Location: Sofia
Top Things to do in Sofia
Top Restaurants in Sofia
Countries
10 Things to do in Sofia That You Shouldn't Miss
Surrounded by sprawling parkland, Sofia, the capital and largest city of the Republic of Bulgaria, lies at the foot of popular ski mountain, Vitosha. With a history that stretches over seven millennia, ruin-rich Sofia is one of Europe's oldest cities. The National Historical Museum is one of Eastern Europe's most extensive. Wide, cobblestone boulevards, charming boutiques and truly electrifying nightlife star in this city of 1.3 million. Trolleys, trams and buses traverse the dynamic city.
Restaurants in Sofia
1. Boyana Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,836 reviews
Located at the foot of Mt. Vitosha, Bojana Church is about 900 years old. The church houses the National Museum, which focuses on regional history, art and cultural artifacts.
Reviewed By brenhell
If you manage to make it up the hill, this church is well worth the journey and 10 Lev entrance fee. The interior has amazing 13th century frescos. Note that the visitor numbers are limited to 8 at any time as space is limited plus they are probably trying to preserve the frescos by controlling humidity levels. You are only permitted to stsy for 10 mins. The grounds are pleasant with benches and plenty of birds( I saw a woodpecker). If you are making your own way there you can combine this visit with the National History museum nearby. We did this by taking trolley bus 2 from the centre to its final stop over the road from the museum. From here you can walk 30 mins up to the church or take bus 107 which goes to the church entrance.
2. St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,403 reviews
Completed in 1912, St. Alexander Nevsky Patriarchal Cathedral Stauropigial Memorial-Church is an impressive landmark in Sofia. The church was built as a memorial to the 200,000 Russian soldiers who died in the Russo-Turkish Liberation War (1877-1878).
Reviewed By loukiap550 - Nicosia, Cyprus
A Bulgarian Orthodox cathedral in Sofia (Bg). Built in Neo-Byzantine style, it serves as the cathedral church of the Patriarch of Bulgaria and it is one of the largest Christian church buildings, as well as one of Sofia's symbols and primary tourist attractions. There is a museum of Bulgarian icons inside the cathedral crypt, part of the National Art Gallery.
3. Catedral de Sveta-Nedelya
4. Ivan Vazov National Theater
5. Vitosha Mountain
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,208 reviews
Reviewed By Sharpehunter - Island of Malta, Malta
When you arrive in Sofia your attention is immediately drawn to the Mount Vitosha range which stands tall in the backdrop. Beautiful snow-capped mountains fringed by lush green mixed woodland and forest draws you in immediately. Easily accessible by car, buses and trams, you can even jump the various chairlifts to get higher up the range. My favourite starting point for any hike in Vitosha is Boyana Church. From here there is a myriad of routes to choose of varying difficulty all clearly marked. Take your pick from The Golden Bridges, Boyana Lake and Boyana Waterfall, or just choose a path that looks good, hit the trail and go with the flow. Advisable to wear good walking shoes, the terrain is very diverse and changeable and varies from easy-going paths to steep rocky (and slippy) climbs. Always take plenty of water, make sure you have some food. There are lots of mountain huts that serve great traditional Bulgarian food, beers, wines and soft drinks, but you have to get to them first. Fabulous days out, I still haven't done the actual Black Peak yet, but it's on the agenda.
6. Saint Nikolas Russian Church (Tsurkva Sveta Nikolai)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,089 reviews
7. Saint Sofia Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 939 reviews
Reviewed By charlielG9293DR
This church has an amazing history and is built on an old Roman necropolis. It is well worth taking the time to watch the video of the history of the church in order to really appreciate it and to have a wander among the ancient tombs underneath.
8. National Museum of Military History
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 276 reviews
9. Boyana Waterfall
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 241 reviews
From Boyana neighborhood and Boyana church go up in the mountain using the marked green path - about 2 hours or steep ascent along the river for an hour and half. Ask or go with someone local or join the daily tours of Sofia Green Tour
Reviewed By Jolanda1997
We hiked up to the Boyana Waterfall on our first day in Sofia. The whole trail is within the forest and full of shades. You aren't really bothered with the sun there. We had a bit of trouble finding the start of the trail, as we tried to find the start of the green route. We ended up walking with some people to the left after entering, but that is not the correct way. For Green (easy) just walk straight ahead once you passed the sign on the front. The hike up took about 2 hours, and down about an hour and a half. There are plenty of small rocks so make sure to wear comfy shoes for walking. The easiest way to get to the starting point is to take a cab to the Boyana Church, which costs around 8-10 leva (be aware of "fake" taxis, though. Some try to rip you off with high prices.)
10. Vitosha Boulevard
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 3,255 reviews
Reviewed By 372rz - De Meern, The Netherlands
This is a very nice street with diversity of stores, many restaurants, ice cream stores and cafes, some benches to sit and take a break. From all the restaurants I will recommend Shtastliveza. It is usually full, reservation is recommended.
