Is Sofia on your list of places to explore while you're volunteering in Europe with ILP yet? It needs to be!
Get ready to fall in love with Sofia — this place is packed with energy, culture, and the prettiest architecture. Think gold-domed cathedrals, ancient ruins, cozy little cafes, and busy shopping markets. It’s seriously a hidden gem. And the best part? You can do it all without spending a ton. Whether you’re into history, food, or just checking out somewhere new, Sofia is a great weekend adventure for your semester in Eastern Europe.
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Only have a day or two here? No worries — we’ve got you covered. Keep reading for all the highlights you won’t want to miss while you’re in Sofia, from must-see sights to cheap eats and everything in between.
A Quick Intro To Sofia
Sofia is one of those cities that surprises you — in the best way. It’s got this laid-back vibe mixed with deep history, cool street art, and unexpected beauty around every corner. You can wander past ancient Roman ruins, then grab a pastry at a little café just steps away. It’s a place where old and new totally mix, and that’s part of what makes it so fun to explore.
When you think of Europe, you usually think of historical sites and ancient detailed architecture. Bulgaria is at the heart of all that history. It is one of those countries that started so much of what we now associate with Europe. And Sofia? It's one of the oldest cities in Europe.
Parts of Sofia almost feel a little Italian — the fountains and architecture give off strong Rome vibes. Thanks to a period of Greek rule, you’ll even find ancient ruins and remnants of Greek influence right in the city. It’s incredibly charming. Then turn a corner and you’ll find mosques and markets lined with handmade rugs that feel straight out of nearby Turkey. Bulgaria has a rich, layered history — it’s home to some of the oldest cities in the world, shaped by centuries of cultural influence from all directions.
What really sets Sofia apart is how real it feels. It’s not overly polished or touristy, which means you get an authentic experience without the crowds — or the high prices. Whether you're here for a weekend or just passing through, you'll find it easy to fall into the rhythm of the city, soak up the culture, and see why so many travelers end up wishing they had more time here.
Sofia is the capital of Bulgaria and a travel hub for Southeastern Europe, with an international airport that connects you to cities all over Europe with direct flights that are around 1-3 hours. So whether you're in Bulgaria or another part of Europe, it's easy to come explore Sofia.
A Mini Walking Tour
Start your Sofia trip off right with this easy and fun walking tour. It hits all the coolest spots — from the famous landmarks and ancient ruins to markets — all close enough to explore on foot.
Start: Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
Kick things off at this iconic landmark — its massive gold domes are impossible to miss. And if you're within about 10 miles, you can usually hear the bells when they ring out. Step inside (it’s free) and take in the detail of one of the largest Orthodox cathedrals in the world.
This church is one of Sofia’s classic landmarks and one of the largest Eastern Orthodox cathedrals in the world. Built in the early 20th century as a memorial to Russian soldiers who died during the Russo-Turkish War, the cathedral is not only a religious site but also a symbol of Bulgaria’s independence and national pride. Inside, you’ll find beautiful frescoes, and intricate mosaics.
Walk to: Saint Sofia Church + Roman Ruins (5 min walk)
Right across the square is the church that gave the city its name. Out front, you’ll spot Roman ruins preserved under glass — a reminder of Sofia’s ancient beginnings.
Next stop: Serdica Complex (10 min walk)
Head toward Serdica Station, an open-air museum, to see more Roman streets and structures on display right in the middle of the city center. It’s all free to walk through — no museum pass required.
Next stop: Central Mineral Baths
Just across the plaza, this gorgeous building once served as the city’s main public bathhouse. Now it’s home to the Sofia History Museum, and although it's not operating today as a theraputic bathhouse, it’s worth stopping for the architecture alone. Outside, fill up your water bottle at the mineral springs — locals line up daily to collect the naturally warm, mineral-rich water. It’s one of Sofia’s most unique and historic traditions.
Grab a snack: Vitosha Boulevard (5 min walk)
Take a stroll down Sofia’s main pedestrian street. You’ll find cheap bakeries, cafes, and souvenir stands — perfect for a mid-day recharge.
A good one to try is Sweet & Salty Bakery & Cafe. They've got Bulgarian classics like banitsa, fluffy croissants, and indulgent cakes. They lean a little bit touristy as far as prices go, but they've got yummy snacks and a place to sit and relax.
If you're looking for a grab-and-go pastrywhile you wander the neighborhood, Nedelya would be another option.
Last stop: Banya Bashi Mosque + Central Market Hall (5 min walk)
Just a few blocks away is the city’s beautiful mosque, built during the Ottoman era, showing off the Turkish influences here. Right next to it, explore the market hall full of Bulgarian goods, fresh snacks, and handmade treasures — including those Turkish-style rugs.
More Sofia Highlights
Cathedrals, Churches, and Mosques + Art Museums
Sofia is known for ancient religious buildings. While the mini walking tour took you to a few of the more popular ones, there's more to mention. If you have the time, they're definitely worth seeing as well. Make sure to bring your camera because the architecture is so stunning.
The Sveti Sedmochislenitsi Church
Or "Seven Saints" church, this orthodox church is recognized by the deep blue domes. It was originally created as a mosque during the Ottoman Empire, then later converted to an orthodox church.
It's not far from Vitosha Boulevard (from the walking tour we created above) and would be a good addition if you have time.
The Rotunda Church of Saint George
There are a few churches in Sofia that include the name St George, so it can be easy to get them confused. This one though is notably the oldest surviving church in Sofia.
There are daily services here so don't be surprised if you hear singing when you come to visit. Learn more on their website. This church is also close to the walking tour above if you want to add it to your list.
Boyana Church + The National History Museum
These sites are near one another and located in a suburb about 15-20 minutes drive outside of the city from the center, so it's best to do them on the same day. But a lot of people say it's well worth the trip out here!
Boyana Church
This church is dedicated as a UNESCO Heritage site. For one, its history spans from the 10th to 19th centuries, but probably the most notable thing are the stunning frescoes painted throughout the interior walls of the church. The medieval artwork dates back to 1259! If you make the trip out here, definitely don't miss going inside to admire them in person.
National History Museum
If you like history, it'd be worth stopping by the museum after visiting Boyana. It's a good summary of Bulgarian history, with everything from pre-historic times to more the more recent communist days. And it's all housed in a grand former presidential residence, backed by the Vitosha mountain, so it's pretty serene.
A lot of people say you don't want to be rushed on time (around two+ hours would be a good estimate).
Getting here: Bus #63 and #111; or Trolley #2; or taxi would be the easiest and most straightforward option for travelers (around 5-7 Euro)
Cost: 10 leva
Check out their website for more details
+ Many More
There are so many religious sites worth visiting that we really need a whole other post to cover them adequately. These are just a few that really stand out, but if you have time, we also highly recommend checking out these Sofia sites:
- Dragalevtsi Monastery
- National Palace of Culture
- St Nedelya Church
- Russian Church of Saint Nicholas
- National Art Gallery
See A Show At The Ballet Or Opera
Catching a show like this is one of those classic Eastern European experiences you don’t want to miss. It’s super popular with both locals and visitors, so tickets can sell out fast — if you’re planning your trip to Sofia, check the schedule ahead of time and book early!
The lineup changes depending on when you’re here, but this could be your chance to see favorites like The Nutcracker, Swan Lake, or even Les Misérables live. Trust us — it’s totally worth it.
See upcoming shows and buy tickets online here.
Take A Free Tour
We love free walking tours for our volunteers because we know you're on a budget and trying to see as much as you can in a short amount of time! There are lots of options, everything from walking/biking/food/history/graffiti ... you name it. This blog post has long list of options for free Sofia tours and how to join one. There's a huge street art scene here, plus Sofia has a long, long history so being able to get tour from a local who is passionate about their city and their culture is a major win.
Getting Here + Around
Getting Here
Since it's the capital of the country, Sofia is well connected to the rest of Europe and there are multiple routes that run here directly.
The Sofia Airport (SOF) is a major hub around here and really convenient to fly into. There are flights every day coming from major cities all across Europe.
Getting Around Sofia
If you’re only in Sofia for a couple of days, getting around is super easy — the city’s compact, walkable, and well-connected.
Walking
Walking is my favorite way to get around a city and luckily this is a great option in Sofia. Most of Sofia’s main sights are in the city center and just a short walk from each other. You can see historic churches, Roman ruins, cafes, and markets all without needing to hop in a car. Plus, you’ll stumble on cool street art, bakeries, and shops as you go.
The Metro
Fast, clean, and affordable — perfect for getting to/from the airport or reaching neighborhoods outside the city center (like the National History Museum or Boyana Church area). Use the Serdika stop as your hub — it connects both metro lines and is right near major attractions.
Taxi
Taxis are cheap by European standards, but some try to overcharge tourists — so either use the Yellow! Taxi app or order a Bolt (like the local version of Uber). Always double-check that the meter is running if you hop in a cab.
Come experience Eastern Europe for yourself!
International Language Programs is a non-profit based out of Utah, USA, that works with schools and orphanages in Europe. We help college-age volunteers to be able to spend their dream semester abroad living in Europe, but at a price they can actually afford. Come teach English to kids part-time, and soak up the culture while you live like a local. You'll have time to travel throughout Europe with your fellow group members to places like Bulgaria, Greece, Germany ... there are lots of options, but we let you decide so you can tailor the adventure to fit your bucket list.
Learn more about our program and how volunteering with ILP works by clicking that button below.
