Sofia Bulgaria 2 Day Itinerary

Sofia, Bulgaria - 2-Day Itinerary

Welcome to Sofia! Here’s a suggested itinerary for your two-day adventure in this captivating city.

Day 1:

  1. Morning - Alexander Nevsky Cathedral & The National Assembly Building (Народно събрание)

    • Start your day by visiting the impressive Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, a beautiful Orthodox cathedral with stunning architecture and ornate interior decorations.
    • Just a short walk away, find the National Assembly Building, home to Bulgaria’s parliament. The building’s modern design is a striking contrast to the nearby historical sites.

  2. Lunch - Central Market Hall (Централна халка)

    • Indulge in traditional Bulgarian cuisine at the Central Market Hall. Here you can find a variety of local food, from banitsa and shopska salad to kyufteta and mussaka. Don’t forget to try the shopski sirene cheese!

  3. Afternoon - Boyana Church & Vitosha Boulevard

    • Head to Boyana Church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with some of the best-preserved medieval frescoes in Europe.
    • Take a leisurely stroll along Vitosha Boulevard, Sofia’s most famous shopping street, and enjoy the mix of local boutiques, international brands, and outdoor cafés.

  4. Evening - Rooftop Drinks & Lunchbox (Лънчбокс)

    • Grab a drink at one of the many rooftop bars in the city center for a panoramic view of Sofia’s skyline.
    • For dinner, check out Lunchbox, where you can savor innovative fusion dishes with a modern twist on traditional Bulgarian flavors.

Day 2:

  1. Morning - Sofia History Museum & Rotunda St. George (Ротонда Св. Георги)

    • Visit the Sofia History Museum to learn about the city’s rich history, with exhibits dating back to prehistoric times.
    • Next, explore the ancient Rotunda St. George, a 4th-century Roman rotunda that serves as a testament to the city’s past.

  2. Lunch - Kapana District (Капана)

    • Head to the trendy Kapana District for lunch. This artistic neighborhood is home to numerous independent restaurants, cafes, and bars offering a diverse range of food options.

  3. Afternoon - National Art Gallery & Ivan Vazov National Theatre

    • Spend your afternoon visiting the National Art Gallery, showcasing a vast collection of Bulgarian art dating from the 19th century to the present day.
    • Take in a performance at the Ivan Vazov National Theatre, one of Bulgaria’s most significant cultural institutions. Check their schedule for upcoming shows.

  4. Evening - Sofia Free Walking Tour & Alaturka Rooftop Bar

    • Join a free walking tour to learn more about Sofia’s history and culture while discovering hidden gems in the city. Tours typically start from in front of the National Palace of Culture (NDK).
    • Finish your day with a drink at Alaturka Rooftop Bar, offering breathtaking views of the city and a menu of Turkish meze and cocktails.

Things to know:

  • The official language is Bulgarian, but English is widely spoken in the city center.
  • Sofia’s public transport system includes buses, trams, and the metro. A single ticket costs 1.60 BGN (around €0.80) and can be used for multiple transfers within one hour.
  • Tipping around 10% is customary in restaurants.
  • The currency is Bulgarian lev (BGN). Major credit cards are widely accepted, but it’s always good to have some cash on hand.
  • Bulgaria uses the Type F European plug, so don’t forget your adapter if needed.

Enjoy your adventure in Sofia!