Bulgaria, a country on the Balkan Peninsula, has a long history (whose main city, Sofia, dates back 7,000 years). Sofia’s rich history is revealed in layers across the city, with excavations and small museums strategically placed to highlight the city’s foundational Roman ruins.
As time passes, neo-Byzantine and neo-Baroque structures give way to German Functionalism, Bauhaus, and communist-style constructions.
Top 10 Places to Visit in Sofia
Because of its proximity to other countries, like as Serbia and North Macedonia, tourists have additional options for excursions and side trips.
Sofia has become a cultural hub of southeast Europe thanks to its many theatres, opera houses, and ballet companies. Let’s learn more about the history of Serdica (the city’s former name) and the top attractions in Sofia.
1. St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
The St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is a must-see if you’re in Sofia; it’s widely regarded as one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks and as one of the country’s most significant Orthodox churches. Those who died in the Russian-Turkish War of 1878-1879, which freed Bulgaria from the Ottoman Empire, are commemorated by the cathedral.
Marvel at the Italian marble, Brazilian onyx, and Indian alabaster that were utilised to create the church’s exquisite embellishments, and take in the stunning gold-covered domes. Don’t miss the modest Christian art museum, which features additional Bulgarian religious art and provides interesting background on the cathedral’s construction.
2. Women’s Market
Visit the fantastic markets that dot the central district to get a taste of real Sofian life. Known as the Women’s Market since the early 20th century, Zhenski Pazar Market is the oldest market in Sofia. Discover the original flavours of regional cuisine and browse stalls stocked with fresh vegetables brought in by local farmers. Great meals may be found here.
The Alexander Nevsky Antiques Market, located close to the well-known Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, is an outdoor flea market selling a wide variety of used goods, from Soviet-era collectibles to furniture and kitchenware.
The Bitaka Flea Market and the Sofia Central Market Hall are two other marketplaces worth checking out while in Sofia.
3.National History Museum
Visitors can explore the rich history of Bulgaria and its capital, Sofia, through the museum’s collection of more than 650,000 artefacts.
The museum features artefacts from the Bronze Age, the Medieval Ages, up to and including displays of military relics like uniforms, as well as displays of more mundane items like textiles, maps, furniture, and more.
If you’re interested in archaeology, you’ll want to check out the tremendous trove of artefacts unearthed at dig sites across the country.
After taking in the exhibits on Bulgarian history, you might enjoy a buffet lunch and a stroll through the museum’s library and gift shop. Every day from 9:30 am to 6 pm, the museum welcomes visitors.
4. Sofia Zoo
The Sofia Zoo, just 12 minutes south of the city centre, is a great place to spend a day learning about and gazing at the incredible diversity of animals that call Bulgaria home.
Around 2,000 animals of over 280 local and worldwide species are on display for kids and grown-ups alike who are interested in learning more about these fascinating creatures, their habitats, and the foods they eat.
Animals such as otters, goats, lions, bears, lamas, and a wide variety of birds can be seen by guests. The zoo recently added a new section dedicated to the study of trees and other woody plants. Visitors interested in botany will find this part intriguing, as they will learn about 40 different tree species from all corners of the globe.
5. Rila Monastery
The Rila Monastery is the largest and most well-known Eastern Orthodox monastery. It is located in the beautiful forested mountains that surround it. Discover the spiritual and social history of Bulgaria’s mediaeval age as you stroll around the grounds of a monastery that has been in existence since the 10th century.
The museum features four sections covering topics such as monastic life, art, social and cultural practises, and weapons and tools. Day trips from Sofia to Rila Monastery typically include a stop at Boyana Church, where visitors may see exquisite and magnificent frescoes from the Middle Ages that date back to the 13th century.
Biking from Sofia to the monastery is an unforgettable experience that everyone should have at least once in their lives.
6. National Palace of Culture
When it comes to convention centres, the National Palace of Culture (NDK) in Bulgaria and all of southeast Europe is unrivalled. The National Palace of Culture, which opened in 1981, claims to play host to 300 events annually. Its central location in Sofia makes it easy to reach for tourists.
The National Palace of Culture is a massive 8-story building covering around 123,000 square metres that is known for hosting a wide variety of events, from concerts to congresses to festivals and more.
You may learn more about the forthcoming shows and activities that will be held there by visiting their website. Be sure to stop by the NDK’s Berlin Wall exhibit, just to the left of the museum’s main entrance.
7. St. George Rotunda
The Church of St. George Rotunda, or St. Georgi, has been used as a Christian church, a mosque, and an Orthodox church during the course of its history due to shifting religious trends. Come over on a Sunday morning to hear some chanting and singing from the local church.
Beautiful 16th-century Russian architecture and gorgeous frescoes may be discovered inside the Church of St. Nicholas the Miracle-Maker in the heart of Sofia, Bulgaria. Pay your respects at Bishop Serafin’s crypt.
You may explore a lot more than just these cathedrals in one day on a bus trip. Learn about the significant events in Bulgarian history represented by each church’s unique architecture.
8. Knyazheska Garden
Participate in a communism tour of Sofia and learn about the city’s history and culture during the communist era by exploring sites including the Former Bulgarian Communist Party Headquarters.
Learn the significance of the sculptures in the Knyazheska Garden and the Monument to the Soviet Army by taking a stroll in the area.
Images of a utopian society, poster propaganda, a massive five-pointed star, films, and historical documents are all on display at the Museum of Socialist Art.
9. Central Mineral Bathhouse
The Sofia History Museum is located in the Central Mineral Bathhouse, the city’s first public bath, and presents with visitors Sofia’s history from its early settlement to the more recent 20th century and present day developments.
The museum features eight displays that take visitors back in time to experience life in a Neolithic house from 6,000 B.C.E., learn about the city’s Turkish roots, and marvel at the treasures of the Kings who once governed Sofia.
Although the mineral springs next to the museum are no longer in use, they provide a visual representation of the city’s widespread use of such water fountains in the past.
10. Vazrazhdane Aqua Park
Vazrajdane Water Park, one of the top things to do in Sofia with kids, is conveniently located in the middle of the city and welcomes visitors with a relaxing afternoon plan that can be reached by train or bus.
Located in the vast Vazrajdane Park, this aqua park is about 6,600 square metres large and features a wide variety of exciting and soothing activities. Enjoy big indoor and outdoor pools, sauna parks, and entertaining water slides that are suitable for the whole family or group.
Parents can enjoy the loungers and swim-up bar while soaking up some rays before heading to the on-site restaurant for lunch. Massages, salt rooms, tangent baths, and more are available for your pleasure. Entry to the pool area begins at BGN 9.00.
