If you’re looking for your next adventure, Sofia is the place where ancient history meets contemporary style.
We’ve curated some of the most fascinating and stylish spots to help you discover this animated side of Sofia.
- Classics that will take your breath away
- Magical underground and vibrant streets
- From traditional flavours to creative cuisine
- Stylish speakeasy bars and wine tastings
- Coolest places to shop
This vibrant capital city blends classic charm with modern sophistication, all set against Bulgaria’s stunning scenery.
Explore historic landmarks, immerse yourself in cutting-edge culture, and enjoy a city that’s as rich in heritage as it is in natural beauty.
Photo by Norbert Lepsik
With walkable streets, friendly locals, great food and a vibrant arts scene, Sofia is the ultimate place to experience both Bulgaria’s past and its dynamic present.
Classics that will take your breath away
Situated in the heart of the Balkans, Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, is a fascinating crossroads where East meets West. With roots dating back to the 5th century BCE, Sofia is one of Europe’s oldest capitals and rich in history and culture.
In the vibrant heart of the city, Vitosha Boulevard transforms into a chic pedestrian haven lined with charming cafes and boutiques selling everything from handcrafted goods to luxurious rose oil.
Looming over the city, Vitosha Mountain (often covered in snow in winter) provides a stunning backdrop and secures Sofia’s place as the EU’s second highest capital after Madrid.
Photo by Norbert Lepsik
Sofia’s cityscape is a fascinating blend of Roman ruins, Byzantine grandeur, and Ottoman influences, all interwoven with the elegant facades of 19th-century buildings designed by German, Austrian and Italian architects.
This architectural mosaic contrasts with the bold lines of socialist-era buildings, with everything framed by the majestic Vitosha Mountain dominating the skyline.
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The city’s parks are open-air living rooms – basically, meeting places for both young and old.
The City Garden, the capital’s oldest park, is alive day and night; it’s a place where businesspeople enjoy their lunch breaks and night owls linger on warm summer evenings.
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A must-see is Alexander Nevsky Cathedral – with its stunning neo-Byzantine architecture, it is the largest Orthodox church in the Balkans and one of Sofia’s most iconic landmarks.
Often featured on postcards, this grand cathedral is the gateway to the Oborishte neighbourhood, known for its chic ambience, elegant embassies, trendy restaurants and cosy cafes, all set against a backdrop of 20th-century townhouses and leafy parks. Historically, the area has been a haven for illustrious artists and writers.
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Another historic gem is the Church of St George, a 4th-century rotunda surrounded by ancient ruins that may have been an imperial bathhouse. With its square-patterned floors, the remarkably well-preserved hypocaust heating system offers a glimpse into the past.
Decorated with frescoes dating from the Roman-Byzantine period to the 16th century, today the church remains an active place of worship. The evening ritual of gently sweeping the stone floors adds a peaceful touch to this timeless, sacred space.
Photo by Norbert Lepsik
Finally, the sprawling National Art Gallery is another of Sofia’s jewels. Its latest extension, Kvadrat 500, spans four floors and 28 rooms and houses an impressive collection of works by Bulgarian and international artists from the mid-19th and 20th centuries, as well as important exhibits from Asia, Africa and the Americas.
Magical underground and vibrant streets
Imagine transforming your daily commute into a captivating journey through time, where the mundane blends seamlessly with the extraordinary. While cities like Athens and Paris offer glimpses of history at stations like Syntagma and Bastille, Sofia elevates this concept to an entirely new level.
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At the heart of Sofia’s underground wonder is Serdika metro station, a transit hub that doubles as a gateway to the city’s rich past.
More than just a stop on the subway, Serdika is intertwined with the Ancient Serdica Museum complex, where Neolithic pottery, classical column capitals, and remnants of public baths and early Christian basilicas are on full display.
Glass walls reveal artefacts dating back to the 1st century BCE, transforming each metro ride into a historical exploration.
Photo by Norbert Lepsik
As you move between the eastern and western gates of the archaic city, you walk in the footsteps of the ancient Romans, experiencing Sofia’s vibrant past beneath the city’s modern pulse.
For a different yet equally immersive way to explore Sofia, embark on the Sofia Graffiti Tour – a two-hour guided or self-guided journey through the city’s dynamic street art scene.
Photo source: Tripadvisor
This tour not only showcases vivid murals and hidden urban gems but also delves into the roots of graffiti, exploring how it contrasts with street art in the context of Sofia’s urban culture.
And if you’re seeking more urban adventures, consider booking an outdoor mystery game or city discovery quest through any of the major travel platforms, thereby adding an element of intrigue to your exploration of Bulgaria’s captivating capital.
From traditional flavours to creative cuisine
The warm charm of Bulgarian hospitality is irresistible, and a visit to one of Sofia’s beloved traditional restaurants is the perfect start.
Hadjidraganov’s Cellars, designed to evoke the atmosphere of an old wine cellar, offers a welcoming setting with affordable delicious food and generous portions.
Photo source: Tripadvisor
Start with the shopska salad, a classic mix of white pickled cheese, cucumbers, tomatoes, onions and peppers. For the main course, savour the rich flavour of pork ribs cooked over an open fire. Finish your meal with a glass of strong rakia, which leaves a lingering fruity aftertaste.
Bulgarian cuisine really shines with its diverse range of locally grown vegetables, meats and dairy products.
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For a modern culinary adventure, Cosmos restaurant transforms traditional flavours into exceptional experiences. With innovative dishes, rare recipes and modern techniques, Cosmos reinterprets Bulgarian cuisine with a creative twist.
Indulge in their unique cocktails and premium local wines, and enjoy a tasting menu that includes vegetarian options as well as a weekend brunch.
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Moma offers a contemporary take on traditional Bulgarian décor with vibrant fabrics, ornaments and historic crafts. Each dining room has its own design, some decorated with portraits of women in traditional dress.
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The menu includes authentic dishes such as kachamak pie, roasted pig’s ears, and roasted aubergine, pepper and cheese salad. The sommelier can suggest the ideal drinks for each dish and region.
For a quirky twist, Sando, with its neon ‘we ain’t got ketchup’ sign and pastel Japanese lucky cats, serves delicious Asian-inspired sandwiches, including a must-try pork belly sando, along with hearty ramens, buns and savoury side dishes.
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Stylish speakeasy bars and wine tastings
Sofia combines a rich historical charm with an effortlessly laid-back vibe. The city’s bar scene is a revelation, with speakeasy-themed hotspots offering unique experiences.
At 5L Speakeasy Bar, visitors enter a library-inspired realm where 31 keys present a playful challenge to unlock hidden secrets. Nestled in a residential courtyard, Hambara’s candlelit ambience and live music create a warm and intimate off-the-grid atmosphere.
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The club scene pulses with chalga, a vibrant genre that blends Balkan-Mediterranean melodies with soaring vocals and Arabic-Turkish influences. This unmistakable sound is not only a staple of the clubs, but also emanates from the windows of passing cars and enriches evening strolls along the boulevards.
One of the city’s coolest venues is K.E.B.A., the Club for the Aesthetic Education of the Artist.
Located in the courtyard of the National Academy of Theatre and Film Arts, it welcomes daytime visitors with coffee and creative energy. As night falls, it transforms into a lively spot with DJ beats and a greenhouse-style extension with a bar and walls decorated with green plants.
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Bulgaria is also one of the region’s largest wine producers, and an evening tasting at Coupage is the perfect way to experience this.
This gourmet shop and wine bar specialises in local and limited-edition wines from small wineries, as well as a selection of cheeses, hams and charcuterie from top local farms.
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Try the dry white wine made from the endemic Dimyat grape, known for its almost watery appearance and aromas of summer flowers, pear and quince.
Moreover, the aromatic Tamjanika wine, named after the Bulgarian word for ‘incense’, is an excellent aperitif and pairs beautifully with delicate cow’s milk cheeses, a piquant ten-month aged sheep’s milk cheese, and walnuts.
Photo source: Tripadvisor
Coolest places to shop
When you think of shopping in Bulgaria, the first thing that probably comes to mind is roses, and with good reason. Bulgaria is the world’s leading producer of rose oil, a coveted ingredient in luxury cosmetics and perfumes.
Locally, roses are also used to make jam, syrup, and brandy. But beyond the fragrant allure of roses, Sofia has so much more to offer.
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Start your shopping trip at Zhenski Pazar, Sofia’s oldest open-air market, a vibrant hub that’s been bustling for over 140 years. Originally the only place where women were allowed to shop in Ottoman times, Zhenski Pazar is now a treasure trove of local delicacies.
Here you can find fresh produce from local farmers, artisanal meats and cheeses, exotic spices, and beautifully crafted home textiles adorned with traditional folk motifs.
Photo source: Zhenski Pazar
The market is also a lively venue for musical, cultural and culinary events, making it a must-visit for an authentic Bulgarian experience.
For food lovers, a visit to the Chilli Hills shop is a must. While stuffed peppers are a popular Bulgarian dish, Chilli Hills takes it a step further with their orange ‘Bulgarian Carrot’ hot chillies.
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The farm specialises in growing a variety of spicy peppers from Bulgaria and around the world to create a range of unforgettable sauces. The shop offers a delightful selection of artisan dips, chilli pastes, marinades, and even chilli-infused chocolate treats.
Perfect for travel, these sauces make great gifts for those who like to add a fiery kick to their meals.
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If you’re looking for unique souvenirs, look no further than the Gifted Urban Culture Hub. This charming gallery and entrance to The Red Flat museum is a haven for those looking for distinctive art and design pieces.
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It’s a platform for local artists and creatives, offering everything from stylish postcards and books on Eastern European architecture to vintage matchboxes, home accessories and tabletop games.
A standout is the collection of Sofianer posters, part of a Bulgarian art project where artists express their love for Sofia through imaginary posters.