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: Public transport (metro, buses, trams) costs 1.60 BGN ($0.90) per ride with day passes at 4 BGN ($2.25). Use Sofia Urban Mobility app for digital tickets. Taxis through Yellow Taxi or OK Supertrans cost 0.90-1.20 BGN ($0.51-0.68) per kilometer. Uber and Bolt operate at 5-20 BGN ($2.81-11.24) per trip. Car rental at airport starts from 40-70 BGN ($22.47-39.33) daily. Airport transfers cost 15-25 BGN ($8.43-14.04). Walking excellent in city center and Vitosha Boulevard pedestrian area. Bicycle sharing through CycleMe costs 5-10 BGN ($2.81-5.62) daily.

Money: Bulgarian lev (BGN) is the currency, pegged to euro at roughly 2:1. UBB, DSK Bank, and First Investment Bank ATMs dispense 400-800 BGN ($225-449) per transaction. Cards accepted at most restaurants, hotels, and stores. Budget $20-35 USD daily for comfortable travel. Euros sometimes accepted in tourist areas but change comes in lev. Tipping 10% standard at restaurants, round up taxi fares. Banking hours 8:30am-4:30pm weekdays, some branches open Saturday mornings. Exchange offices offer better rates than hotels. Tourist areas display prices in both lev and euros for convenience.

Cultural Respect: Greet with 'Zdraveite' (hello) in Bulgarian though English common in tourist areas. Nodding head means 'no' and shaking means 'yes' - opposite of Western customs, can cause confusion. Remove hats when entering Orthodox churches and maintain quiet demeanor. Photography allowed in most churches for small donations (2-5 BGN). Orthodox Christianity influences culture - Easter and Christmas are major holidays. Rose Valley traditions include rose oil production and annual festivals. Traditional music and folk dancing performed at cultural events. Cyrillic alphabet used alongside Latin in tourist areas. Communist history museums present complex recent past. Wine culture ancient - Bulgaria produces excellent wines often overlooked by tourists.

Food Safety: Traditional shopska salad with sirene cheese costs 6-12 BGN ($3.37-6.74). Kebapche and kyufte at mehanas run 8-15 BGN ($4.49-8.43) with sides. Banitsa pastry at bakeries costs 1-2.50 BGN ($0.56-1.40). Local wine at restaurants costs 15-35 BGN ($8.43-19.66) per bottle. Rakia (fruit brandy) shots cost 3-8 BGN ($1.69-4.49). Tarator (cold cucumber soup) perfect for summer at 4-8 BGN ($2.25-4.49). Bottled water costs 1-2 BGN ($0.56-1.12). Restaurant portions generous - consider sharing appetizers. Traditional grilled meats and fresh salads are highlights. Yogurt culture originated here - try authentic Bulgarian yogurt products.

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.