Is Sofia Worth Visiting? A 24 Hour Travel Guide
After recently having my flight to Jordan canceled, the only affordable flight now included stopover in Sofia, Bulgaria. Given I had never been to Bulgaria before, I decided to make it a 24 hour stopover and explore the city of Sofia – least to say, this was the best decision! If you are wondering whether Sofia is worth visiting, I can confidently say 100% YES. The below guide to Sofia is based on my own experience exploring this charming Balkan city.
Is Sofia Worth Visiting?
Sofia is absolutely worth visiting! In 24 hours we an amazing walking tour, learnt all about the city’s rich history, indulged in delicious Bulgarian cuisine, checked out the nightlife and even managed to do an escape room (a Sofia must!). So if you’re debating whether its worth visiting and what to see – check out our guide below for the ultimate Sofia itinerary that covers the essential tips plus excellent local recommendations we were given by locals.
How Many Days in Sofia is enough?
If you want to cover the basics in Sofia, Bulgaria, then 1-2 days is generally enough time to see the highlights in this city. If you want a more relaxed pace with which to discover the city or are interested in doing additional day trips from Sofia, then I would suggest 3-4 days as ideal.
If you are still deciding is Sofia worth visiting, check out the below guide on the best things to see and do in Sofia and decide for yourself.
What is Worth Seeing in Sofia?
Sofia is a city rich in history and culture. I would say its worth visiting for the culture alone but there is a lot more that I loved about Sofia! You can explore ancient Roman ruins, visit the stunning Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, and enjoy traditional Bulgarian cuisine. The nearby Vitosha Mountain offers great hiking opportunities, while the city’s parks provide a relaxing escape. Sofia’s lively nightlife and affordable prices make it a great destination if you’re looking for a mix of old-world charm and modern vibrancy. All these make Sofia a worthwhile place to visit – whether as a short stopover or a city break in its own right.
1. Free Sofia Walking Tour
Our hotel suggested doing a Sofia Walking Tour for a brief introduction to city and cover some key places in Sofia. The tour is about 2 hours long and provides a good glimpse into the city’s captivating history. If you are short on time and want a good summary of the city and its history, while getting the perspectives of locals I highly recommend doing the official Free sofia tour. These tours are usually run on the tour led by enthusiastic local guides who share fascinating stories about Sofia’s past, its iconic landmarks, and its journey from ancient Roman ruins to a modern European capital. It’s a fantastic way to familiarize yourself with the city’s layout and soak in its vibrant atmosphere. We got some amazing local recommendations for best restaurants and bars to try while in Sofia (mentioned further below) that definitely did not disappoint!
The tour runs for 2 hours, starts at the Palace of Justice and covers the following sites along the way
- Sveta Nedelya Church
- Coat of Arms of Sofia
- Statue of Sofia
- Church of St. Petka
- Largo Square Roman Ruins
- Banya Bashi Mosque
- Sofia Synagogue
- Former Public Bath / Museum of Sofia
- Mineral Water
- Council of Ministers
- Former Communist Party Headquarters
- Presidency
- St George Rotunda
- City Garden
- National Theater Ivan Vazov
- Russian Church
- National Gallery (Former Royal Palace)
- St. Sophia Basilica
- St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
We really enjoyed the tour and felt like we got a lot out of it, especially the time we spent afterwards just chatting with our local Bulgarian tour guide, who was super friendly and shared with us all the details on what locals love to do, where they recommend going out to eat, what bars to explore etc.
2. Sofia Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and Surrounding Gardens
No visit to Sofia would be complete without a visit to the iconic Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. This magnificent Orthodox cathedral stands as a symbol of Bulgaria’s national identity. Take a stroll through the surrounding gardens, which provide a tranquil escape in the heart of the city. Don’t miss the chance to go inside the cathedral, as its stunning interior will leave you in awe. Note that there may be a small fee to take photos inside, but the outside what we found most impressive.
Pro tip: I recommend going early in the morning to get good shots without too many people. There was also a lot of construction going on around the cathedral when we were there, but hte park and green area provided a clearer more unobstructed shot of the Cathefral than the roads closer to the Cathedral.
3. Lunch at Rainbow Factory
For a delightful lunch experience, head to the hip café known as Rainbow Factory. This trendy spot with two branches across Sofia and attracts both locals and visitors alike, offering a cool and vibrant atmosphere. I would recommend trying the famous Bulgarian “banitsa,” a savory pastry made with layers of filo dough and a filling of cheese or other ingredients. This place does an amazing version which is perfect for breakfast or lunch. For more recommendations on where to eat and drink in Sofia – check out our guide here.
4. Sofia Bulgaria Cathedral
After lunch, make your way to Sofia Cathedral, the official cathedral after which the city is named. Despite what everyone thinks, it is not in fact the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral cathedral that is the Sofia Cathedral, but in fact this one which is made by the same person who made the Hagia Sofia in Turkey (hence the name). Marvel at its striking architecture, explore the interior, adorned with beautiful frescoes and religious artifacts, and take a moment to soak in the spiritual atmosphere of this historic site.
5. Do an Escape Room in Bulgaria!
This one was recommend to us from our free sofia tour, tour guide. This may not seem like an obvious choice for 24 hours in Sofia, but believe me, this was such a fun and memorable experience, one we will never forget! The one we did was by Room 66, where you have exactly 66 minutes to solve puzzles and escape. There are three rooms to choose, we recommend this one as we found it was a perfect blend of scares and mind-bending challenges, that tested our wits and provide the perfect mid afternoon adrenaline rush!
6. Try Bulgarian food at one of Sofia’s Best Restaurants
When it comes to dinner, Sofia has an array of fantastic options to choose from. Two highly recommended places are Moma Food and Wine and Izbata Tavern. We opted for Izbata Tavern and were thrilled with the delicious food it offered. The cozy atmosphere, reminiscent of a home-cooked meal, and authentic local flavors make it a perfect choice for a memorable dining experience. We are vegetarian and were surprised how amazing and varied the vegetarian dishes were! The place felt homely and hospitable. Our waiters were absolutely amazing at providing recommendations and suggestions. This place is great if you are looking to sample traditional Bulgarian food after a long day!
7. Check out the Local Bar Scene at Raketa Rakia
To conclude your day in Sofia, treat yourself to a nightcap at Sputnik, the sister cocktail bar to the famous Raketa Rakia. Rakia is a traditional Bulgarian fruit brandy, and here you’ll find an excellent selection to choose from. Our waitress was a super friendly local and we ended up chatting at length about travels and hers! We mentioned we were in Sofia for just one night and wanted to try the local tipple. She was really thoughtful in recommending a couple of cocktails and then shortly after brought up some local Rakia on the house which the bar is known for making in small batches in its own brewery.
How do I get from Sofia Airport to City Centre?
Getting from Sofia Airport to the city center is straightforward with several convenient transportation options available.
Metro
The metro is a convenient option to get into the centre of Sofia. From the Airport take the M4 metro into the city. You can purchae tickets at the ticket machines located near the metro at the Airport, next to the building of Terminal 2. One thing to note is that the metro only runs from 5.30 am – 12am, so if you’re arriving just after midnight you will need to look at other options for transport.
Bus line 84
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, the bus is a great choice. Bus line 84 connects the airport with the city center and operates from early morning until late at night. The cost of a bus ticket is approximately 1.60 BGN (around $0.96 USD) per person, making it an affordable way to reach your destination.
Taxi
Another option is to take a taxi, which offers a more direct and comfortable journey. Taxis are readily available outside the airport terminals, and the approximate fare from the airport to the city center is around 15-20 BGN (approximately $9-$12 USD), depending on traffic and distance. It’s always a good idea to confirm the fare with the driver before getting in the taxi to avoid any misunderstandings. Use the Yellow Taxi cab’s outside the airport and make sure they will be using the meter for the journey. If catching a cab within Sofia, local’s recommend using the Yellow Taxi cab app for trustworthy and reliable service, plus you won’t risk being overcharged as a tourist.
Best Areas to Stay To Explore Sofia
If you’re gearing up for a whirlwind 24-hour adventure in Sofia, Bulgaria, you’ll want to make every moment count. In my research before bookng my accommodation I found these two areas generally the best for convenience to attractions, amendities, with plenty of options in reasonable price ranges.
Oborishte
Nestled amidst tree-lined streets and historic charm, Oborishte offers a peaceful retreat just steps away from Sofia’s main attractions. Picture yourself waking up in a cozy guesthouse or boutique hotel, surrounded by the city’s rich history. Take leisurely strolls to iconic landmarks like Alexander Nevsky Cathedral or Sofia University, soaking in the atmosphere along the way. With a range of accommodations to suit every budget, Oborishte is the ideal choice for travelers seeking a central yet serene base for their Sofia escapades.
Vitosha Boulevard
For those craving a more lively experience, Vitosha Boulevard has you covered. This bustling area is the epicenter of Sofia’s hip scene, boasting trendy cafes, vibrant bars, and stylish accommodations. Think sipping a latte at a chic sidewalk cafe and small boutiques shops, all conviently located close to the National Palace of Culture. Whether you’re on a tight budget or ready to splurge, Vitosha Boulevard offers a range of options.
Final Thoughts
There you have it! I hope this guide has convinced you to visit Sofia and provided you with some tips for your itinerary!
Are you heading to Bulgaria? Check out our other guides on Sofia below –