Sofia 4 Day Itinerary

Sofia, Bulgaria: A 4-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Explore the City Center

Morning

  • Start at: The Central Square (Площад “Александър Батенберг”) and visit the nearby:
    • National Assembly of Bulgaria (Народно събрание на Република България)
    • Ivan Vazov National Theatre (Национален театър “Иван Вазов”)
  • Take a stroll down Vitosha Boulevard (Витошка улица), lined with cafes, shops, and restaurants.

Afternoon

  • Visit the Sofia History Museum (Музей на историята на София) to learn about the city’s rich history.
  • Explore the Central Market Hall (Централна хали) for a taste of local food and souvenirs.

Evening

  • Enjoy traditional Bulgarian cuisine at:
    • Restaurant Pod Lipite (Ресторант “Под Липите”)
    • Restaurant Made in Home (Ресторант “Мейд ин Хоум”)
  • Take a walk around the city center to admire the illuminated buildings and streets.

Day 2: Churches, Parks, and Views

Morning

  • Visit the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral (Храм-паметник “Свети Александър Невски”), one of the largest Eastern Orthodox churches in the world.
  • Explore the adjacent Park Zaimov (Парк “Займов”), a tranquil oasis in the heart of the city.

Afternoon

  • Take a funicular ride to the top of Vitosha Mountain (Витошка планина) for panoramic views of Sofia.
  • Visit the Boyana Church (Боянска църква), a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its medieval frescoes.

Evening

  • Enjoy a drink at:
    • Bar 12 (Бар 12)
    • The Cocktail Bar (Коктейл бара)
  • Relax in your accommodation or explore the city’s nightlife.

Day 3: Museums and Galleries

Morning

  • Visit the National Art Gallery (Национална художествена галерия) to admire Bulgarian art from the 19th century to the present day.
  • Explore the Museum of Socialist Art (Музей на социалистическото изкуство), showcasing artwork from Bulgaria’s socialist era.

Afternoon

  • Stop by the Sofia City Art Gallery (Софийска градска художествена галерия) for a diverse range of exhibitions.
  • Visit the Earth and Man National Museum (Национален музей “Земята и човекът”) to discover Bulgaria’s natural history.

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at:
    • Restaurant The Little Bird (Ресторант “Чайчето”)
    • Restaurant Momo (Ресторант “Момо”)
  • Attend a performance or concert at the National Palace of Culture (Национален дворец на културата).

Day 4: Markets and Thermal Springs

Morning

  • Visit the bustling Ladies’ Market (Женски пазар) for souvenirs, clothing, and local delicacies.
  • Explore the adjacent Flower Market (Цветният пазар), filled with colorful blooms.

Afternoon

  • Relax at one of Sofia’s thermal springs:
    • Bankya Mineral Water Springs (Банкя минерална вода)
    • Kovachevtsi Mineral Water Springs (Ковачевци минерална вода)

Evening

  • Farewell dinner at:
    • Restaurant Tochka 19 (Ресторант “Точка 19”)
    • Restaurant Skara Bar & Grill (Ресторант “Скъра бар и грил”)
  • Departure from Sofia.

Accommodation

  • Hotel Arena di Serdica: A 4-star hotel in the heart of Sofia, offering comfortable rooms and a relaxing atmosphere.
  • Airbnb Options: Choose from a variety of apartments and studios in the city center, many with stunning views of Vitosha Mountain.

Transportation

  • Sofia Airport (Летище София): Approximately 10 km from the city center; take a taxi or bus (84 or 384) to reach your accommodation.
  • Public Transportation: Use buses, trams, or trolleybuses to navigate the city; buy tickets at kiosks or online.
  • Walking and Cycling: Explore Sofia on foot or rent a bike to discover its hidden gems.

Tips and Essentials

  • Language: Bulgarian (official), but many locals speak English, especially among younger generations.
  • Currency: Bulgarian Lev (BGN); credit cards are widely accepted.
  • Safety: Sofia is generally a safe city; take normal precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.
  • Weather: Sofia has a continental climate with cold winters and warm summers; pack accordingly.

Things to Know

  • History: Sofia has a rich history dating back over 7,000 years; explore its ancient ruins, museums, and cultural institutions.
  • Cuisine: Bulgarian cuisine is a delicious blend of Mediterranean and Balkan flavors; try shopska salad, banitsa, and kebapche.
  • Nightlife: Sofia’s nightlife scene is vibrant, with many bars, clubs, and live music venues to choose from.

Enjoy your time in Sofia!