Home › Destinations › Saint Sofia Church
Saint Sofia Church, България - Things to Do in Saint Sofia Church

Things to Do in Saint Sofia Church

Saint Sofia Church, България - Complete Travel Guide

Sofia, the capital and largest city of Bulgaria, is a captivating blend of ancient history and modern European charm. Nestled at the foot of Vitosha Mountain, this city of over 1.3 million inhabitants serves as the political, cultural, and economic heart of Bulgaria. The city's crown jewel, Saint Sofia Church (Hagia Sophia), is a 6th-century Eastern Orthodox basilica that gave the city its name and stands as one of the oldest churches in the Bulgarian capital, showcasing remarkable Byzantine architecture and ancient frescoes. Sofia offers visitors a unique journey through time, where Roman ruins coexist with Soviet-era monuments and contemporary art galleries. The city center is remarkably walkable, with major attractions clustered around the historic core, including the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the National Palace of Culture, and numerous museums. Beyond its historical significance, Sofia has emerged as a vibrant cultural hub with a thriving café culture, innovative restaurants, and a dynamic nightlife scene that attracts visitors from across Europe.

Top Things to Do in Saint Sofia Church

Explore Byzantine and Orthodox Heritage

Visit the magnificent Saint Sofia Church, one of the oldest Eastern Orthodox churches in Bulgaria, dating back to the 6th century. The church features stunning Byzantine architecture, ancient frescoes, and serves as the namesake of the capital city. Combine this with visits to the nearby Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and other historic religious sites in the city center.

Booking Tip: Entry to Saint Sofia Church is typically free, but guided tours cost around 10-15 BGN. Best visited in the morning (9-11 AM) to avoid crowds and capture beautiful natural lighting. Look for certified local guides who can explain the historical significance and architectural details.

Discover Ancient Roman Sofia

Explore the extensive Roman ruins scattered throughout Sofia, including the ancient Serdica complex beneath the city center and the well-preserved Roman rotunda of Saint George. These archaeological sites offer fascinating insights into Sofia's origins as the Roman city of Serdica. Many ruins are accessible through underground passages and modern shopping areas.

Booking Tip: Most Roman sites have free access, but specialized archaeological tours cost 20-30 BGN per person. Visit during weekday mornings for fewer crowds. Choose tours with archaeologists or history specialists who can provide detailed historical context.

Stroll Through Vitosha Boulevard and City Center

Walk along Sofia's main pedestrian street, Vitosha Boulevard, lined with shops, cafés, and restaurants leading to the National Palace of Culture. The area combines modern shopping with historic architecture, street art, and vibrant café culture. This is the perfect way to experience contemporary Bulgarian urban life while admiring the city's architectural diversity.

Booking Tip: Self-guided walks are free, while organized walking tours cost 15-25 BGN. Best experienced in late afternoon (4-6 PM) when locals are out and about. Look for tours that include stops at local cafés and hidden courtyards for authentic experiences.

Experience Bulgarian Cuisine and Food Culture

Indulge in traditional Bulgarian cuisine through food tours that showcase local specialties like banitsa, shopska salad, and various grilled meats. Visit traditional mehanas (taverns), modern restaurants, and local markets to experience the full spectrum of Bulgarian culinary traditions. Many tours include visits to local food markets and cooking demonstrations.

Booking Tip: Food tours range from 40-80 BGN per person and typically last 3-4 hours. Book tours that start around lunch time (12-1 PM) for the best restaurant availability. Choose operators that include both traditional and contemporary Bulgarian cuisine for a comprehensive experience.

Take a Day Trip to Nearby Attractions

Venture beyond Sofia to explore nearby attractions such as the UNESCO World Heritage Boyana Church with its medieval frescoes, the stunning Rila Monastery nestled in the mountains, or the picturesque Koprivshtitsa with its 19th-century architecture. These excursions provide deeper insights into Bulgarian history, culture, and natural beauty.

Booking Tip: Day trips cost 60-120 BGN depending on destination and group size. Book tours that depart early morning (8-9 AM) to maximize time at destinations. Choose operators with comfortable transportation and knowledgeable guides who speak your preferred language.

Getting There

Sofia is easily accessible via Sofia Airport (SOF), located about 10 kilometers east of the city center, with direct flights from major European cities and connecting flights worldwide. The airport is connected to the city center by metro line M1 (30 minutes, 1.60 BGN), buses (35-45 minutes, 1.60 BGN), or taxis (20-30 minutes, 15-25 BGN). Sofia is also well-connected by train and bus to other Balkan capitals, with regular services from Belgrade, Bucharest, Istanbul, and Thessaloniki. The central railway station and main bus terminal are both easily accessible by public transport from the city center.

Getting Around

Sofia has an efficient and affordable public transportation system consisting of metro, buses, trams, and trolleybuses. The metro system has two main lines that connect major attractions and residential areas, with day passes costing just 4 BGN. Buses and trams cover the entire city with frequent services, and single tickets cost 1.60 BGN. The city center is very walkable, with most major attractions within a 15-minute walk of each other. Taxis are readily available and relatively inexpensive, while ride-sharing apps like Bolt and Uber operate throughout the city. For day trips outside Sofia, rental cars are available, though public transport and organized tours are often more convenient.

Where to Stay

City Center/Serdika
Vitosha Boulevard Area
Lozenets District
Boyana/Dragalevtsi
Student Quarter
Ivan Vazov Quarter

Food & Dining

Sofia's dining scene has evolved dramatically in recent years, offering everything from traditional Bulgarian mehanas serving hearty local dishes to innovative restaurants featuring modern Balkan cuisine. The city center around Vitosha Boulevard and the trendy Lozenets district host numerous restaurants, from budget-friendly local eateries (10-20 BGN per meal) to upscale dining establishments (40-80 BGN per meal). Don't miss trying traditional dishes like kebapche, banitsa, and tarator, along with excellent Bulgarian wines. The city also has a growing international food scene, with quality Italian, Asian, and Middle Eastern restaurants, plus a vibrant café culture perfect for people-watching and trying Bulgarian coffee traditions.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Sofia

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

View all food guides →

Shtastlivetsa Restaurant - Vitoshka

4.5 /5
(11809 reviews) 2

Piatto Collezione

4.7 /5
(3145 reviews) 2

Pizzeria "Olio D'Oliva"

4.7 /5
(2484 reviews) 2

El Shada

4.6 /5
(1997 reviews) 2

Unica Restaurant

4.6 /5
(1684 reviews) 3

Pastorant

4.5 /5
(1113 reviews) 2

Looking for specific cuisines?

Local Cuisine Italian Japanese Fine Dining

When to Visit

The best time to visit Sofia is during late spring (May-June) and early autumn (September-October) when temperatures are mild (15-25°C) and rainfall is minimal. These seasons offer perfect weather for walking tours and outdoor exploration, with blooming parks in spring and beautiful autumn colors. Summer (July-August) can be warm but is ideal for day trips to nearby mountains and monasteries. Winter (December-February) brings cold temperatures and occasional snow, but the city takes on a charming atmosphere with fewer crowds and lower accommodation prices. Christmas markets and winter festivals add special appeal during the holiday season.

Insider Tips

Many of Sofia's churches and museums offer free entry on the first Monday of each month, including Saint Sofia Church and several archaeological sites.
The mineral springs in the city center near the mosque are free to use and locals regularly collect the therapeutic water - bring a bottle to try this centuries-old tradition.
Sofia's extensive network of underground passages connects many central locations and contains hidden archaeological exhibits, perfect for rainy days and winter visits.

Explore Activities in Saint Sofia Church