My 2-Day Sofia Itinerary

As someone who's spent countless weekends exploring Sofia, I can confidently say Bulgaria's capital deserves more than a quick stopover.

This vibrant Balkan city perfectly blends ancient history with modern energy, and two days is just enough to capture its essence. With affordable prices, incredible food, and a mountain right at your doorstep, Sofia has become one of my favorite European weekend destinations.

[Photo: Wide shot of Alexander Nevsky Cathedral at golden hour] Alt text: Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

Day 1: Historical Heart & Bulgarian Flavors

Morning: Start at Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

I always begin my Sofia tours at the magnificent Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the city's crown jewel and one of the largest Eastern Orthodox cathedrals in the world. This Neo-Byzantine masterpiece was built between 1882 and 1912 to honor the 200,000 Russian soldiers who died liberating Bulgaria from Ottoman rule. The golden domes gleaming in the morning light never fail to take my breath away, and trust me, you'll want to arrive early to beat the tour groups.

Inside, the cathedral can hold up to 10,000 worshippers across its 3,170 square meters. The interior features stunning Italian marble, Brazilian onyx, and intricate mosaics that tell stories of Bulgaria's Orthodox heritage. Don't miss the crypt museum in the basement, which houses one of Europe's largest collections of Orthodox icons. The museum entrance is €3 (approximately 6 BGN), and it's worth every lev.

[Photo: Interior view of Alexander Nevsky Cathedral showing golden domes and mosaics] Alt text: Cathedral interior details

• Address: Alexander Nevsky Square, 1000 Sofia Center

• Hours: Daily 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM

• Entry: Free (crypt museum €3)

• Google Maps: Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

Mid-Morning: Explore Saint Sofia Church

Just a short walk from the cathedral sits Saint Sofia Church, the ancient basilica that gave the city its name. Dating back to the 6th century, this red-brick church has survived everything from invasions to earthquakes. As a history enthusiast, I find the contrast fascinating – while Alexander Nevsky dazzles with grandeur, Saint Sofia speaks with quiet resilience. The crypt contains Roman tombs that reveal Sofia's ancient past as Serdica, and you can still see remnants of even earlier churches beneath the current structure.

• Address: Paris Street 2, 1000 Sofia Center

• Hours: Daily 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM

• Entry: Free

• Google Maps: Saint Sofia Church

Late Morning: Join the Free Sofia Walking Tour

One of my top recommendations for first-time visitors is the Free Sofia Tour, which departs daily at 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM from the Palace of Justice. This two-hour walk covers all the major landmarks while local guides share fascinating stories about Bulgaria's complex history. You'll visit Sveta Nedelya Church, see the statue of Sofia, walk past the Rotunda of St. George (Sofia's oldest building from the 4th century), and explore the Serdica archaeological complex where ancient Roman ruins sit beneath the modern metro station.

The tour operates on a tip-based system, so you pay what you feel it's worth at the end. I usually tip around €10-15 depending on the group size.

• Meeting Point: Palace of Justice (near the lion statues)

• Hours: Daily 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM

• Cost: Free (tip-based)

• Website: Book in advance during peak season

• Google Maps: Palace of Justice Meeting Point

Lunch: Traditional Bulgarian Feast at Moma

After all that walking, you'll be ready for lunch, and I can't recommend Moma Bulgarian Food and Wine highly enough. This restaurant perfectly balances tradition with modern sophistication, serving dishes based on recipes passed down through generations. The interior celebrates Bulgarian culture with beautiful paintings of women in traditional dress, and each dining hall has its own unique character.

Start with the shopska salad – fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and generous amounts of sirene cheese that locals swear by. For mains, the slow-cooked lamb practically melts off the bone, and the pork cheeks in clay pot are some of the best I've had anywhere. Don't skip the banitsa, a flaky pastry filled with cheese that's quintessentially Bulgarian. Pair everything with a glass of Melnik or Mavrud, two excellent local red wines.

The restaurant gets busy, especially during dinner service, so I always make a reservation. Expect to spend around €15-20 per person for a full meal with wine.

[Photo: Traditional Bulgarian dishes at Moma restaurant] Alt text: Bulgarian food spread

• Address: 28 Solunska Street, 1000 Sofia Center

• Hours: Daily 12:30 PM - 11:30 PM

• Price Range: €€ (€15-20 per person)

• Reservations: Highly recommended

• Google Maps: Moma Bulgarian Food and Wine

Afternoon: Vitosha Boulevard & Central Mineral Baths

After lunch, take a leisurely stroll down Vitosha Boulevard, Sofia's main pedestrian street. With Vitosha Mountain as your backdrop, this is perfect for people-watching, window shopping, and grabbing coffee at one of the many sidewalk cafes. I particularly love Coffee Syndicate, where the specialty coffee and éclairs fuel many of my Sofia afternoons.

Stop by the Central Mineral Baths building, a stunning Art Nouveau structure that once served as public baths for Sofia residents. While the baths themselves have been closed for decades (currently being converted into a museum), you can still fill your water bottle at the free mineral springs outside. The water tastes strongly of sulfur, but locals swear by its health benefits.

• Address: Banski Square 1, 1000 Sofia

• Hours: Exterior accessible 24/7

• Google Maps: Central Mineral Baths

Late Afternoon: The Red Flat Experience

As a Cold War history buff, the Red Flat is one of my absolute favorite experiences in Sofia. This immersive museum recreates an authentic Bulgarian apartment from the 1980s communist era, complete with original furniture, products, and household items. What makes it special is the audio guide that tells stories from the perspective of a fictional Bulgarian family who lived through that time.

You can touch everything, open drawers, examine the state-issued food products, and truly understand what daily life was like behind the Iron Curtain. The experience is both educational and surprisingly emotional. Space is limited, so you must book in advance. Entry is 18 BGN (approximately €9), but if you show your Free Sofia Tour ticket, you get a 2 BGN discount.

• Address: Located inside the Gifted store near Vitosha Boulevard

• Hours: By reservation only

• Entry: €9 (18 BGN)

• Duration: 45-60 minutes

• Booking: Must reserve in advance online

• Google Maps: The Red Flat

Evening: Dinner at Hadjidraganov's Cellars

For your first evening in Sofia, I recommend the full traditional experience at Hadjidraganov's Cellars. This atmospheric restaurant recreates an old wine cellar from 1866, with stone walls, wooden carvings, and traditional Bulgarian decor. The moment you descend into the cellar, you're transported back in time.

The menu features hearty Bulgarian dishes cooked on fire, hot plates, and in ovens. The mixed grill platter is perfect for sharing, featuring various grilled meats including the famous Bulgarian kebapche and kyufte. Vegetarians shouldn't despair – the grilled cheese with lutenitsa (red pepper spread) is fantastic. Wednesday through Sunday, folk musicians perform live music, moving from table to table. It's touristy, yes, but it's also genuinely fun and the food quality remains excellent.

Book ahead, especially for weekend evenings when the live music draws crowds.

[Photo: Interior of Hadjidraganov's Cellars with traditional decor] Alt text: Traditional restaurant cellar

• Address: 18 Hristo Belchev Street, 1000 Sofia Center

• Hours: Daily 11:30 AM - 11:30 PM

• Live Music: Wednesday-Sunday 8:00 PM - 11:00 PM

• Price Range: €€ (€15-25 per person)

• Reservations: Essential on weekends

• Google Maps: Hadjidraganov's Cellars

Night: Sofia Party Pub Crawl

End your first night with the Sofia Party Pub Crawl – hands down the best way to experience Sofia's nightlife. The tour hits four handpicked bars, from rakia bars with communist memorabilia to hidden cocktail lounges you'd never find alone. You'll sample traditional Bulgarian spirits, get welcome shots and drink discounts at each stop, and finish with free entry to one of the city's top nightclubs (normally €15 cover).

Beyond the bars, it's the people that make it special. I've joined several times with visiting friends, and the mix of travelers from around the world always creates an incredible vibe. Your local guide keeps the energy high and shares insider stories about Sofia's nightlife scene along the way.

At €15 for a 4-5 hour night out including drinks and club entry, it's unbeatable value. Tours leave at 9:00 PM nightly – book ahead for weekends as they fill up fast.

• Meeting Point: Sudebna Palata

• Time: Every Friday & Saturday, 9 PM

• Duration: 4-5 hours (3 bars + nightclub)

• Includes: Welcome shots, nightclub entry

• Price: €12-15 per person

• Booking: Essential on weekends, book online

Day 2: Mountains, Markets & Modern Sofia

Morning: Vitosha Mountain Adventure

Wake up early for a morning on Vitosha Mountain, Sofia's natural playground. As an avid hiker, I find it remarkable that a European capital has a 2,290-meter mountain practically in its backyard. Take metro line 2 (blue line) to Vitosha station, then catch bus 66 which runs to Aleko Hut, your starting point for various trails.

The hike to Cherni Vrah (Black Peak), the mountain's highest point, takes about two hours from Aleko and offers spectacular views of Sofia sprawled below. If that seems too ambitious, the easier trail to Kamen Del viewpoint takes only 30-45 minutes and still rewards you with stunning panoramas. On weekends, the Simeonovo gondola operates, offering a scenic ride up the mountain (check current schedules as operations vary seasonally).

Pack layers regardless of season – weather changes quickly at altitude. The mountain has several mountain huts serving coffee and traditional Bulgarian food if you need refueling.

[Photo: Panoramic view of Sofia from Vitosha Mountain] Alt text: Sofia city view

Getting There:

• Metro to Vitosha station (Line 2)

• Bus 66 to Aleko Hut (runs frequently on weekends, less on weekdays)

• Journey time: 30-40 minutes from city center

• Bus fare: €0.80 (1.60 BGN) - tap your bank card when boarding

• Alternative: Taxi (approximately €15 one way)

Hiking Tips:

• Best time: Morning (7:00 AM - 12:00 PM)

• Bring: Water, snacks, jacket, sturdy shoes

• Trail difficulty: Moderate

• Cell reception: Generally good

• Download offline maps before going

Late Morning: Coffee Break at Coffee Syndicate

After descending from Vitosha, treat yourself to excellent specialty coffee at Coffee Syndicate. Located in the heart of Sofia, this café has an industrial-chic vibe and serves some of the city's best coffee using beans from Fried Hats roasters. As a coffee connoisseur, I appreciate their creative drinks like espresso tonic with rosemary. Their éclairs are also phenomenal – the perfect reward after your morning hike.

The café has good WiFi and a relaxed atmosphere, making it popular with digital nomads and locals working on laptops.

• Address: 3 Moskovska Street, 1000 Sofia Center

• Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM, Saturday-Sunday 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM

• Specialty: Espresso drinks, éclairs, breakfast options

• Price Range: €2-4 per drink

• Google Maps: Coffee Syndicate

Lunch: Rainbow Factory

For a healthier lunch option, head to Rainbow Factory (Fabrika Daga in Bulgarian). This trendy spot has been serving brunch and specialty coffee since 2014, and it's always packed with locals – always a good sign. Their focaccia bread is baked fresh daily and forms the base for incredible sandwiches. The beetroot sandwich is legendary among Sofia food lovers, with perfectly roasted beets, creamy cheese, and greens on that pillowy focaccia.

The space has an exposed-brick, industrial feel, and while seating is limited, turnover is quick. They also do excellent panagyurski eggs (baked eggs with yogurt and paprika) if you're in a breakfast mood.

• Address: 7 Veslets Street, 1000 Sofia Center

• Hours: Daily 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM

• Price Range: € (€5-8 per person)

• Popular Dishes: Focaccia sandwiches, soups, salads

• Google Maps: Rainbow Factory

Afternoon: Ivan Vazov National Theatre & City Garden

Spend your afternoon in Sofia's cultural heart. The Ivan Vazov National Theatre is Bulgaria's oldest and most prestigious theater, and the Neo-Classical building is absolutely stunning. Even if you're not catching a performance, the exterior and the surrounding City Garden make for beautiful photos. The small park in front has become a favorite hangout spot, where locals gather to play chess on permanent boards – challenge someone if you're feeling brave!

Behind the theater, the City Garden offers a peaceful retreat with fountains, statues, and plenty of benches for people-watching. In summer, you might catch outdoor concerts or cultural events here.

• Address: 5 Dyakon Ignatiy Street, 1000 Sofia Center

• Google Maps: Ivan Vazov National Theatre

Late Afternoon: Balkan Bites Food Tour

If you didn't catch it on Day 1, the Balkan Bites Food Tour is another excellent option that departs at 2:00 PM daily from Crystal Garden. This free walking tour focuses specifically on Bulgarian cuisine, taking you to 5-6 locally-owned restaurants and shops for tastings. You'll sample everything from banitsa and tarator soup to lutenitsa and traditional Bulgarian desserts, all while learning about the country's culinary traditions.

The tour lasts about 2.5 hours and operates on a tip-based system. Arrive 20 minutes early as spaces are limited and filled on a first-come basis – late arrivals risk being turned away.

• Meeting Point: Crystal Garden (near the giant head statue)

• Time: Daily 2:00 PM

• Duration: 2.5 hours

• Cost: Free (tip-based)

• Note: Arrive 20 minutes early to secure your spot

• Google Maps: Crystal Garden Meeting Point

Evening: Sunset at Borisova Gradina Park

For a relaxing end to your Sofia weekend, head to Borisova Gradina, the city's oldest and largest park. This green oasis spans over 160 acres and offers walking paths, ponds, gardens, and plenty of spots to unwind. As the sun sets, the park takes on a golden glow, and you'll see families, joggers, and locals enjoying the evening air.

The park has several cafés if you want a drink, though I usually bring snacks from the city center and find a bench near the lake.

• Address: Various entrances from Boulevard Tsarigradsko Shose

• Hours: Open 24/7

• Best Time: Late afternoon/sunset

• Google Maps: Borisova Gradina Park

Dinner: Cosmos Restaurant (Splurge Option)

For your final Sofia meal, consider splurging at Cosmos Restaurant, where modern Bulgarian cuisine reaches new heights. Chef-driven and beautifully designed with a cosmic theme, this restaurant reimagines traditional dishes with creative presentations. The tasting menu is the way to go – you'll sample everything from deconstructed shopska salad to rose-infused desserts that celebrate Bulgaria's status as a major rose oil producer.

Reservations are absolutely essential here, and the dress code is smart casual. Expect to spend €30-40 per person for the tasting menu with wine pairings.

[Photo: Artistic plated dish at Cosmos Restaurant] Alt text: Modern Bulgarian cuisine

• Address: 2A Angel Kanchev Street, 1000 Sofia Center

• Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 12:00 PM - 11:00 PM (Closed Mondays)

• Price Range: €€€ (€30-40 per person for tasting menu)

• Reservations: Essential

• Dress Code: Smart casual

• Google Maps: Cosmos Restaurant

Alternative Evening: Sofia Opera or Nightlife

If you're an opera or ballet enthusiast, check what's on at the Sofia Opera and Ballet House. Bulgaria produces world-class opera singers, and tickets are remarkably affordable (€10-30) compared to Western Europe. The theater itself is stunning, and performances run most evenings throughout the season.

For a final night out, Sofia's nightlife continues to impress. Students' Town (Studentski Grad) has dozens of affordable bars and clubs catering to the university crowd, though it's about 7 km from the center. Downtown, you'll find everything from jazz clubs like Swingin' Hall to dance clubs like Bedroom and Mixtape 5. Most clubs don't get busy until after midnight, following the Bulgarian tradition of long dinners and late starts.

Practical Sofia Tips

Getting Around Sofia

Sofia's public transportation is efficient and cheap. A single ride costs €0.80 (1.60 BGN), and you can simply tap your contactless bank card when boarding buses, trams, or the metro. A day pass costs €2 (4 BGN) and is worth it if you plan more than three trips.

Important: There is no Uber in Sofia. Use local taxi apps like Taxi Me or Yellow Taxi to avoid the tourist-trap taxis that overcharge. Official taxis are metered and very affordable – expect to pay €3-5 for most cross-city trips.

The metro has two lines that cover most tourist areas, and the city center is very walkable. I typically walk everywhere in the center and only use public transport for trips to Vitosha or the outskirts.

Money & Payments

Bulgaria uses the Bulgarian Lev (BGN), not the Euro, though prices are often quoted in both. The exchange rate is roughly 2 BGN = 1 EUR. While many restaurants and shops in the center accept cards, always carry some cash for street food stands, public transport, and smaller establishments. ATMs are everywhere – look for well-lit ones, preferably at banks.

When paying by card at restaurants, remember that tips are usually not included, so add a 10% cash tip for good service.

Best Time to Visit Sofia

I love Sofia year-round, but each season offers something different:

• Spring (April-May): Perfect weather, fewer crowds, blooming parks

• Summer (June-August): Warm and busy, best for outdoor activities and mountain hiking

• Fall (September-October): Beautiful autumn colors, comfortable temperatures, harvest season

• Winter (November-March): Cold but charming, Christmas markets, skiing on Vitosha

Avoid major Bulgarian holidays if you want everything open, though experiencing Orthodox Easter or other celebrations can be fascinating.

Language & Communication

Bulgarian uses the Cyrillic alphabet, which can be challenging for navigation. However, most young people speak English, especially in tourist areas. Download offline maps and save key addresses in both Bulgarian and English. Restaurant staff in the city center generally speak English, though waiters in traditional mehanas may have limited English.

Learning basic phrases helps:

• "Zdraveyte" (Здравейте) – Hello

• "Blagodarya" (Благодаря) – Thank you

• "Kolko struva?" (Колко струва?) – How much does it cost?

• "Smetka, molya" (Сметка, моля) – The bill, please

Frequently Asked Questions

Is two days enough time to see Sofia?

Two days is perfect for experiencing Sofia's highlights, including the major historical sites, traditional cuisine, and a mountain excursion. However, if you have more time, I'd recommend staying three to four days to explore at a more leisurely pace and take day trips to places like Rila Monastery or Plovdiv. The compact city center means you can cover a lot in 48 hours without feeling rushed.

Is Sofia safe for tourists?

Yes, Sofia is very safe for tourists. I've walked around the city at all hours and never felt unsafe. Like any European capital, use common sense – watch your belongings in crowded areas and avoid poorly lit streets late at night. The biggest "danger" is unofficial taxis overcharging tourists, which is why I always recommend using taxi apps like Taxi Me or Yellow Taxi instead of street taxis.

How much money should I budget for a weekend in Sofia?

Sofia is one of Europe's most affordable capitals. For a comfortable weekend, budget €50-70 per person per day for accommodation, food, attractions, and transport. This gets you nice mid-range hotels, restaurant meals, museum entries, and public transport. Budget travelers can easily get by on €30-40 daily, while luxury travelers might spend €100+ for high-end restaurants and hotels.

Do I need to book restaurants in advance?

For popular places like Moma, Hadjidraganov's Cellars, and Cosmos, yes – definitely book ahead, especially for Friday and Saturday dinners. Most restaurants accept online reservations or bookings through their websites. Lunch spots and casual cafés generally don't need reservations, though Rainbow Factory can have waits during weekend brunch hours. The Free Sofia Tour and Balkan Bites Tour don't require reservations but arrive early as they fill up quickly.

What should I pack for Vitosha Mountain?

Even if it's warm in the city, pack layers for Vitosha as temperatures drop significantly at altitude. Bring sturdy shoes or hiking boots, a light jacket or fleece, sunscreen, sunglasses, water bottle, and snacks. Weather changes quickly on the mountain, so a rain jacket is wise even in summer. In winter, you'll need proper winter gear including warm coat, gloves, and hat. Don't attempt serious hikes without proper preparation and check weather forecasts before going.

Can I drink the tap water in Sofia?

Yes, Sofia's tap water is safe to drink. The city sits on mineral springs, so the water has a slight mineral taste but is perfectly potable. Many locals drink from the free mineral springs around the city, though these have a strong sulfur taste that takes getting used to. You'll see Bulgarians filling bottles at public fountains – the water is safe but has that distinct eggy flavor from the minerals.

What's the best way to get from Sofia Airport to the city center?

The metro is by far the easiest and cheapest option. Metro Line 1 (red line) connects Sofia Airport directly to the city center, with trains running every 10-15 minutes. The journey to Serdika station (the main hub) takes about 25 minutes and costs just €0.80 (1.60 BGN) – tap your bank card at the turnstile. Alternatively, taxis cost €8-12 to the center using apps like Taxi Me. Avoid unofficial airport taxis as they notoriously overcharge tourists.

Are there good vegetarian options in Sofia?

Absolutely! While Bulgarian cuisine is traditionally meat-heavy, Sofia has excellent vegetarian and vegan restaurants. Rainbow Factory is perfect for vegetarian brunch, and most traditional restaurants offer good veggie options like shopska salad, banitsa with cheese, grilled vegetables, and bean soups. Shtastlivetsa and Made in Blue are popular restaurants with strong vegetarian selections. Always mention if you're vegetarian as many "vegetable" dishes may contain meat stock.

Should I join a free walking tour?

Yes, 100%! The Free Sofia Tour is one of the best ways to orient yourself to the city and learn about Bulgarian history from knowledgeable local guides. The two-hour walk covers all major landmarks and gives you insider tips about where to eat and what else to see. Since it's tip-based, you control what you pay based on the experience. I always do a walking tour on my first day in a new city, and Sofia's is particularly well-run and informative.

What souvenirs should I buy from Sofia?

Bulgarian rose products (rose oil, rose water, cosmetics) make excellent souvenirs since Bulgaria is one of the world's largest rose oil producers. Look for these at markets or specialty shops. Bulgarian wine is another great choice – ask at wine shops for recommendations on Melnik, Mavrud, or other local varieties. Rakia (fruit brandy) in decorative bottles, traditional embroidered textiles, Bulgarian honey, and Orthodox icons are also popular. The outdoor markets near Alexander Nevsky Cathedral have vendors selling these items, though always bargain politely.

Is Sofia good for solo travelers?

Sofia is fantastic for solo travelers! The city is safe, affordable, and easy to navigate. Free walking tours are perfect for meeting other travelers, and pub crawls like the Sofia Party Pub Crawl create instant social opportunities. Hostels in Sofia are known for their friendly atmospheres. The compact city center means you'll never feel isolated, and most young Bulgarians speak English. As someone who often travels solo, I find Sofia to be one of the most welcoming European capitals for independent travelers.

Conclusion

Sofia surprised me on my first visit and continues to delight me with every return. This 2-day itinerary gives you the perfect mix of history, culture, food, and outdoor adventure – everything that makes Bulgaria's capital special.

From golden-domed cathedrals to mountain hikes, from communist-era museums to craft cocktail bars, Sofia packs incredible diversity into a walkable, affordable package. Most importantly, you'll experience the warmth of Bulgarian hospitality and discover why this underrated city is becoming one of Europe's favorite weekend destinations.