If you would like to get to know the culture of Bulgaria better and especially feel the charm of this country, then you should definitely visit the nation's capital. Sofia is one of the oldest cities in Europe and impresses with its magnificent sights. This city is still spared from masses of tourists, which is exactly why it should be a destination on your list.
The unique sights of the city tell Sofia’s story and give the city a very special flair. Visit the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral or be enchanted by the creative works of street art.
The Ivan Vazov National Theater is located in the center of Sofia and stands out impressively among the countless green spaces. From the outside, the building is wrapped in a red facade and framed by white columns and stucco. After a fire in 1923 and attacks on Sofia during World War II and in the 1970s, renovations and extensions took place. Along with further renovations to the facade in 2007, the National Theater today shines in its unique splendor. The building’s original style has been consistently preserved over the years.
Today, the National Theater, named after the writer Ivan Vazov, is known as the most important theater in the country. It’s no surprise that around 600 performances take place each season. Culture lovers in particular enjoy the wonderful shows.
Let yourself be enchanted by the appearance of the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and visit the landmark of Sofia. This cathedral is unique and is considered the largest Orthodox church in Bulgaria! The cream-white facade, decorated with light green and golden domes, makes this building one of the most beautiful architectural wonders in the city.
The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is just a few minutes’ walk from the Ivan Vazov National Theater and is already visible from afar due to its size. But the cathedral is not only impressive from the outside, but also from the inside. The five naves of the cathedral are adorned with gold and marble and appear unique thanks to the various mosaic artworks. The cathedral is open daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and can be visited free of charge. Of course, paid guided tours are also available to learn more about the cathedral.
If you are fascinated by beautiful paintings and want to discover Bulgarian culture through unique artworks, then you should look for street art in the city’s numerous districts and keep your eyes open to discover the diverse pieces. Many artworks can be found on a street called Ul. Tsar Shishman. You should also visit the Serdika metro station in the city center to admire further works, such as those by Salvador Dalí. But you don’t have to find all of these wonderful pieces on your own—there are guided tours available that help you discover them without missing a thing.
The unique city of Sofia is not only special because of its artworks but also thanks to the history of its thermal and mineral springs. A well-known remnant is the Central Mineral Bath, located in the center of Sofia and now home to a museum. As early as Roman times, a thermal spring flowed at this very spot. It was also used during the Middle Ages, leading to the creation of an oriental hammam (a place of traditional bathing culture).
So how did today’s Central Mineral Bath come into being? It was built in 1913 and had a swimming and thermal bath until 1986. Today, the Central Mineral Bath is a Bulgarian cultural monument and museum, primarily impressive because of its oriental appearance.
Would you like to discover a quiet corner of the city and soak up the impressions of Sofia? Then you should visit the beautiful South Park. The spacious paths and bike lanes invite you to explore this green oasis in the middle of the city more closely. The scent of coffee and sweet treats in the air will almost certainly draw you into one of the cafés around South Park.
Are you traveling to Sofia with your family? That’s no problem at all—there’s plenty to do for children in South Park. Make use of the various playgrounds while you enjoy your delicious coffee to-go and watch your children’s eyes light up with joy.
Want to learn more about the history of Bulgaria’s capital? Then you should take a look at the remains from Roman times and be enchanted by their grandeur. Discover the traces of the former Roman city of Serdika, the former name of Sofia. Right in the historic city center, you’ll find the Serdika metro station, where these Roman remnants can be discovered. Be sure to visit the underpass of the metro station, where display cases show various objects like urns and pots from that era.
The Banya Bashi Mosque is, among many churches, the only active mosque in the city and is located right next to the Central Mineral Bath. It is also one of the oldest Muslim houses of worship in all of Europe and one of the most important buildings from the Ottoman rule over Sofia. This unique mosque was built in 1567, based on the plans of architect Mimar Sinan. Please note that as a tourist, you may only visit the mosque outside of the five prayer times. Also, women should follow tradition and only enter the mosque wearing a headscarf.
The Rotunda of St. George is a highly interesting church located in a courtyard in the city center. This church was built by the Romans in the 4th century and is therefore the oldest building in the capital of Bulgaria. Today, the Rotunda of St. George is part of the UNESCO World Heritage. The church can be visited daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and entry is free. You can also find remains of Roman Serdika around the building.
If you plan to visit the impressive capital of Bulgaria, you should also consider exploring the surrounding area and set aside time for interesting day trips. Especially worth seeing are the Vitosha Mountains and the Rila Mountains. You can also head to Plovdiv (Bulgaria’s second-largest city) if you want to discover more cities in this wonderful country.
You may already spot the Vitosha Mountains from the city, and they may spark your interest to explore this stunning nature. The Vitosha range borders Sofia and enhances the appearance of Bulgaria’s capital. Not only the mountains themselves are worth a visit, but also the Vitosha Nature Park, often described as a place of relaxation.
Getting to the Vitosha Mountains is very simple and convenient. There are various providers that take you there by shuttle, or you can use public buses and the metro. This makes it easy to embark on your hiking adventure—either on your own or as part of a guided tour.
The Vitosha Mountains are not only popular during milder months. While they attract hikers in spring and summer, in winter they transform into a spectacular ski area.
The Rila Mountains are another natural wonder, located about 90 km from Sofia and just as fascinating as the Vitosha Mountains. They are known as the highest mountain range in Bulgaria, with peaks reaching up to 2,925 meters. As a result, the mountain tops are snow-covered all year round.
You can enjoy wonderful hikes here and explore different routes. A special highlight is a hike around the Seven Rila Lakes, which you can do with a guide. You can also take a lift to the mountain hut and follow a circular trail (3.5–5 hours). Be aware: due to the altitude, it’s best to plan your hikes in midsummer, as the mountains can still be covered in snow during other times of the year. Always check the weather forecast before you hike—fog can severely limit visibility and ruin the spectacular views of the lakes.
Also worth noting: the Rila Monastery is located in the Rila Mountains and is one of the largest Orthodox monasteries in the world. Take this opportunity to see this historic monastery in its breathtaking location. Since 1983, the Rila Monastery has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the most visited attractions in the country.
Want to combine your trip to Sofia with another city? Then Bulgaria’s second-largest city, Plovdiv, is an excellent choice. Just two hours from Sofia, Plovdiv was founded in 341 BC on seven hills. It is considered the oldest city in Europe and is a must for history enthusiasts. One highlight is the amphitheater of Philippopolis, where operas and concerts are still held today. Due to its age, Plovdiv’s entire old town has been a protected historical site since 1956. Other sights include the Dzhumaya Mosque and intriguing street art. You’ll also find many other historical remnants here.
If you want to visit Sofia, it’s best to plan your trip between May and October. Keep in mind that hiking adventures (like those in the Rila Mountains) are most suitable during the warm summer months. In general, Sofia is a year-round destination. You can even combine your city trip with a ski holiday in the Vitosha Mountains.
We wish you a great time on your trip to Bulgaria and your exploration of Sofia. Order your digital vignette for Bulgaria now from us and enjoy carefree driving on the country’s highways. For any questions, feel free to contact us at [email protected]
