Sofia is a compact city with an impressive historical center. All the highlights of the city are close together, so it's easy to explore on foot. Sofia feels like a big city, but you’ll also find a nice mix of neighborhoods. Each district feels distinct and cozy. That variety extends to the sights as well. There’s so much to see in Sofia, from grand churches to Habsburg-influenced buildings with stunning designs. There's also the occasional archeological site from the city's ancient incarnation as Serdica. Sofia may seem inscrutable at first, but that just means there’s more to discover. It’s the perfect destination for people who like to find something unique around every corner while taking in beautiful architecture. Sofia is a lovely place to wander off the beaten path. You'll find fun surprises down every winding street.
A laid-back big city with an ancient past. There's more to Sofia than meets the eye.
Besides the sights, which range from historic to quirky, Sofia offers a vibrant dining scene. There's more than enough cutting-edge cafes and restaurants to enjoy. The food and drink are reasonably priced and the local cuisine is hearty. Meat lovers are in luck. But diners who prefer lighter fare needn’t worry. There are also plenty of Bulgarian recipes featuring fresh vegetables. Be sure to explore outside of the city when you visit. There are many excellent day trips from Sofia and places to stay overnight, including Plovdiv and Rila. Sofia will open up the region to you. You’ll have a wonderful time enjoying this atmospheric destination, its cuisine, history and culture. Sofia is a lovely city and a highlight of travel in Bulgaria.
Things to do in Sofia
Popular Tour Itineraries Featuring Sofia
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Where to stay in Sofia
What we love about Sofia
Trip Planner Team Leader
When I think about Sofia, I can’t help but remember the fabulous traditional cuisine and local wines at Shtastlivetsa Restaurant. No matter how many other good places I’ve tried, I keep coming back here whenever I'm in town. As for the city itself, my favorite thing is to walk from the Atanas Burov Square, admire the surrounding palaces, cut through the Royal Garden, go around the Nevski Cathedral, and stop on a bench in the little park in front of Sofia University.
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The JayWay Travel experience is customized and personalized. Each trip will be unique to you and it is a wonderful way to ensure you focus on what matters most while travelling (sights, activities, etc.) rather than booking hotels, transfers, etc. that take up so much of your time and energy.
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Frequently Asked Questions about travel to Sofia
How long should I stay in Sofia?
We recommend spending 2-3 days in Sofia. First, you need a full day to cover the most important attractions in the city center. For a day trip, you should definitely visit the unique, UNESCO-listed Rila Monastery and Boyana Church. Another possible day trip includes Rose Valley, the ancient Thracian tombs at Kazanluk, and the town of Koprivshtitsa, preserved in its full 19th century glory. The latter day-trip can also be done while traveling between Sofia and Bucharest, Veliko Tarnovo, or the Black Sea.
What are Sofia's must-see sights?
Everything worth visiting is around the city center. Your bucket-list should start with the Aleksander Nevski Cathedral, Bulgaria’s most impressive cathedral. Next, there’s the 6th century Byzantine-style St. Sofia Church, the Sofia Synagogue (Europe's third largest), and the Banya Bashi Mosque. As for museums and palaces, you should check everything surrounding the inner City Garden, including the National Art Museum, Theatre, Opera, and Archeological Museum, the Military Club, and Government and Presidential palaces. Last but not least, the National History Museum is a wealth of information, covering 8,000 years of history.