From stunning natural landscapes to fascinating cultural landmarks, Sofia (Bulgaria) is a destination that has it all. But with so much to see and do, it can be hard to know where to start. That’s why we’ve put together the ultimate travel checklist featuring the top 19 must-see attractions and experiences that you won’t want to miss.
Sofia is the capital of Bulgaria, and it is one of the most vibrant and active cities in the Balkan Peninsula, with a population of about 135 thousand people. This city is distinguished by its multiculturalism, as young people from all over the world migrate to it due to the availability of job opportunities and recreational attractions. This city was previously the old European capital, and therefore it has great historical importance, as many civilizations have passed and settled in it throughout history, and left behind many historical monuments and evidence, some of which still exist to this day, and among those monuments there are the Boyana Church, and the Church of St. Sofia, St. George Church, Banya Bashi Mosque, and many more. The city is distinguished by its mild climate, which allows it to be visited most of the months of the year. It is also characterized by its picturesque nature, where you will see waterfalls, rivers, forests and green spaces.
Looking for the best things to do in Sofia (Bulgaria) ? Look no further than our carefully curated list, selected by our team based on visitor ratings and reviews to help make your trip planning a breeze.
Russian Church “Sveti Nikolay Mirlikiiski” – The Russian Church – Sveti Nikolai Mirlikski or the Church of St. Nicholas is an Orthodox church in the city of Sofia that was built in 1914 AD on the site of the Saray Mosque that was destroyed by Russia, as it was built as an official church for the Russian embassy, so the building style is inspired by Russian architecture, where you can see Decorations inspired by the churches of Moscow in the seventeenth century.
Place address: Bul. “Tsar Osvoboditel” 3, 1000 Sofia Center, Sofia, Bulgaria
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Dragalevski Monastery – The Dragalevsky Monastery is located south of the city of Sofia, and it was established by the German Tsar Ivan Alexander, and it was dismantled after the Ottomans occupied the city, and it was rebuilt in the second half of the fifteenth century, and it includes a small church that is still open today, and it also contains On a collection of historical manuscripts and wall paintings associated with the Christian religion.
Place address: Драгалевски манастир, 1415 м. Орехите, Sofia, Bulgaria
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Golden Bridges – The Golden Bridges are considered one of the most famous landmarks in the city of Sofia, due to its distinctive natural appearance, as it is considered the largest stone river in the Vitosha Mountain region, and the stone river starts from a height of about 1800 meters above sea level to a height of 1410 meters above sea level, and it is famous The place as a tourist destination in which many distinguished tours and tracks are organized.
Place address: 1616 Sofia, Bulgaria
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Sveta Nedelya Church – The Church of Sveta Nedelya is an Orthodox church in the city of Sofia, and it is believed that it dates back to the Middle Ages, but the date of its construction is unclear, as it was destroyed and rebuilt several times, and the length of the church today is about 35.5 meters and its width is 19 meters, and new domes and a bell tower have been added to it The church is characterized by its distinctive ornate arcades, in addition to the stained glass that gives it a different character.
Place address: Pl. “Sveta Nedelya” 20, 1000 Old City Center, Sofia, Bulgaria
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St. Sophia Church – The Church of St. Sophia is classified as one of the oldest churches in Sofia, as its construction dates back to the fourth century AD. It was built in the basilica style, as it is considered one of the ancient buildings that testify to the old architecture style in Sofia, as it is characterized by its distinctive decorations in addition to the mosaics that cover its squares. Many tombs and wall paintings were also discovered inside.
Place address: Ul. “Paris” 2, 1000 Sofia Center, Sofia, Bulgaria
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Doctors’ Garden – Doctor’s Garden or the Doctor’s Monument Garden is a public park in the city of Sofia, and it gained its name in relation to the memorial located inside it, which was named after the paramedics who were killed during the Russian-Turkish war. The garden includes wide green spaces in which you can take a walk, exercise and relax away from the noise City.
Place address: 1504 Doctor’s Garden, Sofia, Bulgaria
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Museum of Illusions – The Museum of Illusions is a dedicated museum in the city of Sofia, which extends over an area of about 400 square meters. The museum is characterized by displaying a group of scientific inventions that merge with arts, physics and optics, which produce a group of visual tricks and tricks that are distinctive and attractive to tourists. The museum also allows tourists to interact With exhibits through painting with light and shadows and other distinctive exhibits.
Place address: бул. „княгиня Мария Луиза“ 16, 1000 Old City Center, Sofia, Bulgaria
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Church St. George Rotunda – The Church of St. George is considered one of the oldest and most famous churches in the city of Sofia, as it was built in the fourth century as Roman baths, then later turned into a church, and is distinguished by its circular shape built using red bricks. Old paintings and drawings dating back to the second, third and fourteenth centuries were found. Tourists can wander inside the building and see the distinctive archaeological building and the paintings and sculptures inside.
Place address: Bul. Kniaz Aleksandar Dondukov 2, 1000 Sofia Center, Sofia, Bulgaria
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National Polytechnic Museum – The National Museum of Applied Arts is a scientific museum in the Bulgarian capital, Sofia, and it was established in 1957 AD, as it includes a collection of holdings of about 22 thousand items, part of which is displayed permanently and the other part is displayed through temporary exhibitions, and the museum also contains a library There are more than 12,000 books inside, and the museum contains a collection of old cars and electronic devices.
Place address: Ul. “Opalchenska” 66, 1303 Sofia Center, Sofia, Bulgaria
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City Garden – The City Garden is the main garden in Sofia, in addition to being the oldest, as it was built in 1872 AD. The garden is characterized by the presence of many plants and flowers that give it a picturesque scene. There is also a group of kiosks and cafes that allow you to enjoy a delicious and light meal while strolling. It hosts many events and activities, especially during the summer.
Place address: 1000 Old City Center, Sofia, Bulgaria
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Sveta Petka – Sveta Petka Church is a small church in the city of Sofia that was built in the Middle Ages, and is located in the city center. It is said that it was built on the site of an old Roman religious building in the sixteenth century, and today it is considered one of the most important archaeological and historical monuments in it, as it contains a large collection of paintings The murals are from the fourteenth, fifteenth, seventeenth and nineteenth centuries.
Place address: 1000 Old City Center, Sofia, Bulgaria
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Arboretum – Arboretum Park is a public park in the city of Sofia, and it is characterized by its charming green nature, where you can stroll with your families and friends and spend a good time. The park is distinguished by its presence in a forest area full of trees and green plants, in addition to a group of small lakes, where you can take many photos Amidst charming nature.
Place address: 1616, Bulgaria
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Knyazheska Garden – The Prince’s Garden is located in the city of Sofia, and it was established at the beginning as a botanical garden based on an idea proposed by Prince Battenberg. A memorial associated with the Soviet war, and the park was known by its name at that time, then it was returned to its original name.
Place address: бул. „Евлоги и Христо Георгиеви“ 99А, 1000 Sofia Center, Sofia, Bulgaria
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Park Zaimov – Zaimov Park is a public park in the city of Sofia that offers wide spaces for walking and enjoying the beauty of nature, where you can enjoy green spaces and practice many sports such as walking and jogging, in addition to the presence of tennis courts, and there is also a theater in the park that is used to present many special shows, In addition to a group of cafes and food stalls.
Place address: 1527 Zaimov, Sofia, Bulgaria
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Royal Palace Vrana Park – Vrana Palace is located in the city of Sofia, and it is a former royal palace, where the former royal family still lives today, and there is a large garden near it that tourists can visit and take a tour in to learn about its history and the history of the palace, and you can also enjoy a walk and take many photos In or near the palace, as for the palace building, tourists cannot enter it.
Place address: Boulevard “Tsarigradsko shose” 381, 1186 Muzey Vrana, Sofia, Bulgaria
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Bells Park – The Garden of Bells or the Garden of Bells is a garden in the center of the city of Sofia that includes inside it what is known as the Monument of Bells and consists of four towers 122 feet tall that includes seven towers representing the continents of the world, and the monument represents the world’s message about peace, and tourists can visit the garden for a walk and enjoy the picturesque scenes in it, In addition to the distinguished memorial.
Place address: 1756 Sofia, Bulgaria
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Sofia Synagogue – The Sofia Synagogue is a synagogue in Sofia, and it is classified as the largest synagogue in southeastern Europe, and the third largest in Europe, as it was built to meet the needs of the Jewish community in Sofia in 1909 AD, and it is located in the city center near the central market square, and can accommodate approx. 1300 worshipers, and today the synagogue houses the Jewish Historical Museum and hosts exhibitions for the Jewish community.
Place address: Exarch Joseph Street 18, 1000 Sofia Center, Sofia, Bulgaria
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Banya Bashi Mosque – The Banya Bashi Mosque is an Ottoman mosque in Sofia. It was built in 1566 AD during the Ottoman occupation of the city. Its name is derived from the Turkish language, which literally means multiple baths. The reason for the name is due to the location of its construction over a group of natural thermal baths. Today, it is considered the main mosque in the city where it is used by Muslims to pray, and tourists visit it to learn about the effects of Ottoman rule.
Place address: бул. „княгиня Мария Луиза“ 18, 1000 Sofia Center, Sofia, Bulgaria
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West Park – West Park is one of the largest parks in the city of Sofia. It was named after its geographical location in the western part of the city. It is characterized by its vast green spaces where you can spend quality time with family and friends, stroll around the park and enjoy the charming views of the city. Many featured photos.
Place address: ул. „Майска роза“ 10, 1616 м. Гърдова глава, Sofia, Bulgaria
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As your journey through Sofia (Bulgaria) comes to an end, we hope you take with you unforgettable memories and experiences that will last a lifetime. This amazing region is home to diverse landscapes, ancient cultures, and welcoming communities that have something special to offer every traveler. Our guide has provided you with the top destinations and hidden gems that make Sofia (Bulgaria) such a unique and special place. But, we encourage you to continue to explore this region on your own and uncover new adventures and treasures along the way. As you journey back home, don’t forget to reflect on the moments that made your trip so special and share your experiences with others. Remember to keep the spirit of adventure and curiosity alive in your everyday life and continue to seek out new experiences. We hope our guide has been a valuable resource in planning your trip, and we look forward to hearing about your travels. Safe travels and until next time!