Sofia-4-day-itinerary

August 6, 2024

Day 1: Discovering Historic Sofia

Morning: Start your day at the iconic Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, a beautiful example of Neo-Byzantine architecture. Take a moment to admire its stunning golden domes.
9:00 AM: Walk to the nearby St. Alexander Nevsky Church, where you can see an impressive collection of Orthodox icons and mosaics.
10:30 AM: Visit the National Historical Museum ( entrance fee: 5 BGN, ~2.50 EUR) to learn about Bulgaria’s rich history.
Lunch: Head to Kafeneyski Chay, a cozy spot serving traditional Bulgarian cuisine. Try their delicious shopska salad and banitsa pastry.
Afternoon: Explore the charming streets of the Old Town (Varosha), where you’ll find quaint shops, cafes, and galleries.
Evening: Enjoy dinner at Khan’s Tavern, a popular restaurant serving classic Bulgarian dishes in a cozy atmosphere.

For a comfortable stay, consider booking a room at:

Hotel Lady Z: A modern hotel with stylish rooms and a convenient location. (Prices start from around 60 BGN, ~30 EUR per night)
Sofia Central Hostel: A budget-friendly option with dorms and private rooms. (Prices start from around 20 BGN, ~10 EUR per night)

Sofia has a well-developed public transportation system, including buses and trams.
You can buy a Sofia Card, which grants you unlimited travel on public transport for one or two days.

Bulgaria uses the Euro currency.
Try to learn some basic Bulgarian phrases, such as “Zdravey” (hello), “Hvala” (thank you), and “Dovzhdanye” (goodbye).
Don’t forget to try some traditional Bulgarian drinks like Ayran and Rakia.

Day 2: Exploring Modern Sofia

Morning: Start your day at the Sofia National Opera, a beautiful example of Bulgarian architecture. Take a moment to admire its stunning interior.
9:00 AM: Visit the nearby National Gallery of Foreign Art (entrance fee: 5 BGN, ~2.50 EUR), which features an impressive collection of foreign art and artifacts.
10:30 AM: Head to the trendy area of Vitosha Blvd, where you’ll find modern shops, cafes, and restaurants.
Lunch: Try some delicious Italian food at Ciao Bella or grab a snack at one of the many street vendors.
Afternoon: Visit the Sofia Central Market (entrance fee: 1 BGN, ~0.50 EUR), where you can find fresh produce, flowers, and souvenirs.

For another night, consider booking a room at:

Hotel Europa: A modern hotel with stylish rooms and a convenient location. (Prices start from around 80 BGN, ~40 EUR per night)
Sofia Central Hostel (same as previous day): A budget-friendly option with dorms and private rooms. (Prices start from around 20 BGN, ~10 EUR per night)

Try to visit some of Sofia’s many parks and gardens, such as the Vitosha Mountain Park or the St. Alexander Nevsky Park.
Don’t forget to try some traditional Bulgarian food like shopska salad and banitsa pastry.

Morning: Take a day trip to the nearby Vitosha Mountain, where you can enjoy hiking, skiing (in winter), or simply taking in the beautiful views.
9:00 AM: Visit the Alpinist Ski Center, which offers ski lifts and equipment rentals.
10:30 AM: Take a break at the Chalga Restaurant for some delicious Bulgarian cuisine and a chance to rest your feet.

For another night, consider booking a room at:

Hotel Lady Z (same as previous day): A modern hotel with stylish rooms and a convenient location. (Prices start from around 60 BGN, ~30 EUR per night)
Sofia Central Hostel (same as previous day): A budget-friendly option with dorms and private rooms. (Prices start from around 20 BGN, ~10 EUR per night)

Try to visit some of Sofia’s many museums, such as the National Museum of Military History or the Ethnographic Museum.
Don’t forget to try some traditional Bulgarian drinks like Ayran and Rakia.

Morning: Spend your last day exploring any areas you missed on previous days or revisit your favorite spots.
9:00 AM: Visit the Sofia Central Market (entrance fee: 1 BGN, ~0.50 EUR) for some last-minute shopping and souvenir hunting.
10:30 AM: Head to the National Historical Museum (same as previous day), where you can learn about Bulgaria’s rich history.
Lunch: Enjoy a farewell meal at Khan’s Tavern, a popular restaurant serving classic Bulgarian dishes in a cozy atmosphere.

For your final night, consider booking a room at:

Hotel Europa (same as previous day): A modern hotel with stylish rooms and a convenient location. (Prices start from around 80 BGN, ~40 EUR per night)
Sofia Central Hostel (same as previous day): A budget-friendly option with dorms and private rooms. (Prices start from around 20 BGN, ~10 EUR per night)

Try to visit some of Sofia’s many parks and gardens, such as the Vitosha Mountain Park or the St. Alexander Nevsky Park.
Don’t forget to try some traditional Bulgarian food like shopska salad and banitsa pastry.