9 + Exciting Off the Beaten Track Things to Do in Sofia

Sofia is the small, yet charming, capital city of Bulgaria. She does not have the same touristic pull as cities like Paris or Rome, but don’t let that put you off! With a long and captivating history, interesting food and welcoming locals, Sofia is a place worth learning about and discovering for yourself. We have put together a few ideas for some off the beaten track things to do in Sofia.

Since we’re into history, and this is a historic city, we have ordered our “off the beaten track things to do in Sofia” suggestions in a rough chronological order. Here’s a super brief timeline of the history of this ancient city.

 

So let’s start from the beginning.

Off the Beaten Track Things to Do in Sofia

Bulgaria’s capital city is super cool. There are so many unusual things to explore. Here are some of the best off the beaten track things to do in Sofia.

The Ancient City Below Santa Sofia

Below the Church of Santa Sofia lies the remains of the old city. Here you will find beautifully well-preserved mosaics and paintings that date back to the 4^th century. The remains of the ancient buildings and tombs now make up a great museum that you can visit. Admission to the Necropolis Museum is about €3 for adults €1 for concessions and it is open from 9 – 5. This really is one of the most fascinating things to do in Sofia.

If you are using the metro during your stay in Sofia, make sure you stop at Serdika II. At this station, you can catch a glimpse of the Roman city of Serdika that was uncovered when constructing the metro.

Drink the Mineral Water from the Thermal Spring Fountains

The ancient settlers of Sofia knew the importance of the location and of the mineral water supply underground. The water from the central mineral spring in Sofia reaches the ground at around 33 °C and was used in the Public Mineral Baths – now the history museum. Several health benefits are thought to be gained from drinking and bathing in this water. There are still taps around the city where you can take a drink.

Banya Bashi Mosque

Built in the late 1500s, during the Ottoman rule, this is the only functioning Mosque left in Sofia. It is a beautiful example of Ottoman architecture and is built over one of the city’s natural, thermal spas. It is possible to look inside when it is not prayer time. Prayer times are 13.30; 15.30; 20.45.

Church of St Nicholas the Miracle-Maker

This beautiful Russian Orthodox Church is not to be missed. The church was completed in 1914 and was built on the site of a demolished mosque. Saint Archbishop Seraphim is buried beneath the floor of the church. People often visit his grave and ask for their wishes to be granted. So stop by, admire the beautiful architecture and make a wish.

Things to Do in Sofia – Visit the Water Tower

This is one of the more off the beaten track things to do in Sofia. This structure was built in the late 1920s and can be found in the Lozenets Quarter in the south of Sofia. This is an unusual structure that isn’t really what comes to mind when you think of a water tower. It is now used as one of Sofia’s newest contemporary art galleries which hosts annual exhibitions including the Water Tower Art Fest.

National Palace of Culture

This is a great example of Soviet era architecture. If you like giant, brutalist structures, this is for you. Built by the Communists in 1981, it was opened to celebrate Bulgaria’s 1,300 year anniversary. The NDK is currently used as a conference center and it is really worth a visit and a stroll around the grounds, just to appreciate its size and design. The NKD Metro station is also fun to check out.

Borisova Gradina TV Tower – Things to Do in Sofia

Also known as the Old TV Tower, it was used to transmit the first Bulgarian National Television broadcasts in 1959. The newer TV tower now sits on Vitosha Mountain. This is a fun site to visit if you like urban, communist structures and it’s good for taking pictures.

Snail House

This is really one of the most unusual things to do in Sofia! On the outskirts of the city lies a curious little house formed in the shape of a very colourful snail. The building has no corners, edges or straight lines and is painted in bright, rainbow colours. The building is constructed from eco-friendly materials and is meant to symbolise the preservation of the planet and all its creatures. This quirky structure is located on Boulevard Simeonovsko Shose. It’s a bit out of the way but it’s a fun place to visit. You can take the M2 Metro then the 98 bus, or hop in a taxi. Just make sure to agree on a price before you get in a cab.

Things to Do in Sofia + Mount Vitosha, Boyana Lake and Boyana Waterfall

Mount Vitosha is a mountain massif and the tallest peak sits at 2290m high, the highest in the Sofia area. It is popular with locals for hiking in the summer as many bid to escape the sweltering heat of the city. Skiing is a common pursuit in the winter.

There is a National Park around the mountain area so car parking is easy and accessible. You can also reach the park by public transport which mostly includes a bus then a chair lift. However, the details vary tremendously depending on what trail you choose and where you start in Sofia. Bus #64 takes you to the Boyana Church which is where we started. Boyana church dates back to the 9th and 10th century and has beautiful frescoes inside.

Boyana Waterfall and Boyana Lake are also located in the National Park. Check out our blog HIKING BEAUTIFUL MOUNT VITOSHA for more details.

Some Practical Tips for Your Trip

Along with providing some amazing things to do in Sofia, we have also added in some practical tips for your trip! Sofia is an incredible city with so much to offer. Here are a few practical tips for your visit.

The local Currency is Bulgarian LEV. 1 LEV equals about €0.50.

Bulgarian is the official language spoken throughout the country. It is a south Slavic language which is often difficult for English speakers. Here are a few phrases for you to try out.

Hello – Здравейте. (zdrah-VEY-teh)

Please – Моля. (moh-LYAH)

Thank you – Благодаря. (blah-goh-DAH-ryah)

Yes –Да. (dah)

No – Не. (neh)

Goodbye – Довиждане. (doh-VEEZH-dah-neh)

The weather is hot in the summer (above 30°C) and cold in the winter (below -30°C). Spring and autumn temperatures are really pleasant.

The best time to go is probably spring or autumn to avoid the extreme temperatures. Most attractions are open all year round. There aren’t big crowds during the peak tourist seasons but it can get busier with locals during holidays.

There is one airport in Sofia and flights from other European countries are quick and cheap.

More Info

• Sofia tourist info can be found HERE
• Bulgaria tourist info can be found HERE
• FREE HIKING TOUR takes a great route around Vitosha with groups of 2 – 20 people

Where to go next?

Why not take the bus from Sofia to Skopje, North Macedonia? The bus takes under 5 hours (as long as you go via Kriva Palanka) and shouldn’t cost more than €20 for a one way trip.

Final note: Things change often when travelling in the Balkans and there is not much information online. We would definitely advise checking with a local where possible. We found people to be really friendly and super helpful.

Have you visited Sofia or Bulgaria? Are you planning a trip and need more information? Drop a comment in the box, we’d love to hear from you!

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9 + Exciting Off the Beaten Track Things to Do in Sofia