Sofia 6 Day Itinerary

Sofia 6-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & City Center Exploration

  • Accommodation: Central location hotels like Hotel Marinela or Hotel Sofia Downtown provide a great starting point for exploring the city.
  • Breakfast: Start your day with traditional Bulgarian breakfast at Kazeyna, located in the heart of Sofia.
  • Activities: Visit Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, St. George Rotunda, and the Council of Ministers’ Building (Baba Stayana). Don’t miss the colorful graffiti on Tsar Shishman Street.
  • Lunch: Taleyka Restaurant offers delicious Bulgarian cuisine.
  • Afternoon: Explore Vitosha Boulevard, Sofia’s premier shopping street and visit the National Art Gallery.
  • Dinner: Dine at Perseverance Inn, known for its cozy atmosphere and traditional dishes.
  • Transportation: Sofia has a well-developed public transport system. Buy a transportation card for easy travel on buses, trams, and metro.

Day 2: Historical Landmarks & Museums

  • Breakfast: Try breakfast at Bonobo Coffee Roasters or Hemingway’s Bar & Kitchen.
  • Activities: Visit the Sofia History Museum, Archaeological Museum, and the Boyana Church (UNESCO World Heritage Site).
  • Lunch: Lunch at restaurant Karavadžinata for Bulgarian cuisine with a modern twist.
  • Afternoon: Explore the Borisova Gradina (Boris III Park) and the National Palace of Culture.
  • Dinner: Dine at Maison Manuela, a French-Bulgarian fusion restaurant.
  • Evening: Stroll around Ivan Vazov National Theater and enjoy the city’s nightlife.

Day 3: Nature & Relaxation

  • Breakfast: Grab breakfast at Greenwich Café.
  • Activities: Take a cable car to Vitosha Mountain for hiking, picnicking, or simply enjoying the stunning views of Sofia.
  • Lunch: Lunch at a mountain hut like Zlatnite Mostove (The Golden Bridges).
  • Afternoon: Relax at one of Sofia’s many spas, such as SPA Center Balkan or Aqua Park Borisova Gradina.
  • Dinner: Dine at Honey & Mustard for a taste of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine.

Day 4: Art & Culture

  • Breakfast: Start your day with breakfast at Kanał.
  • Activities: Visit the National Museum of Military History, Sofia Crystal Glass Museum, and the Ivan Milev Gallery.
  • Lunch: Lunch at restaurant Moma for traditional Bulgarian cuisine.
  • Afternoon: Explore South Park (Paril’skata gradina) and its unique modern art installations.
  • Dinner: Dine at Etnographski Centar, a restaurant that offers an authentic experience of Bulgarian folklore and food.
  • Evening: Enjoy live music at Alchimist or Piano Mania clubs.

Day 5: Day Trip to Rila Monastery

  • Breakfast: Grab breakfast on the go from your favorite café.
  • Activities: Take a day trip to Rila Monastery (approx. 1.5 hours drive) and explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Lunch: Have lunch at restaurant Kamenetz in Rila or pack a picnic for the journey.
  • Return to Sofia & Dinner: Return to Sofia, dine at The Loft, and enjoy their rooftop terrace.

Day 6: Farewell & Last Minute Shopping

  • Breakfast: Have a leisurely breakfast at your hotel or try a new café you haven’t visited yet.
  • Activities: Spend the morning shopping for souvenirs in the old town (Tzar Simeon’s Square) or at the Central Market Hall.
  • Lunch: Enjoy one last lunch at a favorite restaurant before your departure.
  • Departure: Depending on your flight schedule, head to Sofia Airport (approx. 15 minutes from city center). Safe travels!