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.

AI Poem – What did artificial intelligence come up with about Sofia and its history?

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.

St. Sophia Cathedral - One of the oldest buildings in the city, dating back to the 6th century. The city takes its name from it.

St. George's Rotunda - A small brick church from the Roman Empire, dating back to the 4th century. Inside, you can find valuable frescoes from various historical periods.

Banya Bashi Mosque - A still active mosque, built in the 16th century during the Ottoman era, commemorates Sofia's Islamic heritage.

Bulgarian National Gallery - You can visit it in the former royal palace. It houses an extensive collection of Bulgarian and European art.

Ivan Vazov National Theatre - The oldest and most important theatre building in Bulgaria, known for its neoclassical architecture.

Archaeological Museum - Housed in a former mosque. It contains exhibits ranging from Thracian treasures to medieval artifacts.

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.

Boris Garden - The oldest and largest park in Sofia, ideal for relaxation and walks, offering sports fields, lakes and historical monuments.

Mount Vitosha - In this natural park in close proximity to the city, you can enjoy hiking, skiing and breathtaking views of Sofia.

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.

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.

We recommend visiting Sofia in spring and autumn, thanks to the pleasant weather. Summer can be hot and winter cold.

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.

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.

A Poem About Sofia Created by Artificial Intelligence

Sofia – a pearl in the heart of the mountains

Under Vitosha the city arches,
sings its song for ages.
Sofia, beautiful, eternally green,
the heart of history beats in its walls.

The Thracians led the first steps here,
old Serdika is about to be born.
Roman masters looked at the paving,
when the Forum was decorated by a pure hand.

Byzantine glory fell on the temples,
Saint George keeps his circle.
The Ottomans brought clouds to the city,
but freedom always triumphs over the wall.

Alexander Cathedral, golden shine,
Bulgarian history honors forever.
Monuments whisper, everyone to them today,
messages of peace, faith and dreams.

The alleys smell of old culture,
the market pulsates closer to people.
And every stone has its own structure,
of endless stories, a vain cross.

Sofia, the pearl of the Balkans, bright,
you feel it in your heart wherever you go.
A glorious past, a beautiful future,
a place where truth and beauty meet.