Things to Do in Sofia

About Sofia

Sofia has outlasted two millennia of empires. Roman sandals, Ottoman slippers, and modern sneakers have all worn its cobblestones smooth. Bulgaria's capital operates as a living museum where the golden-domed Alexander Nevsky Cathedral overlooks ancient Serdica ruins, and communist-era monuments stand next to cafés and galleries. The city runs on contradictions. Morning calls to prayer from Banya Bashi Mosque overlap with Orthodox church bells—different faiths, same skyline. Vitosha Mountain frames the city and offers weekend hiking just minutes from downtown. Thermal springs still bubble beneath the streets. They've done so for centuries. Locals fill the parks to play chess and drink strong Turkish coffee while swapping stories. Sofia doesn't pretend to be anything else. Every corner holds layers of history, every meal turns into a small celebration, and conversations with strangers open unexpected doors. The city works because it is real—no polish, no performance.

Travel Tips

Transportation: Purchase a rechargeable transport card at metro stations for 1.60 leva, valid on all public transport. Taxis are affordable but always insist on the meter or use Bolt/Uber. The efficient metro connects key attractions and runs until midnight.

Money: Bulgaria uses Bulgarian Lev (BGN). Exchange money at banks or official exchange offices—avoid street exchangers. Most restaurants and shops accept cards, but carry cash for small vendors, churches, and traditional markets.

Cultural Respect: Bulgarians nod for 'no' and shake heads for 'yes'—don't be confused! Remove shoes when entering homes, dress modestly in churches, and bring flowers (odd numbers) when visiting locals. Tipping 10% is appreciated.

Food Safety: Tap water is safe to drink throughout Sofia. Try traditional mehanas for authentic cuisine—look for places packed with locals. Shopska salad, banitsa, and kebapche are must-tries. Avoid tourist-trap restaurants near major landmarks.

When to Visit

Sofia shines brightest during late spring (May-June) and early autumn (September-October), when temperatures hover between 15-25°C and rainfall averages 60-80mm monthly. These shoulder seasons offer 20-30% lower accommodation prices than peak summer while delivering perfect weather for exploring both city streets and nearby Vitosha Mountain hikes. Summer (July-August) brings warm 20-30°C days ideal for outdoor dining and festival season, including the Sofia Music Weeks (May-July) and Summer Theatre Festival (June-August), though expect peak pricing and occasional afternoon thunderstorms. Winter transforms Sofia into a cozy wonderland with temperatures between -5-5°C and light snowfall averaging 25cm monthly. December through February offers the lowest prices (40-50% off peak rates) and magical Christmas markets, plus easy access to nearby ski resorts. The Kukeri Festival in January celebrates ancient traditions with elaborate costume parades. Spring (March-April) brings unpredictable weather but blooming parks and Easter celebrations. Budget travelers should target November through March, while families prefer the stable warmth of late spring through early autumn. Culture ensoiasts will love the Sofia Film Festival (March) and Night of Museums (May), when many attractions open free after dark.