things to do in Sofia listed below are within walking distance.
Things to do in Sofia, Bulgaria
In no particular order (more so in the order we visited) these are 10 things to do in Sofia, Bulgaria on a first time visit.
1. Serdika Ruins – Things to do in Sofia
This was the first of the things to do in Sofia on our itinerary as we disembarked the metro at Serdika Station.
Serdika is the historical Roman name of the settlement that is now the city of Sofia. The remains were unearthed from 2010 to 2012 during construction of the metro.
The town of Serdika was founded 2,000 years BC by the Thracian tribe Serdi, who settled in the region around the hot mineral springs.
Now literally as soon as you exit the station you can see evidence of the ruins. There are fragments of eight streets, an early Christian Basilica, baths and houses dating from the 4th to 6th centuries.
2. Church of St Patka – Sveta Petka Samardzhiiska Church
The tiny church of Sveta Petka is located in the centre of the Serdika metro complex. This church was built during the early years of Ottoman rule in the late 14th century.
It isn’t one of the things to do in Sofia that takes up much time. But it is worth a mention – and a stop to see.
It is pretty incredible to step off the metro right into millennia-old history!
- Tip: To get to the Serdika area from Sofia’s Central Railway Station, you can take the Sofia Metro line M2 (Blue Line) to Serdika Station.
3. Sofia Central Mineral Baths
Bulgaria is – apparently – a land of thermal activity and bubbling mineral springs. We didn’t know this before we visited!
In the centre of the city in Sofia you will find the historic Central Mineral Baths.
It was built in the early 20th century near the former Turkish bath (then destroyed) and was used as the city’s public baths until 1986. At the height of its time, the Sofia Central Mineral Baths was one of the city’s most popular bathhouses.
It isn’t open today as a public bathhouse. But it is one of the unique free things to do in Sofia.
4. Central Baths Fountain
Despite the baths no longer being in operation, the grounds of the Central Mineral Baths are stunning. There is a surrounding scenic park that is still home to a fountain that emits hot mineral water to the public.
We watched locals literally lining up bottles and bottles to collect mineral water from the fountains.
5. Zhenski Pazar Women’s Market
This is one of the street markets in Sofia that is a highlight of exploring the city.
We love the markets anywhere we travel. So the colourful bustle of any of the Eastern European markets is one of the first places we gravitate to exploring anywhere new.
It is easy to reach as its very near the main tourist areas. Then once you get there you can get lost in the maze of colourful fresh produce, stone fruits, berries, cheeses and all sorts of barely recognisable preserved and dried fruits, meats and spices.
The market’s origins trace back to the Ottoman period in Sofia. At this time women were restricted to shopping in this particular area, and only on Fridays. Hence the name – ‘Ladies Market’.
6. Sofia Synagogue
The Sofia Synagogue is a Romaniote Orthodox Jewish congregation and synagogue, completed in 1909.
It is the largest synagogue in Southeastern Europe and the third largest in Europe.
7. Church of St. Nicholas the Miracle-Maker
On the way to the huge Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, you will pass by the smaller, but equally stunning Church of St. Nicholas. This is a Russian Orthodox church that was built as the official church for the Russian Embassy, located next door.
The church was named, as was the tradition for diplomatic churches, for the patron saint of the emperor who ruled Russia at the time, Nicholas II of Russia.
8. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
Every time you search Sofia online the first image that shows up is the beautiful Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. It is listed as one of the largest Christian church buildings by volume – in the world!
Construction of the cathedral started in 1882. It was built in memory of Tsar Alexander III, who started construction of the Trans-Siberian Railway. The style is typically Neo-Byzantine with the rounded dome tops of the structure.
- Tip: There is a large central town square just outside the cathedral that is great for photos and set up with a tourist market.
9. City Garden – Things to do in Sofia
The City Garden is the oldest and most central public garden in Sofia. It was opened in 1872 in front of the iconic National Theatre.
It is located in the heart of the city, close to the pedestrian street Vitoshka and the Rotonda and St. Sunday churches. So it is a good spot to see in Sofia in between the cathedral and the busy pedestrian street.
10. National Theatre
The Ivan Vazov National Theatre is Bulgaria’s national theatre. It is another of the iconic buildings of the city, as well as the oldest and most authoritative theatre in the country.
We didn’t go inside the building. But the theatre is located right in the City Garden park which is another of the free things to do in Sofia.
11. Slavekov Square
We headed next to Slavekov Square not far from the Naitonal Theatre. This is one of the busiest and most popular squares in the city.
The square is named after two Bulgarian writers Petko and Pencho Slaveykov, who are father and son. You can see the iron statue in the middle of the square of the father and son sitting on a bench.
From here we headed next down the busy Graf Ignatiev Street.
We were heading for the famous Orthodox Tempe of the Seven Saints – though we also had an important stop to make to try Mekitsa!
12. Mekitsa – Things to do in Sofia
Albeit this isn’t on the typical list of things to do in Sofia. But it was certainly one of the highlights for us!
We had read that one of the must-try Bulgarian treats was the sweet bread covered with jam, known as Mekitsa or Mekitsi.
Mekitsa is a fried dough dish, similar to a donut, that’s a popular breakfast item in Bulgaria. It is often served with powdered sugar, jam, or cheese, but can also be customized with other toppings.
- Tip: We tried each of the flavours at the specialised Mekista store on Graf Ignatiev Street – Мекица и Кафе – Mekitsa and Coffee.
13. Seven Saints Church – Things to do in Sofia
Although the huge cathedral is arguably the most iconic building in Bulgaria’s capital city. This is another of the beautiful church buildings on most lists of things to do in Sofia.
What is most interesting about this church – and you can see by the unique style of the building – is that it was commissioned first as an Ottoman Mosque.
It was created in 1547 as a mosque and later converted into orthodox church that was inaugurated in 1903.
14. Vitosha Boulevard
From the church we headed across a few smaller streets to the main pedestrian street of Vitosha Boulevard.
This is the main downtown street in Sofia. It is a bustling commercial and retail area filled with shops, cafes, restaurants, and bars. Which as a visitor for the day is a great place to be. It is one of the key things to do in Sofia.
From the theatre end of the street you can make your way down Vitosha Boulevard back towards Serdika Station.
- Tip: Look for the iconic round dome top of St Nedelya, another of the city’s famous churches.
Other things to do in Sofia
If you have more time, there are loads more things to do in Sofia.
Albeit a lot of the historical highlights are religious sites and buildings. Though there are more parks and plenty of museums too.
- National Art Gallery
- The Red Flat
- Ancient Serdika Archaeological Exhibition
- Tsentralna Banya Park
- Tsar Shishman
- Church of Saint Sofia
- St George Rotunda Church
- The Presidential Palace
- Banya Bashi Mosque
- Former Communist Party Headquarters
The verdict on the best things to do in Sofia?
We really enjoyed our day out exploring Sofia! It is a beautiful city and easily walkable.
The next day we again took the train in and headed with more of a mission to try some other Bulgarian foods and cafes that we can recommend below…
Food to try in Bulgaria
Wherever we are in the world we always gravitate to the local markets – and to anywhere we can try the traditional foods!
These are some of the Bulgarian foods to try while you are in Sofia and Bulgaria:
- Mekitsa – Bulgarian fried flat bread
- Sarmi – stuffed vine leaves
- Kebapche – sausage roll
- Banitsa – Bulgarian pastry
- Patanik – potato and cheese pie
- Moussaka – potatoes and layered mince
- Puleni Chushki – stuffed peppers
- Baklava – sweet pastry with syrup
We found an awesome (busy) bakery underground at the main Serdika Station with delicious pastries and Bulgarian pies.
Where to eat – Restaurants and cafes in Sofia
Ahem! We have quite a few restaurants, coffee shops and cafes in Sofia that we can recommend…
- Galleta Bakery & Coffee: Great coffee from this small bakery surrounded by amazing murals and street art.
- Rainbow Factory: This place was packed when we visited so we got a takeaway pastry which was delicious. But the breakfasts look amazing!
- Mekitsa and Coffee: Mekitsa is a fried dough dish, similar to a donut, that’s a popular breakfast item in Bulgaria.
- Y Dough: This is a bit further out of the way but worth the adventure for the artist-worthy selection of cinnamon scrolls!
- Café 1920: We had an awesome brunch here on our second day of exploring. Gavin got the Potato Pan and highly recommends it.
- Circles: A trendy donut shop near the Women’s Market that does good coffee.
- Café 369: One more bakery because this place was recommended to us to try the Crème Brulee cinnamon bun…
Plus, we recommend the underground bakery with impressive queues right under Serdika Station.
Where to stay – Accommodation in Sofia
Sofia has become a trendy city staycation destination in Eastern Europe so there are plenty of hotels and accommodation to choose from that suits all kinds of budget.
- Budget – Hostel Mostel
This place includes breakfast and dinner and is a popular hostel in Sofia.
- Mid-Range – Hotel Central Club Sofia
A well-reviewed cheap and cheerful choice in the city centre. Albeit with a few quirky designs in the décor!
- Mid-Range – Sofia Balkan Palace
In the heart of Sofia offering a relaxing, comfy room close to everything in Centrum.
- Luxury – Central Hotel Sofia
A luxurious place to stay in the centre of the city, perfectly placed for walking between the main attractions.
Campsites – Motorhome parking in Sofia
We found a fantastic and friendly welcome to Sofia and Bulgaria at the small ‘Camperstop bei Ivan’.
This is not a commercial motorhome park. But rather it is the backyard of a camper enthusiast and longtime local, Ivan who has set up 5 parking spaces for motorhomes.
Camperstop bei Ivan
- Location: Lomsko Shose Road
- Type: Private Car Park For Campers
- Park4Night: #47075
- Cost: 10 EUR/24h
- Facilities: Toilets, showers, electricity
It was perfect for a safe park up, next door to the Lidl supermarket and close to the metro train station to access all the things to do in Sofia.
Read more about travel in Eastern Europe
- Things To Do In Bucharest, Romania.
- Border Crossing: Romania to Moldova.
- Border Crossing: Kosovo to North Macedonia.
- Things To Do In Podgorica, Montenegro.
- Things To Do In Belgrade, Serbia.
- Border Crossing: Serbia to Bosnia and Herzegovina.
- Border Crossing: Bosnia to Montenegro.
More useful links for your travels in Europe and beyond
These are the companies we use and can recommend for planning and booking travel.
- Booking.com – The best all-around accommodation booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. It is easy to filter and sort into price and availability with all the extras you are looking for personally.
- 12GoAsia – Book trains anywhere online.
- Skyscanner– This is by far our favourite flight search engine. They are able to search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites often miss. We book all our flights through Skyscanner.
- GetYourGuide– Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions offered all around the world. Everything from walking tours, to street-food tours, cooking classes, desert safari’s and more!
- SafetyWing – A global travel insurance that covers people from all over the world while outside their home country. You can buy it short or longterm; and even if you are out of the country.
- World Nomads – Make sure you have insurance before embarking on travel to Bulgaria and all the things to do in Sofia!
