This complete 4-day itinerary has everything you need to know in a neat and structured way so that you are maximising your time, hitting the right places, at the right time and in the right area, including:
➡️ a recommended schedule for you
➡️ airport transport options (with prices)
➡️ sightseeing places
➡️ local information such as weather, currency etc.
➡️ bar and restaurant recommendations of which I can make reservations for you
➡️ and more,
leaving you with nothing to worry about other than enjoying Sofia.
All of the above can be tailored to your needs so please get in touch if you can have further questions.
Sofia is the capital of the Balkan nation of Bulgaria. It’s in the west of the country, below the Vitosha Mountain. The city’s landmarks reflect more than 2,000 years of history, including Greek, Roman, Ottoman and Soviet occupation.
First thing is first, how to get to Sofia city centre. Depending on your budget, here are your options:
🚌 Metro - the most cost-effective option. Located near terminal 2 just follows the signs, purchase a ticket from the machine and hope on Line 1 towards the city centre. It takes around 18 minutes.
🚕 Do not get a taxi outside the arrival hall as they scam tourists.
🚍 Public bus - Line 84 takes you to the city centre.
Getting around the city is easy via foot but there are also buses, trams and the metro.
Three bedroom apartment in the city centre with a jacuzzi.
In the heart of Sofia, set within a short distance of Council of Ministers Building and Banya Bashi Mosque, Golden Pearl - jacuzzi top center luxury apartment offers free WiFi, air conditioning and household amenities such as a toaster and coffee machine. Located in the Centrum district, the property provides guests with access to a hot tub. The property is close to popular attractions like Ivan Vazov Theater, Cathedral Saint Alexandar Nevski and Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski.
The spacious apartment features 3 bedrooms, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a fully equipped kitchen with an oven and a microwave, a washing machine, and 1 bathroom with a hot tub. Towels and bed linen are featured in the apartment. This apartment is allergy-free and non-smoking.
Popular points of interest near the apartment include Archaeological Museum, Presidency and Sofia Central Railway Station. The nearest airport is Sofia Airport, 7 km from Golden Pearl - jacuzzi top center luxury apartment.
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Day 1
Lunch?
We could go to the second floor here for a bite to eat.
Just opposite Banya Bashi Mosque you can see the building of the Central Sofia Market Hall or how they call it- Halite. This is amongst the largest covered markets in Sofia and it dates back since the end of the 19th century. Although the building was renovated in the 2000s, there is a plan that the inside will be further changed.
Besides different craftsman goods, meat, sweets, fruits and vegetables, one can also enjoy the canteen area on the second floor.
You will not miss the minaret of the located nearby mosque. In fact, its name means “many baths”. It was built over natural thermal spas. You can be sure that this is true because of two reasons. Just a few meters behind it is the central bath. And secondly, many people are still using the hot springs in the area as a water source.
Banya Bashi mosque is the only functioning mosque in Sofia which serves the needs of the Muslim community. It was built during the Ottoman rule of Bulgaria (which lasted for five centuries) and it remains like a symbol from this period.
This street together with the area around turned into the creative hub of Sofia in the last 20 years. You can find a lot of small craftsman shops, cute cafes and restaurants. Also the surrounding is very creative, with many buildings with graffiti art
Not too far from St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, you will find the Church of St Paraskeva, a massive unique-looking church built in the early 20th Century with a similar architectural style to the St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral but smaller and with its own unique take.
The church has a large central dome and inside are bright paintings to tell the story of St. Paraskeva.
There is no entrance fee and it is open every day.
One of the most famous landmarks in Sofia is St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, an impressive Orthodox cathedral.
Looming over the entire cityscape, it claims to be one of the most beautiful cathedrals in the region, located right in the heart of the capital city.
It is one of the top 50 largest Christian churches in the world and it serves as the cathedral church of the Patriarch of Bulgaria.
St Alexander Nevsky Cathedral was built at the end of the 19th century to honour the Russian soldiers who died during the Russo-Turkish War.
It is also popular under the name Church of St Nicholas the Miracle-Maker.
The church is a Russian Orthodox church built in the early 20th Century in a beautiful Russian Revival architectural style, unlike the other churches around it.
After the liberation of Bulgaria from the Ottoman rule by Russia, the church took the place of the mosque which stood there. The Russian embassy which back then was nearby ordered to build the Church of St Nicholas the Miracle-Maker. As the tradition of the diplomatic churches says, it should have the name of its patron- the emperor of Russia in those days.
The National Art gallery used to be former royal palace of Bulgaria. It was completely destroyed during World War II. Afterwards, after the abolition of the monarchy and the establishment of a Communist government in Bulgaria, most of the palace became ownership of the National Art Gallery. Part of the building was designed by a Viennese architect which you can clearly see from its facade.
Visit the magnificent Ivan Vazov National Theatre to admire opulent early-20th-century architecture and attend opera, ballet and theater performances.
Enjoy people-watching from the terrace of nearby cafés or relax in the peaceful Gradska Gradina (City Garden).
The Ivan Vazov National Theatre has three stages, with a combined capacity of over 1,000, and welcomes some of Bulgaria’s most revered theatrical performers.
The theater is the oldest and most authoritative theater in the country. The small square in front of it hosts different events throughout the whole year.
The City Garden is a beautiful scenic park with fountains, park benches, and greeneries, surrounded by some of the prettiest European-style buildings in the city.
If you head west via Tsar Osvoboditel Boulevard (which by the way we call “the yellow pave road” due to its surface), you will get to the very center of Sofia. It is one of the landmarks of the capital. The ensemble consists of three buildings which are considered to be the symbol of the Socialist Classicism. If you are coming from the National Archaeological Museum you will find the National Assembly of Bulgaria on your right. The building on the left is nowadays the President’s Office, but also hosts Hotel Sheraton and the Ministry of Education. The one opposite it is today accommodating the TZUM department store (a central universal store) and the Council of Ministers of Bulgaria. The last two are almost identical buildings.
One of the most spectacular things is to watch the changing of the guards in front of the President’s Office. Similar to the famous ones in front of Buckingham palace, the guards have nice uniforms and are not allowed to talk to the civils while on duty.
The whole area was renovated a couple of years ago and now has an European look. Following the democratic changes after 1989, the symbols of communism in the decoration of the Largo were removed, with the most symbolic act being the removing of the red star on a pole atop the former Party House and its substitution by the flag of Bulgaria.
If you pass through the only arch on the President’s office, you will get to the inner yard which you will find more peaceful than the Independence square.
One interesting monument in this inner yard is the red-brick rotunda of St George. This is the oldest building in Sofia, dating back to the 4th century and around it you will find the remainings of the ancient town of Serdica. St George church is famous for it frescoes inside the central dome.
It was originally built in the early 4th century as Roman baths before it was converted into a church during the Roman Empire and Byzantine Empire.
Standing opposite the National Assembly, you will see one of the newest landmarks of Sofia. St Sofia Monument stands where in the past a statue of Lenin used to be. It was removed after the democratic changes in 1989 and for a long time this place was empty. The statue is a bit controversial, as many thought it was too provocative. The woman has a crown which is a symbol of power, the wreath is a symbol of fame and an owl in her other hand symbolizes wisdom. The crown is also a reference to the Goddess of Fate, Tyche, inspired by the old emblem of Sofia during the 20th century.
If you are interested to learn more about the rich and long history of Sofia, check out Sofia's Regional History Museum, a fascinating museum that offers a deep dive into the rich and diverse history of the region.
The museum open every day except Monday's and there is a small entrance fee.
Another Bulgarian Orthodox church with a small park in front of it. The church brings its name from Cyril and Methodius and their five disciples, known in the Orthodox Church collectively as “the Sedmochislenitsi”. Next to it there is a small market with a couple of stands selling local fruits, vegetables, spices and nuts.
Tsar Ivan Shishman Street is another creative area similar to Ekzarh Yosif Street. Street art, cute shops, cafes and bars is what you will find there. This turned into one of the hipster areas in Sofia
The Eagles’ bridge spreads above Perlovska river (it looks more like a canal than a river). The name of the bridge itself comes from the four statues of eagles on it, which are, symbolically, its protectors and patrons. Similarly, if you remember the Lions’ bridge- the same Czech architect planned this one as well. An interesting fact is that both one of the lions from Lions’ bridge and also one of the eagles can be found on the 20 BGN banknote.
Vasil Levski is the biggest hero in Bulgarian history. Thanks to him and his active movement in the end of the 19th century Bulgaria took back its freedom from the Ottomans. He is also known as the Apostle of Freedom because he founded the Internal Revolutionary Organisation, and sought to foment a nationwide uprising through a network of secret regional committees.
In fact, his original name is Vasil Ivanov Kunchev. There are so many theories about the way he got the pseudonim Levski (i.e. Lionlike). I want to believe that this one is true- due to his revolutionary movement, he was the person who the Ottomans eagerly wanted to catch. In one of the many cases when they were close to doing so, the Apostle jumped over a hole which seemed impossible for an ordinary person. Since then his peers gave him the name Vasil the Lionlike.
Located 300m down Maria Louiza Boulevard in opposite direction of St Sofia Monument. It is the Lion’s bridge. The bridge dates back to the 19th century and it is a deed of a Czech architect (he also created a similar bridge which we plan to visit later on- the Eagles’ Bridge). The bridge came on the place of a previous one called Motley Bridge, which name comes from the red and yellow coloring it had. The name of Lions’ Bridge comes from the four bronze sculptures of lions, its most recognizable feature. It connects the Central Railway Station with the center of the city.
Curious what it was like to grow up in a Bulgaria positioned behind the Iron Curtain? You can get a small taste of what it looked like by trying out Raketa Rakia Bar, a retro communist-era bar and restaurant. It’s a great place to try out traditional foods like meat dishes or mish mash, or just admire the trinkets and photos plastered over the walls that’ll take you back in time.
While you’re at it, it’s time to try the national spirit of Bulgaria, Rakia. Usually served in a smaller version of a champagne flute, this liquor is about 40% ABV. It’s a brandy made from fruit, usually grapes but it can also be different kinds of fruit too. Although it’s a popular drink through the Balkans, going by different names, archaeologists do believe that Rakia originated in Bulgaria as early as the 14-16th century.
This is a day trip but is claimed to be one of the most important tourist attractions when visiting Bulgaria.
It is one of the most sacred Orthodox monasteries that attract more than 900,000 believers, pilgrims, and tourists from across the world each year.
Nestled in between the rolling mountains of Rila at an elevation of 1,147 m (3,763 ft) above sea level, covering more than 8.7 ha (940,000 sq ft), the monastery is considered to be the largest temple in the entire country.
There is a bakery here too which is worth checking out.
A popular thing to do in Sofia is take a trip up Vitosha, the best-known mountain in the area.
When taking the life, you must check in advance if they are operating!! They often don't out of season.
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Bus 61 is the fastest and easiest way to Vitosha from Sofia’s city center. It leaves every 10 minutes under Lover’s Bridge (behind the National Palace of Culture) and takes you straight to the Golden Bridges.
Bus 66 takes you to the ‘Aleko’ area, just below the mountain’s highest peak. This is as high as you can get with public transport.
Bus 64 takes you to the Boyana Church, and you can choose the hiking paths to the Boyana Lake or the Boyana Waterfall, for example.
Bus 123(E) Skip the climb up and enjoy the view, all from the comfort of your seat! The Simeonovo ski lift operates only in winter, and you can reach the lift terminal easily by taking bus line 123(E) from the Geo Milev bus stop. Note that this line might sometimes be indicated as ‘123’ and sometimes as ‘123E’. Not to worry, both indicate the same bus line (the ‘E’ stands for Electric, as this is a trolleybus).
If not, perhaps a walk around the park and shopping street and any sights we didn't cover.
Bulevar Vitosha is a bustling pedestrian street lined with posh stores, restaurants, and bars you can indulge yourself in. The street is named after the famous Vitosha Mountain, which can be seen in the distance from many parts of the city.
Boris’ Garden is the largest green park in the heart of Sofia. Its name comes from one of the most important rulers of Bulgaria- Knyaz Boris. Initially the garden’s name was Knyaz Boris’ Garden, but the word “knyaz” later disappeared
Please do check the weather before your departure to ensure you pack accordingly.
Currency
The local currency is the Bulgarian Lev. The current rate is approximately 12BGN to £5.
Food
A lot of Bulgaria food is like a unique twist on traditional foods in neighboring countries like Greece or Turkey. Bulgaria is especially famous for its wine and tomatoes, and is a country that consumes a whole lot of meat. Here are a few foods worth trying during your trip to Sofia:
🥗 Shopska Salad –
Similar to a Greek Salad, but with Bulgarian cheese rather than feta. It’s got
tomatoes, cucumber, olives, white cheese, and parsley. Seems simple but trust
me, it’s addicting.
🍲 Tarator Soup – This
cold soup is yogurt-based and makes a great starter before you have your lunch.
🍖 Meat – In general,
there are a lot of options for people who enjoy eating meat.
🍴 Mish mash – A
vegetarian friendly option! Mish mash tastes better than it sounds and is
offered in many traditional restaurants.
🥪 Fried bread with feta and jam –
A popular Bulgarian breakfast food, I could probably eat this by the kilo!
🧀 Banitza – Another
veggie-friendly food, this popular snack is commonly made with pastry dough,
spinach, and/or feta cheese.
🍃 Kiselo Mlyako a probiotic-rich yogurt
Sarmi festive stuffed leaves
🥓 Kebapche grilled minced meat
🥩 Meshana Skara a mixed grill plate
Still want more information?
Let me plan you a custom trip!
Perhaps you're reading this itinerary and thinking to yourself:
👉This is great but I want more things to do!
👉This was helpful but I want to know when is best to go etc.
👉And actually, I might stay longer and explore other places.
Not to worry, I am here to help with that!
Why not book yourself a consultation call with me or ask me to plan a tailored itinerary that suits your needs.
Please do contact me if you have any further questions.
Travel enthusiast with a passion for photography, adventure and organisation!
Hello, I’m Lyndsey, I’m 32 years old and I live in Suffolk in the UK.
My brand is Suitcase Squirrell as I absolutely love to travel the world. I don’t know what I love more – travelling or planning a trip.
So far, I have visited 46 countries (and counting!). I visit on average 6 countries a year and I like to explore somewhere new each time. My experience of travelling ranges from budget holidays, luxury stays, a long weekend away and backpacking.
I am very passionate about travelling and photography. You can check out some of my photos on Instagram (@suitcase_squirrell).
Please feel free to DM me or email me on suitcase_squirrell@hotmail.com if you have any questions or want to know more about my custom itinerary services.
And for those wondering where the name Suitcase Squirrell came from, my maiden name is Squirrell and that is where the journey of Suitcase Squirrell began!
