Explore Sofia, Bulgaria: Top Attractions and Things to Do
My trip to Sofia, like many of my ventures, was a bit random. I needed to get from North Macedonia back to London and the most affordable route was via Sofia, so I added three nights in the city to my itinerary.
I took the bus from Skopje to Sofia, arriving in the late afternoon, and flew out in the afternoon on the 4th day, which gave me a total of 3 full days. While my time in Bulgaria was short, I managed to pack quite a bit in and determine it is a country I absolutely need to get back to and explore more of.
Here is what I managed to do.
Cost Breakdown
Cost breakdown
Bus from Skopje to Sofia (honestly, I am not even sure what company I used, I showed up in the morning, bought a ticket and boarded the bus) $24
The Bus runs from Skopje to Sofia twice per day at 8:05am and 4:30pm
Accommodation: No frills, but comfortable studio in a central location for 3 nights: $96
Full day tour to Rila Monastery: $40
Entry fees (all donation): $6
Transportation: Sofia is a very walkable city, so I only took the metro once to the airport, for .80 The metro overall if very affordable, with individual rides costing .80 and 24 hour passes available for approximately $6.
⭐To get to/from the airport to the Sofia city center: Take the Number 4 metro line. It runs ever 15 minutes from Terminal 2 to city centre station Serdika. The journey takes approximately 30 minutes and trains run from 5:30am to midnight. You can buy a ticket via the ticket machine using cash, or just tap your credit card at the turnstiles.
Food and drink: Though a bit more expensive, than some other Balkan cities, I still found Sofia very budget friendly. A casual restaurant lunch with a beer and water, was around $15. A grab-and-go sandwich and water or soda was easily attainable for around $5. Brunch with an espresso was $12. I did have one “splurge” lunch, with a nice glass of wine for $25 and a “splurged” on cocktails and nice dinner my last night for $40.
In total, in 3.5 days in Sofia, I spent approximately $150 on food and drinks. I absolutely could have been more budget conscious and spend less, but with such limited time, I didn’t want to miss out on any of the amazing food Sofia had to offer.
Things to Do in Sofia
Since Sofia was a bit of an “add on” to my trip, I didn’t plan anything other than to just walk around and explore. I had no expectations, but knew it was a relatively small city with many historic points, so figured I could see most of the city in a couple of days.
I was very pleasantly surprised to find that Sofia was a vibrant and lively city with much more to offer than I expected. I immediately regretted not having dedicated more time to Bulgaria to be able to enjoy the capital city more and visit surrounding areas. I think I did a pretty good job getting in quite a bit though.
Here is what I did:
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is a Bulgarian Orthodox cathedral in Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria. Built in Neo-Byzantine style, it serves as the cathedral church of the Patriarch of Bulgaria and it is one of the 50 largest Christian church buildings by volume in the world.
-Wikipedia-
🗺️Sofia Center, pl. "Sveti Aleksandar Nevski", 1000 Sofia, Bulgaria
💶Free (donations appreciated)
🕰️Daily 7a-7p
St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral was one of the most architecturally stunning buildings I have ever seen. It’s domineering presence in an otherwise empty square makes it all that much more striking and the inside is equally as stunning.
Admission is free and a visit inside can be 5 minutes or an hour depending on how much of the detail you want to take in.
National Gallery
The National Art Gallery is Bulgaria's national gallery, and houses over 50,000 pieces of Bulgarian art.
🗺️i, Sofia Center, pl. "Knyaz Aleksandar I" 1, 1000 Sofia, Bulgaria
💶Adults 10 BGN (approx $5), Students/Seniors/Children 5 BGN, Thursdays 2BGN
🕰️Tue-Sun 10a-6p, Mon-closed
I opted not to go inside the National Gallery (it was too nice of a day to be inside) but the outside was worth a visit alone. I spoke to a couple who had just visited the galleries and one raved about them and the other seemed a little less impressed, though admittedly was ‘not a museum person’.
From the photos, and direct feedback, I think this would be a great rainy day activity, especially with the minimal entry fee.
Regional History Museum of Sofia
The Central Mineral Baths is a landmark in the city center of Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, a city known for the mineral springs in the area. It was built in the early 20th century near the former Turkish bath and was used as the city's public baths until 1986
-Wikipedia-
🗺️Banski Sq, Sofia Center, Platno.„Banski" 1, 1000 Sofia, Bulgaria
💶Adult individual ticket 18 BGN (approx $10) see website below for children, student and group rates
🕰️Tues-Sun 10a-7p, Mon-Closed
🌐Regional History Museum of Sofia
This was another potential stop that I skipped because it was just too nice outside to be in a museum, however; the building itself is stunning and historic in and of itself. There is also a great park in front of the building that is a great place to sit and have a bite (ideally a grilled cheese from Cheesus nearby) or coffee, take in some great people watching, or just and take a break from sit seeing.
Church of St. Nicholas the Miraclemaker
Founded in 1907, the Russian Church (as it has been called by the inhabitants of the Bulgarian capital since then) was intended for the diplomatic mission of the Russian state in Bulgaria. Nowadays, the Metochion is a place of prayerful unity and a life-connecting link between the Russian and Bulgarian Churches, multiplying the fruits of love and friendship between the Sister Churches of Russia and Bulgaria.
🗺️Sofia Center, Tsar Osvoboditel Blvd 3, 1000 Sofia, Bulgaria
💶Free (donation appreciated)
🕰️Daily 8a-6:30p
Day Trip to Rila Monastery and St. Ivan Cave
I am generally not a tour person, but I do take an occasional day tour if there is something I feel can’t be missed in a nearby area. Rila Monastery was definitely one of those occasions where a day trip to see it felt like a ‘must’ while in Sofia. I am so glad I added a last minute trip to see it.
I booked through an 8 hour day trip through Get Your Guide that included St. Ivan Cave and had a bonus stop at The Boyana Church.
There are Several Day trips available via platforms like Viator, Get Your Guide, etc or you can rent a car and visit on your own. No matter how you chose to visit The Rila Monastery, make sure it is part of your trip to Sofia.
🚌 It is also possible to take a shuttle bus to Rila Monastery and visit on your own.
Traventuria operates a bus from the western bus station in Sofia – Ovcha Kupel Bus Station (near St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral) to Rila Monastery once daily. Tickets cost $18–29 and the journey takes approximately 2.5-3 hours depending on stops and route.
Founded in the 10th century, Rila Monastery is regarded as one of Bulgaria's most important cultural, historical and architectural monuments and is a key tourist attraction for both Bulgaria and Southern Europe for religious tourists.
-Wikipedia-
🗺️2643 Рилски манастир, Bulgaria
💶Free, To visit the on-site museum: 8 BGN (approx $4)
🕰️Daily 6:30a-8p
Rila Monastery is featured in numerous photos representing Bulgaria, and for good reason. The monastery is absolutely beautiful in every way. From the architecture to the grounds, to the ornate detail and incredible frescoes, there is something to marvel at around every corner.
As someone who doesn’t usually do tours, I always hope they are worth committing the time and money. Having transportation, a guide to share the history and main points of interest and the Monastery itself, was absolutely with the time and money.
The Boyana Church
The Boyana Church is a medieval Bulgarian Orthodox church situated on the outskirts of Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, in the Boyana quarter. In 1979, the building was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List.
-Wikipeda-
🗺️BojanaVitosha, ul. "Boyansko ezero" 3, 1616 Sofia, Bulgaria
💶10 BGN (approx $5)
🕰️Daily 9a-5:30p
The Boyana Church was an added bonus to my day tour, as there were two groups on my bus, and we all got the benefit of two itineraries. This UNESCO World Heritage site was not only packed with interesting history, but was absolutely stunning. The church itself is quite small, but every inch of the interior is covered in beautifully preserved frescoes. Well worth the visit, whether with a guided tour or driving on your own.
The Cave of Saint John of Rila (St. Ivan Cave)
After accepting the life of a monk, he left the monastery in order to continue his life in solitude and prayer. Saint John of Rila lived in isolation in various locations before going to the Rila Mountains. There he spent the rest of his life in prayer and deprived himself of an everyday life by settling in the uncomfortable conditions of the caves in the Rila mountains.
-Wikipedia-
🗺️107 8, 2643 Rilski Manastir, Kiustendil, Bulgaria
🕰️24 Hours
💶free
Since the focus of my day was really just getting to Rila Monastery, I didn’t pay much attention to the ‘cave’ aspect of the tour, but it ended up being a really cool experience visiting the cave and learning the history of Saint John of Rila.
Visiting the cave does take a bit of a hike (about 20 minutes each way) and was a bit slippery on the day I went but is an easy climb. There is parking along the road near the beginning of the trail if you opt to drive yourself.
Sofia Bars & Restaurants
I was really pleasantly surprised with the food scene in Sofia. There were much broader options than I was anticipating and so many great options to choose from. I wish I had had more time in the city just to eat, but these were some of the hightlights I was able to get in.
718 Breakfast & Brunch
🗺️Sofia Center, ul. "Knyaz Boris I" 99, 1000 Sofia, Bulgaria
🕰️Daily 8a-6p
🥬Vegetarian friendly
718 Breakfast and Brunch is a super cute, centrally located spot serving fresh and delicious brunch classics like avocado toast, smoothie bowls, and breakfast sandwiches. The service was warm and attentive and there were several other solo travelers on the morning on I went.
I went basic with the avocado toast and an espresso, but their “fancier” options in both food and coffee drinks all looked amazing.
Cheesus
🗺️Sofia Center, ul. Serdika 12, 1000 Sofia, Bulgaria
💶€
🕰️Daily 11a-7p
🥬Vegetarian Friendly
If you are looking for a delicious, savory, cheesy, bite while in Sofia, Cheesus is the place to go. I LOVE a good grilled cheese and this place really delivered. This was the perfect place to grab a delicious take-away and head to a nearby park (though they do also offer indoor seating).
Raketa Rakia Bar
🗺️Sofia Center, Yanko Sakuzov Blvd 17, 1527 Sofia, Bulgaria
💶€€
🕰️Mon-Fri 11a-11p, Sat-Sun 9a-11p
Raketa Rakia Bar was my final night “splurge” and I am so glad I picked this spot. I took the risk of going without a reservation, but lucked out with bar seating being available. The staff was above and beyond with service and were really fun and friendly. To top it all off, the food and cocktails were top tier. The cocktail menu features unique and intricate options, while the food menu has elevated local fare with unique twists.
While I was lucky to get a solo seat at the bar, I highly recommend reservations since Raketa Rakia gets packed (for good reason).
Nést Restaurant
🗺️Sofia Center, ul. "Chataldzha" 24, 1527 Sofia, Bulgaria
💶€€
🕰️Tues-Fri 12p-3p, 5p-11p, Sat 12p-11p, Sun 12p-10p, Mon-closed
🥬Vegetarian Friendly
A little of the touristic beaten bath, Nést is absolutely worth a visit. I had a beautiful lunch here, with delicious Bulgarian wine recommend by the kind and attentive waiter. The setting is cozy and chic, the service is fantastic, and the food is fresh, local, and yummy.
Vita Rama Vegan Restaurant
🗺️Sofia Center, ul. "Doctor Peter Beron" 9, 1142 Sofia, Bulgaria
💶€–€€
🕰️Sun-Mon 11a-7p, Tues-Sat 11a-10p
🥬 Vegan
I always like to try a vegan restaurant when I visit a new city and love then they incorporate local flavors and ingredients. Vita Rama Vegan really nailed it with local ingredients and flavors, as well as a chic but warm atmosphere and beautifully presented dishes.
Their desert counter was VERY tempting, but I was too full from my dinner to indulge (which I still regret). If you are looking for a vegan sweet treat, based on looks alone, Vita Rama is worth popping in to.
