Sofia, Bulgaria-6-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Sofia

  • Morning: Arrive at Sofia Airport (SOF) and take a taxi or bus (around 2-3 euros) to your accommodation.
  • Afternoon: Check-in at your hotel and freshen up. Consider staying at the centrally located:
    • Hotel Favorit (from 30 euros per night)
    • Boutique Hotel Momino (from 40 euros per night)
  • Evening:
    • Head to Vitosha Boulevard, a lively street filled with shops, cafes, and restaurants.
    • Try traditional Bulgarian cuisine at:
      • Restaurant Tzar Simeon (average price for dinner: 10-15 euros per person)
      • Cafe Frendy’s (coffee and snacks: 2-5 euros)

Day 2: Explore Ancient Sofia

  • Morning: Visit the:
    • Alexander Nevsky Cathedral (9 am - 6 pm, free admission), an iconic cathedral with a mix of Orthodox and Roman Catholic architectural styles.
    • Sofia Central Market (9 am - 6 pm, around 2 euros per person), where you can try local food, drinks, and buy souvenirs.
  • Afternoon: Explore the:
    • Ancient Serdica Ruins (9 am - 5 pm, free admission), remnants of an ancient Roman city dating back to the 1st century AD.
  • Evening:
    • Visit the trendy Ku-ku club (average price for drinks: 2-4 euros) or try traditional Bulgarian music at:
      • Restaurant Lujnov (around 10-15 euros per person)

Day 3: Parks and Monuments

  • Morning: Visit the:
    • National Historical Museum (9 am - 6 pm, around 5 euros per person), a comprehensive museum showcasing Bulgaria’s history from prehistory to modern times.
    • Boris Garden, a beautiful park perfect for a morning stroll or picnic.
  • Afternoon: Explore the:
    • St. Sophia Church (9 am - 5 pm, free admission), an ancient church that dates back to the 4th century AD.
  • Evening:
    • Head to the lively Nikola Obreshkov Boulevard, filled with bars, cafes, and restaurants.
    • Try traditional Bulgarian cuisine at:
      • Restaurant Zlatni Orlovi (average price for dinner: 10-15 euros per person)
      • Cafe Frendy’s (coffee and snacks: 2-5 euros)

Day 4: Day Trip to Boyana Waterfall

  • Morning: Take a day trip to the nearby:
    • Boyana Waterfall, a beautiful waterfall surrounded by lush greenery.
  • Afternoon: Visit the:
    • Ivan Vazov National Theatre, one of the oldest and most prestigious theatres in Bulgaria (around 10-15 euros per person for a guided tour).
  • Evening:
    • Head back to your accommodation or try traditional Bulgarian cuisine at:
      • Restaurant Tzar Simeon (average price for dinner: 10-15 euros per person)
      • Cafe Frendy’s (coffee and snacks: 2-5 euros)

Day 5: Markets and Food

  • Morning: Visit the:
    • Sofia Central Market (9 am - 6 pm, around 2 euros per person), where you can try local food, drinks, and buy souvenirs.
    • Ivan Vazov Street Market, a bustling street market filled with vendors selling everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts.
  • Afternoon: Explore the:
    • National Art Gallery (9 am - 5 pm, free admission), showcasing Bulgarian art from the 19th century onwards.
  • Evening:
    • Try traditional Bulgarian cuisine at:
      • Restaurant Zlatni Orlovi (average price for dinner: 10-15 euros per person)
      • Cafe Frendy’s (coffee and snacks: 2-5 euros)

Day 6: Last Day in Sofia

  • Morning: Visit the:
    • St. George Rotunda, an ancient church that dates back to the 4th century AD.
    • National Palace of Culture, a grand congress centre hosting various events throughout the year (around 10-15 euros per person for a guided tour).
  • Afternoon:
    • Spend your last day in Sofia shopping, trying local food, or simply relaxing at one of the many cafes and parks.
    • Consider visiting the nearby Vitosha Mountain for some hiking and stunning views.

Transportation

  • Public transportation: buses (around 2-3 euros per ride) and trams (around 1 euro per ride)
  • Taxi: around 5-10 euros depending on distance
  • Rent a car or scooter to explore surrounding areas

Tips and Things to Know

  • Bulgaria uses the Euro currency, but you can still use credit cards and ATMs.
  • Try traditional Bulgarian cuisine like shopska salad, banitsa, and kebapche.
  • Be prepared for crowded markets and streets during peak tourist season (June-September).
  • Don’t miss the stunning views of Vitosha Mountain and Boyana Waterfall.
  • Respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting churches or cultural events.

Other Things to Interest Tourists

  • Vitosha National Park, a beautiful park perfect for hiking and outdoor activities.
  • Boyana Church, an ancient church that dates back to the 10th century AD.
  • National Museum of Education, showcasing Bulgaria’s educational history from prehistory to modern times.
  • Sofia Zoo, home to over 2,000 animals from around the world.

Budget Breakdown

  • Accommodation: around 30-40 euros per night (average price)
  • Food and drinks: around 10-15 euros per meal (average price)
  • Transportation: around 5-10 euros per day (average price)
  • Activities and attractions: around 2-5 euros per person (average price)

Note: Prices may vary depending on individual preferences, exchange rates, and seasonal fluctuations.