22 BEST Things to do in Sofia, Bulgaria

Sofia is one of Europe's oldest capitals, with over 7,000 years of history packed into the city. Where ruins, churches, mosques, grand buildings, and modern boulevards sit side by side. In this video, we'll show you how we spent two amazing days in Sofia. Exploring historical landmarks, tasting local food, and taking a day trip up to the famous Rila Monastery. On day one, we started our morning the Bulgarian way with a banitsa, a flaky. Cheese pastry. From there, we walked to the Red Flat, a unique museum you have to book in advance. It's an apartment that recreates a family's life in the 1980s during the final years of the Bulgarian communist regime. Here you can see, touch, wear, and flip through the details of every day. Life under late communism, from ration cards and state-controlled TV, to the quiet struggles of secretly listening to western music. Visitors explore the apartment with 46 short audio stories, each tied to a different corner of the home. The narrations are really well done and, together with the exhibits, paint a tangible picture of the times and how people quietly pushed back. All leading up to Bulgaria's post-communist shift. At only 9 euros, it's a must-do when you're in Sofia. After the Red Flat, we headed to Vitosha Boulevard, a pedestrian street lined with elegant architecture. During the socialist period, it featured state-run shops and cafes. Now, it's a great place to keep a watch, grab a drink, and soak in Sofia's atmosphere. Walking down the street, we stumbled upon the National Palace of Culture, a massive piece of communist-era architecture. Opened in 1981 to mark the 1,300th anniversary of Bulgaria's founding, it's now a hub for concerts, exhibitions, and cultural events. If you're into more socialist-era architecture, the Largo is a must-visit. Built to project power, this trio of socialist classic buildings surrounds Independence Square. Nearby, the statue of Saint Sophia replaced Lenin's. Another dying relic is the clique basement kiosks once found all over the city. This is the Saint Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, a stunning Neo-Byzantine Bulgarian Orthodox Church. Completed in the early 1900s, it's among the world's largest Christian churches built to honor soldiers from the Russo-Turkish War. The golden green domes are striking, and the square out front is a real community hub. For lunch, we wanted something local, so we ducked into a casual spot like a Polish milk bar. Everything was in Bulgarian, and it was packed with locals. Even without knowing the language, we managed to score some delicious, homemade food. Afterward, we explored the Kvartal neighborhood, a quirky pocket full of arty cafes and street art. With colorful murals and graffiti everywhere, the whole area has such a creative, offbeat vibe. As you walk around Sophia, you'll spot some really unique architecture, like the Ivan Bezov National Theater, a stunning example of neo-baroque architecture, and Sophia's most iconic theater. Named after Bulgaria's national writer, it features a grand fountain, reminding you just how majestic it is. Next up is the gorgeous Russian-style Church of Saint Nicholas, once the heart of a vibrant Russian community. The church remains a symbol of Sophia's deep historical ties. Just minutes away, you'll find the 6th-century Saint Sophia Church, one of the city's oldest landmarks. It was part of ancient Sertica, complete with underground ruins. Beside it, an eternal flame honors the soldiers who defended the country. To see more of Sertica, head to the city center. You can explore the ancient ruins, streets, and foundations, dating back to Roman times for free. Some parts are even located right inside the metro station. Another historic gem is the ancient Church of Saint George, a 4th-century site that started as Roman baths before becoming a church. Near the ruins, you'll find a square of tolerance, where a cathedral, church, mosque, and synagogue stand together, reflecting Sophia's tradition of religious harmony. Nearby, we found the central mineral baths were hot springs, bubble up at 46 degrees Celsius. Locals were filling bottles to take home, so we joined in. Fair warning, it's an acquired taste. The old bathhouse is now a museum blending Viennese style with Byzantine and revival styles, reflecting Sophia's layered history. From there, we headed to the Central Market Hall, a historic spot, dating back to 1911. We popped into the market for some local yogurt. It's famous for its unique probiotics, offering great flavor and health benefits. Just check for the Bulgarian flag to make sure. It's authentic. We wrapped up the day and got ready for tomorrow's main event, a trip to the iconic Rila Monastery. We booked a group shuttle to the Rila Mountains, about 120 kilometers away. It's a two-hour drive, so we stopped midway to grab a quick lunch. I'd suggest that, as there aren't many food options at the monastery, other than a bakery. Rila is a UNESCO site and Bulgaria's largest, most famous monastery. Founded in the 10th century by Saint John, the country's patron saint, his relics are still housed here. It remains a major center for Orthodox Christianity, with monks still in residence. The incredible frescoes covering the walls are the real highlight, depicting scenes from the Bible, the life of Jesus, the Virgin Mary, and various saints. Near the monastery entrance is a bakery run by the monks. Their must-try treat is the mokitsa, a traditional fried pastry served hot with powdered sugar. It's delicious and the perfect snack after exploring. Boyana Church is another popular spot to visit. This small 13th-century medieval church is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. But given its size and the 10-minute limit, we skipped it, as the entry fee felt a bit much. For your stay, there are tons of budget options. Even in the city center, we grabbed an affordable place near the market hall, which kept everything walkable and saved us a bundle on transport. But if nightlife is your thing, staying near Vitoshal Boulevard is a better bet. Plovdiv is another favorite day trip from Sofia. But it feels totally different, with its cobblestone streets, Roman theaters, and old-town charm. Check out our next video on Plovdiv now!