Fun-Filled Long Weekend in Sofia, Bulgaria
Discover the hidden gems of Eastern Europe in the vibrant city of Sofia, Bulgaria.
22 April 2023
As a tourist in Sofia, you can explore the city's rich history and architecture by visiting its iconic landmarks, including the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the National Palace of Culture, and the St. George Rotunda. You can also indulge in Bulgarian cuisine and culture by attending a traditional folk dance show, visiting local markets, and trying out regional delicacies such as banitsa and rakia. Finally, you can explore the surrounding natural beauty of Vitosha Mountain and Boyana Waterfall, which offer breathtaking views and outdoor adventures.
Travel plan
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- Stay at Sense Hotel Sofia, a luxurious and minimalist hotel located in the heart of the city.
- Explore the hidden gems of Sofia by visiting the city's lesser-known attractions like the Museum of Socialist Art and the Red Flat Museum.
- Take a stroll around the St. George Rotunda, a small but beautiful church with intricate frescoes and mosaics.
- Discover the charm of Kapana district, filled with cafes, antique shops, and street art.
- Watch the sunset over Sofia's skyline from the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral.
- Start your day with breakfast at Made in Home, a cozy spot with delicious homemade pastries and coffee.
- Visit the iconic Central Market Hall to taste local Bulgarian delicacies like banitsa and ayran.
- Enjoy lunch at Niko'las Bulgarian Restaurant, where you can try traditional Bulgarian dishes like Tarator soup and meatballs with rice.
- Satisfy your sweet tooth with a visit to SunMoon, a cafe with a wide selection of homemade desserts.
- End your night with cocktails and tapas at the trendy Hambara Bar.
- Visit the National Palace of Culture, a striking communist-era building surrounded by a beautiful park.
- Learn about Bulgaria's history at the National Museum of History, which houses over 650,000 artifacts.
- Take a walk through the picturesque Boyana village and visit the UNESCO-listed Boyana Church.
- Experience Bulgarian folklore at the National Ethnographic Museum, where you can see traditional costumes, crafts, and music.
- Watch a performance at the Ivan Vazov National Theater, Bulgaria's oldest and most prestigious theater.
- Take a day trip from Sofia to the Rila Monastery, Bulgaria's most famous Orthodox monastery, located amidst the Rila mountains.
- Hike in the nearby Seven Rila Lakes, a group of glacial lakes with stunning panoramic views.
- Drive to Plovdiv, Bulgaria's second-largest city and visit the Old Town, which is filled with historic houses and cobbled streets.
- Visit the Bachkovo Monastery, located 30 km from Plovdiv, which is famous for its beautiful frescoes.
- End your trip with a dinner at La Cattedrale, an Italian restaurant with views of Sofia's skyline.
Length of stay
Type of trip
How to get there
Plane
The best way to get to Sofia, Bulgaria by plane is to fly to Sofia Airport, which is the main airport serving the city. There are numerous airlines that operate flights to and from Sofia, including Bulgaria Air, Wizz Air, and Ryanair.
Car
If you are traveling to Sofia by car, you can either take the E79 highway from Serbia or the E80 from Greece. The distance from Serbia is around 370 km, while the distance from Greece is around 590 km. You can also rent a car from the airport or the city center.
Train
While there are train services from other countries to Bulgaria, the best way to get to Sofia by train is from within the country. The main train station in Sofia is the Sofia Central Station, which offers regular connections to other parts of Bulgaria.
Boat
There are no direct boat services to Sofia as the city is not located on the coast. The nearest port to Sofia is the port of Burgas, which is around 400 km from Sofia. From there, you can take a train or bus to Sofia.
Bus
Taking a bus is a popular option for getting to Sofia as there are many bus companies that operate services to the city. The most popular bus station in Sofia is the Central Bus Station, which is located near the center of the city.