Sofia 7 Day Itinerary

Sofia 7-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & City Orientation

Arrival at Sofia Airport (SOF). You can take a taxi or public transport (bus A2) to the city center.

Check-in at your preferred hotel. Recommendations include Hotel Marinela, Sense Hotel Sofia, and Boutique Hotel Elisabeth.

Explore the city center, visit Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Sofia University, and the Council of Ministers’ Building.

For dinner, try local dishes at Karuzela or Kanaaleto.

Day 2: Historical Landmarks & Archaeological Sites

Visit the National Archaeological Museum to learn about Bulgaria’s rich history. Then head to the nearby Rotunda St. George and the Roman Thermae.

Lunch at LOffee Place or Greenwich.

In the afternoon, explore the Rila Art Gallery and the Boyana Church (UNESCO World Heritage Site).

Dinner at Traktir Lozenets or Hemingway’s Sofia.

Day 3: Natural Wonders & Relaxation

Take a day trip to Vitosha Boulevard and enjoy the mountain views. Visit Boyana Waterfall, Aleko Hut, and Dragalevtsi Monastery.

Lunch at Koprivshtitsa or at one of the restaurants near the ski lift.

Return to Sofia and relax at a local spa such as Termeo or SPA Center Sofia Marinela.

Day 4: Cultural Experiences & Shopping

Visit the National Art Gallery, the Bulgarian National Bank Museum, and the Ethnographical Museum.

Lunch at Hadzhi Dimitar or Le Ciel Bleu.

Spend the afternoon shopping for souvenirs in Vitosha Boulevard or the Central Market Hall.

Dinner at Kanaaleto or Manastirski Han.

Day 5: Day Trip to Rila Monastery (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

Early morning trip to Rila Monastery, about 100 km south of Sofia. Visit the monastery complex and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

Lunch at a local restaurant near the monastery.

Return to Sofia in the evening.

Day 6: Nightlife & Entertainment

Enjoy Sofia’s vibrant nightlife. Visit clubs like Alcoholica, Mixtape5, or Plovdiv Club. For a more relaxed atmosphere, try BarDom, Bar.Basq, or The Crypt.

Dinner at Tequila Mexicana or Casa Loma.

Day 7: Farewell & Last Minutes

Spend your last hours exploring any missed attractions or revisiting favorite spots.

Have a farewell lunch at Karuzela or Kapana Wine Bar before heading to the airport for your departure.

Things to Know:

  • Sofia is generally safe, but be aware of pickpocketing in crowded areas.
  • The official currency is Bulgarian Lev (BGN). Credit cards are widely accepted in restaurants and shops, but it’s good to have some cash on hand.
  • English is not as widely spoken as in other European capitals, so learning a few words in Bulgarian will be appreciated.
  • Taxis are relatively cheap compared to other European cities, but always agree on the price before starting your journey.
  • The best time to visit Sofia is during spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October). Summers can be very hot, while winters can be cold and snowy.