Sofia attractions: 17 must-visit places

Saint Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is probably the most recognizable landmark in Sofia. This cathedral, with an area of almost 3200 square meters and a capacity of up to 10,000 people, is not only the largest church in Bulgaria but also one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world. But of course, size is not the only impressive feature. Inside, the sanctuary is adorned with breathtaking frescoes, mosaics, and stained glass.

Address: Alexander Nevsky Square.

Saint Sophia Church

Next to the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is another great treasure of the Bulgarian capital—one of the oldest active Orthodox churches in the world, the Saint Sophia Basilica.

The first church on the site of the current one was built in the 4th century. Later, thanks to Emperor Constantine I, a new cathedral was erected here. In the following decades, the sanctuary suffered greatly due to barbarian invasions. It was only restored in 537 under Emperor Justinian I. At that time, the church received its current appearance and name. In fact, the city itself was named after this church. It’s no surprise that Saint Sophia Cathedral is depicted on the coat of arms of the Bulgarian capital.

The interior of the cathedral is the result of the last restoration in the 1990s. During this period, the three-nave domed basilica, designed in the shape of a cross, was restored.

Address: Paris St, 2.

Banya Bashi Mosque

Add a visit to one of the oldest mosques in Europe, "Banya Bashi", to your travel plan. It is believed that this impressive monument of Ottoman architecture was built in 1567. The name of the mosque translates to "many baths" because it was constructed over natural hot springs. Some claim that even today, you can see wisps of steam rising near the mosque walls.

Inside, Banya Bashi is adorned with Quranic verses and intricate ornaments. The traditional blue and white tiles also deserve special attention.

Address: Knyaginya Maria Luiza Blvd.

You can book a hotel with a discount of up to 65% on the website.

Borisova Gradina Park

This picturesque urban park in the center of Sofia, known as "Boris' Garden," was created in the late 19th century at the initiative of a Swiss gardener. By 1924, the park area had nearly doubled, with fountains, rose gardens, a pond, and a Japanese garden added. In the mid-20th century, an observatory was built here. Today, this green oasis is a favorite spot for both tourists and locals.

Address: Tsarigradsko Shose Blvd, 76

Statue of Sveta Sofia

This monument was added to the capital of Bulgaria in 2000, replacing a dismantled statue of Vladimir Lenin. The statue of Saint Sofia, created by sculptor Georgi Chapkanov, symbolizes wisdom and divine grace. She appears to extend her hands over the city, and her features bear a resemblance to the ancient Greek goddess Athena. The statue stands 8 meters tall, while the five-ton sculpture rests on a 12-meter pedestal.

Archaeological Museum

Among the places that archaeology, history, and antiquity lovers shouldn’t miss is the National Archaeological Museum. It is housed in the former Banya Bashi Mosque (from the 15th century) in the heart of the city, next to the President's Residence. The museum holds about 55,000 artifacts. The ground floor displays relics from the Greek, Thracian, Roman, and Byzantine periods. The second floor houses exhibits from the Neolithic era. The museum also features many ancient frescoes and icons from various parts of Bulgaria.

Address: Saborna St, 2

Ivan Vazov National Theatre

The main theatre in Bulgaria was built in 1906. The building was heavily damaged during World War II, but after restoration in 1945, it once again delighted the residents of the capital with its festive appearance. The repertoire includes works by renowned global authors, as well as many plays by Bulgarian writers. The theatre was named in honor of the great poet and true "patriarch" of national literature, Ivan Vazov.

Address: Dyakon Ignatiy St, 5

Church of Saint George

This church was built in the 4th century during the early days of Christianity and the rise of Byzantium. When the Turks conquered Bulgaria, the church was converted into a mosque. In the 1870s, it once again became a church. During restoration, 6th-century frescoes were discovered here.

Address: Kniaz Alexander Dondukov Blvd, 2

National Art Gallery of Bulgaria

This exhibition hall was established in 1948. Today, its collection includes several thousand items. The exhibition is divided into three parts: Christian art from the 18th-19th centuries, national Bulgarian art, and medieval art. The gallery has several branches, one of which is located on the grounds of the Alexander Nevsky Memorial Church. The main branch is housed in the former royal palace.

Address: Prince Alexander I Square, 1

Sofia Synagogue

Sofia is home to the largest Sephardic synagogue in Europe. It is richly decorated with various architectural elements, stone and wood carvings, and decorative ornaments. The synagogue's floor is covered with Venetian mosaics, and a chandelier weighing around two tons hangs from the ceiling.

In 1992, the Jewish Historical Museum was opened at the synagogue, featuring two permanent exhibitions. One is dedicated to the Bulgarian Jewish communities, and the other to the Holocaust and the rescue of Bulgarian Jews.

Address: Exarch Yosif St, 16

Historical Museum of Bulgaria

The museum was founded in 1973, and in 2000, its collection moved to a modern building. The exhibition includes over 650,000 items and artifacts from various eras. It is divided into historical, ethnographic, and archaeological sections. Visitors can explore collections of jewelry, weapons, coins, furniture, religious artifacts, and household items. The medieval Boyana Church is also part of the Historical Museum.

Address: Vitoshko Lale St, 16

Sofia Synagogue

This Jewish temple is one of the most picturesque architectural structures in Sofia. It was built for the Sephardic Jewish community according to the design of architect F. Grünanger in the early 20th century. The architectural style of the building is a blend of Moorish traditions and Viennese Art Nouveau. You can't just walk into the synagogue, but there is an opportunity to visit a small museum dedicated to the history of Bulgarian Jews.

Address: Exarch Yosif St, 16

The Roman Amphitheatre of Serdika

This ancient architectural complex was discovered in 2004 during the construction of a hotel. The monumental building, with an arena in the center and seating for spectators, was built in the 2nd-3rd century. It once hosted theatrical performances, gladiatorial fights, and public gatherings.

Serdica is the ancient name of Sofia. The amphitheater was located about 300 meters from the eastern gates of this ancient city. The ruins are open to visitors, and today you can see not only the remains of the ancient structure but also archaeological finds.

Address: Budapest St, 2

Boyana Church

Located 8 km from Sofia in the small village of Boyana, this church dates back to the 10th-11th centuries. The building was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1979. In the 13th and 19th centuries, two additional wings were built onto the church. The structure is made of brick and stone. Inside, valuable frescoes from the 11th-16th centuries and 19th-century paintings have been preserved. The church has survived almost perfectly, avoiding destruction during wars.

Mineral Baths

Among the symbols of the Bulgarian capital are the Sofia Central Mineral Baths. They were opened in the early 20th century and operated for 70 years before being closed due to unprofitability. In 2014, after extensive renovations, the Museum of the City of Sofia was opened here.

Did you know that Sofia is the only European capital with eight different types of mineral water? There are about fifty different hydrothermal springs within the city.

Address: Triaditsa St, 2

Women's Market in Sofia

This is the largest and oldest market in Sofia, opened in 1878. Initially, it was a food market, mainly frequented by women—Bulgarian housewives—which is where the name comes from.

Today, the market sells fragrant fruits, vegetables, vibrant greens, nuts, dried fruits, pottery, souvenirs, clothes, shoes, and more. Even if you don't need any of these, it's still worth visiting to experience the unique Bulgarian atmosphere.

Opening Hours: Daily from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Address: Stefan Stambolov Blvd

Vitosha Mountain Range

A mountain range near Sofia, stretching 19 km in length. It is home to the Vitosha National Park. The highest peak of Vitosha is Cherni Vrah Mountain, which is over 2200 meters high. The first climbers reached the peaks of Vitosha in the late 19th century. Today, there is a popular ski resort here with a total of about 30 km of slopes.

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