Sofia Guide 

Sights and attractions – What should you visit in Sofia? St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Mount Vitosha.

Accommodation – Where to stay in Sofia? Tips for accommodation in 5* and 3* hotels, a guesthouse or a cheap hostel.

Typical food and drink – What should you try in Sofia? Banica, kavarma or shop salad.

Practical tips – Learn more about local transport, currency and safety here.

Weather – What temperatures and precipitation can you expect in Sofia during the four seasons?

Celebrities – What famous people have lived and worked in Sofia.

Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, lies at the foot of the Vitosha Mountain. It is a place where ancient history blends with modern life. With a history dating back to the Neolithic period, the city boasts one of the longest continuously inhabited places in Europe. It has a mix of Thracian, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman influences, which can be seen in the many monuments that now line the modern boulevards, parks and lively squares. Sofia has a population of around 1.3 million, making it the largest city in Bulgaria and the country’s main economic, political and cultural centre.

The city was founded around the 7th century BC by the Thracian tribe of Serdi, after whom it was also named Serdica. Thanks to its strategic location, it became an important commercial and military centre in the Roman Empire. The Romans conquered the city in 29 BC. and transformed it into a thriving urban area, with spas, temples and roads. During the Byzantine era, Serdica was an important religious and cultural center. In the 9th century, the city became part of the First Bulgarian Empire and adopted Christianity as the state religion. It also acquired its current name, Sofia, during this period, derived from the Church of St. Sophia, a symbol of wisdom and faith. In 1382, Sofia was conquered by the Ottoman Empire and served as the administrative center of an Ottoman province for over 500 years. During this time, Sofia was rebuilt into an oriental city with mosques, spas and oriental markets. In 1878, after liberation from Ottoman rule, Sofia became the capital of the newly independent Bulgaria. A period of modernization began, during which government buildings, schools and infrastructure were built.

Among the most important monuments are the Church of St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, a massive Orthodox cathedral built to honor Russian soldiers who died in the Russo-Turkish War that helped Bulgaria gain independence. Other notable buildings include the Rotunda of St. George, a small circular church from the 4th century, considered one of the oldest surviving buildings in Sofia, and the Banya Bashi Mosque from the Ottoman era. Culture is represented by the Ivan Vazov National Theater, which hosts prestigious theater performances and ballet.

The city also offers several museums, such as the Archaeological Museum and the National History Museum, which preserve important artifacts from all periods of Bulgarian history.

In recent years, Sofia has also gained popularity as a center of technological innovation, with new startups, co-working spaces, and businesses supporting the growth of the IT sector.

Despite its modern boom, Sofia remains a green city with many parks, such as Boris Garden. Visitors can enjoy nature at their fingertips in the Vitosha Mountains, which offer hiking trails, skiing, and breathtaking views of the city.

Landmarks and attractions

St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral - A monumental Orthodox cathedral built in honor of the Russian soldiers who helped liberate Bulgaria from Ottoman rule. One of the largest Orthodox churches in the world and a symbol of the city, it is located in the center of Sofia. The largest bell of the cathedral weighs 12 tons and was cast from cannon shells collected after the Russo-Turkish War of Independence (1877-1878). In total, the cathedral has 12 bells with a total weight of 23 tons.
Address: Square Sveti Aleksandar Nevski, Sofia Center.

St. Sophia Cathedral - One of the oldest buildings in the city dates back to the 6th century. The city got its name from it. Under the temple there is an extensive archaeological underground, where you can see the foundations of ancient Roman basilicas and burial chambers.
Address: Paris Street 2, Sofia Center.

St. George's Rotunda - A small brick church from the Roman Empire, dating back to the 4th century, is the oldest surviving building in Sofia and is considered the oldest Eastern Christian church building in Bulgaria. The rotunda has survived several eras and served successively as a pagan temple, a Christian church, a mosque and again as a Christian temple. Inside, valuable medieval frescoes from the 14th century have been preserved.
Address: 2 Knyaz Aleksandar Dondukov Boulevard, Sofia Center.

Banya Bashi Mosque - The Banya Bashi Mosque, built in 1566, is the only active mosque in Sofia and one of the oldest surviving Ottoman buildings in Bulgaria. The name "Banya Bashi" means "many baths" and refers to the fact that the mosque was built on the site of natural thermal springs. To this day, you can still see steam rising from holes in the ground near the mosque.
Address: 18 Knyaginya Maria Luiza Boulevard, Sofia Center.

Bulgarian National Gallery - The Bulgarian National Gallery, housed in the historic building of the former Royal Palace, is home to the most extensive collection of Bulgarian art, comprising over 50,000 works from the Middle Ages to the present day. The gallery hosts not only traditional paintings and sculptures, but also modern art and exhibitions that reflect contemporary artistic trends. In 2015, the gallery was expanded with a new building, which serves as a space for temporary exhibitions and cultural events.
Address: Knyaz Alexander I Square 1, Sofia Center.

Ivan Vazov National Theatre - The oldest and most prestigious theatre in Bulgaria was founded in 1904 and named after the famous Bulgarian writer Ivan Vazov. The theatre's interior is richly decorated, with an impressive chandelier weighing 1.5 tons and a capacity of 850 spectators.
Address: 5 Dyakon Ignatiy Street, Sofia Center.

Archaeological Museum - The Archaeological Museum of Sofia, housed in a former 15th-century Ottoman mosque, houses one of the most important collections of ancient artifacts in the Balkans. Among the most valuable exhibits is the Panagyurishte Gold Treasure. It contains nine magnificent Thracian gold vessels from the 4th-3rd centuries BC, decorated with intricate reliefs of mythological figures and scenes.
Address: Atanas Burov Square 1, Sofia Center.

Independence Square (Largo) - This symbol of the socialist era is surrounded by buildings from the communist era. Below the square lie the archaeological excavations of the Roman city of Serdica. These finds are now part of the underground archaeological museum "Serdika", located directly under Independence Square and open to the public.

Boris Garden - The oldest and largest park in Sofia, ideal for relaxation and walks, offers sports fields, lakes and historical monuments. The park is home to the Sofia University Observatory, built in 1894. It is the oldest still functioning astronomical observatory on the Balkan Peninsula. In the "Alley of Writers" you will find busts of prominent Bulgarian writers, which makes the park not only a place to relax, but also a cultural monument.

Mount Vitosha - In this natural park in close proximity to the city, you can enjoy hiking, skiing and breathtaking views of Sofia. Vitosha was declared a national park in 1934. Today, it covers an area of ​​over 27,000 hectares. Vitosha is home to a unique ecosystem with over 1,000 species of plants and animals, many of which, such as the Vitosha edelweiss, are endemic.
The highest peak of the mountain, Cherni Vrah, reaches a height of 2,290 meters and offers magnificent views of Sofia and the surrounding countryside.
Address: Vitosha Mountain is located in the immediate vicinity of Sofia. The park is easily accessible from various parts of the city, for example from the Aleko area, where the tourist resort is located.

Accommodation

In Sofia, you can choose from over 1,800 different accommodation options. Apartments are the most popular, followed by hotels, guesthouses and hostels. Most accommodation offers air conditioning, many also have parking. If you are visiting Sofia in the summer, you might be interested in accommodation with a pool.

You can enjoy luxury in the city center at the 5* Juno Hotel Sofia, a Member of Design Hotels. You can relax here in the wellness or fitness center, in the garden or on the terrace with views of the city and mountains. Refreshments are offered at the local restaurant and bar. The 24-hour reception will arrange a transfer or car rental upon request.

The popular 3* Sentro Boutique Hotel can be found in the city center near the President's Office. The 24-hour reception will help you plan your stay in the best possible way, and you can park your car in a paid private parking lot. The hotel also features a terrace with outdoor furniture, a garden and a luggage storage room.

Casa Ferrari Bed & Breakfast offers a pleasant bed and breakfast near the city center. There are both single and family rooms. All guests have a kitchenette at their disposal. Parking is available in front of the house.

For cheap accommodation near the center of Sofia, you can find Green Cube Capsule Hostel. This beautifully colorful hostel offers accommodation in shared quadruple rooms. Guests can use the shared lounge or kitchen, relax in the garden or on the terrace with outdoor furniture.

For a complete offer of accommodation in Sofia, we recommend using A-HOTEL.com or Booking.com. 

Typical food and drink

The rich Bulgarian cuisine, including that of Sofia, is influenced by Balkan, Turkish and Central European flavors. In Sofia, you can find many traditional restaurants called mehana, where you can taste authentic Bulgarian dishes and listen to folk music. The emphasis is on fresh ingredients, seasonal vegetables and unique flavors.

Banica - A filo pastry filled with a mixture of eggs and sirene cheese. Traditionally served for breakfast.

Kavarma - A main course made from pork or chicken, onions, peppers and spices, often served with bread.

Tarator - A cold soup made from yogurt, cucumbers, garlic, dill and nuts. A refreshing summer specialty.

Moussaka - A baked dish made from potatoes, minced meat and a layer of eggs and yogurt. The Bulgarian version is lighter than the Greek one.

Shopa salad - The national dish of Bulgaria. The traditional Shopa salad is made with tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, onions and grated sirene cheese.

Rakija - A traditional fruit brandy, usually plums, grapes or apricots.

Ayran - A refreshing yogurt drink.

Beer - Popular beer Bulgarians import and brew themselves - the most common local brands are Kamenitza, Zagorka or Astika.

Mineral waters - Bulgaria has many mineral springs. Locals drink mineral water a lot.

You can taste traditional Bulgarian dishes at the stylish, folk-style restaurant Moma Bulgarian Food and Wine in the center of Sofia.
Address: Solunska Street 28, Sofia.

Practical travel tips

Sofia's public transport includes the metro, which has two main lines connecting important parts of the city, as well as buses, trolleybuses and trams. Buy tickets in advance at kiosks or from vending machines.
If you are travelling by car, pay attention to traffic regulations. Some areas in the centre have restricted access and parking.
You can also use cheap and affordable taxis, but choose verified companies (e.g. OK Taxi) and check the price in advance to avoid being scammed.

Sofia is a relatively safe city. However, beware of pickpockets on public transport and in markets, and avoid unlit and secluded streets late at night.

Food tips - Restaurants in the centre offer traditional Bulgarian dishes as well as international cuisine. Cheaper food can be found in local bistros (so-called mehana). Beware of restaurants with tourist menus - prices tend to be higher.

The currency here is Bulgarian leva (BGN). Cards are accepted almost everywhere, but it pays to have cash with you, especially in markets or smaller businesses. Exchange offices in the center are usually safe, avoid street money changers.

Bulgarian is spoken here, but you can also communicate in English with the younger generation.

Weather

Sofia has a humid continental climate, which is characterized by four seasons with significant differences in temperatures.

In spring, you can expect mild weather with more frequent rain showers and temperatures between 5 and 20°C.
In summer, temperatures often climb to 35°C, sometimes even higher. The weather is mostly warm and sunny during the day. It cools down in the evening.
In autumn, temperatures drop from 20°C to 5°C. Sunny days alternate with cooler rainy periods. September is considered one of the best times to visit.
In winter, temperatures range from -5°C to 5°C, and it can be colder in the mountainous areas around Sofia. It often snows, which adds to the beautiful winter atmosphere.

Sofia is located at an altitude of 550 meters above sea level, which affects temperatures and humidity. Winters are longer and colder than in coastal areas, and summers are less humid.

You can read current information and the weather forecast for Sofia for the next 7 days in our table:

Famous people

Vasil Levski (1837–1873) - National hero and revolutionary, known as the "Apostle of Freedom". He spent part of his life in Sofia, where he died - his legacy is commemorated by a famous monument in the city center.

Simeon Saxe-Coburg-Gotha (1937) - The last Bulgarian Tsar and later Prime Minister of Bulgaria (2001–2005). He spent part of his life in exile, but after returning to Sofia he played a significant role in modern politics.

Georgi Rakovski (1821–1867) - Writer, journalist and revolutionary, one of the first organizers of the Bulgarian National Revival.

Stefan Stambolov (1854–1895) - Politician, poet and important figure of the Bulgarian National Revival period.

Grigor Dimitrov (1991) - Professional tennis player, known as the "Bulgarian Federer". Although he comes from Haskovo, he often trains in Sofia.

Hristo Stoichkov (1966) - Footballer and Ballon d'Or winner. Sofia played a significant role in his sports career. After a stint at CSKA Sofia, he moved to FC Barcelona.

Kristalina Georgieva (1953) - Economist and Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF). She was born in Sofia and represents Bulgaria on the global stage.