11 Great Things to Do in Sofia For First-Timers
I wouldn’t say Sofia had ever been at the top of my bucket list – if I said that, I’d be lying. But I’d been eyeing a trip to Bulgaria’s capital for a while, mainly because there are great and inexpensive flights from Vienna.
I love discovering places that aren’t on everyone’s radar, and I was curious to see what this city had to offer.
So, for a city break this September, my boyfriend and I decided to spend a few days exploring Sofia, one of Europe’s most underrated cities.
What I found completely surprised me: Sofia is not only rich in history and culture, but it’s also a surprisingly hip, vibrant city.
Are you planning your trip to Sofia at the last minute?
Here are the best tours and accommodations in the city!
🇧🇬 Best Tours & Experiences in Sofia
🛌 Best Hotels in Sofia
From stunning churches and fascinating museums to lively cafés, street art, and buzzing shopping streets, it has a little bit of everything.
In this blog post, I’ve rounded up the best things to do in Sofia for first-timers – perfect if you’re planning your first visit and want to see the highlights without missing the city’s hidden gems.
(This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a certain percentage of a sale if you purchase after clicking.)
1. Admire The Stunning Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
No trip to Sofia is complete without visiting the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, probably the city’s most famous landmark.
This breathtaking Orthodox cathedral is one of the largest in the Balkans and, honestly, one of the most impressive churches I’ve ever seen in my entire life.
Its golden domes dominate the skyline, making it visible from many parts of the city, and the intricate details inside are just as stunning as the exterior.
Built in the early 20th century to honor the Russian soldiers who died during the Russo-Turkish War, the cathedral is famous for its incredible frescoes, marble floors, and stunning iconostasis.
Entry is free and you can take photos inside, but since we visited on a Sunday morning during a mass, I didn’t take any. The cathedral is open every day from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm.
2. Explore Other Beautiful Churches in Sofia
The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral isn’t the only stunning church in Sofia – the city is full of beautiful, historic places of worship that are definitely worth a visit.
Here are some of my favorite churches that we visited and that I think you should check out too:
St. Sophia Church
One of the oldest churches in Sofia, dating back to the 6th century, St. Sophia actually gave the city its name.
It has a simple red-brick exterior, but its history is fascinating. Beneath the church, you can explore an archaeological level with ancient tombs and mosaics from early Christian times.
Entry to the church is free, but there’s a small fee of BGN 6 (€3) to visit the underground museum. It’s usually open daily from around 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Rotunda Church of St. George
Hidden in a courtyard behind the Sofia Balkan Palace Hotel, the Rotunda is the oldest preserved building in Sofia, built in the 4th century.
It’s a small circular church surrounded by ancient Roman ruins and is still active today. Inside, you’ll find beautiful layers of frescoes from different centuries.
Entry is free, and it’s open daily from morning until evening. Just be aware that taking photos inside isn’t allowed.
St. Nedelya Orthodox Cathedral
Located right in the city center, St. Nedelya is a stunning Orthodox church with a rich and dramatic history.
In 1925, it was the site of a bombing that destroyed much of the building and caused many casualties. The current version was rebuilt shortly after and features impressive frescoes and a large central dome.
Entry is free and the church is open every day, typically from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm. If you want to take photos inside, there’s a small fee (I can’t remember the exact amount since I didn’t pay it).
Boyana Church
Situated about 8 km from the city center, Boyana Church is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and famous for its medieval frescoes that date back to 1259.
They’re incredibly well-preserved and considered masterpieces of European medieval art. Because of its size and preservation rules, entry is limited to small groups for short visits.
The entrance fee is around BGN 10, and the church is open daily from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm (until 6:00 pm in summer). Taking photos inside isn’t allowed.
Since it’s located outside the city center, we decided to visit Boyana Church as part of a guided tour to the Rila Monastery and Boyana Church – a tour I can highly recommend!
3. Taste Traditional Bulgarian Banitsa
One of the best things to try in Sofia is Banitsa, a beloved Bulgarian pastry made with layers of flaky filo dough and a savory filling.
The traditional version is usually stuffed with eggs, white cheese, and yogurt, then baked until golden and crispy. It’s often enjoyed for breakfast, but honestly, it tastes amazing any time of day.
I had a vegan version for lunch at a lovely café called Furna, which was filled with mushrooms, potatoes, onions, chili, and thyme. It was absolutely delicious!
Banitsa can be found almost everywhere in Sofia, from cafés to bakeries and even street stalls.
Check out: Vegan in Sofia: 9 Great Restaurants & Cafés
4. Step Back in Time at The Red Flat
If you want to get a glimpse of what everyday life was like in Bulgaria during the communist era, The Red Flat is the perfect place to visit.
It’s a small but fascinating apartment museum set up exactly like a typical Bulgarian home from the 1980s – complete with old furniture, vintage photos, propaganda posters, and more.
From the moment you enter, you get an audioguide that takes you through the apartment, explaining daily life, traditions, and small details that really bring everything to life.
You can walk around freely, touch almost everything, and even try out some of the objects. From the kitchen gadgets to the furniture, everything tells a story about how people lived, worked, and spent their free time under communism.
The entire visit usually takes around 1.5 hours, and it’s a surprisingly fun and memorable way to understand this part of Bulgaria’s history. For me, it’s one of the best museums to visit in Sofia.
It’s open daily from around 10:30 am to 6:00 pm, and the entrance fee is about BGN 18 (€9), including the audio guide. You’ll find it right in the city center, near Vitosha Boulevard, so it’s easy to combine with other sights.
5. Visit Some of Sofia’s Other Museums
Since we spent four full days in Sofia, we had plenty of time to explore several of the city’s museums – and there are quite a few worth checking out.
If you’re interested in learning more about Bulgarian history, the Regional History Museum is a great place to start. It’s located in the beautifully restored former Central Mineral Baths building, right in the heart of the city.
Inside, you’ll find fascinating exhibits that trace Sofia’s story from ancient times through the Ottoman period and into the 20th century.
We also really enjoyed the archaeological level beneath St. Sophia Church, the Archaeological Museum, and the National Art Gallery, which has an impressive collection of Bulgarian art and is beautifully set inside the old royal palace.
If you’re short on time, I’d say The Red Flat and the Regional History Museum are the two you absolutely shouldn’t miss.
Check out: 7 Interesting Museums to Visit in Sofia, Bulgaria
6. Go on a Street Art Hunting Mission
Sofia has a surprisingly vibrant street art scene, and once you start looking for it, you’ll spot colorful murals all over the city.
Some of the most famous ones can be found in the Hadzhi Dimitar neighborhood, where entire building walls are covered in creative, large-scale works by local and international artists.
It’s a bit outside the center, but totally worth the short metro ride to explore a different side of the city.
You’ll also find plenty of cool street art right in the heart of Sofia – especially around Serdica and the nearby side streets.
From political statements to playful characters and abstract designs, each mural tells a story about modern Bulgarian culture and creativity.
So grab your camera (or phone) and spend a few hours wandering around – discovering all the hidden masterpieces is one of the best things to do in Sofia!
7. Take a Break at The City Garden
If you need a little break from sightseeing, head to The City Garden – Sofia’s oldest and most central park, located right in front of the National Theatre.
It’s a lovely green spot surrounded by fountains, flowers, and shady trees, and it’s always full of life. You’ll see people reading on benches, kids playing, and older locals quietly chatting or playing chess.
It’s the perfect place to rest your feet, grab a coffee from one of the nearby cafés, and soak up the local atmosphere.
On sunny weekends, street performers and musicians often add to the vibe, making it a great spot to slow down and people-watch for a while.
8. Discover How Life Was in Ancient Serdica
Right under Sofia’s modern streets lies Ancient Serdica, the city’s Roman predecessor that dates back almost 2,000 years.
Most parts of the old city were uncovered between 2010 and 2012, when the metro was being built, revealing a fascinating complex of ruins, including streets, houses, and even an ancient hot springs complex.
Today, at the hot springs, you can see locals filling up bottles with the mineral water, just like they have for centuries.
Walking through the site, you can imagine what life was like in Roman times – from the bustling streets to the bathhouses where people gathered to relax and socialize.
The archaeological site is mostly open-air, with well-preserved sections that make it easy to explore. It’s located right in the city center, near Serdica Metro Station, so it’s super easy to combine with a stroll around downtown.
9. Visit Sofia’s Only Mosque
Right in the heart of the city stands Banya Bashi Mosque, Sofia’s only remaining active mosque. It was built in the 16th century during the Ottoman period and designed by Mimar Sinan, one of the most famous Ottoman architects.
The name Banya Bashi means “many baths,” referring to the natural thermal springs beneath the building – you can actually see steam rising from the vents nearby!
The mosque is still in use today, so it’s important to be respectful when visiting. Non-Muslim visitors are welcome outside of prayer times, and entry is free.
Remember to dress modestly and remove your shoes before entering. Women are asked to cover their heads with one of the scarves provided at the entrance.
Inside, the prayer hall is simple but elegant, with beautiful calligraphy and soft light coming through the windows.
10. Shop & Stroll Along Vitosha Boulevard
Another activity you can’t miss on your trip to Sofia is a walk along Vitosha Boulevard, the city’s main shopping street and one of its liveliest spots.
It stretches from St. Nedelya Church all the way toward Vitosha Mountain, offering a beautiful view of the peak on clear days.
Along the way, you’ll find a mix of international brands, local boutiques, and plenty of cafés and restaurants.
Even if shopping isn’t your thing, it’s a lovely area to stroll around, especially in the evening when the street lights come on and the whole place feels vibrant and full of life.
11. Plan a Day Trip to Rila Monastery
Last but not least, if you managed to tick off all activities from this list and still have some time left, make sure to plan a day trip to the stunning Rila Monastery.
About 120 km south of the city, this UNESCO World Heritage site is Bulgaria’s most famous monastery and a stunning example of Eastern Orthodox architecture.
The complex is nestled in the beautiful Rila Mountains, surrounded by lush forests, which makes the drive there as scenic as the monastery itself.
Inside, you’ll find colorful frescoes, intricate wood carvings, and a peaceful courtyard. The monastery also has a few small museums, where you can learn about its history and see religious artifacts.
Whether you join a guided tour like we did or drive there yourself, it’s the perfect day trip to experience Bulgaria’s history, culture, and breathtaking nature all in one.
Check out:
7 Interesting Museums to Visit in Sofia, Bulgaria
Vegan in Sofia: 9 Great Restaurants & Cafés
Visiting Rila Monastery From Sofia – The Ultimate Guide
Like it? Pin it!
Do you want to travel like me?
Here are some of my favorite travel tips and resources:
Flights: I prefer using CheapOair to book flights. I often search for “Anywhere” to uncover the best flight deals!
Accommodation: Booking.com is my favorite site to find some great hotel deals.
Travel Insurance: There are many reasons why travel insurance is important and I never travel without one. I use the simple and flexible one from SafetyWing that protects me against unforeseen events.
Tours: I love taking tours to explore destinations like a local. My favorite website to book them in advance is GetYourGuide.
Camera Gear: I use a Nikon D5300 camera with an 18-105 mm and a 10-20 mm wide-angle lens to take my photos.
