Sofia is probably one of the most underrated European capitals but also such a nice jewel to add to your collection of visited cities. Bulgaria is situated on a crossroad between Europe and Asia which contributed greatly to its rich history, culture and traditions. I am not going to lie to you – if you’re coming from the ‘westernised’ world you might find the place quite different – but more than interesting! This article is going to reveal to you the best things to see and do in Sofia, a.k.a the top 7 places you should put on your list during your stay in the Bulgarian capital. I was born and raised in Sofia so keep in mind that these recommendations are coming from a local. 😉 Have fun exploring and don’t hesitate to share your impressions of the city with me!
What to do in Sofia in One day – Your Sofia Itinerary!
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Discover the The Largo of Serdika – above and underground
One of the best places to start your sightseeing of the city is the Serdika metro station. Why? It’s in the heart of Sofia, all of the sights are within a walking distance (most of which really really close) and it’s the only place in Sofia where both metro lines cross (which means whichever line you take – you’ll eventually reach Serdika!) The station has a few exits and you should aim for one leading to Vitosha boulevard, but don’t go out to the very top yet! On the middle level (where all the souvenir shops are) you can find a “secret” entry to the ruins of the ancient Roman city of Serdica (the old name of Sofia), which were uncovered while constructing the metro. The place is also worth seeing because of the glass rooftop, which gives you a glimpse at the Largo square above.
2. Take a stroll along Vitosha Boulevard
If you continue walking straight from Serdika station, there is no way you can miss the main (shopping) street of the city. You can’t spend a day in Sofia without putting this on your itinerary. The place is always quite busy, the cafes are usually full and it’s one of the main spots where locals like to meet up. You could literally spend hours on this street just enjoying the atmosphere – street musicians, occasional dance shows, countless cute little restaurants and a gorgeous view! The mountains are so close to Sofia that they can be seen very well even from a street level where you are surrounded by buildings! But don’t forget to turn around for another beautiful view of the St. Nedelya church on the other end of the street. Oh how I love taking a walk there during sunset..
3. See the National Palace of Culture
If you walk through the whole Vitosha boulevard, at the end you will enter the garden of the National Palace of Culture. If you continue straight on, you will reach the building itself. Now it’s not the building that is worth seeing, it’s the whole area around it – the fountains, the flowers, the skaters’ and bikers’ spot, street musicians if you’re lucky, the mountain in the distance behind the building… All of this gives off such a nice vibe – the vibe of Sofia.
4. Chill at the “Ivan Vazov” National Theatre
One of top places to see in Sofia in one day is certainly the building of the National Theatre. This is the largest theatre in Bulgaria, and definitely one of the prettiest buildings! The small park in front of it is a favourite hang-out spot for Sofia residents of all ages. There are a few benches there that turn into a chess battlefield every day, so if you are confident in that game – why not challenge a local? 😉 Jokes aside, the theatre is one of the ‘must see’ places in Sofia, so do not miss it.
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5. Explore the City Centre and its vibrant streets
What a better way to get to know a place than to get lost in it. The city centre of Sofia is full with small paved streets, cute cafes, shops, street art and everything your heart desires. You will also run across many small parks and gardens, which are usually buzzing during the evening time with people chilling and chatting over a beer. The Open Book Market at the Slaveykov Square is a place I’d recommend walking by, and the benches there are quite instagrammable! 😉 (find out why for yourself!)
6. Pay a visit to the St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
I am sure this is the building you have all seen on Google when searching photos of Sofia. And I cannot write this ‘What to do in Sofia in One Day’ Itinerary without including it. Probably the most important thing every single Sofia guide would mention is the St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, and that’s not without a reason. This is one of the largest Eastern Orthodox cathedrals in the world and it is easily the biggest landmark of the city. Located in the city centre, there is no way you can miss it! It might look good in pictures, but trust me – it’s even better in person and the size of it might surprise you.
P.S. The domes are plated with actual gold.
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7. Fill up your water bottle at the Central Mineral Baths
The central part of Sofia is known for its mineral springs; this is why the city’s public bath was built exactly there and had been used as such till 1986. The building’s facade is covered with colourful ceramic mosaics and is one of the most picturesque places in Sofia. Right behind the building you will find the mineral fountains where you can fill up your water bottles for free! The water is known to be very helpful when it comes to gastrointestinal diseases, kidney stones, liver and gallbladder disorders.
You want to know more about Bulgaria? Check out these posts as well:
The ABC of why Bulgaria should be your next destination
А Full List of Sofia’s Christmas Markets
25 Gorgeous Places to visit in Bulgaria (apart from Sofia)
Hand-picked city guide: 27 Awesome Things to do in Plovdiv
11 Marvelous Things to do in Varna in a Weekend
22 Unmissable Things to do in Tryavna, Bulgaria
How weird are Bulgarians? – 21 Unusual Things Bulgarians Do
The Best Things to do in Tsarevo, Bulgaria – A Weekend at the Seaside
28 Delightful Things to do in Bansko for all seasons
For more Sofia and Bulgaria inspiration follow me on Instagram – @bulgarianothego
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Lyubomira is the creator and author behind Bulgarian On The Go. With a background in journalism and experience in the field of tourism and marketing, her mission is to show travellers many beautiful places they might have never thought of visiting or even knew existed.
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