Top 35 Things to See in Sofia

Dear lilioftheworld.com reader, here is Lili, your co-editor. Today I would like to share with you my choice of Top 35 things to see in Sofia. I used to live in Sofia for the biggest part of my life. However, the last 5 years I have lived abroad and every time I go back there I feel more and more like a tourist. The only thing left for me is to attend a free walking tour- it is on the to-do list for 2020.

The list with things to see in Sofia below is not complete. The things you want to see when visiting a foreign city depend very much on your preferences. The Top 35 things to see in Sofia are based on my own taste. For example, you will not find museums inside as I would prefer exploring the real, current world. Do not be scared by the high number of things to see. Sofia’s city center is not big and you can make these all in a long walk through the weekend.

Reasons to visit Sofia

If you are not sure whether you should visit Sofia, you should definitely read my other article “10 Reasons to Visit Sofia”. Most probably the best reason is that it is in the EU, which means that you can freely travel there without the need of visa (of course if you are an EU citizen). Sofia is not far (at about 2-3 hours flight from most parts of Europe) and even a weekend is enough to get a feeling of the city. It is really unique place- different from any other European capital. If you by now are convinced that Sofia is your next destination, let’s plan your agenda. 

In the other article I posted a link above you will also find Lili’s Top 5 good-to-know Tips when travelling to Sofia. I highly encourage you to read them carefully before your trip. They will help you prepare better for your experience in Sofia. But now back to the list with things to see in Sofia.

Top 35 Things to See in Sofia:

1. St Alexander Nevsky Cathedral 

This is most probably one of the main tourist attractions in Sofia, however it plays also an important role for us Bulgarians. It is one of the top 50 largest Christian churches in the world and it serves as the cathedral church of the Patriarch of Bulgaria. St Alexander Nevsky Cathedral was built at the end of the 19th century and since the middle of the last century it was declared a cultural monument.

The fact that the church has the name of a Russian saint comes to show you how much our culture is influenced by the Russian Republic. 

Visiting the cathedral is free of charge, as is a visit to any other church in Bulgaria. You just need to obtain the standard rules of keeping silence and not taking pictures (with flashlight). It is commonly accepted that you buy and lit a candle. The lightening of the candle is done in the name of the dead and also for living ones. It is followed by a prayer for the living ones in search of protection and kindness and also saving of the souls of the dead ones. If you are not a Christian, you can lit your candle just for health and good luck.

Typical for most of the churches in Bulgaria you will find icons on each of the walls. The smell of burnt wax and incense is another characteristic feature of our temples.

2. St Sofia Church 

If you face the entrance of St Alexander Nevski Cathedral on your left you will find another church- St Sofia Church. This one has nothing to do with previous in terms of look and the explanation is around 15 centuries of difference between their construction. St Sofia is the second oldest church in Sofia, which gave its name to the capital (Sofia previously had the name of Sredets).

This church is popular for wedding ceremonies. If you happen to be in Sofia during the weekend, you can go there in the morning- then you will for sure spot such typical Bulgarian ceremony. 

Here I would like to tell you an interesting legend about the church. 

The legend about St Sofia Church

Long time ago, when Sofia was a small village, there was a beautiful church called St Sofia. It resembled the famous St Sophia Cathedral in Constantinople (the old name of Istanbul). People from the surroundings were coming to this church and the festive days turned into big celebrations. 

When Sofia was occupied by the Ottomans, they did not dare to turn the church into a mosque, like they used to do with the other churches. However, they also did not allow Bulgarians to pray in the church. They formed a small place at the entrance where the Ottomans could pray and the rest of the church was empty. There was strict guard in front of its main doors. In fact, very often the Ottomans could see lit candles in front of the icons and the altar of the church. They were wondering how this is happening having in mind the severe guard. 

Once, an Ottoman pasha visited Sofia. He saw the church and after hearing rumors about the candles, he arranged that his people destroy ‘the devil’s home”.

The curse

The Ottoman gathered in order to attach the building of the church. They managed to destroy only a small part of it when the sky turned grey and a thunderous storm started. A hail with the size of eggs followed. Terrified by the anger of Mother Nature, the attackers went to their homes. However, their leader suffered three times bigger sorrow- once he went back home, he found his whole family dead.  He went to the pasha who ordered the destruction of the church, but he found him speechlessly sitting close to his bed. He had lost his favorite Arabic horse who he loved more than anyone else in this world. Moreover, 11 of the other attackers also had deadly sick relatives in their homes.

Eventually, the Ottoman left the Bulgarians freely pray in the church. There were other attempts for destruction of the church, but every time this happened, 11 of the families of the army suddenly went dead. In the end, the Ottomans left the church to collapse on its own. They left some weapons inside for their own safety. Sometimes, just before big Christian holidays, the weapons would produce shots on their own frightening the Ottomans to dead.  

The story above comes to tell you how special the spirit inside the church is.

After the visit of the two churches, you can continue along Moskovska Street. Once you get to its end, on your left hand side you will see the building of the 

3. National Art Gallery 

The National Art gallery used to be former royal palace of Bulgaria. It was completely destroyed during World War II. Afterwards, after the abolition of the monarchy and the establishment of a Communist government in Bulgaria, most of the palace became ownership of the National Art Gallery. Part of the building was designed by a Viennese architect which you can clearly see from its facade. 

I already mentioned that I’m not into galleries and museums, but on the Sofia Galleries website you can find all the information you need in case you are interested in visiting the gallery. 

The Viennese looking building of the National Art Gallery

4. National Archaeological Museum 

Opposite the National Art Gallery you can find another building which is the National Archeological Museum. The museum has five exhibition halls: Central Hall, Prehistory, Middle Ages, Treasure, and a special temporary exhibition. More details and events in the museum you can find on their official website- National Archaeological Institute with Museum. 

The Archaeological museum in Sofia

5. The Largo 

If you head west via Tsar Osvoboditel Boulevard (which by the way we call “the yellow pave road” due to its surface), you will get to the very center of Sofia. It is one of the landmarks of the capital. The ensemble consists of three buildings which are considered to be the symbol of the Socialist Classicism. If you are coming from the National Archaeological Museum you will find the National Assembly of Bulgaria on your right. The building on the left is nowadays the President’s Office, but also hosts Hotel Sheraton and the Ministry of Education. The one opposite it is today accommodating the TZUM department store  (a central universal store) and the Council of Ministers of Bulgaria. The last two are almost identical buildings.

One of the most spectacular things is to watch the changing of the guards in front of the President’s Office. Similar to the famous ones in front of Buckingham palace, the guards have nice uniforms and are not allowed to talk to the civils while on duty. 

The whole area was renovated a couple of years ago and now has an European look. Following the democratic changes after 1989, the symbols of communism in the decoration of the Largo were removed, with the most symbolic act being the removing of the red star on a pole atop the former Party House and its substitution by the flag of Bulgaria.

6. St Sofia Monument 

Standing opposite the National Assembly, you will see one of the newest landmarks of Sofia. St Sofia Monument stands where in the past a statue of Lenin used to be. It was removed after the democratic changes in 1989 and for a long time this place was empty. The statue is a bit controversial, as many thought it was too provocative. The woman has a crown which is a symbol of power, the wreath is a symbol of fame and an owl in her other hand symbolizes wisdom. The crown is also a reference to the Goddess of Fate, Tyche, inspired by the old emblem of Sofia during the 20th century.

7. St George Church (Rotunda)

If you pass through the only arch on the President’s office, you will get to the inner yard which you will find more peaceful than the Independence square. One interesting monument in this inner yard is the red-brick rotunda of St George. This is the oldest building in Sofia and around it you will find the remainings of the ancient town of Serdica. St George church is famous for it frescoes inside the central dome. 

The gate to the Rotunda and the inner yard

8. Serdica

Go out of the yard and head towards TZUM- the department store opposite the President’s office. In order to cross the street, you have to take the subway. The whole area is like an open air museum of the remaining of the ancient town of Serdica. The subway is one of the places where you can find a large choice of souvenirs. 

Serdica ruins

9. TZUM

This is a central department store which very much reminds the TZUM in Moscow (for those of you who had already been there). In the comunist period before 1989 this was one of the only places where our parents and grandparents could buy foreign goods. Nowadays, the store is still functioning, with its spirit and architecture reminding a lot of what it used to be in the past- a luxurious department store.

10. Banya Bashi Mosque 

You will not miss the minaret of the located nearby mosque. In fact, its name means “many baths”. It was built over natural thermal spas. You can be sure that this is true because of two reasons. Just a few meters behind it is the central bath. And secondly, many people are still using the hot springs in the area as a water source. 

Banya Bashi mosque is the only functioning mosque in Sofia which serves the needs of the Muslim community. It was built during the Ottoman rule of Bulgaria (which lasted for five centuries) and it remains like a symbol from this period. 

Banya Bashi Mosque

11. Sofia Central Mineral Baths

Behind the mosque you can see the building of the old Bath in Sofia. This is another landmark of Sofia. For many years the building was closed due to its bad condition and the possible collapse of the roof. During the Ottoman era, the ruler built a Turkish bath, which afterwards was transformed into public baths. The bath was used until 1986 (exactly the year when I was born), so I have only heard stories about it from my grandparents. Nowadays, the building accommodates the Sofia Regional Historical Museum.

The building of the Central Mineral Baths

12. Central Sofia Market Hall

Just opposite Banya Bashi Mosque you can see the building of the Central Sofia Market Hall or how we call it- Halite. This is amongst the largest covered markets in Sofia and it dates back since the end of the 19th century. Although the building was renovated in the 2000s, there is a plan that the inside will be further changed this year. Besides different craftsman goods, meat, sweets, fruits and vegetables, one can also enjoy the canteen area on the second floor. 

Halite and Maria Louiza boulevard in front

This is another place where you can find Bulgarian souvenirs. 

Behind the Halite there is a synagogue (in case you are interested). The synagogue, the masque and St Nedelya Church are forming the Triangle of Religious Tolerance. Sofia is the only city in Europe where in such a small distance the three religions are having their own temples. Orthodox Christians, Muslims and Jews can all pray in their respective places of worship just across the street from one another.

Halite on the inside

13. Lions’ Bridge 

If you have a spare half an hour, you can also visit another Sofia landmark located 300m down Maria Louiza Boulevard in opposite direction of St Sofia Monument. It is the Lion’s bridge. The bridge dates back to the 19th century and it is a deed of a Czech architect (he also created a similar bridge which we plan to visit later on- the Eagles’ Bridge). The bridge came on the place of a previous one called Motley Bridge, which name comes from the red and yellow coloring it had. The name of Lions’ Bridge comes from the four bronze sculptures of lions, its most recognizable feature. It connects the Central Railway Station with the center of the city.

After visiting Lion’s bridge, I would suggest you go back to Halite and take Ekzarh Yosif Street (head left if you are coming from Lions’ Bridge). 

14. Ekzarh Yosif Street 

This street together with the area around turned into the creative hub of Sofia in the last 20 years. You can find a lot of small craftsman shops, cute cafes and restaurants. Also the surrounding is very creative, with many buildings with graffiti art.  

The interesting Ekzarh Yosif street

15. Women’s Market (additional thing to see in Sofia)

If you are a market lover, you can head via Ekzarh Yosif Street in the other direction. In this part the street has many shoes shops. In about 500m on your right you will see Women’s Market or Zhenski Pazar. This is the oldest market in Sofia and after the renovation in the last 10 years, it is a nice place to stroll. Besides the main goods like fruits, vegetables, spices and fish, you can also buy clothes. Just have in mind that it is an open air market.  More you can read on the Zhenski Pazar Market official website. 

Some of the stands you can find at Women’s market

But now back to the original plan- we were strolling along Ekzarh Yosif Street in the opposite direction. Once you get to George S. Rakovski Street, turn right. Once you get to the big intersection with Dondukov Boulevard, you will see on the opposite side of the street

16. The National Opera 

The building is nothing spectacular (especially if you have visited the Viennese Opera for example). The entrance is on the back side of the building.

The National Opera, Sofia

Head left until you get to the intersection with  Vasil Levski Boulevard and then turn right. In 200 m you will see 

17. Vasil Levski Monument

Vasil Levski is the biggest hero in our history. Thanks to him and his active movement in the end of the 19th century Bulgaria took back its freedom from the Ottomans. He is also known as the Apostle of Freedom because he founded the Internal Revolutionary Organisation, and sought to foment a nationwide uprising through a network of secret regional committees.

In fact, his original name is Vasil Ivanov Kunchev. There are so many theories about the way he got the pseudonim Levski (i.e. Lionlike). I want to believe that this one is true- due to his revolutionary movement, he was the person who the Ottomans eagerly wanted to catch. In one of the many cases when they were close to doing so, the Apostle jumped over a hole which seemed impossible for an ordinary person. Since then his peers gave him the name Vasil the Lionlike.

Continue along Vasil Levski Boulevard and in another 200m you will see on your left the building of the 

18. The SS. Cyril and Methodius National Library 

St Alexander Nevski cathedral (where we started our tour) will be on your right. This is another Sofia landmark. Its name comes after Saints Cyril and Methodius- two other very important figures in our history. We owe our enlightenment to the Saints Cyril and Methodius, who are the creators of the Glagolitic alphabet. The Cyrillic alphabet which is nowadays the basis of many Slavic languages is named after the Saint Cyril.

19. The National Academy of Arts 

If you wonder what is the building opposite the National Library (on the other side of Vasil Levski Boulevard)- it is the National Academy of Arts. This is the most renowned school of arts in Bulgaria.

20. The University

Next to the building of the National Library you can see the oldest higher education institution in Bulgaria- Sofia University “St Kliment Ohridski”  (or as we simply refer to it “The University”). This one is among the top 4% of world universities according to QS World University Rankings. The statues of its patrons- the brothers Evlogi and Hristo Georgievi are standing on both sides of the entrance. They provided the financial support for the building of the educational Institution.

This is just the main building of the university, still it has other departments located in different parts of Sofia. The others though are not that spectacular and that is why I did not include them in the “things to see in Sofia” list. 

Pass by the Sofia University building and head via Tsar Osvoboditel Boulevard. You will soon see the other bridge we already mentioned earlier- 

21. Eagles’ bridge 

The Eagles’ bridge spreads above Perlovska river (it looks more like a canal than a river). The name of the bridge itself comes from the four statues of eagles on it, which are, symbolically, its protectors and patrons. Similarly, if you remember the Lions’ bridge- the same Czech architect planned this one as well. An interesting fact is that both one of the lions from Lions’ bridge and also one of the eagles can be found on the 20 BGN banknote. 

Eagle’s bridge is also a main intersection in Sofia

22. Boris’ Garden and Ariana Lake 

After that, you will see on your right a huge park. Its name is Boris’ Garden and it is the largest green park in the heart of Sofia. Its name comes from one of the most important rulers of Bulgaria- Knyaz Boris. Initially the garden’s name was Knyaz Boris’ Garden, but the word “knyaz” later disappeared. We just refer to it as “Borisovata”.

There are two interesting things to explore here. The first one is Ariana Lake which you can find just next to Eagle’s bridge. It is a small artificial lake where during the summer you can hire a small pedal boat  In winter it turns into a huge ice-skating location. I can also recommend that you take a break in one of the cafes around the lake or why not having lunch in the restaurant located on the small island inside the lake. After the break, we continue with our tour and the rest things to see in Sofia. 

Boris garden is full of events during the summer months

The other place of interest in Boris’ Garden is the Water Lilies Pond in the upper part of the park. This used to be one of the most romantic places for couples’ meetings in the past. The water lilies are there only in the summer months.

After the stroll in the Boris’ Garden, we recommend you take Gen Gurko Street which starts from the National Stadium. Once you reach the intersection with Tsar Ivan Shishman Street head right.

23. Tsar Ivan Shishman Street

Tsar Ivan Shishman Street is another creative area similar to Ekzarh Yosif Street. Street art, cute shops, cafes and bars is what you will find there. This turned into one of the hipster areas in Sofia. I have so many bars I want to recommend you to visit, but these will come in a separate article. 

Tsar Ivan Shishman Street art

24. National Assembly and the Monument of the Tsar Liberator

At the end of Tsar Ivan Shishman Street you can see another landmark and one of the important things to see in Sofia- the National Assembly Building. The National Assembly’s main building became a monument of culture for its historic significance. Due to insufficient space in the main building at Parliament Square, they moved some administrative offices of the National Assembly building which we saw at the Largo.

Additionally, there is a monument of a man on a horse in the Parliament Square. This is the Monument to the Tsar Liberator. It was erected in honor of Russian Emperor Alexander II who liberated Bulgaria from Ottoman rule during the Russian-Turkish War at the end of the 19th century.

After the Parliament Building continue via Tsar Osvoboditel Boulevard on the left (towards the Largo). In about 400, you will see on your right

25. The Russian Church 

It is also popular under the name Church of St Nicholas the Miracle-Maker. After the liberation of Bulgaria from the Ottoman rule by Russia, the church took the place of the mosque which stood there. The Russian embassy which back then was nearby ordered to build the Church of St Nicholas the Miracle-Maker. As the tradition of the diplomatic churches says, it should have the name of its patron- the emperor of Russia in those days. 

Once you reach the building of the National Gallery, turn left. The city garden will be on your right. This is a place where the real Sofians meet. Old men playing chess, mothers with strollers and peaceful atmosphere is what characterizes the scene in the city garden. In December you can enjoy a small Christmas market with all typical for a weihnachtsmarkt activities. 

The most important building in the park and another landmark of Sofia is the 

26. National Theater Ivan Vazov

The theater is the oldest and most authoritative theater in the country. The building of the theater together with the fountain in front of it are one of the most instagrammable spots in the last few years. The small square in front of it hosts different events throughout the whole year.  

Take Knyaz Alexander I Street until you get to 

27. Graf Ignatiev Street 

We call it shortly “Grafa” (which means “the Count”). This is one of the shopping streets in Sofia with a lot of shops for shoes and clothes. The street is only for pedestrians, but also trams are passing, so watch your steps. 

The picturesque Grafa street 

On your right is 

28. Giuseppe Garibaldi Square

There is a small monument of its Italian patron in the middle of the square. The buildings around the Garibaldi square create an 18th-century atmosphere, while the surrounding fast food places, bars and restaurants make it a place where it’s more likely to hear foreign speech rather than Bulgarian on a Saturday night. 

Turn on Grafa street on the left. In about 200m you will reach

29. Slaveikov square 

The name of this popular square in Sofia comes from two famous Bulgarian writers-  Petko and Pencho Slaveykov, father and son. A sculpture of the two sitting on a bench is one of its main landmarks and also miss-not thing to see in Sofia. The square was renovated in the last 5 years. Previously, it was an open-air book market.

Further down Grafa street you will see 

30. St Sedmochislenitsi Church

It is another Bulgarian Orthodox church with a small park in front of it. The church brings its name from Cyril and Methodius and their five disciples, known in the Orthodox Church collectively as “the Sedmochislenitsi”. Next to it there is a small market with a couple of stands selling local fruits, vegetables, spices and nuts. 

St Sedmochislenici Church 

Once you reach the big intersection almost at the end of the street, head on your right via Patriarh Evtimiy boulevard. In about a kilometer, you will reach on your left

31. The National Palace of Culture (NDK)

Certainly, I was also surprised to find out that this is the largest, multi-functional conference and exhibition center in south-eastern Europe. There are many events happening in this building throughout the whole year- e.g. wine festivals, booktrading exhibitions, hand-made craftsmanship festivals, a lot of concerts, etc. You might want to check the NDK programme during the time of your stay. 

In front of the National Palace of Culture there is a park where youngsters met when I was a teenager. You will find a lot of skateboarders practicing there due to the surface of the tiles. 

32. Lovers Bridge 

Just behind the National Palace of Culture there is a small pedestrian bridge which has the emblematic name “Lovers’ Bridge”. It dates back from the past when young couples used it for walking hand in hand with their beloved ones. Nowadays, the bridge hosts different photo exhibitions throughout the whole year. 

Lovers’ Bridge

Our tour is coming to its end. For the final we will take a stroll along the most famous landmark boulevard in Sofia

33. Vitosha Boulevard

Take the direction to the Largo. After being a main boulevard for many years, Vitosha boulevard is again a pedestrian street. Now it is not only a shopping street, but it is full of cafes, bars and restaurants and along the whole day it is busy with visitors- both locals and tourists. You can find not only international brands there, but also some local producers, as well as souvenirs shops. 

Vitosha boulevard and the view to Vitosha mountain 

Do not forget to turn around and take a beautiful picture of the mountain Vitosha which is majestically standing over the city. 

34. Palace of Justice 

At the end of the pedestrian part of Vitosha boulevard, you will see on your left the Palace of Justice. The two standing lions at both sides will clearly show you that you haven’t mistaken the building. 

Palace of Justice

34. St Nedelya Church

The last spot in our list “things to see in Sofia” is the church which stands at the end of Vitosha boulevard (the street just surrounds the church). St Nedelya is a medieval church that has suffered destruction through the ages and has been reconstructed many times. In the same vein, just like St Sofia Church, this one is a place where a lot of wedding ceremonies happen. If you are lucky, you can spot one. 

I hope that by now you get to know Sofia city center and a bit of its history. The sightseeing part is over, so you can go back and sit in one of the restaurants on Vitosha boulevard. Do not forget that Bulgaria is also popular for its delicious cuisine, so make sure you leave enough time to enjoy it. 

These were my 35 top things to see in Sofia. If you would like to take the most amazing photos for your Instagram feed, read the article of www.travelistagoesto.com Most Instagrammable Places in Sofia.

If you liked this article, do not miss the other blog posts about Bulgaria:

• Sofia: 10 reasons to visit
• Top 10 reasons why Sozopol is a good idea for your holiday 
• 25 Things to Do in Sozopol
• Best Restaurants with Views in Sozopol
• Exciting Dinner Spots around Sozopol
• Top 10 best beach bars around Sozopol