Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, is a vibrant city with a rich history and culture. From exploring its many museums and historical sites to enjoying the local cuisine and wine, there are plenty of best things to do in Sofia. And with its convenient location in the Balkans, Sofia is also a great base for exploring other nearby countries like Romania, Greece, and Turkey. So whether you’re looking for an action-packed vacation or a relaxing getaway, make sure to add Sofia to your list of must-visit destinations.
What Are The Most Popular Tourist Attractions in Sofia, Bulgaria?
If you are in Sofia, but don’t visit these places, then your Sofia tour will be incomplete. Check out these best Sofia Bulgaria tourist attractions. Among these 11 destinations, Sofia’s top 10 attractions are given below.
- Â Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
- Vitosha Mountain
- National Palace of Culture
- Boyana Church
- Sofia Zoo
- Ethnographic Museum
- St. Nedelya Church
- Banya Bashi Mosque
- Church of St George
- Monument to the Soviet Army
- City Center
Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, is a city with a long history and many beautiful sights. The following are the 11 most popular attractions among visitors to Sofia.
- Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
 This magnificent Orthodox cathedral is one of the symbols of Sofia. It was built in Neo-Byzantine style in 1912 and can accommodate up to 5,000 people. The interior of the cathedral is just as impressive as its exterior, with gorgeous mosaics, icons and frescoes adorning the walls and ceilings.
- Vitosha Mountain
Vitosha Mountain is a large forested park that surrounds Sofia. It is a popular spot for hiking, picnicking and simply enjoying the fresh air. In winter, the ski resort of Aleko is a great place to hit the slopes. Mount Vitosha is Sofia’s local mountain, and it’s just a short drive from the city center. Once you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of the city below.
- National Palace of Culture
This massive convention and exhibition centre was built in 1981 with help from the Soviet Union. It is one of the largest buildings in Sofia and has hosted many international events over the years.
- Boyana Church
This UNESCO World Heritage site is a medieval Bulgarian Orthodox church that dates back to the 10th century. It is famous for its well-preserved frescoes, which depict scenes from the Bible, as well as everyday life in Medieval Bulgaria.
- Sofia Zoo
is the largest zoo in Bulgaria and one of the oldest zoos in Eastern Europe. It is located in the capital city of Sofia and was founded in 1888. The zoo covers an area of 16 hectares and is home to over 1,000 animals from more than 120 species.
- Ethnographic Museum
Some of the most popular attractions at Sofia Zoo include the African savannah, the Australian outback, and the rainforest. The zoo also has a botanical garden with over 2,000 plant species.
The Ethnographic Museum in Sofia is one of the largest and most important museums in Bulgaria. It was founded in 1878 and houses over 100,000 exhibits. The museum’s collections include traditional Bulgarian folk costumes, jewelry, weapons, and household items. The museum also has a large library and archives.
- St. Nedelya Church
Situated in the heart of Sofia, St. Nedelya Church is one of the city’s most beloved landmarks. Built in the early 1900s, the church has been a witness to some of the most important moments in Bulgarian history. Today, it remains an active place of worship and a popular tourist destination.
St. Nedelya Church is named after its patron saint, St. Nedelya (also known as St. Paraskeva). A much-revered figure in Orthodox Christianity, St. Nedelya is the patron saint of healing and protection from evil.
- Banya Bashi Mosque
Banya Bashi Mosque is a mosque located in Sofia, Bulgaria. It was built in the 16th century by the architect Sinan, and is one of the few remaining Ottoman-era buildings in the city. The mosque has two minarets and a large central dome, and is decorated with intricate Islamic calligraphy. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Sofia, and is an important site for Muslim prayer and worship.
- Church of St George
The Church of St George is a historical church located in the city of Jerusalem. It is one of the oldest churches in the world, and has been an important site for Christian pilgrims for centuries. The church is built on the spot where Saint George is said to have been martyred, and contains his tomb. The church is a major pilgrimage site for Orthodox Christians, and is one of the holiest sites in Christianity.
- Monument to the Soviet Army
The Monument to the Soviet Army in Sofia is a war memorial dedicated to the memory of the Soviet soldiers who died during World War II. The monument was built in 1954 and is located in the center of Sofia. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city.
The monument consists of a 22-meter granite obelisk on a square platform surrounded by an eternal flame and an honor guard. The obelisk is inscribed with the names of the fallen soldiers.
The monument has become a symbol of Bulgaria’s gratefulness to the Soviet Union for its assistance in liberating the country from Nazi occupation.
- Take a walking tour of the city center
One of the best ways to get to know a city is by taking a walking tour. And in Sofia, there are plenty of options to choose from. Whether you want to explore the city’s Communist past or learn about its traditional culture and customs, there’s a tour for you. There are also several self-guided walking tours available if you prefer to explore at your own pace.
Hope, your search ends here about what to do in Sofia Bulgaria. Above mentioned places are the top attractions of sofia, and you must try those adventurous activities to make your memories memorable.
