Travel guide
Sofia: things to do in Bulgaria's capital, and where to stay
Sofia is a capital you can walk around in a weekend, with golden domes, Roman ruins in the city centre and a mountain right outside town. Here is what to see, where to eat and the hotels we would choose.
In short
Sofia is Bulgaria's capital and one of the oldest cities in Europe, with most of the sights gathered around the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and Vitosha Boulevard. A long weekend is plenty. Our first choice is Juno Hotel Sofia, a design hotel on a quiet street in the centre, rated 9.6 by guests on Hotels.com.
Our first choice: See rooms at Juno Hotel Sofia
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It is seven in the evening, and the sun catches the golden domes of the cathedral. At the Serdika metro station you walk straight over the ruins of a Roman town, and two blocks away people fill their bottles with warm mineral water from the taps by the old bathhouse. Behind the city rises Vitosha, still with sun on its summit.
Things to do in Sofia
The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
The cathedral with the golden domes is Sofia's landmark and one of the largest Orthodox churches in the Balkans. Go inside in the afternoon, when the light falls through the windows and the air smells of incense.
Roman Serdika and the Rotunda of St George
Beneath the centre lie the remains of Roman Serdika, and by the metro station you can walk along old streets and buildings. The Rotunda of St George, a small red-brick church from Roman times, stands hidden in a courtyard close by.
Banya Bashi Mosque and the mineral springs
Next to the 16th-century mosque stands the old Central Bathhouse, and outside warm mineral water runs from public taps. Locals queue with bottles all day long.
The theatre in the park
The National Theatre and the City Garden in Sofia on a summer evening.
Vitosha Boulevard and the National Theatre
Vitosha Boulevard is the pedestrian street with cafés and shops, and at the end of it you see the mountain. Close by stands the Ivan Vazov National Theatre in the City Garden, a lovely place to sit on a summer evening.
The mountain by the city
Vitosha rises right on the edge of Sofia.
Vitosha mountain and Boyana Church
Vitosha sits right by the city, with hiking trails and views over Sofia. On the way up lies Boyana Church, with frescoes from the 13th century, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
A 22-course dinner
Dinner at Secret Chef Table runs to 22 courses.
Food and wine in Sofia
Sofia's food scene has grown fast in recent years. We have written about Secret Chef Table, a 22-course dinner, and about wine tasting at Tempus Vini, which shows how far Bulgarian wine has come.
Hotels in Sofia
Juno Hotel Sofia
Juno is a five-star design hotel on a side street in the centre, with a restaurant and spa treatments. The National Theatre is five minutes away. Guests rate it 9.6, and it suits you if you want somewhere quiet but central.
Book your stay: See rooms at Juno Hotel Sofia
InterContinental Sofia
The InterContinental stands on the square in front of the Parliament, with the cathedral and the university a few minutes away. It has three restaurants and a spa, and guests rate it 9.4. A safe choice if you want a big hotel in the middle of the historic centre.
Book your stay: See rooms at InterContinental Sofia
Hyatt Regency Sofia
The Hyatt Regency is on Vasil Levski Square, with a spa and a terrace overlooking the city. The hotel scores 9.4 with guests. A good choice if you want a spa after a day on foot.
Book your stay: See rooms at Hyatt Regency Sofia
Sense Hotel Sofia
Sense is on Tsar Osvoboditel Boulevard, and from the rooftop terrace you look straight at the cathedral. The hotel has an indoor pool and a score of 9.2. Ideal for couples who want a drink with a view before dinner.
Book your stay: See rooms at Sense Hotel Sofia
Day trip to Plovdiv
Plovdiv, Bulgaria's second city, is under two hours from Sofia. The old town has Roman ruins and 19th-century houses. Read more in our story on the old town of Plovdiv.
Before you go
Take the metro from the airport. The metro runs from Terminal 2 to the centre.
Bulgaria uses the euro. The country adopted the euro on 1 January 2026.
Book dinner well ahead. The best restaurants have few tables.
Sofia: frequently asked questions
Is Sofia worth visiting?
Yes. The city is small enough to walk around, has history from Roman times to today, and food and wine have become a good reason to go.
How many days do you need in Sofia?
Two or three days are enough for the centre. With an extra day you can fit in Vitosha mountain or a trip to Plovdiv.
Where should you stay in Sofia?
Stay in the centre, around the cathedral, the Parliament and Vitosha Boulevard. All the hotels in this guide are within walking distance of the sights.
What currency is used in Sofia?
Bulgaria adopted the euro on 1 January 2026, so you pay in euros.