Sofia Bulgaria 6 Day Itinerary
Sofia, Bulgaria 6-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and Exploration
- Morning: Arrive at Sofia Airport and take a taxi or bus (around 10-15 BGN) to your accommodation.
- Accommodation: Stay in the city center at hotels like Hotel Anel or Arena di Serdica Hotel, or opt for an Airbnb apartment.
- Lunch: Try traditional Bulgarian cuisine at Mehana Cherna Kotka (around 15-20 BGN per meal).
- Afternoon: Visit the National Museum of History (10 BGN entrance fee) to get acquainted with Bulgaria’s rich history.
- Evening: Explore the lively Vitosha Boulevard, lined with cafes, shops, and restaurants.
Day 2: Sofia’s Landmarks
- Morning: Start at Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, one of the largest Eastern Orthodox churches in the world. Take a stroll around the adjacent Parliament Square.
- Lunch: Grab a bite to eat at Sunshine Café, offering delicious salads and sandwiches (around 10-15 BGN per meal).
- Afternoon: Visit the Ivan Vazov National Theatre and take a peek at the stunning architecture. Stop by the nearby Sofia Central Market Hall for some souvenir shopping.
- Evening: Enjoy traditional Bulgarian music and dance performances at Mehana Cherna Kotka.
Day 3: Mountain Escapade
- Morning: Take a day trip to Vitosha Mountain, just outside Sofia (around 10-15 BGN by taxi or bus). Hike to the top for breathtaking views.
- Lunch: Savor traditional Bulgarian dishes at Hajjiska House (around 20-25 BGN per meal).
- Afternoon: Explore the mountain’s scenic trails and take in the fresh air.
- Evening: Return to Sofia and relax with a drink at Bar 12, offering stunning city views.
Day 4: Culture and Relaxation
- Morning: Visit the National Art Gallery (10 BGN entrance fee), featuring an impressive collection of Bulgarian art.
- Lunch: Treat yourself to a gourmet meal at Restaurant 33 (around 30-40 BGN per meal).
- Afternoon: Unwind at one of Sofia’s many thermal springs, such as Bankya Mineral Springs (around 10-15 BGN entrance fee).
- Evening: Enjoy a cocktail at The View, offering panoramic views of the city.
Day 5: Historical Wonders
- Morning: Explore the ancient Roman ruins of Sofia History Museum (10 BGN entrance fee).
- Lunch: Try some international cuisine at Made in Home (around 15-20 BGN per meal).
- Afternoon: Visit the stunning Boyana Church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site (10 BGN entrance fee).
- Evening: Enjoy live music and good company at Theatre Laboratory.
Day 6: Departure
- Morning: Spend some last-minute time exploring Sofia’s streets, visiting any attractions you missed earlier.
- Departure: Take a taxi or bus back to Sofia Airport for your departure flight.
Transportation:
- Taxis are widely available and relatively affordable (around 10-15 BGN per ride).
- Public transportation includes buses, trams, and trolleybuses (around 1.60 BGN per ride).
- You can also use ride-hailing services like Uber or Bolt.
Tips and Essentials:
- Bulgaria uses the Bulgarian lev (BGN) as its currency.
- Credit cards are widely accepted in tourist areas.
- Learn some basic Bulgarian phrases, such as “Здравей” (Zdravei) for “Hello” and “Благодаря” (Blagodarya) for “Thank you”.
- Be prepared for variable weather, with layers and waterproof gear.
- Respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting religious sites.
Other Things to Know:
- Sofia has a lively nightlife scene, with many bars and clubs staying open late into the night.
- The city is relatively safe, but take normal precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.
- Bulgarian cuisine is known for its hearty meat dishes, fresh vegetables, and delicious pastries.
- Many attractions offer audio guides in English, but it’s still a good idea to learn some basic Bulgarian phrases.
Enjoy your trip to Sofia!