Bulgaria

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Top 10 attractions in Bulgaria

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St. Sofia Church
No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Bulgaria

St. Sofia Church

5.7
4.9/5
29 reviews
St. Sofia Church is one of the oldest churches in the city of Sofia. The existing red-brick cruciform structure, along with its two eastern towers and a domed tower, was built in the mid-6th century during the Byzantine era under the reign of Justinian I. It is contemporary with the famous cathedral of the same name in Istanbul and serves as an important remnant of early Christian architecture in Southeast Europe. In the 14th century, Sofia was named after this church, and the church's image is still preserved on the city's coat of arms today. The highlight inside the church is under your feet: the floor is covered with early Christian-era mosaics. The intricate, interlacing floral, animal, and geometric patterns require a closer look to fully appreciate their craftsmanship. Since "St. Sofia" means "Holy Wisdom," the icon inside depicts Sofia as the young Christ seated on a rainbow, which is quite different from typical saint icons. This building has also experienced its share of hardships: the 12th-century frescoes were destroyed, it was converted into a mosque during the Ottoman period, it was abandoned after two earthquakes in the 19th century, and it was only restored and reopened in the 20th century. An archaeological exhibition area has been opened beneath the church, displaying sarcophagi, brick-vaulted tombs, and dozens of burial sites from the 3rd–5th centuries from the eastern necropolis of the ancient Roman city of Serdica, as well as remains of earlier generations of churches. Some tomb walls still bear paintings; notably, a 5th-century tomb on the northwest side is famous for its red inscription "Honorius, servant of God." Don't miss this "underground city" when you visit. In front of the church's main entrance is the Monument to the Unknown Soldier and the eternal flame. Nearby lies the Bulgarian writer Ivan Vazov, and the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is within walking distance for a combined visit.Bulgaria · Sofia

Experiences you can't miss in Bulgaria

Featured Culture & history in Bulgaria

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1-day tour to Rila monastery + Boyana church in Bulgaria | explore 2 world heritage sites
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5.0/5
· 4 reviews· 34 booked
Duration: 4 hrs
English
Free cancellation
From€33.34
Rila Monastery and Boyana Church Full-Day Tour
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4.7/5
· 293 reviews· 64 booked
Duration: 8 hrs
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94.5% of travelers recommend
From€20.43
1-day tour to Boyana church + Rila monastery in Bulgaria (available for solo travelers, admission ticket not included)
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From€44.55
Discover Bulgaria with Dance in Sofia, Bulgaria
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4.8/5
· 30 reviews
Duration: 1 hr
English
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Sofia Highlights Audio Tour: Cultural Treasures and Historical Landmarks
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Duration: 1 hr
English
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20% off
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From€6.39€7.99
From Sofia: Full-Day Tour to Rila Monastery with Options
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5.0/5
· 1 review
Duration: 8.5–9 hrs
English
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Plovdiv self-guided audio walking tour (9 stops, approx. 2 hrs)
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Duration: 2 hrs
English
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Plovdiv Highlights Audio Tour: Ancient and Cultural Treasures
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Duration: 1.5 hrs
English
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20% off
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Featured Spa & wellness in Bulgaria

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Seven Rila Lakes Snowshoe Hike and Thermal Baths Full-Day Tour from Sofia
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Duration: 24 hrs
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From Sofia: Rila Monastery Day Tour & Optional Thermal Spa
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4.7/5
· 63 reviews
Duration: 8–9 hrs
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93.7% of travelers recommend
From€20.00
From Sofia: Rila Monastery UNESCO Site & Thermal Pools
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4.6/5
· 251 reviews
Duration: 9 hrs
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91.6% of travelers recommend
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Rila Monastery & Thermae Full-Day Tour from Sofia
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4.9/5
· 7 reviews
Duration: 9 hrs
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Half Day Tour around Sofia and the mountains with Thermal Spa
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5.0/5
· 27 reviews
Duration: 6 hrs
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27 consecutive positive reviews
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From Sofia: Rila Mountain Winter Trip - Spa & Nature Magic
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3.0/5
· 1 review
Duration: 9 hrs
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Spa day pass at Pulse Therme Bansko
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Spa day pass at Pulse Therme Banya
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Featured Day tours in Bulgaria

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From Sofia Rila Monastery with Boyana Church or St. Ivan's Cave
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4.6/5
· 221 reviews· 38 booked
Duration: 9 hrs
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91.4% of travelers recommend
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Bansko: 1.5-hour Private ATV Adventure
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5.0/5
· 1 review
Duration: 1.5 hrs
English
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1-day tour to Bulgaria from Bucharest
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Duration: 7.5 hrs
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1-day tour from Bucharest, Romania to Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria - Tsarevets Fortress
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5.0/5
· 1 review
Duration: 3 hrs
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From€128.27

Featured Food & drink in Bulgaria

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Wine Tasting in Heart of Sofia
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4.9/5
· 364 reviews
Duration: 1 hr
English
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23 consecutive positive reviews
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Private Wine Tasting in the UNESCO Town of Nessebar
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4.6/5
· 1 review
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Sofia: Bulgarian Wine and Rakia Tasting with Snacks
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4.9/5
· 7 reviews
Duration: 2 hrs
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Sofia Food & History Tour with Communist-Era Tram Ride
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Duration: 3 hrs
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Rakia Museum Entrance Ticket with Tasting and Guided tour
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4.7/5
· 7 reviews
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Sofia: Wine & Cheese Tasting Experience
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4.9/5
· 42 reviews
Duration: 1 hr
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30 consecutive positive reviews
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Day trip to The Marvelous Bridges and the unique Rhodope cuisine
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5.0/5
· 8 reviews
Duration: 9 hrs
Free cancellation
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Melnik Wine Tour
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Duration: 9 hrs
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More things to do

Free things to do in Bulgaria

What travellers say about Bulgaria

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真的在一起的时候March 29, 2020
5.0
Hagia Sophia is the second oldest church in Sofia, dating back to the 6th century. In the 14th century, the city of Sofia was named after Hagia Sophia. Hagia Sophia was built on the basis of several existing churches. In the 2nd century AD, it was a Roman theater. The main hall and two towers on the east side and a domed tower were all built in the middle of the 6th century during the reign of Byzantine King Justinian I. As one of the most precious early church buildings in southeastern Europe, the church floor has complex early Christian decorations or mosaics with floral and animal patterns, and there are tombs underground and around it that are older than the church was built. People believe that Hagia Sophia has been blessed by mysterious forces and has not been damaged by human invasion and natural disasters for centuries. It is an architectural representative of elegance, simplicity and symmetrical beauty at that time.

St. Sofia Church

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crystal jingJanuary 28, 2020
5.0
2019.08.Sofia - Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, St. Nicholas Russian Cathedral: Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, has nothing to see except two or three churches. I want to say a few words about this city, but I don't know what to say. I just took a few photos and left.

Patriarchal Cathedral St. Alexander Nevsky

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Shahin Alom - RUAugust 13, 2025
5.0
Rila Monastery, nestled in Bulgaria’s Rila Mountains, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the country’s most treasured landmarks. Founded in the 10th century by Saint Ivan of Rila, it stands as a masterpiece of Bulgarian Renaissance architecture, with its striking frescoes, arched galleries, and vibrant courtyard. Surrounded by forested peaks, the monastery offers a serene and spiritual atmosphere, perfect for reflection. Inside, the museum holds centuries-old manuscripts, icons, and cultural artifacts. The peaceful mountain setting and the monastery’s rich history make it an unmissable destination for travelers seeking both cultural depth and natural beauty.

Rila Monastery

Trip Moments in Bulgaria

Frequently asked questions

What are the must-do things in Bulgaria?

Don't miss these attractions in Bulgaria: St. Sofia Church, Pamporovo Ski Resort, and Tsigov Chark. If you like Culture & history, try 1-day tour to Rila monastery + Boyana church in Bulgaria | explore 2 world heritage sites. If you enjoy Spa & wellness, try Seven Rila Lakes Snowshoe Hike and Thermal Baths Full-Day Tour from Sofia.

You can give Wine Tasting in Heart of Sofia and Private Wine Tasting in the UNESCO Town of Nessebar a try. Before you go, please check their opening hours and menus online. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours.

When choosing a tour, start with how much time you have and the kind of experience you're looking for. Trending options right now include From Sofia Rila Monastery with Boyana Church or St. Ivan's Cave, Bansko: 1.5-hour Private ATV Adventure, and 1-day tour to Bulgaria from Bucharest. Check the real-time availability and itinerary before you book.

As of November 5, 2026, the reference price for day tours and activities in Bulgaria is around EUR 20.32 – EUR 128.27. Rates vary by duration, group size, transport, tickets, meals, and any special admission requirements. Before you book, please confirm the billing currency and whether the price is quoted per person or per group.

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