If you’re wondering what to do in Sofia, welcome – you’re about to discover one of Europe’s most underrated capitals. I’m Bulgarian, and while I didn’t grow up here, I’ve spent plenty of time exploring Sofia, walking its boulevards, climbing its nearby mountains, and tasting my way through its food scene.
Sofia is not a “love at first sight” city. It’s a mix of golden-domed churches, communist-era blocks, Roman ruins, cozy parks, and vibrant nightlife. But once you give it a chance, it surprises you at every corner.
Here’s my detailed guide on what to do in Sofia, packed with practical tips, must-sees, hidden gems, and day trips to make the most of your time.
We’ve also added a map at the end of the blog to help you find everything easily!
If you’re planning to explore more of Bulgaria beyond Sofia, we also put together a full itinerary for How to Spend the Perfect 7 to 10 Days in Bulgaria, with tips on where to go, what to see, and how to make the most of your trip.
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Practical Tips for Visiting Sofia
Before you decide what to do in Sofia, here are things you should know that will make your trip smoother:
- Currency: For now, it is still the Bulgarian Lev (BGN). €1 ≈ 2 BGN. ATMs are everywhere, but avoid exchange offices in touristy spots. From 2026, this will change and the main currency in Bulgaria will become the Euro!
- Language: Bulgarian uses the Cyrillic alphabet. Don’t worry, street signs are bilingual, and younger locals usually speak English.
- Transport: The metro connects the airport to the city center in 30 minutes. Trams and buses cover the rest. Taxis are cheap but stick to official companies like Yellow Taxi or OK Taxi.
- Prices: Sofia is one of Europe’s most affordable capitals. A coffee is ~2 BGN (€1), dinner for two with drinks can be €20–30.
- Best time to visit: May–June and September–October for perfect weather. Winter is cold, but if you ski, Vitosha is right there. Avoid going in the Summer, it is quite empty and boring since everyone goes to the coastline.
- How many days: 2–3 days in Sofia is ideal, but add extra if you want to explore nearby mountains and towns.
- Local vibe: Bulgarians are warm and welcoming. Restaurant service might feel slow compared to Western Europe – but take it as part of the laid-back lifestyle.
Start With a Walking Tour
The first thing I recommend to anyone wondering what to do in Sofia is a walking tour. Sofia is a city with many layers – ancient Roman ruins, medieval churches, Ottoman mosques, communist architecture, and modern cafés all blend together. A walking tour helps you connect the dots and understand the city’s story.
The Free Sofia Tour is the most popular. It lasts about 2 hours and covers the highlights like the Rotunda of St. George, Banya Bashi Mosque, the mineral springs, and the National Theater. The guides are young, fun, and full of quirky stories that bring the city to life.
👉 Local tip: Tours start daily at the Palace of Justice. Just show up — no booking needed (you can check full schedule HERE). Even as a Bulgarian, I learned new legends and fun facts about my own capital.
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral – Sofia’s Golden Jewel
If there’s one landmark that defines Sofia, it’s the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. With its golden domes shining under the Balkan sun, it’s one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world. Inside, the frescoes, chandeliers, and religious icons create an atmosphere that feels both grand and intimate.
Many visitors add this to their list of what to do in Sofia just for photos, but trust me, go inside. The crypt museum beneath the cathedral holds one of the richest icon collections in Bulgaria.
👉 Local tip: Visit early morning or late evening to catch the soft light on the domes and fewer tourists. The cathedral is free, but the crypt museum costs about 6 BGN (~€3).
Boyana Church – Small but Mighty (UNESCO)
On the outskirts of Sofia lies Boyana Church, a UNESCO World Heritage site that packs a punch despite its small size. From outside, it looks like a modest medieval church. Step inside, though, and you’ll see frescoes from the 13th century so realistic and emotional that art historians say they predate the Renaissance style.
If you’re searching what to do in Sofia that’s truly unique, this is it. It’s not just another church – it’s a time capsule of Bulgarian culture.
👉 Local tip: Visits are limited to 10 minutes inside to protect the frescoes. The ticket is 10 BGN (~€5). Pair this with the hike to Boyana Waterfall for a perfect mix of history and nature.
Hike to Boyana Waterfall
Imagine finishing a morning of history at Boyana Church and then walking straight into a forest trail. That’s Sofia for you. The Boyana Waterfall hike is one of the best things to do if you love nature.
The trail takes about 1.5–2 hours uphill through pine forests, with fresh air and bird songs along the way. The waterfall itself is not huge, but it’s stunning in spring when the snow melts and the water crashes down with force.
👉 Local tip: Wear proper hiking shoes – it gets muddy. Bring water and snacks (Bulgarians love a little picnic mid-hike). In summer, dip your feet in the cool water.
Discover Ancient Serdica (Roman Ruins)
Under your feet, Sofia hides an entire Roman city — Serdica. Around Serdika metro station, you’ll see ruins of Roman streets, baths, and houses that date back almost 2,000 years.
What makes it even cooler is how these ruins blend into modern life. You’ll see glass panels on the street where you can look down at mosaics, or you’ll walk through underpasses with ancient walls on both sides.
👉 Local tip: Don’t just glance at the open-air ruins. Go into the underpass for hidden parts that most tourists miss. Best of all – it’s free.
NDK – The National Palace of Culture
You can’t miss NDK, a massive communist-era building that looks like a spaceship landed in the city. While opinions about the architecture differ, one thing’s clear: this is Sofia’s cultural heart.
Inside, you’ll find concerts, exhibitions, and festivals year-round. Outside, NDK Square is always buzzing with life – fountains, street performers, skateboarders, and couples meeting up.
👉 Local tip: If you’re visiting in December, this is where the Christmas Market is. In summer, grab an ice cream and sit by the fountains to feel the city’s vibe.
Ivan Vazov National Theater – A Beauty in the Park
This is my personal favorite landmark in Sofia. The Ivan Vazov National Theater is a neoclassical masterpiece with white columns, red walls, and golden statues. The park around it is where locals hang out all day long.
In the morning, you’ll see chess players in the shade. Later on, families with kids by the fountains. In the evening, young people gathering with cheap beers. It’s one of those places where you instantly feel the city’s soul.
👉 Local tip: Even if you don’t watch a play, come at night when the theater is lit up. It’s the perfect photo spot.
Stroll Vitosha Boulevard
When people google what to do in Sofia, Vitosha Boulevard is always on the list. It’s the city’s main pedestrian street, lined with shops, cafés, and restaurants. Yes, it’s touristy, but it’s also where you get the best views of Vitosha Mountain towering over the city.
👉 Local tip: Avoid eating at the flashy places right on the boulevard. Walk down side streets like Angel Kanchev or William Gladstone for authentic food at better prices.
Chill in Sofia’s Parks
Sofia is one of Europe’s greenest capitals. Parks are everywhere, and they’re central to local life. If you want to feel like a real Bulgarian, grab snacks, drinks, and head to a park.
- Borisova Garden – the biggest, full of monuments and shaded paths.
- South Park – modern, open, and great for families.
- Knyazheska Garden – smaller, lively, with a skate park and city vibe.
👉 Local tip: Bulgarians love eating sunflower seeds in parks. It’s almost a ritual – crack them, chat, and relax. Try it, and you’ll blend right in.
Eat Like a Bulgarian
Food is one of the best answers to what to do in Sofia. Traditional Bulgarian cuisine is hearty, fresh, and full of flavor. Some must-tries:
- Shopska Salad – tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, onion, and white cheese.
- Banitsa – pastry with cheese, perfect for breakfast.
- Tarator – cold yogurt and cucumber soup, refreshing in summer.
- Kebapche & kyufte – grilled minced meat, usually with fries and lyutenitsa (spicy dip).
👉 Local tip: For a real Bulgarian feast, go to Manastirska Magernitsa or Hadjidraganov’s Houses. If you want a modern twist, try Shtastlivetsa Restaurant or Moma.
Curious to learn more about the best Bulgarian food? Check out our guide – The Best Food in Bulgaria: A Local’s Guide to What to Eat and Love – for a full list of dishes you can’t miss.
Coffee & Nightlife
Sofia is buzzing with coffee culture and nightlife. Specialty coffee shops are everywhere, and many double up as bars in the evening.
By day, check out Chucky’s Coffee House or Drekka for a perfect espresso. By night, dive into the bar scene – Raketa Rakia Bar for a true local spirit experience, or the hidden cocktail bars around Shishman Street for something trendier. Clubs like Yalta and Bar Friday are great for electronic music.
👉 Local tip: Bulgarians usually start late. Dinner around 9 PM, bars after 11 PM, and clubs at midnight. Pace yourself!
Easy Day Trips From Sofia
Some of the best what to do in Sofia options actually take you out of the city:
- Vitosha Mountain – just 30 mins away. Hiking in summer, skiing in winter.
- Rila Monastery – Bulgaria’s most famous monastery (2 hrs by car). Stunning architecture and mountain setting.
- Plovdiv – one of the oldest cities in Europe (1.5 hrs by train). Roman theater, cobblestone streets, colorful Old Town.
- Seven Rila Lakes – a bucket-list hike with glacier lakes and epic views.
👉 Local tip: If you don’t want to drive, many local companies offer affordable day tours, or you can easily book one on GetYourGuide.
Here’s a handy map with all the spots mentioned in this guide. You can also click the top right corner to open it directly in Google Maps and use it on the go.
Final Thoughts: What to Do in Sofia
Sofia may not be Europe’s most glamorous capital, but that’s exactly its charm. It’s a place where golden domes meet street art, where you can walk from Roman ruins to communist squares, and where a mountain hike is just a bus ride away.
For a complete overview of the best experiences across the country, don’t miss our detailed post Things to Do in Bulgaria in 2025!
As a Bulgarian local, here’s my advice: Don’t just stick to the top attractions. Slow down, sit in a park, share a Shopska salad, sip rakia, and let Sofia show you its layers. That’s when you’ll truly fall in love.