Title: 10 TOP Things to Do in Sofia February 2026 | Expedia.co.uk [Sofia Travel Guide](https://expedia.co.uk/Sofia.dx3235)[Hotels in Sofia](https://expedia.co.uk/Sofia-Hotels.d3235.Travel-Guide-Hotels)[Flights to Sofia](https://expedia.co.uk/Cheap-Flights-To-Sofia.d3235.Travel-Guide-Flights)[Sofia Car Hire](https://expedia.co.uk/Compare-Cheap-Car-Hire-In-Sofia.d3235.Car-Hire-Guide)[Sofia Holidays](https://expedia.co.uk/Sofia.d3235.Holidays-City-Breaks) # What to do in Sofia ## Activities, attractions and tours ## Visit Sofia Types of activities Where to stay [Sofia travel guide](https://expedia.co.uk/Sofia.dx3235) ![Ivan Vazov National Theatre which includes heritage architecture](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6097820/e84c7119-8c1f-4bb6-91b5-7cb881e80956.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Ivan Vazov National Theatre which includes heritage architecture](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6097820/e84c7119-8c1f-4bb6-91b5-7cb881e80956.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Borisova Gradina showing cycling, a garden and forests](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6097818/6114f5da-65d2-4c11-8740-6ac4d2ca0874.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Saint Nedelya Church featuring a sunset and heritage architecture](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6097812/927eb8ae-ea85-4b42-a206-f68cc1066275.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Prince Alexander of Battenberg Square featuring a garden and a sunset](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6097850/562b7b2a-d2cc-4166-83e6-1990fa439f5c.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ## Sofia Attractions Nestled at the base of the snow-capped Vitosha Mountain, the Bulgarian capital has a delightfully relaxed atmosphere, with a flourishing cafe culture, an easily walkable downtown, and a concentration of some of Bulgaria’s best museums and art galleries. **Sofia** balances its ancient and modern history with seeming ease, office blocks and busy shopping centres blend in unobtrusively amongst robust Soviet buildings, orthodox churches, Roman ruins and the golden domes of the Alexander Nevski cathedral. ### Areas & Neighbourhoods in Sofia **City Centre** \- This is where most restaurants, bars and shops are located, as well as many of the cultural attractions. **Oborishte** \- Sofia’s foodie district is a swinging locale scattered with dozens of excellent restaurants and bars. It’s close enough to the principal sights, such as the cathedral, to make it an excellent choice for lunch or dinner. **Studentski Grad** \- Several miles out of the city centre there is a hectic nightlife scene thanks to the nearby university. With countless bars, clubs and fast food joints, if you’re here to party, this is the heart of the action. **Vitosha** \- Fancy getting out of town for a while, but don’t have a great deal of time? The mountain on the outskirts is easily reached, making it ideal for a day trip. Ski in the winter, hike in the summer, but enjoy the stunning views of the city all year-round. ### Things to See in Sofia The Museum of Sofia is a beautifully-rendered building - ormerly the city’s main mineral baths - that displays a number of permanent and temporary exhibitions dedicated to city history and culture. The Alexander Nevsky cathedral, dedicated to the saint and military hero considered one of the great heroes of Russian history, is a prestigious Sofia landmark, with a golden dome that flashes in the sunlight and interiors trimmed with Italian marble and oryx. ### Things to Do in Sofia If you’re unfamiliar with the city and its environs then without question the best way to get around is with a guided small group tour of Sofia. Walk local neighbourhoods to sample some rather delicious traditional foodstuffs, while at the same time visiting the principal cultural attractions. Out of town you can explore the ancient Rila monastery and sand pyramids of Melnik. There’s also the option of heading east to Plovdiv, where you’ll see a Roman theatre dating back to the 2nd century among a number of other notable archaeological sites. --- - ![find price illustration](https://a.travel-assets.com/travel-assets-manager/pictogram-bex/light__find_price.svg) ### Explore activities Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer. - ![calendar shield illustration](https://a.travel-assets.com/travel-assets-manager/pictogram-bex/light__calendar_shield.svg) ### Book with ease Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities. - ![trophy illustration](https://a.travel-assets.com/travel-assets-manager/pictogram-bex/light__trophy.svg) ### Treat yourself One Key members save % or more on select activities, hotels, cars and holiday rentals. [Learn about One Key](https://www.expedia.co.uk/welcome-one-key) --- ## Top places to visit ### 1\. Alexander Nevski Cathedral The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is one of Sofia’s most emblematic buildings; a Russian Orthodox cathedral of incomparable architectural splendor and captivating religious art. Admire its Neo-Byzantine façade, opulent décor, mosaics and murals. Built in the early 1900s, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral honors the 200,000 soldiers who lost their lives in the Russo-Turkish War, fighting for the liberation of Bulgaria from Ottoman rule in 1878\. [Learn more ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Alexander-Nevski-Cathedral-Sofia-City-Center.d6097802.Attraction) ![Alexander Nevski Cathedral showing heritage architecture and night scenes](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6097802/dfc72c32-1f0e-4a85-8ef4-884068b724da.jpg) ### 2\. National Palace of Culture The National Palace of Culture is one of Sofia’s most recognizable landmarks and an excellent cultural and entertainment center. Here, you can admire modern fortress-like architecture, visit art exhibitions and enjoy live music events. The National Palace of Culture opened in 1981 to commemorate the 1,300th anniversary of the Bulgarian state. [Learn more ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/National-Palace-Of-Culture-Sofia-City-Center.d6097814.Attraction) ![National Palace of Culture which includes modern architecture](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6097814/8521df70-865e-48cf-99b4-41da741b72ff.jpg) ### 3\. Bulgarian Parliament Visit the Bulgarian Parliament to experience the life of Bulgaria’s National Assembly. Marvel at the impressive 19th-century architecture and then get a glimpse of parliamentary activities during a sitting. The Bulgarian Parliament dates back to 1884, when it was constructed by a builder from the German state of Saxony. [Learn more ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Bulgarian-Parliament-Sofia-City-Center.d6097806.Attraction) ![Bulgarian Parliament showing heritage architecture](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6097806/6326a608-6a6c-460d-ae25-9f9e192f2da2.jpg) ### 4\. Vitoshka Boulevard The broad street of Vitosha Boulevard is Sofia’s main thoroughfare for shopping and dining in the city, stretching from St. Nedelya Square to South Park. Walk down the partly pedestrianized strip to see café awnings jutting out from heritage buildings and splashes of color in the potted plants that line the avenue. Refresh your wardrobe with high-end label names or check out some of the side streets and shopping malls that branch out from the boulevard. Visit some of the street’s notable buildings and palaces. Take a seat in a restaurant with tables spilling out into the street and people-watch or gaze at the views of Mount Vitosha, which soars above the southern end of the street. [Learn more ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Vitoshka-Boulevard-Rajon-Triaditsa.d6170818.Attraction) ![Vitoshka Boulevard which includes street scenes and outdoor eating](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6170818/b886d1ed-c601-49c4-844d-aeeaaf278202.jpg) ### 5\. Ivan Vazov National Theatre Visit the magnificent Ivan Vazov National Theatre to admire opulent early-20th-century architecture and attend opera, ballet and theater performances. Enjoy people-watching from the terrace of nearby cafés or relax in the peaceful Gradska Gradina (City Garden). The Ivan Vazov National Theatre has three stages, with a combined capacity of over 1,000, and welcomes some of Bulgaria’s most revered theatrical performers. [Learn more ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Ivan-Vazov-National-Theatre-Sofia-City-Center.d6097820.Attraction) ![Ivan Vazov National Theatre which includes heritage architecture](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6097820/e84c7119-8c1f-4bb6-91b5-7cb881e80956.jpg) ## Recommended things to do in Sofia | Number of things to do | 187 | | ------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | | Cheapest thing to do on Expedia | [eSIM: Airalo Europe Package](/things-to-do/esim-airalo-europe-package-united-kingdom.a46752190.activity-details): £4 | | Top 5 things to do | [Sofia: Guided Tasting of Local Wines and Cheeses](/things-to-do/sofia-guided-tasting-of-local-wines-and-cheeses.a48237794.activity-details)[Sofia's Hidden Bars: 4-Hour Pub Crawl](/things-to-do/sofias-hidden-bars-4-hour-pub-crawl.a4592319.activity-details)[Rakia Museum Entrance Ticket](/things-to-do/rakia-museum.a48376037.activity-details)[Sofia: Discover Bulgaria with Dance](/things-to-do/sofia-discover-bulgaria-with-dance.a48224234.activity-details)[Photos with traditional costumes in Sofia](/things-to-do/photos-with-traditional-costumes-in-sofia.a47755487.activity-details) | | Half-day tours | [Sofia: Guided Tasting of Local Wines and Cheeses](/things-to-do/sofia-guided-tasting-of-local-wines-and-cheeses.a48237794.activity-details)[Sofia: Discover Bulgaria with Dance](/things-to-do/sofia-discover-bulgaria-with-dance.a48224234.activity-details)[Sofia: Communist Walking Tour](/things-to-do/sofia-communist-walking-tour.a4574033.activity-details)[Sofia: Guided Street Art & Stunning Graffiti Walking Tour](/things-to-do/sofia-guided-street-art-stunning-graffiti-walking-tour.a44515023.activity-details)[Wine and Tapas Boutique Bulgarian Wine Tasting](/things-to-do/wine-and-tapas-boutique-bulgarian-wine-tasting.a49042265.activity-details) | | With kids | [Sofia: Communist Walking Tour](/things-to-do/sofia-communist-walking-tour.a4574033.activity-details)[From Sofia: Full-Day Tour to Plovdiv and Asen's Fortress](/things-to-do/from-sofia-full-day-tour-to-plovdiv-and-asens-fortress.a4532404.activity-details)[Sofia Small Group City Tour](/things-to-do/sofia-small-group-city-tour.a49902388.activity-details)[Sofia Highlights 2 Hour Sightseeing Walking Tour](/things-to-do/sofia-highlights-2-hour-sightseeing-walking-tour.a49809731.activity-details)[Private Communist Sofia Walking Tour](/things-to-do/private-communist-sofia-walking-tour.a1201909.activity-details) | ## What to do in Sofia --- ### Popular places to visit ![Alexander Nevski Cathedral showing heritage architecture and night scenes](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6097802/dfc72c32-1f0e-4a85-8ef4-884068b724da.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Alexander Nevski Cathedral 4.5/5(71 reviews) Gaze in awe at this magnificent cathedral and step inside to see a fascinating collection of mosaics, murals and religious icons. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Alexander-Nevski-Cathedral-Sofia-City-Center.d6097802.Attraction) ![National Palace of Culture](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6097814/79fd028e-543e-464e-98fa-802532f1ce9a.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### National Palace of Culture 4/5(41 reviews) This impressive castle-like monument is a multipurpose cultural center that hosts art exhibitions, a film festival and concerts by well-known performers. [](https://expedia.co.uk/National-Palace-Of-Culture-Sofia-City-Center.d6097814.Attraction) ![Public mineral baths building, Sofia, Bulgaria](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6097840/1d9957f6-5bdd-4ba8-949f-2b22dcfc1384.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Sofia Central Mineral Baths 4/5(15 reviews) You can find out about the history of Sofia with a trip to Sofia Central Mineral Baths. While in this culturally rich area, find time to visit its shops. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Sofia-Central-Mineral-Baths-Sofia-City-Center.d6097840.Attraction) ![People walk along the evening busy Vitosha Boulevard in the city of Sofia, Bulgaria](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248634430734196/9d8a32d3-d082-4304-8bb6-360287b344d9.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Vitosha Blvd 4.5/5(6 reviews) During your visit to Sofia, you can find the perfect gifts to bring home at Vitosha Blvd. You can enjoy the restaurants while in the area. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Vitosha-Blvd-Sofia.d553248634430734196.Attraction) ![Bulgarian Parliament which includes night scenes and an administrative buidling](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6097806/5366e939-67df-477a-becc-8a5d324a0a70.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Bulgarian Parliament 4/5(24 reviews) Admire the architecture of Bulgaria’s national assembly building and attend a parliamentary session at this elegant government building in Sofia’s city center. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Bulgarian-Parliament-Sofia-City-Center.d6097806.Attraction) ![Vitoshka Boulevard showing markets, outdoor eating and street scenes](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6170818/097daa80-9333-426c-b6ba-6ceb2e98b149.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Vitoshka Boulevard Stroll along the spacious main shopping street of Sofia and enjoy the mix of heritage façades, renowned retailers, leafy trees and lively cafés. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Vitoshka-Boulevard-Rajon-Triaditsa.d6170818.Attraction) ![Ivan Vazov National Theatre which includes heritage architecture](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6097820/e84c7119-8c1f-4bb6-91b5-7cb881e80956.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Ivan Vazov National Theatre 4/5(18 reviews) Sofia’s largest theater combines a fascinating array of art and architecture with a busy schedule of performances by some of Bulgaria’s finest actors. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Ivan-Vazov-National-Theatre-Sofia-City-Center.d6097820.Attraction) ![Caption--- - Snow on Vitosha Mountain, Bulgaria](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6097834/b5c394b7-71d9-47d9-b481-6ad888345c44.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Mount Vitosha 4.5/5(22 reviews) Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Mount Vitosha during your travels in Sofia. While in this culturally rich area, find time to visit its spas. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Mount-Vitosha-Vitosha-District.d6097834.Attraction) ![Sofia University showing heritage architecture](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6097824/a9bac4b3-8080-4f31-9161-ae7c3393c24d.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Sofia University 4/5(18 reviews) Enjoy the student vibe when you visit Sofia University during your travels in Sofia. Discover the museums and cathedral in this culturally rich area. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Sofia-University-Sofia-City-Center.d6097824.Attraction) ### Explore areas of Sofia ![Sofia which includes a house and heritage architecture](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/3000660880/eede7a96-7135-4b83-85ed-a07a7656d54b.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Sofia City Center 4/5(180 area reviews) Noted for its museums and historical sites, there's plenty to explore in Sofia City Center. Top attractions like Slaveykov Square and Ivan Vazov National Theatre are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at Serdika Station or Lavov Most Station to see more of the city. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Sofia-Sofia-City-Center.dx3000660880) ![Boyana Church Bulgaria](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/3000660879/041328fe-14b8-454e-ac8d-72d691b9aa5e.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Lozenets 3.5/5(14 area reviews) Unique features of Lozenets include the spas and bars. Make a stop by Borisova Gradina Park or Sofia Zoo while you're exploring the area. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Sofia-Lozenets.dx3000660879) ![Default Image](https://images.trvl-media.com/media/content/expus/graphics/deals/TE_Clouds_card_r1.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Mladost 4/5(7 area reviews) If you're spending time in Mladost, check out sights like Borisova Gradina Park or Inter Expo and Congress Center and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Mladost 1 or Business Park Station. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Sofia-Mladost.dx553248635974587104) ![Saint Alexander Nevski Cathedral, Sofia, Bulgaria](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248635976006865/f67ef99f-5c13-46fe-be60-9ff78e5928fd.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Sredets District If you're spending some time in Sredets District, Borisova Gradina Park and Monument to the Liberating Tsar are top sights worth seeing. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Sofia-Sredets-District.dx553248635976006865) ![Amazing aerial panorama from a drone of city Sofia with stormy clouds, Bulgaria](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248635939577099/ed0f68fa-f911-44cd-8eaf-7f5d54170112.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Vitosha District 4/5(4 area reviews) Vitosha District is noteworthy for its spas, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Mount Vitosha and Boyana Church. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Sofia-Vitosha-District.dx553248635939577099) ![One of the many churches in Sofia](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6050209/5d43fa82-11aa-46f1-bafd-ab1277d8afad.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Rajon Triaditsa 3.5/5(6 area reviews) While visiting Rajon Triaditsa, you might make a stop by sights like Vitosha Blvd and National Palace of Culture. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Sofia-Rajon-Triaditsa.dx553248635976007013) --- Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check [things to do near me](https://www.expedia.co.uk/things-to-do-near-me) to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be. --- ## Day trip destinations from Sofia ![Walking on the southern slopes of Vitosha with just the smallest remains of the river after a dry summer,with the trees showing the start of the Autumn colours on the mountain.](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/3000043484/14d7633b-f56f-4884-9245-794f6a815651.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Samokov ![🇧🇬](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6140919/3ca78157-e69f-4e82-a024-14bb31e54468.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Ihtiman ![View from the highest peak in Vitosha- Cherni vrah.](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6050209/186327ff-a7c2-4c1f-9fca-6f30dbee3e55.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Pernik ![Ecopath Under the stone.Recommended by me!](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/3000481096/eebfd5b6-672a-48e3-ae32-df845bbba6bd.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Svoge ## Frequently asked questions ### Is Sofia worth visiting? ### How do I spend a day in Sofia? ### What is the top tourist attraction in Sofia? ### Is three days enough to stay in Sofia? ### Is Sofia a walkable city? ### What are some activities to do in Sofia with kids? > - [Sofia: Communist Walking Tour](https://expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/sofia-communist-walking-tour.a4574033.activity-details) > - [From Sofia: Full-Day Tour to Plovdiv and Asen's Fortress](https://expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/from-sofia-full-day-tour-to-plovdiv-and-asens-fortress.a4532404.activity-details) > - [Sofia Small Group City Tour](https://expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/sofia-small-group-city-tour.a49902388.activity-details) > - [Sofia Highlights 2 Hour Sightseeing Walking Tour](https://expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/sofia-highlights-2-hour-sightseeing-walking-tour.a49809731.activity-details) > - [Private Communist Sofia Walking Tour](https://expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/private-communist-sofia-walking-tour.a1201909.activity-details) ### What to do in Sofia for adults? ### Are there free things to do in Sofia? ## Explore a world of travel with Expedia - Accommodation - [Gay-Friendly Hotels in Sofia-city ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Destinations-In-Sofia-City-Gay-Friendly-Hotel.0-0-d553248635975176955-tGayFriendlyHotel.Hotel-Filter-Destinations) - [Sofia-City Hotels ](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Destinations-In-Sofia-City.d553248635975176955.Hotel-Destinations) ![](https://a.travel-assets.com/mad-service/footer/bnaBanners/BEX_Footer.jpg) ## Go further with the Expedia app Save on select hotels when you book in the app. Our app deals help you to save on trips so you can travel more and manage it all on the go. 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