Sofia Travelers Recommend

Discover Sofia’s architecture and wander Plovdiv’s ancient streets, but don’t miss out on the beauty of Bulgaria’s mountain landscapes. The Seven Rila Lakes offer some of Bulgaria’s most dazzling hiking. Here are your options.

Sightseeing Tours

A scenic flight over the Rila Lakes—and perhaps also the Rila Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site—is a spectacular way to see the cascade of beautifully shaped lakes. They tumble from The Tear at 8,317 feet (2,535 meters) to the Lower Lake at 6,873 feet (2,095 meters).

Hiking Tours

Hiking tours of the Rila Lakes span the gamut from half-day tours, which cover the lower lakes only, to full-day adventures and even 2-day treks that take you through the wilderness to Rila Monastery. A cable car covers part of the distance.

Things to Know

• The Seven Rila Lakes are roughly 60 miles (98 kilometers) south of Sofia. Buses travel the route, but to make the round-trip in one day, you’ll want a shuttle or private transfer.

• Mountain refuges for hiking can get booked up far in advance in summer.

• During summer, sneakers are good enough to hike the Rila Lakes. In winter, snowshoeing trips are popular.

• On August 18 and 19 each year, the White Brotherhood spiritual group performs fascinating rituals at a gathering in the mountains.

With three days in Sofia, you have ample time to explore not just the city but the highlights of Bulgaria. Spend your first day in the fascinating capital, then savor day trips. Head into the countryside to spectacular Bulgarian Orthodox monasteries and mountain lakes, then explore heritage towns such as Plovdiv, Veliko Tarnovo, or Koprivshtitsa.

Day 1: Sofia’s Spectacles

Spend your first day in Sofia getting to grips with some of its 9,000 years of history. A walking tour of the city center introduces you to the ruins of the old Roman city, Byzantine churches, Ottoman-era mosques, and more. A Communist tour is another Sofia don’t-miss: the city’s brutalist architecture is some of the best preserved in the former Eastern Bloc, while the Museum of Socialist Art is unique. A food tour that explains the complex influences that have shaped Bulgarian cuisine is another must, as are tastes of wines from the Thracian Valley, where winemakers have resided for literally thousands of years.

Day 2: Magical Monasteries and Healthy Hikes

During summer, hiking is one of the great joys of the Bulgarian countryside. Many popular day trips combine UNESCO World Heritage Sites and walks: the UNESCO-listed Bulgarian Revival Rila Monastery and the seven glacial mountain Rila Lakes are a signature pairing. Alternatively, stay close to the city and discover the joys of Vitosha Mountain, whether that’s hiking in summer or snowshoeing in winter; the UNESCO-listed 10th-century Boyana Church is a popular stop en route to Vitosha. Perched on a mountainside in Stara Planina, Glozhene Monastery makes for mesmerizing photos, whether you’re hiking or horseback riding. Other great hiking trips run to caves, lakes, and fortresses.

Day 3: Ancient Enclaves

Venture farther afield and discover one of Bulgaria’s other gorgeous towns and cities. Options include Plovdiv, one of the oldest continuously occupied cities in Europe; Veliko Tarnovo, with its medieval cobbled streets; and Koprivshtitsa, a village replete with Bulgarian Revival mansions. From an ancient amphitheater to 19th-century timber-framed houses to junk stores, Plovdiv merits a whole day in itself, but many tours combine it with other beautiful spots such as Koprivshtitsa. Melnik, a scenic village surrounded by pyramid-shaped rock formations, makes a popular village stop, while the Thracian and neolithic ruins at Starosel thrill history buffs.

With two days in Sofia, you have time to spread your wings a little. First, explore the historical and Communist sides of the city, and experience Bulgaria’s delicious food and wine scenes. Then journey farther afield, perhaps to the spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Site of Rila Monastery or the historic town of Plovdiv. 

Day 1: City Center and Culinary Delights

**Morning:**Start the day orienting yourself in the compact city. A cultural walking tour takes you back to Roman times and beyond, all within a remarkably small area. Alternatively, a Communist-era tour, usually by private vehicle, reveals the city’s brutalist architecture and fascinating socialist art.

**Afternoon:**One of the great joys of Sofia its green spaces. Make a pilgrimage to Vitosha Mountain, which towers above the southern part of the city, and get out into nature as you hike its scenic trails. The must-see 10th-century Boyana Church, recognized by UNESCO for its stunning murals, is on the way.

**Night:**Bulgaria’s robust and hearty cuisine blends Turkish, western Mediterranean, and central European elements to great effect. Discover the nation’s great game, fresh produce, and vibrant baking traditions on a food tour—ideally one that takes in a mixture of contemporary and traditional eateries.

Day 2: Day Trip Back in Time

**Morning:**Head out of the city to explore the rich history beyond. UNESCO-listed Rila Monastery dates back to the 10th century, but its grand buildings are from the 19th century. Many tours couple it with a visit to the mountainous Rila Lakes or the pretty village of Melnik, with its unusual rock formations.

**Afternoon:**Alternatively, if you only only two days in Bulgaria as a whole, use your second day to discover the ancient town of Plovdiv, with Roman ruins including an amphitheater and glorious Bulgarian Revival houses. Wandering the cobbled streets and junk stores is the perfect restorative activity.

**Night:**Back in Sofia, it’s time to discover one of the great joys of Bulgaria: its delicious wines. The Thracians were making wine thousands of years ago, and varietals such as mavrud are unique to Bulgaria. Look for a tasting that allows you to shop for vintages to bring home.

Sofia is a fascinating city that simply oozes its 9,000 years of history, from the Roman ruins in Serdika metro station to the elegant neoclassical buildings above them. One day in the Bulgarian capital gives you enough time to hit the highlights, sample delicious food and wine, and even squeeze in Communist or Byzantine relics. Here’s how.

Morning: Travel Through Time

In among the parks and green space, Sofia’s history reveals layer upon layer of occupation—and most of it’s so blissfully compact that you don’t need transport to experience it all. Discover ancient catacombs, the ruins of the Roman city, Ottoman-era mosques, tiny Byzantine churches, and grand imperial buildings on a historical or cultural walking tour that takes you below the surface of the city. Consider swinging by the fascinating National Archaeological Museum to learn more about the mysterious Thracians, whose rich culture dominated Bulgaria before and during Roman times—the jewelry is particularly amazing.

Afternoon: Brutalist Beauty or Boyana

In the suburbs in particular, Sofia’s Communist-era architecture is some of central Europe’s best preserved. Spend the afternoon learning about the impact of Communism on the nation as you tour signature sites, perhaps including the fascinating Museum of Socialist Art, and get out among the locals in a typical brutalist block. Alternatively, there’s just enough time to experience the city’s signature green space, Vitosha Mountain, to the south of the city. Try hiking (or snowshoeing in winter), or explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Boyana Church, a series of three churches with murals dating back to the 10th century.

Night: Wine and Dine

Bulgaria’s indigenous cuisine is a fascinating mix of Turkish elements acquired during the Ottoman occupation; western Mediterranean meats and vegetables (hello, prosciutto!); and central European pork, game, and pickles. Savor it all on a food tour, on a market tour, or at one of the many modern restaurants that adorn the city’s historical center. An absolute must-try when in Sofia is the wine. The Thracians were some of Europe’s earliest winemakers and, from unique grapes such as mavrud to more established varietals, Bulgarian winemakers punch well above their weight in value terms. It’s worth booking a wine tasting that includes the chance to buy.

Bulgaria’s capital is the ideal setting to gain insight into the country’s varied and far-reaching religious history. Here are a few spots in Sofia that allow you an intimate look at the influences of Orthodoxy, Ottoman rule, and early Christianity on the city’s architecture.

St. Sofia Church

The building that gave the city its name, Sofia’s second-oldest church stands on religious ground dating back to Roman Serdica. Look out for signs of the site’s many transformations over the years, from Early Christian temple, to Ottoman mosque, to warehouse, before reconstruction in the 20th century.

St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

The city’s premier example of Byzantine Revival, the Orthodox cathedral was built in celebration of Bulgaria’s liberation. Notice the interior’s luxurious furnishings, including Brazilian onyx, Italian marble, and German chandeliers.

Church of St. George

Thought to be the oldest structure in Sofia and perhaps built on an even more ancient pagan worship site, the red brick rotunda is a restored example of Early Christian architecture. Keep an eye out for the frescoes on the dome ceiling and surrounding network of Roman ruins.

Banya Bashi Mosque

The last remnant of Ottoman rule in Sofia, the mosque was built in the 16th century by Mimar Sinan, a forefront Ottoman architect. It is now the only functioning Muslim place of worship in the city. Don’t miss the nearby Turkish bath (hammam) ruins, from which the mosque derives its name.

Boyana Church

The Orthodox church and UNESCO World Heritage Site, located on the outskirts of the city, is made up of three distinct buildings, built separately in the 10th, 13th, and 19th centuries. The church features a unique collection of medieval paintings and is considered one of the most important historic locations in Sofia.

Sofia Synagogue

The largest synagogue in Southeast Europe, the Moorish Revival building was modeled after the Leopoldstädter Tempel, once the biggest temple in Vienna before being destroyed on Kristallnacht. Notice the building’s complementary combination of Moorish, Venetian, and Secessionist features.

Rila Monastery

If you have time for a day trip into Bulgaria’s countryside, UNESCO-listed Rila Monastery is a prime example of Bulgarian Renaissance architecture and also offers unique insight into the country’s cultural history and Slavic identity. Its remote location can be difficult to access, though many day tours from Sofia include a convenient stop here.

Known for its rich flavors, traditional dishes, and exotic influences, Bulgaria’s diverse cuisine reflects its rich cultural history. Foodies will find plenty to feast on in the Bulgarian capital. Here are your options for Sofia food tours.

Must-Try Dishes

Popular Bulgarian dishes include kyufte (beef or pork meatballs seasoned with traditional spices), shishcheta (marinated chicken or pork kebabs grilled with vegetables), gyuvech (a slow-cooked casserole), and moussaka (a lasagna-type dish filled with meat and eggplant). Other menu staples include shopska salad (chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and peppers, topped with sirene, feta-like cheese), tarator soup (yogurt and cucumber soup), and lozovi sarmi (stuffed grape leaves), while main dishes are often served with a dollop of kiselo mlyako (sour yogurt).

For breakfast, tuck into banitsa (flaky sirene-filled pastries) washed down with ayran (a salty yogurt drink). Or, for dessert, try a slice of sweet baklava (nut-filled layered pastry) or tikvenik (pumpkin and walnut pastry), accompanied by a shot of rakia (fruit brandy).

Must-Do Experiences

• Get the inside scoop on the best places to eat and drink in Sofia on a food-tasting tour.

• Sample street food and local specialties on a guided tour of Central Market Hall and the Ladies Market.

• Admire sights like Saint Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Saint Sofia Basilica, and the St. George Rotunda on a morning walking tour, followed by a traditional Bulgarian breakfast.

• Discover Bulgaria’s winemaking history and sample fine red and white wines during a guided wine tasting.

• Combine delicious Bulgarian cuisine and traditional entertainment during a Bulgarian dinner and folklore show.