Sofia 3 Day Itinerary, Things to Do and Must Sees

Travel Tips in Sofia

Sofia is the capital city of Bulgaria and one of the most beautiful destinations in Europe. With its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning architecture, it is an ideal destination for a city break. If you’re planning a trip to Sofia, here are some tips to help you make the most of your time there.

Firstly, make the most of your time by utilizing the city’s excellent public transportation system. The metro is the most efficient way to explore the city and get around quickly. There are also buses, trams, and trolleybuses for getting around, and if you’re feeling adventurous, you can even rent a bike.

Next, plan your itinerary in advance and be sure to include some of the city’s must-see sites. The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is a stunning Orthodox church with a golden dome and is one of the most iconic sites in Sofia. The National Art Gallery, National History Museum, and the National Palace of Culture are all great places to explore the city’s culture and history.

Also, take advantage of the city’s many parks and gardens. Sofia is full of green spaces, and you can take a stroll or relax in a peaceful garden. One of the most picturesque parks is the Borisova Garden, which is home to a beautiful fountain and a variety of plants and trees.

When it comes to eating out, Sofia has a great selection of restaurants, so you’ll be sure to find something to suit your tastes. If you’re looking for a quick bite, try one of the city’s many street food vendors.

Finally, don’t forget to take in some of the city’s nightlife. Sofia is home to a variety of bars, clubs, and pubs, and there’s something to suit every taste.

Sites and Monuments to Visit

  1. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral – This stunning Orthodox church with a golden dome is one of the most iconic sites in Sofia. Admission is free, and it is open daily from 8am to 8pm. Reference: https://sofia.travel/en/alexander-nevsky-cathedral
  2. National Art Gallery – This museum houses an impressive collection of Bulgarian and European art from the past three centuries. Admission is free, and it is open daily from 10am to 6pm. Reference: https://www.bg-museum.org/en/
  3. National History Museum – This museum contains collections of artifacts from the prehistoric to modern times, as well as a library and archives. Admission is free, and it is open daily from 9am to 5pm. Reference: https://historymuseum.org/
  4. National Palace of Culture – This building is the largest conference and exhibition center in Bulgaria, and it hosts a variety of events. Admission is free, and it is open daily from 9am to 9pm. Reference: https://www.npcconferences.bg/
  5. Borisova Garden – This picturesque park is full of lush greenery and contains a beautiful fountain. Admission is free, and it is open daily from 8am to 8pm. Reference: https://sofia.travel/en/borisova-garden
  6. Boyana Church – This medieval Bulgarian Orthodox church is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its frescoes. Admission is free, and it is open daily from 9am to 5pm. Reference: https://www.boyanachurch.org/
  7. Vitosha Mountain – This mountain offers stunning views of the city and is the perfect spot for a day hike or a leisurely walk. Admission is free, and it is open daily from 8am to 8pm. Reference: https://www.vitosha-bg.com/
  8. Sofia Zoo – This zoo is home to a variety of animals, including lions, tigers, and elephants. Admission is 5 BGN (2.50 EUR), and it is open daily from 9am to 7pm. Reference: https://sofiazoobg.com/
  9. National Museum of Natural History – This museum houses a collection of exhibits about the natural world, including animals, plants, and minerals. Admission is 5 BGN (2.50 EUR), and it is open daily from 10am to 5pm. Reference: https://www.nmnhs.com/
  10. National Archaeological Museum – This museum houses a collection of artifacts from prehistoric to Byzantine times. Admission is 5 BGN (2.50 EUR), and it is open daily from 10am to 5pm. Reference: http://www.archaeologymuseum.org/
  11. National Military History Museum – This museum features a collection of artifacts from Bulgarian military history. Admission is 5 BGN (2.50 EUR), and it is open daily from 9am to 5pm. Reference: https://military-museum.org/
  12. Ivan Vazov National Theater – This beautiful building is home to the Bulgarian National Opera and Ballet. Admission varies based on the show, and it is open daily from 8am to 8pm. Reference: https://www.vazov-theatre.bg/
  13. Bulgarian Academy of Sciences – This building is home to a variety of scientific institutes, and it also houses a planetarium. Admission is 10 BGN (5 EUR), and it is open daily from 9am to 5pm. Reference: https://www.bas.bg/en/
  14. Sofia University – This university was founded in 1888 and is one of the oldest universities in the Balkans. Admission is free, and it is open daily from 8am to 8pm. Reference: https://www.uni-sofia.bg/en/
  15. National Stadium Vasil Levski – This stadium is the home of the Bulgarian National Football Team and hosts a variety of events. Admission varies based on the event, and it is open daily from 8am to 8pm. Reference: https://vasillevski.bg/en/
  16. Museum of Socialist Art – This museum is dedicated to Bulgarian socialist art and contains a variety of paintings and sculptures. Admission is 5 BGN (2.50 EUR), and it is open daily from 9am to 5pm. Reference: https://www.socialist-art-museum.bg/
  17. National Gallery of Foreign Art – This museum contains a variety of art from around the world, including works by Picasso, Monet, and Rembrandt. Admission is 5 BGN (2.50 EUR), and it is open daily from 10am to 6pm. Reference: https://www.sghg.bg/en/
  18. Ivan Vazov National Library – This library is the largest and oldest library in Bulgaria, and it contains a variety of books and manuscripts. Admission is free, and it is open daily from 9am to 5pm. Reference: http://www.nationallibrary.bg/en/
  19. National Ethnographic Museum – This museum contains a variety of artifacts from Bulgarian folklore and culture. Admission is 5 BGN (2.50 EUR), and it is open daily from 9am to 5pm. Reference: https://www.en.nem-bg.org/
  20. Nikola Vaptsarov Naval Academy – This academy is the oldest naval academy in the Balkans and is home to a variety of maritime artifacts. Admission is free, and it is open daily from 9am to 5pm. Reference: http://www.vaptsarovacademy.bg/

Day One Itinerary:

• Start the day by exploring the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral – a stunning Orthodox church with a golden dome.
• Take a stroll through Borisova Garden, home to a beautiful fountain and a variety of plants and trees.
• Visit the National Art Gallery which houses an impressive collection of Bulgarian and European art.
• Have lunch at one of the city’s restaurants.
• Spend the afternoon exploring the National History Museum and the National Palace of Culture.
• Spend the evening taking in some of the city’s nightlife – there’s something to suit every taste.

Day Two Itinerary:

• Start the day at Boyana Church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its frescoes.
• Take a hike up Vitosha Mountain and enjoy the stunning views of the city.
• Visit the Sofia Zoo, home to a variety of animals.
• Have lunch at one of the city’s restaurants.
• Spend the afternoon exploring the National Museum of Natural History and the National Archaeological Museum.
• Spend the evening taking in some of the city’s nightlife.

Day Three Itinerary:

• Start the day at the National Military History Museum, which features a collection of artifacts from Bulgarian military history.
• Visit the Ivan Vazov National Theater, home to the Bulgarian National Opera and Ballet.
• Explore the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, which houses a variety of scientific institutes.
• Have lunch at one of the city’s restaurants.
• Spend the afternoon exploring Sofia University and the National Stadium Vasil Levski.
• Spend the evening taking in some of the city’s nightlife.