Discover Sofia

Overview

Sofia is the capital and largest city of Bulgaria, located in the western part of the country. It is a modern city with a rich cultural and historical heritage. Visitors can enjoy a mix of Ottoman, Soviet, and modern architecture, as well as a vibrant nightlife, delicious local cuisine, and the nearby Vitosha Mountain range.

10 Places to Visit

Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is one of the most famous landmarks in Sofia. The stunning neoclassical church was built between 1882 and 1912 and dedicated to the Russian soldiers who died while liberating Bulgaria from Ottoman rule. Inside, visitors can admire impressive Orthodox frescoes and icons.

National Palace of Culture

The National Palace of Culture is the largest multifunctional complex in Southeastern Europe, hosting exhibitions, concerts, and conferences. The building’s notable design features an arch known as the ‘Sarcophagus of Communism’, which is a popular spot for photos.

Vitosha Mountain

Vitosha Mountain is a popular destination for hiking, skiing, and rock climbing. The mountain offers magnificent views of Sofia and the surrounding areas. The nearby Aleko Chalet and Golden Bridges are also must-visit spots.

Ivan Vazov National Theatre

The Ivan Vazov National Theatre is one of the oldest and most renowned Bulgarian theatres. Visitors can attend plays, opera performances, and ballet shows in a stunning neoclassical building located in the heart of the city.

National Museum of Military History

The National Museum of Military History is a fascinating attraction for history enthusiasts. The museum displays weapons, uniforms, and artifacts from Bulgarian military history, as well as exhibits on WWI, WWII, and the Cold War.

Central Sofia Market Hall

The Central Sofia Market Hall is a busy marketplace located in the city center. A variety of stalls offer fresh fruits and vegetables, meat, fish, dairy products, and sweets. The market is also a great place to sample traditional Bulgarian food.

Boyana Church

Boyana Church is a UNESCO World Heritage site located at the foot of Vitosha Mountain. The medieval church features impressive frescoes from the 13th century, depicting biblical scenes and life in medieval Bulgaria.

St. Sofia Church

St. Sofia Church is one of the oldest and most significant churches in Sofia, dating back to the 6th century. The church is an excellent example of early Byzantine architecture and features unique frescoes and mosaics.

Slaveikov Square

Slaveikov Square is a lively public space in the heart of Sofia, named after the famous Bulgarian writers Petko and Pencho Slaveikov. The square is a popular meeting spot for locals and visitors and offers a variety of cafes, restaurants, and bookstores.

National Art Gallery

The National Art Gallery displays a vast collection of Bulgarian art, from medieval times to the present day. Visitors can admire works of famous Bulgarian artists, including Vladimir Dimitrov and Zlatyu Boyadzhiev, as well as international artists such as Rubens and El Greco.

5 Places to Avoid

Serdika Metro Station after dark

The Serdika Metro Station can be unsafe after dark, with reports of theft and mugging. It is advisable to avoid this area at night and take a taxi instead.

Suha Reka Neighborhood

The Suha Reka neighborhood is known for its high crime rate and should be avoided after dark, especially by solo travelers.

Street Markets

While street markets can be fun to explore, visitors should be careful with their belongings, as pickpocketing is common in crowded areas.

The Roma Ghetto

Visitors should avoid the Roma Ghetto, especially at night, as it can be unsafe and impoverished residents may attempt to beg or sell illegal items.

The Lion’s Bridge Area

While the Lion’s Bridge area has seen significant improvements in recent years, it is still advisable to avoid this area at night due to the presence of drug dealers and prostitution.

Overview About the City