Top 5 Things to do in Sofia, Bulgaria

Sofia is one of the oldest cities in Europe. When you come to Sofia, you can be sure that you won’t be bored. There are a lot of things to see and do in the capital of Bulgaria. The main sights of Sofia are concentrated in the central area, so you won’t need to spend a lot of money on transportation. Tourists love Sofia because it’s one of the cheapest European capitals and there are plenty of attractions to explore. If you like visiting churches and old historical monuments, then you’ll find a lot of them in Sofia. You will also find a lot of parks and gardens around the city, perfect for a relaxing picnic!

1. Aleksander Nevski Cathedral

One of the most important buildings not just in Sofia, but in Bulgaria is Aleksander Nevski Cathedral. The building is very impressive. You can notice a lot of details on it and the size is massive, it’s actually the second largest cathedral on the Balkans. The cathedral is dedicated to the Russian soldiers who died while fighting for Bulgaria’s liberation. Inside the cathedral, you will find many icons. Its location is very central so you won’t miss it.

2. Take a stroll through Vitosha Boulevard

Vitosha Boulevard is one of the most famous streets in Sofia and the main place that tourist go to. You can find pretty much anything here. All the famous fashion houses have stores here and you can find high-end products. Vitosha Boulevard is located in the centre of Sofia. It’s a good place to have a meal or some coffee since there is an abundance of cafes and restaurants here. Most cafes on the pedestrian street have outdoor seating. The best time of the year to visit Sofia is during spring. You can soak up the sun and enjoy with a cup of coffee.

3. Go to Park of the National Palace of Culture

Another reason why you should visit Sofia during spring or summer is because of the parks. Sofia has many parks and whichever one you choose, you won’t be disappointed. If you feel like getting away from the crowd and going to a calmer and quieter place, this is the place to go to. When you get to the end of Vitosha Boulevard you’ll enter the park of the National Palace of Culture. It’s amazing how fast you can transition from noisy streets to a place full of greenery. This is by no means the only park in Sofia. You can go to South Park, Borisova Gradina or Doctor’s garden, just to name a few.

4. Church of St Petka of the Saddlers

The Church of St Petka of the Saddlers is situated in the center of Sofia. What makes this church unique is its small size and location. It’s right next to the entrance of the Serdika metro station and the Sheraton Hotel. The church dates back to the 11^th century. The wall paintings and icons are impressive and if you like visiting churches you will definitely like this one.

5. Check out the night life in Sofia

Sofia is famous for its vibrant night-life. You can find many clubs and bars around the city centre. It’s easily walkable and you can check out different places if you like. Local recommendations are another thing to take into considerations. People in Bulgaria are very friendly and will help you with anything you need. A great local recommendation is going to Mixtape 5 which is a game centre/nightclub. If you go during the day you’ll find many fun things to do. From playing pool to playing darts, this place offers a lot of options. There is also a bar section where you can get drinks at a reasonable price. During the night a lot of people go there and dance. We were informed that this was a concert venue as well, so that might be fun too. Although the location is central and Mixtape 5 is very close to the National Palace of Culture, it was tricky to find it at first. You need to go down the stairs and through a narrow path to find it.

Conclusion

These are just some of the things you can do in Sofia. This youthful and vibrant city will not disappoint you. Sofia offers authentic and extraordinary experiences with affordable prices. What more can we ask for? Sofia is also just 4 hours drive from Skopje and 2 hours drive north from Bansko, another city I covered in my previous article. So when are you going to Sofia?

Also Read: Top 5 Vegan Bulgarian Dishes You Must Try