Sofia Holidays

Mountains, monasteries, and more Roman ruins than you can shake a selfie stick at – Sofia’s got it all going on. Bulgaria’s capital is an underrated gem just waiting to be explored.

Highlights

• 🏛️ A history buff’s paradise - Roman ruins, Ottoman mosques, Soviet monuments and Orthodox cathedrals all share the same postcode.

• 🥟 Epic and affordable eats - From sizzling street snacks to top-notch traditional taverns, Sofia’s food scene is big on flavour and light on the wallet.

• 🏔️ Urban meets alpine - The mighty Vitosha Mountain is practically in the city’s backyard – hike it in summer or ski it in winter.

• 🍸 Seriously good nightlife - Stylish cocktail bars, quirky speakeasies and club nights that don’t quit ‘til sunrise. You’ve been warned.

Getting around

City breaks in Sofia are a doddle to navigate – small enough to explore on foot, but big enough to keep you busy. The metro is clean, cheap and surprisingly modern (cheers, EU funding!), and links the airport to the city centre in under 30 minutes. Buses and trams fill in the gaps, but for most visitors, strolling is the best way to soak up the city’s blend of ancient ruins, stately boulevards and leafy parks. Taxi apps like Bolt and Uber make hopping across town a breeze – just avoid flagging down taxis on the street unless you fancy a surprise fare.

Things to do for families in Sofia

Sofia might not scream “family destination” at first glance, but give it a day and you’ll be proven wrong. The parks alone are a parent’s dream – huge green spaces with playgrounds, fountains, and plenty of ice cream vendors. Borisova Gradina is the biggest and best, perfect for letting little legs run wild.

History comes to life at the National Museum of History, which has kid-friendly exhibits and a cable car up Vitosha just nearby. Animal lovers should make a beeline for Sofia Zoo – it’s the oldest in the Balkans, and entry costs less than a loaf of bread. If the weather turns, indoor fun awaits at places like Muzeiko, an interactive science and discovery centre made just for kids.

And when bellies start rumbling? Local favourites like mekitsa (fried dough!) and cheesy shopska salad are always a hit. Family-friendly, wallet-friendly, stress-friendly – you get the idea.

Things to do for couples in Sofia

Looking for a romantic city break that’s more moody cobbles than mega crowds? Sofia delivers. Start your day with coffee in a sun-drenched courtyard café – The Apartment is a cosy choice with cake, cushions and candlelight to boot. Then wander hand-in-hand through the city’s eclectic architecture – think glittering golden domes at Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Roman ruins under your feet at Serdica Station, and the fairy-tale charm of Boyana Church, tucked into a forested hillside.

If you're up for a bit of adventure, a hike up Vitosha Mountain rewards you with panoramic views (and brownie points). Or keep things low-key with a soak at a mineral spa – Sofia’s natural springs have been soothing muscles since Roman times.

When night falls, it’s all about candlelit dinners and rooftop drinks. Raketa Rakia Bar mixes retro vibes with traditional cuisine, and Sense Hotel’s sky bar serves up cocktails with a side of city skyline. Who needs Paris, eh?

Things to do for groups in Sofia

Travelling with mates? Sofia is an absolute belter for group trips – whether you’re chasing cheap eats, top nights out or just a bit of bonding time, you’ll be spoiled for choice. Start the day strong with a free walking tour – the guides are funny, full of facts, and it’s a great way to get your bearings (and some insider tips).

For daytime antics, take your pick from escape rooms, axe throwing, or even a tour of a communist nuclear bunker – seriously. Or grab a Bolt and head to Vitosha Mountain for hiking, picnicking or skiing, depending on the season. Winter trips especially are a win – where else can you combine city breaks with slope sessions?

Evenings kick off with dinner at somewhere like Made in Blue, where sharing plates and wine are the name of the game. Then it’s on to bar-hopping in the city centre, from underground speakeasies to techno clubs in converted factories. Whether it’s a birthday bash, stag do, or just a “why not?” weekend, Sofia brings the fun – and it won’t rinse your bank account either.

Things to do for foodies in Sofia

If you’ve never heard of Bulgarian cuisine, you’re in for a treat. Think hearty, herby, and utterly comforting – like your nan’s cooking, but with more paprika. Sofia’s food scene has exploded in recent years, blending traditional dishes with global flair and a side of hipster cool.

Start your day with banitsa – a cheesy pastry spiral that’s best eaten warm from a local bakery. Lunch might be a plate of shopska salad (Bulgaria’s national dish, loaded with tomatoes, cucumber and salty white cheese), washed down with homemade ayran. Or go for a meaty grill feast at a traditional mehana – Bulgarian taverns known for their rustic vibes and generous portions.

Into your wine? Bulgaria’s vineyards are having a moment, and Sofia’s wine bars are more than happy to pour. Try a tasting flight of local reds and rosés at Grape Central, or ask the staff for their favourite mavrud – a bold, full-bodied grape native to the region.

And for dessert? Baklava, kadaif, or the dangerously addictive garash cake – rich, chocolatey and impossible to share. Come hungry. Leave happy. Repeat.