Things to Do in Sofia, Sofia, Bulgaria

Even the guy giving us a walking tour of the city suggested it would be a shame to visit Bulgaria and not leave Sofia. And while that may be true, there are still some pretty cool things to do in the city that make it worth staying at least a day or two.

The most informative way to spend an afternoon in Sofia is to take the city’s free waking tour, which is offered twice a day at 11 am and 6 pm. There’s an additional 10 am start between April and October. The tour will explain some of the sites you’ll see around the city like the ruins of Serdica, and the significance of some of the buildings. You’ll also learn a bit of Bulgarian history as you see the major sights of the city, including Bulgaria’s complex political past. This is a great thing to do as soon as you arrive so you can decide what you want to explore in more depth yourself later. The tour does not allow time to enter anywhere.

I think everyone can agree that this massive Bulgarian Orthodox church is the crown jewel of Sofia. Though entrance is free, they charge 10 lev to take photos inside. And going inside is a must. The shiny gold-domed cathedral is striking from every angle, but the interior is even more impressive. As an Orthodox church, it has no seats, just large open spaces that allow you to wander around and appreciate the intricate murals on the walls and ceilings. It’s a nice dark space, worthy of meditative worship, that lets in just the right amount of light. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).