Best Things To Do in Sofia

Sofia is the city of churches, but also a destination with mountainous landscapes worth discovering and a rich combination of culture, architecture and natural parks. Moreover, in the Bulgarian capital you can discover several museums and immersive experiences that will allow you to get to know the local idiosyncrasy and history.

Some of the best things to do in Sofia include visiting the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, walking around the Old Serdica Archaeological Complex, visiting the city's Central Market and touring the interior of the National Palace of Culture, a monumental building in the centre of the city centre.

St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is Sofia's most emblematic attraction and a national symbol reflecting Bulgaria's Orthodox tradition. The cathedral, which is notable for its neo-Byzantine architectural design with gilded domes and interior detailing, is considered one of the most beautiful in Europe and an outstanding example of the Russian Orthodox architectural style.

The cathedral is also notable for its size, being able to hold up to 10,000 people, making it the second largest cathedral in the world, second only to the Temple of St Sava in Belgrade. The stone-clad façade is adorned with mosaics and frescoes that tell stories from the Bible and Bulgarian-Russian history, and the interior is notable for its use of marble and works of sacred art from all periods.

When you buy tickets to visit St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral you can also browse the collection of icons, many of them created by renowned Bulgarian artists, which are housed in the interior galleries. In addition, the environment surrounding the cathedral, with its spacious squares and gardens, provides a perfect space to stroll and take a break between excursions.

The National Palace of Culture is an exhibition centre and a symbol of Bulgaria's architectural and social development. Inaugurated during the communist years, hence its modernist-monumental style, this building was built for the purpose of hosting cultural activities, such as concerts, exhibitions and conferences, and has played a crucial role in the life of the country since its opening.

Buying tickets to the National Palace of Culture allows you to explore the building's interiors, which reflect Bulgaria's cultural richness, and to see the event halls, such as the Great Hall, which seats over 3,000 people and is known for its acoustics, which are considered one of the cleanest in Europe. You will also be able to see the art exhibition.

This palace, however, is not only a centre for cultural events, but also a space where education and creativity are promoted. The palace has a library, a cinema and several exhibition spaces that organise events of different disciplines throughout the year. This is why this place is a meeting point for artists and intellectuals, but also for tourists.

The Banya Bashi Mosque is one of the finest examples of Islamic architecture in Bulgaria and is a symbol of the country's cultural heritage. Built in the 16th century during the Ottoman occupation, the mosque is one of the few Muslim temples that have survived in the Bulgarian capital since the flight of the Turks .

Its name, which translates as 'Mosque of the Baths', refers to the proximity of ancient thermal baths and contributes to Sofia's reputation as one of the hidden pearls of Eastern Europe.

Banya Bashi is also known for its distinctive architecture, which combines traditional Ottoman elements with local features. Its central dome and central arches are sober and prominent features of the design, while ceramic details and stained-glass windows add a splash of colour to the interior. The mosque is also one of the largest mosques in Sofia.

Buying tickets for the Banya Bashi Mosque allows you to learn about the history of Islam and its influence on Bulgarian society. The mosque is still an active place of worship, where Muslims gather for prayer, but it is also a temple open to visitors and is often included in the guided tour of Sofia's Old Town or when booking a bike tour of the Bulgarian capital

Bulgaria is a country where communism is still very much alive and in Sofia you will have the opportunity to experience the immersive Red Flat experience. This house museum allows you to explore the daily life of a family during the Bulgarian communist period through interactive design and careful attention to detail, as you visit a typical flat of the time, recreated with the aesthetics and atmosphere of the 1980s.

This attraction stands out as one of the best alternatives for those who want to better understand the history and culture of this fascinating period, but it is also an interesting option for those who are not so steeped in the subject, as they may be able to empathise with the everyday situations shown in the flat, where the reality of communism becomes tangible.

In Red Flat, each room is carefully decorated with period furniture, appliances and objects, allowing participants to experience what life was like in a Bulgarian home during the years of communist rule. Through interactive elements and audio guides in different languages, visitors can explore historical documents, diaries, photographs and personal accounts that provide an intimate insight into those years.

The narrative thread you will hear during your visit will allow you to better understand the impact of the regime on people's daily lives, as well as the struggles and challenges Bulgarian citizens faced in evading propaganda, repression and resistance to change from the Communist Party. Red Flat is an excellent alternative to complement if you are booking a communism tour of Sofia.

There is a saying in Sofia that the government does not expand the metro line because where you dig you will find ruins, which will stop any construction work. In this way, citizens are not only making fun of politicians, but also displaying a truth, because the Bulgarian capital is built on the remains of thousands of years of history. In that vein, the Archaeological Complex of Ancient Serdica is one of Sofia's most fascinating finds.

Located in the heart of the city, this site stands out for its historical and cultural significance, allowing visitors to explore the ruins of what was once a thriving Roman city. Serdica, known as one of the capitals of the Empire, played a key role in the development of the region and its legacy is evident in the ruins that can be seen today.

At this complex you will discover a number of well-preserved structures, including parts of cobbled streets, public buildings and private houses dating from the 1st to 4th century AD. One of the highlights is the amphitheatre, which once hosted public performances and events. In addition, you can also see the remains of the city walls, as well as the colourful mosaics that adorned the floors of the public buildings.

Booking tickets for the Ancient Serdica Complex will not only allow you to explore Sofia's Roman history, but also to access the interpretation centre. This space offers educational information through panels and models that help to contextualise the archaeological finds. In addition, expert guides offer tours that enrich the experience, with curiosities, anecdotes and mysteries that surround this site.

If you want to learn about Bulgaria's wartime legacy, you can't miss the National Museum of Military History in Sofia, an exhibition where you can see the rooms that house uniforms, weapons, vehicles and military equipment used by the Bulgarian armies from ancient times to the present day.

You will also find information about some interesting facts about the local army, such as the fact that during the Second World War it fought against both the Allies and the Nazis at the same time.

The museum is organised into different sections, each dedicated to a specific period or aspect of Bulgarian military history. The outdoor section is particularly striking, displaying armoured vehicles and heavy artillery in a large open-air space. Inside, the rooms are arranged chronologically, from medieval times to the 20th century, offering a complete immersive experience.

In addition to the permanent collections, you can complement your tour by booking a guided tour of the National Museum of Military History in Sofia and also visit the temporary exhibitions, which address specific themes and historical events, providing visitors with an unmissable experience.

One of the best alternatives for a local experience is to walk around Sofia's Central Market, which has more than 100 years of history and has been an important meeting point for the inhabitants of the Bulgarian capital, even during the dark years of communism. Its architecture, which combines neoclassical and early 20th century styles, is a testament to the history of the place and has been restored to preserve its original charm.

At the market you can find a variety of fresh, local produce. From seasonal fruit and vegetables to meat, fish and dairy products, the market has something to suit all tastes and palates. You will also find a variety of cheeses, sausages and artisan bread, as well as herbs and spices that reflect the diversity of Bulgarian cuisine.

In addition to foodstuffs, the Sofia Central Market also houses shops selling handicrafts, souvenirs and typical Bulgarian products. Thus, in the aisles of the market you can find everything from ceramics and textiles to religious icons and handmade jewellery. This aspect of the market makes it an ideal place for those looking to take home a souvenir of the local culture.

Sofia's Central Market is definitely a must-see destination for those who want to experience the city's daily life and immerse themselves in its rich culture. It has evolved over the years, but its essence remains the same: that of a place where Bulgarians gather to share, shop and enjoy.

St. George's Church is one of Sofia's most famous churches and is considered the oldest Christian building in the city. Built on the remains of an ancient Roman temple, its complex history has left a deep mark on the culture and identity of the Bulgarian capital. Over the centuries, the church has witnessed historical events and undergone various transformations, reflecting the evolution of Christianity in the region.

The architecture of St. George's Church is an outstanding example of the Romanesque style, characterised by its circular plan and central dome. Although rebuilt over the years, its interior retains medieval frescoes depicting biblical scenes and figures of saints venerated in the region. These murals, which date from the 13th century, are particularly remarkable for their colour and state of preservation, and are of incalculable artistic value.

The church is also surrounded by a small courtyard with archaeological remains, giving visitors a broad historical context for the area. Despite its age, St. George's remains an active place of worship and an important spiritual centre for the Orthodox community in Sofia.

If you want to discover the authentic local spirit in a typical activity, you can't miss out on a tour that will allow you to learn about the wine-making tradition of the region. If you decide to buy a wine tasting experience in Sofia, you will be able to taste five different grape varieties, each made from indigenous grapes, such as misket, melnik, mavrud, gamza and rubin.

For about an hour, you will explore the unique flavours of these varietals, as well as taste a selection of three local cheeses and traditional breads to help complement the notes of each wine. These carefully chosen accompaniments not only enhance the tasting, but also provide a taste of the Bulgarian culinary art.

Guided by a local expert, you will learn about the history, winemaking process and unique details of each wine. This guide will share with you facts about the evolution of the Bulgarian wine industry, revealing secrets and curiosities that you would be hard-pressed to discover on your own.

Bulgaria has many attractions to offer and one of them is the Rila Monastery, located about an hour's drive from Sofia and considered one of the country's seven World Heritage Sites. This 10th century monastery is a cultural treasure that reflects the Bulgarian Orthodox heritage and is popular not only for its architecture but also for its historical significance.

At the monastery you will discover an architectural complex, characterised by colourful facades and detailed frescoes. The main church, dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, is a masterpiece of Bulgarian religious art, with its golden dome and interior adorned with frescoes depicting scenes from the life of St. John of Rila.

Booking an excursion to the Rila Monastery from Sofia is therefore an experience that goes beyond simply viewing a monument, as you can also immerse yourself in Bulgarian history and culture.

The natural environment surrounding the monastery also contributes to the visit with its special appeal. Located in the heart of the Rila Mountains, this religious complex is surrounded by mountainous landscapes, lush forests and crystal clear rivers, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and hikers.