Sofia

Travel Guide

Sofia
Sofia
Sofia
Sofia
Sofia

Bulgaria’s capital offers thousands of years of history and culture, beautiful architecture, exciting nightlife, modern malls and mountain pursuits.

Since the end of Communist rule in Bulgaria, Sofia has reinvented itself as a lively, cosmopolitan city. Stroll in the shadows of Byzantine buildings, gold-domed churches and Communist-era monuments to find modern shopping malls, acres of parkland, elegant boulevards and a lively café culture. With some of Europe’s most beautiful architecture and ski slopes on its doorstep, Sofia has plenty to show its visitors.

Marvel at the beauty of the multi-domed Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. Look inside at its Byzantine-style murals. Next to the cathedral, find the sixth-century Church of St. Sofia, which gave the city its name. See the Rotunda of St. George, thought to be the city’s oldest church. The redbrick structure was built by the Romans in the fourth century. Visit the 16th-century Banya Bashi Mosque.

Investigate some of the 650,000 artifacts inside the National Museum of History. Learn about Bulgarian art from the 19th and 20th centuries at the National Art Gallery.

Go on a shopping spree to the city malls. These include the Bulgaria Mall and The Mall, one of the largest malls in Sofia. Stock up on fresh fruit and vegetables at the market on Graf Ignatiev. Take a break from shopping and sightseeing for a drink at a pavement café or picnic at Borisova Gradina Park.

Sofia sits at the foot of the Vitosha Mountain, a 7,513-foot-tall (2,290-metre) peak. Trek along its numerous marked paths in the spring and summer or go skiing in the winter.

To experience Sofia’s nightlife, visit Vitosha Boulevard, Sofia’s main shopping street. Choose from a large concentration of trendy bars and cafés. For music and dance, visit Sofia Opera and Ballet.

Sofia is a compact city. Many sights are within easy walking distance of each other. Alternatively, get around by public transportation or rental car. With thousands of years of history, rich cultural pursuits and a lively social scene, Sofia is a fascinating and increasingly popular holiday destination.

Where to stay in Sofia

Sofia which includes a house and heritage architecture

Sofia City Center

4/5(180 area reviews)

Noted for its museums and historical sites, there's plenty to explore in Sofia City Center. Top attractions like Slaveykov Square and Ivan Vazov National Theatre are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at Serdika Station or Lavov Most Station to see more of the city.

Sofia City Center
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Lozenets

3.5/5(14 area reviews)

Unique features of Lozenets include the spas and bars. Make a stop by Sofia Zoo or Expo 2000 Congress Centre while you're exploring the area.

Lozenets
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Mladost

4/5(7 area reviews)

If you're spending time in Mladost, check out sights like Inter Expo and Congress Center or Winter Palace of Sports and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Mladost 1 or Business Park Station.

Mladost
Monument to the Liberating Tsar showing a monument, a statue or sculpture and a square or plaza

Sredets District

If you're spending some time in Sredets District, Monument to the Liberating Tsar and Sveti Sedmochislenitsi Church are top sights worth seeing.

Sredets District
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Vitosha District

4/5(4 area reviews)

Vitosha District is noteworthy for its spas, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Mount Vitosha and Boyana Church.

Vitosha District
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Rajon Triaditsa

3.5/5(6 area reviews)

While visiting Rajon Triaditsa, you might make a stop by sights like Vitosha Blvd and National Palace of Culture.

Rajon Triaditsa
Sofia Balkan Palace
Sofia Balkan Palace
5 out of 5
5 Sveta Nedelya Square, Sofia, Sofia
The price is S$156 per night from 25 Jul to 26 Jul
S$156
25 Jul - 26 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Sofia. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (999 reviews)
"Good hotel with great dining and shopping option"

Reviewed on 6 Jul, 2025

Sofia Balkan Palace
Grand Hotel Millennium Sofia
Grand Hotel Millennium Sofia
5 out of 5
89B, Vitosha Blvd., Sofia, Sofia
The price is S$235 per night from 20 Jul to 21 Jul
S$235
20 Jul - 21 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Sofia. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 2 coffee shops/cafes. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (440 reviews)
"Absolutely loved this property and all that it offers. From the very helpful staff, to the beautiful amenities, our last night in Sofia ended on a great note due to this hotel."

Reviewed on 16 Jun, 2025

Grand Hotel Millennium Sofia
ART HOTEL 158
ART HOTEL 158
3 out of 5
KNYAZ BORIS I 158, Sofia, Sofia City Province
The price is S$109 per night from 10 Jul to 11 Jul
S$109
10 Jul - 11 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Sofia. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Sofia Synagogue and Central Sofia Market ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (83 reviews)
Friendly hotel
"Such a pleasant stay in the most modern and ecxellent hotel. Special thanks to the young guy on the reception evening/night time. You were very friendly, kind and polite. Truly the best client experient one can wish for. The Hotel has best location near the Serdika metro station, and next to the ..."

Reviewed on 2 Jul, 2025

ART HOTEL 158
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
ATM Aparts Sofia
ATM Aparts Sofia
3 out of 5
Poligona Area, Building 44, Entrance A, Sofia
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Sofia. Enjoy free WiFi, an airport shuttle (surcharge), and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions The Mall and Arena Armeec ...
8/10 Very Good! (69 reviews)
"Nice apartment. All fine."

Reviewed on 25 Jun, 2025

ATM Aparts Sofia
Dunav Apartment House
Dunav Apartment House
3.5 out of 5
Dunav street 38, Sofia, Sofia City Province
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Sofia. Enjoy free WiFi, in-room massages, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Sveta Petka Samardzhiiska Church and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2 reviews)
"Excelent location, comfort and clean room friendly staff"

Reviewed on 7 Jun, 2025

Dunav Apartment House
DOT Sofia
DOT Sofia
3.5 out of 5
ul. Bratya Miladinovi 46, Sofia, Sofia City Province
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Sofia. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and onsite spa services. Popular attractions Sofia Synagogue and Central Sofia ...
10/10 Exceptional! (8 reviews)
You will not find a better place.
"This is an unbelievable hotel experience. If you like modern art and architecture you will not find a better place. It's a 12 on a scale to 10. The ground floor restaurant is next level. If you get a chance to stay here, stay here."

Reviewed on 28 Jun, 2025

DOT Sofia
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Sofia

4.3
Top destination
5 - Excellent
77
5 - Excellent 47%
4 - Good
65
4 - Good 39%
3 - Okay
21
3 - Okay 13%
2 - Disappointing
2
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Abit polluted, but otherwise fine, get rid of the factory chimney smoke near Central station. 

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

A good place to visit if you have to.

5/5 - Excellent

James

I have been hereany times, I love Sofia!

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

I love it. Definitely going back again.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

An interesting city

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

People are friendly . Explore the whole city , be polite and make an effort to learn some basic Bulgarian at least . It’s appreciated