Sofia in Spring: 15 Exciting Activities for the Season

As someone who's guided countless visitors through Sofia's cobblestone streets, I can tell you there's no better time to discover Bulgaria's capital than spring.

Sofia in spring is truly magnificent and a perfect option for an extended weekend trip or a spring getaway. The flowers are blooming and nature is coming to life.

From March's unpredictable weather that locals joke can bring four seasons in one day, to May's warm café terraces and outdoor concerts, spring reveals Sofia at its most enchanting.

7 Great Reasons to Visit Sofia During Spring

1. Sofia's famous lilac and chestnut trees bloom from mid-April onwards, perfect for strolling through Borisova Garden or South Park.

2. Accommodation in March, April and May is good value and cheaper than during the peak summer season.

3. It's the perfect time of year to discover some of Bulgaria's most interesting traditions including unique spring festivals

4. Fewer crowds at major attractions compared to summer months

5. Most places are quiet to visit outside of the weekends

6. Perfect weather for hiking Vitosha Mountain without summer's intense heat

7. Outdoor terraces and rooftop bars begin opening for the season

15 Exciting Things to Do in Sofia During Spring

1. Celebrate Baba Marta (Grandma March)

[PHOTO PLACEMENT: Martenitsi bracelets] Alt text: Bulgarian martenitsi tradition

Baba Marta takes place on the 1st of March each year and signifies the beginning of spring. People traditionally give each other Martenitsi, which is a wish for health, happiness and luck. Martenitsi are red and white bracelets that are the symbol of health and fertility.

If you're given a Martenitsi, wear it until you see the first tree blossom, then tie it to the branch for luck and good health. This ancient tradition is one of the most uniquely Bulgarian experiences you can have, and during late February and early March, throughout Sofia you can purchase these from pop-up stalls on every corner.

2. Join a Free Walking Tour

Free Sofia Tour covers Sofia's most famous landmarks and is led by enthusiastic local guides. Spring is ideal for these outdoor tours, as the weather is pleasant without summer's scorching heat.

The idea of the tours is to feel as if you are walking with a friend. A city is best explored with just the right balance between historical facts, entertaining delivery and charismatic local guides. The two-hour tour takes you past more than 20 landmarks including Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, St. George Rotunda, Ivan Vazov National Theater, Banya Bashi Mosque, and the Serdica archaeological complex.

• Meeting Point: Palace of Justice (in front of the two lion statues)

• Duration: Approximately 2 hours

• Price: Free (tip-based)

• Schedule: Daily at 11AM and 2PM

• Google Maps

3. Hike Vitosha Mountain

[PHOTO PLACEMENT: Vitosha Mountain trail] Alt text: Vitosha hiking path

As a Bulgarian, I love how close Vitosha is to Sofia – it's the perfect gateway when you need a break from the city. Spring offers ideal conditions for hiking, with melting snow revealing beautiful trails.

This activity is incredibly popular and an excellent choice for a one-day outing. Most locals prefer to do it on a sunny weekend. You can reach the mountain via Bus 66 which usually runs to Aleko Hut, a popular starting point for hikers.

For a scenic ascent, the Simeonovo Gondola offers breathtaking views and connects to the Aleko area. The ride takes about 20 minutes and offers stunning panoramas of the city below.

• Getting There: Bus 66 from Hladilnika terminus or gondola from Simeonovo

• Gondola Price: Approximately €5 round trip

• Best For: April and May when trails are clearer

• Google Maps

4. Explore Borisova Garden

Park Borisova Gradina is the biggest and best known park in Sofia. Spring transforms this urban oasis into a flowering paradise.

During the Communist rule the garden was renamed as Freedom's Park. There are plenty of monuments, playgrounds, theatre stages, tennis courts, two football stadiums, an astronomic observatory, a TV tower, and a horse base.

The rose garden, Ariana Lake, stadiums and old gazebos give a feeling of historical depth and harmony. Borisova Garden is a park where you can walk with a book in hand, go for a morning run or simply get lost for an hour or two among the trees.

• Location: Between Eagle Bridge and Paradise Center

• Hours: Open 24/7

• Price: Free

• Google Maps

5. Take a Day Trip to the Seven Rila Lakes

[PHOTO PLACEMENT: Seven Rila Lakes aerial] Alt text: Rila lakes panorama

Jewels in the crown of Rila Mountains, this group of glacier lakes attracts many tourists throughout summer as they became easily accessible after the chairlift was built.

Each lake is named after its most characteristic feature. The highest one (at 2500m) is called Salzata ("The Tear"), from where you have a bird's eye view over all seven lakes.

For spring visits, there's often still snow in early May so you will need good hiking boots and to be prepared for the cold. Late spring (late May) offers the best conditions.

• Tour Price: From approximately €30 per person (self-guided) to €40 (guided)

• Duration: Full day (10-11 hours)

• Difficulty: Moderate

• Departs: 7:00 AM from Alexander Nevsky Square

6. Browse the Alexander Nevsky Flea Market

Being one of the most beautiful historical sites in the center of Sofia, Alexander Nevsky cathedral is the first stop of the tourist buses in town. The local antique dealers realize that this is a good way to profit and thus it became a tradition – the antiques bazaar in front of Alexander Nevsky cathedral.

All kinds of bric a brac is to be found; from badges and metal signs from the Soviet period to amateurish works of art. You can buy anything from wool socks knitted by the kind elderly woman selling them to WWI and WWII ammunitions, gas masks and helmets.

• Location: Alexander Nevsky Square

• Hours: Daily 10:00-18:00

• Price: Free to browse

• Google Maps

7. Experience Orthodox Easter Celebrations

In April, Bulgarians celebrate Orthodox Easter with a variety of traditions and festivities. You can attend church services, participate in colorful Easter egg decorating, and indulge in traditional Easter foods such as lamb and kozunak (Easter bread).

Easter markets pop up across the city, adding to the festive atmosphere. Churches across Sofia hold beautiful midnight services and the traditional cracking of red eggs symbolizes Christ's resurrection.

8. Relax in South Park

The South Park of Sofia, with a total area of 134 hectares, is a favored and frequently visited destination for both the city's residents and visitors.

The park is alive all year round and especially in the spring and summer. There are always masses gathered there as the trees, fountains and ponds provide a great get-away from the sun.

South Park has got a lot of little hills and rivers, together with big meadows often hosting different concerts and jazz festivals. A significant advantage of the park is the great variety of birds flying around.

• Location: Near Vitosha Boulevard and Paradise Center

• Metro: NDK station (Line 2)

• Hours: Open 24/7

• Price: Free

• Google Maps

9. Watch the Liberation Day Parade

On the 3rd of March in Bulgaria, they celebrate Liberation Day. This commemorates the Bulgarian volunteers that freed the country from Ottoman rule during the Russo-Turkish War in 1877 and 1878.

Traditionally, on this day, the celebrations in Sofia are held next to the Monument of the Unknown Soldier. There are many things going on, including a parade and fireworks near the cathedral and the national assembly.

10. Taste Traditional Bulgarian Cuisine

[PHOTO PLACEMENT: Bulgarian food spread] Alt text: Shopska salad dish

Spring brings fresh local produce perfect for Bulgarian cuisine. The Shopska Salad is a cold salad made with tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and sirene cheese. The salad's colours resemble the Bulgarian flag: white, green and red.

Don't miss banitsa for breakfast – this traditional flaky pastry filled with eggs, cheese, and butter is a must-try of Bulgarian cuisine. You will find it basically in any bakery in Sofia.

Recommended restaurants for traditional fare include Hadjidraganov's Cellars, Moma Bulgarian Food and Wine, and Manastirska Magernitsa Restaurant. The menu at Hadjidraganov's is varied, from the beloved Shopska salad to a selection of meats served on a wheel – there's no shortage of exciting options.

11. Enjoy Rooftop Bar Season

As temperatures rise, Sofia's rooftop bars open their terraces. Sense Rooftop Bar Sofia offers fantastic views and a great atmosphere in the heart of town. Stylish and modern in setting, the spacious terrace is surrounded with panoramic and retractable windows, opening up to amazing views over the city, including the Aleksandar Nevski Cathedral.

The Scene Rooftop Bar & Terrace has quickly become one of the true hot-spots in Sofia. Found on top of the Hyatt Regency, here you can enjoy panoramic views over the city and mountains.

• Sense Rooftop Bar: Tsar Osvoboditel 16 | Google Maps

• The Scene: Vasil Levski Square, Hyatt Regency | Google Maps

12. Visit the Central Mineral Baths

Sofia has a lot of natural spring activity, and these waters have drawn visitors since medieval times. The Central Baths date to 1913 and were in use up until the mid-80s. It's one of Sofia's most photographed buildings, constructed in the neo-byzantine style with a large dome behind an impressive vestibule.

The gardens are open to the public and the fountain at the centre is fed by the hot natural mineral water. You're free to try it if you're brave enough! Today the building houses the Regional History Museum.

• Location: Banski Square

• Museum Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 10:00-18:00

• Museum Price: Approximately €3

• Google Maps

13. Stroll Down Vitosha Boulevard

[PHOTO PLACEMENT: Vitosha Boulevard view] Alt text: Vitosha street cafes

The fanciest street in the city, Vitosha Boulevard is where all the posh boutiques and fashion houses are clustered. In spring, the outdoor café terraces come alive.

If you're not an upmarket shopper then you can just console yourself with those arresting views of Vitosha Mountain which is capped with a dusting of snow for much of the year and framed by the street's tall buildings.

• Location: From Sveta Nedelya Church to NDK

• Metro: Serdika or NDK stations

• Google Maps

14. Explore the Ancient Serdica Ruins

Discovered during metro construction, these Roman ruins lie right beneath the modern city center. Serdika is the historical Roman name of the settlement that is now the city of Sofia. The remains were unearthed from 2010 to 2012 during construction of the metro.

There are fragments of eight streets, an early Christian Basilica, baths and houses dating from the 4th to 6th centuries. Spring's mild weather makes exploring this open-air archaeological site particularly pleasant.

• Location: Serdika Metro Station

• Hours: Open 24/7

• Price: Free

• Google Maps

15. Join the Sofia Party Pub Crawl

Sofia pub crawl is the night walk around Sofia's hidden and unique bars. This bar hopping is all about meeting new and exciting people from all around the world.

You will visit a few places you could never find on your own, plus you will meet some interesting people from all over the world, plus you will have great hosts and learn something about Sofia that is not part of regular tourist tours.

• Meeting Point: Park Crystal (Stefan Stambolov statue)

• Time: 9:00 PM nightly

• Price: Approximately €10

• Includes: Welcome drinks and club entry

• Google Maps

FAQ

What is the weather like in Sofia during spring?

Sofia in March shows a temperature shift, moving from an average high of a cold 5.6°C in February to a fresh 10.6°C. As April arrives, Sofia's weather shows an increase in high-temperatures, moving from March's cool 10.6°C to an enjoyable 16.2°C. May typically sees temperatures reaching 20°C or higher, making it the most comfortable spring month for outdoor activities.

Is Sofia safe for tourists in spring?

Sofia is a safe destination with a relatively low crime rate. As with any tourist spot, scams for visitors do exist here but are not as common as in more-visited tourist destinations. Be cautious of unofficial taxis from the airport – use the Taxi Me or Yellow Taxi apps instead to avoid scams.

How many days do I need in Sofia?

One day in Sofia is just enough to see a few of the main attractions. However, if you want to get to know the city better, you should plan 2 to 3 days for your trip. This allows time for city sightseeing plus a day trip to attractions like the Seven Rila Lakes or Rila Monastery.

What are the must-try Bulgarian foods?

Shopska Salad is a cold salad made with tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and sirene cheese and is the perfect starter. Banitsa is a must-try of Bulgarian cuisine – a traditional flaky pastry filled with eggs, cheese, and butter. Also try kebapche (grilled meat sausages), tarator (cold yogurt soup perfect for warming spring days), and meshana skara (mixed grill).

Can I use Uber in Sofia?

No, Uber doesn't operate in Sofia. Instead, download local taxi apps like Taxi Me or Yellow Taxi to ensure you get fair metered prices and avoid taxi scams, especially from the airport.

Do I need cash in Sofia?

Most places in Sofia now accept card payments, but it's wise to carry some cash for smaller purchases, market vendors, and tipping. The local currency is the Bulgarian Lev (BGN), though prices are often quoted in euros for tourists.

Is the Seven Rila Lakes hike suitable in spring?

There's often still snow in early May so you will need good hiking boots and to be prepared for the cold. The hike goes above 2,300m so the climate up there will be very different to in the city. Late May offers better conditions, though some snow may remain at higher elevations.

What is Baba Marta?

Red and white decorations appear everywhere in Bulgaria to celebrate the end of winter and the beginning of the new cycle of life. This old and pagan tradition is so widespread in the country that it's impossible to miss it. Celebrated on March 1st, people exchange martenitsi (red and white threaded bracelets) for good health and luck.

How do I get from Sofia Airport to the city center?

The Sofia Metro connects the airport to the city center in about 25 minutes for approximately €0.80. Alternatively, use the Taxi Me or Yellow Taxi apps for a ride costing around €10-15. Avoid unmarked taxis approaching you at arrivals.

Are the free walking tours really free?

The tours operate on a tip-based system – there's no set price, but tipping €5-10 per person is customary if you enjoyed the experience. The guides rely entirely on donations from guests to sustain their work.

What unique spring traditions can I experience in Sofia?

Besides Baba Marta on March 1st, on the 6th of May is St. George's Day, a National Holiday to commemorate its Patron Saint. Food-wise the custom is to eat a copious meal of spit-roasted lamb with a glass of red wine to celebrate a family gathering. On the 24th of May, Bulgarians celebrate Cyrillic Alphabet & Slavonic Literature Day – a National Holiday that is a favorite with students.

Conclusion

Spring in Sofia offers the perfect blend of mild weather, vibrant traditions, and awakening nature. Whether you're hiking Vitosha's trails as snow melts, hunting for Soviet-era treasures at the Alexander Nevsky flea market, or savoring fresh shopska salad on a rooftop terrace overlooking the city, Bulgaria's capital rewards visitors with authentic experiences and genuine hospitality. The season brings fewer crowds than summer, lower prices, and some of the country's most beloved celebrations – making March through May an ideal time to discover this underrated European gem.