[2026 Sofia Hotels] Sofia Travel Guide & Travel Experiences | Updated Mar

Sofia is the capital of the Balkan nation of Bulgaria. It’s in the west of the country, below Vitosha Mountain. The city’s landmarks reflect more than 2,000 years of history, including Greek, Roman, Ottoman and Soviet occupation. Medieval Boyana Church has 13th-century frescoes. Built by the Romans in the 4th century, St. George Rotunda Church has medieval and Ottoman decoration dating to the 10th century #passionpassport #mytripvlog #urbanexplorer #tripblazers #awesomepic #cafe #awesomepic #celebratewithtrip #couplestrip #2023travelwish #passionpassport

Five stars without a doubt. If I could give it 10, I definitely would. It is an excellent place for trying Bulgarian food while enjoying Bulgarian folk music and dances. The staff was very attentive and kindly helped us with recommendations. The food was simply delicious. I tried the goulash, and the beef was extremely well-spiced and tender. We also ordered garlic bread, which was really, really good - I strongly recommend it. The Bulgarian show was outstanding, with extremely skilled dancers and singers with beautiful voices. All of this made the atmosphere there very special - everybody was happy and having a good time. I highly recommend this restaurant and hope to visit it again very soon. #passionpassport #mytripvlog #urbanexplorer #tripblazers #awesomepic #cafe #awesomepic #celebratewithtrip #couplestrip #2023travelwish #passionpassport #localguides #familytrip #historicallandmarks #freehotelstay #mytravelhacks #falltrip #mytravelhacks #mytravelhacks #freehotelstay #historicallandmarks #localguides #familytrip

Five stars without a doubt. If I could give it 10, I definitely would. It is an excellent place for trying Bulgarian food while enjoying Bulgarian folk music and dances. The staff was very attentive and kindly helped us with recommendations. The food was simply delicious. I tried the goulash, and the beef was extremely well-spiced and tender. We also ordered garlic bread, which was really, really good - I strongly recommend it. The Bulgarian show was outstanding, with extremely skilled dancers and singers with beautiful voices. All of this made the atmosphere there very special - everybody was happy and having a good time. I highly recommend this restaurant and hope to visit it again very soon. #passionpassport #mytripvlog #urbanexplorer #tripblazers #awesomepic #cafe #awesomepic #celebratewithtrip #couplestrip #2023travelwish #passionpassport #localguides #familytrip #historicallandmarks #freehotelstay #mytravelhacks #falltrip #mytravelhacks #mytravelhacks #freehotelstay #historicallandmarks #localguides #familytrip

Five stars without a doubt. If I could give it 10, I definitely would. It is an excellent place for trying Bulgarian food while enjoying Bulgarian folk music and dances. The staff was very attentive and kindly helped us with recommendations. The food was simply delicious. I tried the goulash, and the beef was extremely well-spiced and tender. We also ordered garlic bread, which was really, really good - I strongly recommend it. The Bulgarian show was outstanding, with extremely skilled dancers and singers with beautiful voices. All of this made the atmosphere there very special - everybody was happy and having a good time. I highly recommend this restaurant and hope to visit it again very soon. #passionpassport #mytripvlog #urbanexplorer #tripblazers #awesomepic #cafe #awesomepic #celebratewithtrip #couplestrip #2023travelwish #passionpassport #localguides #familytrip #historicallandmarks #freehotelstay #mytravelhacks #falltrip #mytravelhacks #mytravelhacks #freehotelstay #historicallandmarks #localguides #familytrip

Five stars without a doubt. If I could give it 10, I definitely would. It is an excellent place for trying Bulgarian food while enjoying Bulgarian folk music and dances. The staff was very attentive and kindly helped us with recommendations. The food was simply delicious. I tried the goulash, and the beef was extremely well-spiced and tender. We also ordered garlic bread, which was really, really good - I strongly recommend it. The Bulgarian show was outstanding, with extremely skilled dancers and singers with beautiful voices. All of this made the atmosphere there very special - everybody was happy and having a good time. I highly recommend this restaurant and hope to visit it again very soon. #passionpassport #mytripvlog #urbanexplorer #tripblazers #awesomepic #cafe #awesomepic #celebratewithtrip #couplestrip #2023travelwish #passionpassport #localguides #familytrip #historicallandmarks #freehotelstay #mytravelhacks #falltrip #mytravelhacks #mytravelhacks #freehotelstay #historicallandmarks #localguides #familytrip

Five stars without a doubt. If I could give it 10, I definitely would. It is an excellent place for trying Bulgarian food while enjoying Bulgarian folk music and dances. The staff was very attentive and kindly helped us with recommendations. The food was simply delicious. I tried the goulash, and the beef was extremely well-spiced and tender. We also ordered garlic bread, which was really, really good - I strongly recommend it. The Bulgarian show was outstanding, with extremely skilled dancers and singers with beautiful voices. All of this made the atmosphere there very special - everybody was happy and having a good time. I highly recommend this restaurant and hope to visit it again very soon. #passionpassport #mytripvlog #urbanexplorer #tripblazers #awesomepic #cafe #awesomepic #celebratewithtrip #couplestrip #2023travelwish #passionpassport #localguides #familytrip #historicallandmarks #freehotelstay #mytravelhacks #falltrip #mytravelhacks #mytravelhacks #freehotelstay #historicallandmarks #localguides #familytrip

Five stars without a doubt. If I could give it 10, I definitely would. It is an excellent place for trying Bulgarian food while enjoying Bulgarian folk music and dances. The staff was very attentive and kindly helped us with recommendations. The food was simply delicious. I tried the goulash, and the beef was extremely well-spiced and tender. We also ordered garlic bread, which was really, really good - I strongly recommend it. The Bulgarian show was outstanding, with extremely skilled dancers and singers with beautiful voices. All of this made the atmosphere there very special - everybody was happy and having a good time. I highly recommend this restaurant and hope to visit it again very soon. #passionpassport #mytripvlog #urbanexplorer #tripblazers #awesomepic #cafe #awesomepic #celebratewithtrip #couplestrip #2023travelwish #passionpassport #localguides #familytrip #historicallandmarks #freehotelstay #mytravelhacks #falltrip

Sofia is the capital of the Balkan nation of Bulgaria. It’s in the west of the country, below Vitosha Mountain. The city’s landmarks reflect more than 2,000 years of history, including Greek, Roman, Ottoman and Soviet occupation. Medieval Boyana Church has 13th-century frescoes. Built by the Romans in the 4th century, St. George Rotunda Church has medieval and Ottoman decoration dating to the 10th century. #passionpassport #mytripvlog #urbanexplorer #tripblazers #awesomepic #cafe #awesomepic #celebratewithtrip #couplestrip #2023travelwish #passionpassport

Sofia is the capital of the Balkan nation of Bulgaria. It’s in the west of the country, below Vitosha Mountain. The city’s landmarks reflect more than 2,000 years of history, including Greek, Roman, Ottoman and Soviet occupation. Medieval Boyana Church has 13th-century frescoes. Built by the Romans in the 4th century, St. George Rotunda Church has medieval and Ottoman decoration dating to the 10th century. #passionpassport #mytripvlog #urbanexplorer #tripblazers #awesomepic #cafe #awesomepic #celebratewithtrip #couplestrip #2023travelwish #passionpassport

The Museum of Illusions offers a fantastic blend of fun and entertainment, making it a must-visit destination. With its captivating optical illusions and mind-bending exhibits, visitors are sure to be thoroughly entertained. Plus, the museum provides plenty of unique and creative photo opportunities, making it a perfect spot for capturing memorable moments. Overall, it's a delightful and engaging experience for people of all ages. #passionpassport #mytripvlog #urbanexplorer #tripblazers #awesomepic #cafe #awesomepic #celebratewithtrip #couplestrip #2023travelwish #passionpassport

The Ivan Vazov National Theatre (Bulgarian: Народен театър „Иван Вазов“, Naroden teatar „Ivan Vazov“) is Bulgaria's national theatre, as well as the oldest and most authoritative theatre in the country and one of the important landmarks of Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria. It is located in the centre of the city, with the facade facing the City Garden. #passionpassport #mytripvlog #urbanexplorer #tripblazers #awesomepic #cafe #awesomepic #celebratewithtrip #couplestrip #2023travelwish #passionpassport

The National Archaeological Museum (Bulgarian: Национален археологически музей, Natsionalen arheologicheski muzey) is an archaeological museum in the centre of Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria. It occupies the building of the largest and oldest former Ottoman mosque in the city, originally known as Koca Mahmut Paşa Camii. The construction started in 1451 under grand vizier Veli Mahmud Pasha but due to his death in 1474 the mosque has been completed in 1494. The museum was established as a separate entity in 1893 as the National Museum directed by Czech Václav Dobruský with its headquarters in the former mosque that previouslyu housed the National Library between 1880 and 1893. The museum was officially opened and inaugurated in 1905, as by then all archaeological exhibits previously kept all over the city were moved there, in the presence of Knyaz Ferdinand of Bulgaria and Minister of Enlightenment Ivan Shishmanov. #passionpassport #mytripvlog #urbanexplorer #tripblazers #awesomepic #cafe #awesomepic #celebratewithtrip #couplestrip #2023travelwish #passionpassport

Sofia is the capital of the Balkan nation of Bulgaria. It’s in the west of the country, below Vitosha Mountain. The city’s landmarks reflect more than 2,000 years of history, including Greek, Roman, Ottoman and Soviet occupation. Medieval Boyana Church has 13th-century frescoes. Built by the Romans in the 4th century, St. George Rotunda Church has medieval and Ottoman decoration dating to the 10th century. #passionpassport #mytripvlog #urbanexplorer #tripblazers #awesomepic #cafe #awesomepic #celebratewithtrip #couplestrip #2023travelwish #passionpassport

Sofia is the capital of the Balkan nation of Bulgaria. It’s in the west of the country, below Vitosha Mountain. The city’s landmarks reflect more than 2,000 years of history, including Greek, Roman, Ottoman and Soviet occupation. Medieval Boyana Church has 13th-century frescoes. Built by the Romans in the 4th century, St. George Rotunda Church has medieval and Ottoman decoration dating to the 10th century. #passionpassport #mytripvlog #urbanexplorer #tripblazers #awesomepic #cafe #awesomepic #celebratewithtrip #couplestrip #2023travelwish #passionpassport

Sofia is the capital of the Balkan nation of Bulgaria. It’s in the west of the country, below Vitosha Mountain. The city’s landmarks reflect more than 2,000 years of history, including Greek, Roman, Ottoman and Soviet occupation. Medieval Boyana Church has 13th-century frescoes. Built by the Romans in the 4th century, St. George Rotunda Church has medieval and Ottoman decoration dating to the 10th century. #passionpassport #mytripvlog #urbanexplorer #tripblazers #awesomepic #cafe #awesomepic #celebratewithtrip #couplestrip #2023travelwish #passionpassport

Sofia is the capital of the Balkan nation of Bulgaria. It’s in the west of the country, below Vitosha Mountain. The city’s landmarks reflect more than 2,000 years of history, including Greek, Roman, Ottoman and Soviet occupation. Medieval Boyana Church has 13th-century frescoes. Built by the Romans in the 4th century, St. George Rotunda Church has medieval and Ottoman decoration dating to the 10th century. #passionpassport #mytripvlog #urbanexplorer #tripblazers #awesomepic #cafe #awesomepic #celebratewithtrip #couplestrip #2023travelwish #passionpassport

Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, is a city full of history and cultural heritage. While visiting Sofia, you can visit valuable Bulgarian Orthodox treasures such as the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and the St. Nicholas Russian Church. These churches are famous for their exquisite architecture and artwork, showcasing the religious and cultural traditions of the Orthodox Church. In addition, Sofia is home to many amazing buildings and squares, such as the Nikola Vilkov National Theatre, the Bridge of Lions, and the National Palace Cultural Center. You can admire Bulgaria's unique architectural style and rich historical background in these places. Wandering in the streets of Sofia, you can also experience the local traditional culture and cuisine. Get a taste of the local culinary culture by trying traditional local dishes such as kebabs, salads and forma coffee. Whether you are interested in history, culture or food, Sofia can bring you an unforgettable travel experience. The unique charm and rich content of this city will leave a deep impression on you and bring you unforgettable memories.

#falladventures Day 1 – Discover the heart of Sofia Start your weekend in the historic center, where centuries of cultures meet. * Begin at the **Alexander Nevsky Cathedral**, Sofia’s most iconic landmark with golden domes and peaceful interiors ⛪✨ * Walk to the **Russian Church** and enjoy its quiet garden 🌿💛 * Explore the **Roman ruins of Serdica**, hidden between modern buildings—ancient streets, walls, and foundations from the old Thracian city 🏺🏙️ * Stroll along **Vitosha Boulevard**, the city’s lively pedestrian street, perfect for cafés, shopping, and people-watching ☕🛍️ * End your day at **NDK Park**, enjoying fountains, sunset views, and relaxed local vibes 🌆🌳 Day 2 – Culture, history, and mountain views Start the morning with a journey into Bulgaria’s rich heritage. * Visit the **National Archaeological Museum** to see Thracian treasures and medieval artifacts 🧿🏛️ * Continue to **Banya Bashi Mosque**, one of the city’s most historic religious sites 🕌 * Enjoy lunch at the **Central Market Hall**, tasting local pastries, cheeses, and sweets 🥐🧀 * In the afternoon, take the lift or a taxi up to **Vitosha Mountain**. Walk along the trails, enjoy fresh air, and admire stunning views of the city below 🌄🌲 * Relax with a cozy dinner in the center, trying traditional dishes like banitsa, kavarma, or shopska salad 🍽️✨ Day 3 – UNESCO heritage and local neighborhoods This day blends culture, nature, and a quieter look at local life. * Head to the **Boyana Church**, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its incredible 13th-century frescoes 🎨📜 * Visit the **National Museum of History** nearby to learn more about Bulgaria’s past 🏛️ * Return to the city and explore **Lozenez or Oborishte**, charming neighborhoods filled with cafés, boutique shops, and leafy streets ☕🌿 * End your trip with a walk around the **City Garden** and snap a final photo of the beautiful National Theatre Ivan Vazov 🎭🌸 Sofia is perfect for a weekend—walkable, relaxed, and full of culture, mountain scenery, and warm local charm 🌄🏛️✨

Sofia is serving ancient city goals! My adventure started with a night stroll through the Ancient Serdica Archaeological Complex (ul. Serdika 5, Sofia Center, Sofia 1000)—literally a history nerd’s paradise. 🤓 They’ve got wild augmented reality projections that show you what the ancient Roman digs used to look like back in the day. The best part? It’s totally free and packed with relics, info, and cool vibes all day, every day. Next up: the free city tour in #sofia! You just gotta do it—great guides, epic stories, and you actually get those local tips that Google misses. Sooo worth it if you want Insta-worthy snaps and hidden city legends. Spent some time wandering from Saint George Rotunda Church (Knyaz Alexander Dondukov Blvd 2, 1000 Sofia) with its ancient architecture (open daily: 08:00–19:30), up to the National Assembly of the Republic of Bulgaria (Tsar Osvoboditel Square; Mon-Fri, 09:00–17:00) for those grand parliament-house vibes, and even caught the peaceful scene at the Banya Bashi Mosque (Knyagina Maria Luisa Blvd 18; open 06:00–22:00). And if you're into the outdoors, you HAVE to do the chill hike up to Dragalevski Monastery! The path is scenic and super low-key, ending at a peaceful retreat before you hop back on bus 66 to the city. Honestly, public transport in Sofia is so breezy and wallet-friendly. 💸 Use your credit card (yup, digital works fine) for every ride—the system will automatically cap what you pay at the price of a day pass. No stress, just travel! HOT TIP: Stayed at Sofia‧ Hotel (Skala Eressou). Comfy and at the center of the action—perfect for your city sweeps. Sofia at night is a whole mood. Picture this: a man and woman walking the old town streets, ancient buildings glowing in the background. The city’s ruins and stylish architecture are straight-up magical, calling for those night-time photo ops! Whether you’re living for history, epic walks, or just vibing with the locals, Sofia’s city escape is next-level. 🙌 Who’s coming with me next round? #FallAdventures

Ready for an unforgettable travel flex? I took the overnight train from Istanbul to Sofia and omg, this ride is next level! 🚉 The train is suuuper comfy, with cozy beds and your own private sink in each cabin—major upgrade from a regular seat! Sleeping while you travel = genius move. Heads up: passing through border control is a whole adventure (gotta show your passport and answer a few questions), but the rest of the trip? Pure travel vibes! The ticket is pretty wallet-friendly too—around 32-40 € depending on the season, and you can grab yours right at any Istanbul train station. Easy peasy. Some bonus logistics for your trip: • Turkey Travel Tour (Istanbul) - Mevlana mahallesi 834. Sokak no 28 daire 1, 34200 Gaziosmanpasa/İstanbul, Türkiye; open all day, every day, so you can explore anytime. • Hot spot hotel in Sofia: Sofia Hotel, 15 Velcho Atanasov Str—perfect crash pad after your train journey! Oh, and if you roll out of Sofia Central Station, check out the stunning sculpture by the pool—a total aesthetic treat surrounded by modern architecture and sunny city vibes. 📸 Seriously, if you want comfy overnight travel plus city-hopping in style, this Istanbul-Sofia route is a BIG win. Don’t sleep on it (except for real, on your train bed!). Book through trip.com and get ready for your best travel glow-up! #FallAdventures

Sofia, originally known as Serdica in Roman times, was a significant Roman city situated on the Via Militaris, a major road connecting the Eastern and Western Roman Empires. No matter how many times I walk through Serdika metro station, I am always at awe. The feeling of walking on a Roman path while the 21sr century busy road stand just above you can not be explained. #sofia #roman #history #travel #timelessbeauty

#sofia

#familytravel I think the city of Sofia is a great blend of heritage and modern. Allowing family holidays to have a balance they seek. The cost effectiveness of this part of the world also makes it a good option for family travels. In case of family holidays, it makes a big difference when you can save on entrance fees to places or even accomodations. We found that staying in the centre was a very good decision. While it works in most places you will visit hut specifically in Sofia, majority of the historic and heritage sites were walking distances from where we were put up. Historically the city has been through a lot with various empires such as Roman, Greek and ottoman. Something that reflects on the architecture. Then with communist rule there was further destruction of heritage. If you enjoy the sight of churches, you'll come across many in Sofia. The architecture somewhat reminded me of structures I saw in Russia. We also explored plenty of restaurants and the modern offerings of this city. The business district looks very much like any business district in cities like London or new york. With a blend of offerings and favourites like nevsky cathedral, the archeological museum, the palace of culture and many churches. Sofia ensured a plenty of reasons make this family travels a success. #sofia #100waysoftravel #europe #family #myhiddengems

Sofia is the capital of the Balkan nation of Bulgaria. It’s in the west of the country, below Vitosha Mountain. The city’s landmarks reflect more than 2,000 years of history, including Greek, Roman, Ottoman and Soviet occupation. Medieval Boyana Church has 13th-century frescoes. Built by the Romans in the 4th century, St. George Rotunda Church has medieval and Ottoman decoration dating to the 10th century. #passionpassport #mytripvlog #urbanexplorer #tripblazers #awesomepic #cafe #awesomepic #celebratewithtrip #couplestrip #2023travelwish #passionpassport

Places to visit in Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria! 📍 Cathédrale Saint-Alexandre-Nevski pl. "Sveti Aleksandar Nevski", 1000 Sofia Center, Sofia, Bulgarie Landmark of Sofia! Alexander Cathedral The cathedral is so big that it can't be seen at a glance and it doesn't fit well in photos😂 Here's a tip: take a picture at the crosswalk in front of the cathedral (watch out for cars) 📍 Complexe antique de Serdica pl. "Nezavisimost", 1000 Sofia Center, Sofia, Bulgarie A historical site discovered by chance during subway construction * A city with a beautiful night view! #EuropeanTravel

#freehotelstay Top 8 Sofia Travel Tips For you to have an easy and comfortable trip, these travel tips for Sofia, Bulgaria are extremely crucial. Be it whether to take the public transport or going shopping, we have you covered. Read ahead to explore these trips and make the most out of your trip to Sofia this time. 1. Use the public transport system of Sofia Among other things, the city has an excellent transport system. You can travel through the city by metro or the buses and trolley buses. You can also avail the trams to travel through the city. The major attractions of the city are mostly within walking distances, so you can even take a walk and visit these places. The metro system of the city is the best laid out one – it connects the center of the city to most other parts. It also has a direct line to the airport. The price of every ticket for any type of transportation except shuttles is 1,60 BGN. You can also avail the 3-day card for all the lines. It is a common choice among all visitors who come here. The package offers here in the city are very useful for travel. 2. Use their local official apps It is not uncommon that Google map fails to show you how to go about at a place. Given the situation, it is best that you try the official urban mobility center’s website. In case you are not satisfied with that then go for the MoveIt app that will help you go around the city much faster. In the possibility of everything going against you be sure to ask the people the directions as they will be happy to help you go around the city. Also, as there is sure to be a language barrier, try and learn basic Bulgarian. That way you will at least be able to ask for general directions 3. Be Careful with the parking If you are planning to drive around the city then be sure you make yourself aware of the parking system of the country. They have two parking zone – the red one and the blue one. Both have different rates and for paying the hourly rates you have to send an SMS with your car’s license plate to 1302 for the Blue zone and 1303 for the Green zone. 4. Plan your trip in between May and October 5. Stay in Vitosha Boulevard to experience the best of hospitality 6. Sunday is usually an off for vendors 7. Try eat Shopska in Sofia 8. Don’t miss the Royal Palace #placetosee #stunningbeach #londontrip #beachparty #boracaytrip #bangkoktrip #beijingtrip #tokyotrip #shenzhentrip #sanyatrip #newyortrip ¹#hangzhoutrip #beachlovers #topbeach #placetovisit #bestbeach #travel #perfectbeach #localescapes #singaporetrip #helloautumn #triptravelguide #triptravel #beachvacation #hotelstaycation

Sofia is no grand metropolis, but it's a modern, youthful city, with a scattering of onion-domed churches, Ottoman mosques and stubborn Red Army monuments that lend an eclectic, exotic feel. #sofia #bulgaria🇧🇬

#Overseas travel It's the capital of Bulgaria, Sofia! Although it was a city I stopped by briefly on my way to Turkey, I was surprised because it had a long history and was famous for the St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. I was so sad that I could only stay for a day, but the city felt so relaxed that I promised myself that I would definitely come back. If you have the chance, I recommend it as a city where you can stay for a long time!

Dog exploring the fountain and drinking water!

#Overseas travel Sofia, Bulgaria is famous for its hot springs flowing all over the city! They really are everywhere on the street.😲 Residents even take them in plastic bottles. Since it's hot spring water, it seems cool, but it's really warm! There's even hot spring water in the museum in the city center, and they say it's because it was a public bathhouse during the Ottoman Empire😅 When I think of Bulgaria, I think of Bulgaris yogurt, and yogurt is really famous! It's not as sweet as our country, but I think it's worth trying at least once👌