Top 10 Best Things To Do In Sofia, Bulgaria
Wonder at Thracian gold, Roman ruins and Soviet propaganda, then mull it all over with a cheese-filled banitsa and a glass or two of potent rakia.
Why visit Sofia?
Bulgaria's vibrant capital is often overlooked by visitors who have the country's coastal or ski resorts in their sights. Yet Sofia is far more than a transit hub; here you'll find 2,000 years of history, spanning the Roman/Byzantine empires and the USSR, a multitude of art galleries, and lots of religious structures.
The food and nightlife of this buzzing, youthful city, also make it a great place to kick back and relax after a day of sightseeing.
Here's our pick of the best things to do in Sofia, Bulgaria.
Best things to do in Sofia
Aleksander Nevski Cathedral
The gold-clad neo-Byzantine Aleksander Nevski Cathedral is probably the most famous of Sofia's tourist attractions.
It is one of the world's largest Orthodox cathedrals and was built to commemorate the Russian soldiers who fell in the Russo-Turkish War (1877–78), defending Bulgaria's independence.
Despite this monument, Russo-Bulgarian relations have been tepid at best since the end of World War Two.
Amphitheatre of Serdica
The remains of this ancient Roman amphitheatre are located on the ground floor of the Arena di Serdica Hotel and can be viewed for free (every day except Monday).
Other Roman places to visit in Sofia include the St George Rotunda church (with its impressive Byzantine frescoes) and Eastern Gate.
National Museum of History
For a broad overview of Bulgarian history, head to the National Museum of History, housed in a former communist palace. Here you can peruse a collection of Thracian gold vessels (found by two brothers while digging a vineyard in 1924), together with a host of Roman artefacts, coins and weapons.
Outside, you can secure a few Instagram shots beside the ageing MiG-23.
Exploring the spacious National Museum of History can be a pleasant experience - unless a convoy of coach parties turns up!
Museum of Socialist Art
If Bulgaria's more recent Soviet history is of interest, don't miss the Museum of Socialist Art. Here you'll find all manner of Soviet-Socialist statuary, posters and propaganda films from the era.
While you still see signs of Soviet influence in Sofia, most of these remnants have ended up here. The garden in particular, with its many Soviet statues, makes for a surreal and fascinating experience. Certainly one of the more unique places to visit in Sofia, Bulgaria.
Other must-see art galleries include the National Gallery Quadrat 500, where you can enjoy both medieval and contemporary paintings; and the Sofia City Art Gallery, presenting more Bulgarian art and sculpture.
Credit: EdNurg - stock.adobe.com
Sofia Opera and Ballet
In Western Europe, enjoying a night at the opera is a pricey affair - but in Sofia, you can watch world-class operatic and balletic performances for as little as 10 euros!
Its opulent USSR decor is reason enough to visit - indeed, when it comes to Soviet places to see in Sofia, Bulgaria's national opera venue is hard to beat.
If drama is more your thing, head to Ivan Vazov National Theatre, and for classical music, visit the superb Sofia Philharmonic Orchestra.
Have a traditional 'banitsa' for breakfast
A cheese-filled pastry might not be your idea of breakfast, but don't knock it until you've tried it.
These hearty morsels, made with buttery pastry and available with sweet pumpkin, apple and cinnamon fillings - as well as white cheese - can be bought everywhere.
Consume with a local coffee (see below) to fuel-inject your morning!
Try a Bulgarian coffee
If you can't function without your cup of morning joe, you'll be pleased to know that Bulgarian coffee is highly caffeinated, aromatic, and readily available.
You can buy decent vending machine (ground) coffee for 0.5 BGN (20p), rising to 5 BGN (2GBP) in a cafe, and even more for a Starbucks.
Note that Bulgarian coffee - also known as Turkish coffee due to the influence of the Ottoman empire - may be too strong for Western palates, and often feature grounds floating on top. For an upmarket coffee experience (without floating grounds), try Coffee Syndicate, renowned for its fabulous eclairs and specialty coffees.
Sample grilled meat and shopska salad
For lunch or dinner, try Bulgaria's two staple eats: grilled meat and a shopska salad. The latter comprises fresh tomatoes, cucumber and white cheese, and will be a go-to for vegetarians in Bulgaria.
Wash down your meal with a locally-produced red 'mavrud' wine or, if you're feeling adventurous and don't plan on achieving any complex tasks, a glass or two of rakia.
Rakia is a potent brandy made of different types of fruit, including apples, cherries, and blueberries - and should be consumed with caution!
For a special treat, book a table at Tenebris, offering a selection of international and fusion dishes (with vegan and veggie options). Tenerbris enjoys almost universal 5-star reviews.
Go shopping
Sofia has its fair share of high fashion outlets, offering their goods for considerably less than Bond Street or the Champs-Élysées. However, there are local delights to peruse and purchase, too, including rose oil-based cosmetics (Bulgaria is the world's top producer of rose oil); white cheeses; and raspberry wines.
While these items can be found across the city, one of the best sources is the Ladies Market - but do keep an eye out for pickpockets.
Relax in Campanite Park
Located at the foot of the beautiful Vitosha Mountains, Campanite Park is a great location to relax after (or before) a day's sightseeing.
However, even here there are sights to see. A highlight is a collection of bells from different countries, created to mark UNESCO's International Year of the Child in 1979.
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