Sofia, Bulgaria-7-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

  • Morning: Arrive at Sofia Airport (SOF) and take a taxi or bus to your hotel.
  • 10:00 AM: Visit the National Historical Museum, located in the heart of the city. The museum showcases the history of Bulgaria from prehistoric times to the present day.
  • Lunch: Head to Hafiz Hussein, a cozy restaurant serving traditional Bulgarian cuisine, including kebabs and moussaka. (Address: 11 Tsar Osvoboditel Blvd)
  • Afternoon: Explore the Central Market Hall, where you can find fresh produce, souvenirs, and local handicrafts.
  • Evening: Enjoy a traditional Bulgarian dinner at Melnik, a restaurant located in the old town. Try their famous shopska salad and grilled meats.

Day 2: Historical Landmarks

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, one of the largest Orthodox churches in Bulgaria.
  • 10:30 AM: Explore the St. George’s Rotunda, a medieval church built on an ancient Thracian temple site.
  • Lunch: Grab a quick bite at Baguette & Bagel, a bakery serving freshly baked bread, sandwiches, and pastries.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Church of St. Petka Samardzhiska, a beautiful example of medieval architecture.
  • Evening: Enjoy a traditional Bulgarian coffee or rakia (fruit brandy) at Dolli & Dolly, a cozy café in the old town.

Day 3: Parks and Gardens

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the Sofia Botanical Garden, a peaceful oasis with over 1,000 plant species.
  • 11:00 AM: Explore the Vitosha Mountain National Park, which offers stunning views of the city.
  • Lunch: Head to Café Sofia, a restaurant located in the garden, serving healthy snacks and light meals.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Krasno Selo Botanical Garden, another beautiful green space with walking paths and scenic views.
  • Evening: Enjoy a relaxing evening stroll through the Sofia Green Park.

Day 4: Art and Culture

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the National Gallery of Foreign Art, which features an impressive collection of Western art from the Middle Ages to the present day.
  • 11:30 AM: Explore the Art Gallery “Arka”, which showcases contemporary Bulgarian art.
  • Lunch: Grab a bite at Café del Mar, a cozy spot serving Mediterranean cuisine and coffee.
  • Afternoon: Visit the National Theatre of Bulgaria, which hosts various performances throughout the year.
  • Evening: Enjoy a performance or concert at one of Sofia’s many cultural venues.

Day 5: Day Trip to Vitosha Mountain

  • 9:00 AM: Take a bus or taxi to Vitosha Mountain National Park (about 1 hour journey).
  • 10:00 AM: Hike to the top of Botev Peak, which offers breathtaking views of Sofia and the surrounding mountains.
  • Lunch: Enjoy a picnic lunch in the park or grab a bite at one of the many restaurants near the mountain.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Vitosha Mountain Museum, which showcases the history and geology of the area.
  • Evening: Return to Sofia and enjoy a traditional dinner at Shishko’s Restaurant.

Day 6: Shopping and Markets

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the Sofia Central Market Hall, where you can find fresh produce, souvenirs, and local handicrafts.
  • 11:00 AM: Explore the Vitosha Boulevard shopping street, which features a variety of shops, cafes, and restaurants.
  • Lunch: Head to The Coffee Shop, a cozy spot serving coffee and light meals.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Sofia Mall, a large shopping center with various stores and restaurants.
  • Evening: Enjoy a relaxing evening stroll through the city.

Day 7: Departure

  • Morning: Spend some time shopping for souvenirs or visiting any last-minute attractions.
  • 12:00 PM: Head to the airport for your departure flight.
  • Tips: Don’t forget to try some traditional Bulgarian pastries (such as shopska salad or banitsa) and drinks before departing.

Getting Around

  • Taxis: Available at taxi stands throughout the city.
  • Public Transportation: Bus, tram, and trolleybus services connect various parts of the city.
  • Walking: Sofia is a relatively small city, making walking a convenient option for exploring.
  • Ride-hailing: Uber and Taxify are available in Sofia.

Accommodation

  • Hotel Vitosha: A 4-star hotel located near the mountain.
  • Sofia Hotel Balkan: A 5-star hotel with comfortable rooms and a great location.
  • Airbnb options: Various apartments and houses for rent throughout the city.

Currency

  • Bulgarian Lev (BGN): The official currency of Bulgaria.
  • Euro (EUR): Widely accepted in Sofia, especially in tourist areas.

Language

  • Bulgarian: The official language of Bulgaria.
  • English: Widely spoken among locals, especially in tourist areas.

Weather

  • Spring: Mild temperatures and sunny days (April-May).
  • Summer: Hot weather with occasional thunderstorms (June-August).
  • Autumn: Cooler temperatures and fewer tourists (September-October).
  • Winter: Cold weather with snowfall (December-March).

Safety

  • Pickpocketing: Be aware of your belongings in crowded areas.
  • Scams: Be cautious when dealing with strangers or suspicious offers.

I hope you enjoy your stay in Sofia, Bulgaria!