Travel around Sofia with Bobby
Day 1 A Walk Through Time – From Ancient Ruins to Grand Cathedrals
As soon as I arrived in Sofia, I dropped my bags at Sense Hotel, a stylish spot near the city center offering sweeping rooftop views of the iconic Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. After a quick coffee, I laced up my shoes and hit the streets. My first stop was Serdika Archaeological Complex, where I wandered through the preserved ruins of Roman-era Sofia, a stark reminder of just how ancient this city is. Just steps away, I found myself in front of the majestic Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, its golden domes shining against the clear blue sky. The interior was just as breathtaking, with its intricately detailed murals and peaceful ambiance.
For lunch, I strolled over to Shtastlivetsa, a local favorite. I ordered a shopska salad, a refreshing mix of cucumbers, tomatoes, and white cheese, paired with banitsa, a traditional pastry. Both were absolutely delicious and a perfect introduction to Bulgarian cuisine.
The afternoon was all about getting lost in Vitosha Boulevard, Sofia’s bustling pedestrian street. I browsed through shops, stopped for an espresso, and soaked in the lively atmosphere. To cap off the day, I headed back to the hotel’s rooftop bar for a glass of Bulgarian wine as the sun set behind the cathedral.
Start your Sofia adventure with a deep dive into its history and iconic spots. The city’s compact size makes it easy to walk around, but wear comfortable shoes—those cobblestone streets can be tricky!
Day 2Vitosha’s Nature and Sofia’s Hidden Gems
The second day was all about escaping the city—well, sort of. After a hearty breakfast at Bistro Lubimoto, a cozy café near the hotel, I caught a quick bus ride to Vitosha Mountain. The mountain is so close to the city that you can easily spend the morning hiking and still be back for lunch. I hiked a scenic trail up to Boyana Waterfall, where I spent some time just breathing in the fresh mountain air and soaking in the views of Sofia below.
By midday, I was back in the city and ready for more sightseeing. I visited the Boyana Church, a UNESCO World Heritage site with stunning medieval frescoes that took me back in time. The history here is layered and fascinating, and the small, peaceful church was the perfect contrast to the energy of the city center.
For dinner, I opted for something a little more modern and went to Made in Home, a quirky restaurant known for its fusion dishes and cozy vibe. I tried the Bulgarian moussaka, which was a flavorful twist on a classic.
At Made in Home, I enjoyed a creative take on traditional Bulgarian dishes with a modern twist. The Bulgarian moussaka was flavorful, and the cozy ambiance made the meal even better. The price was a bit high for the portions, though.
Food
After a day of hiking, returning to Sense Hotel was perfect. The comfortable bed and quiet atmosphere helped me recharge. The hotel staff was friendly, and they made great suggestions for local spots to visit.
Accomodation
Hiking on Vitosha Mountain and visiting Boyana Church was the highlight of the day. The nature and the history were perfectly balanced, and the views from the mountain were incredible.
Activity
A day trip to Vitosha is a must if you enjoy nature and hiking. The public transportation system is reliable and makes it easy to get around without a car.
Day 3Art, Culture, and a Taste of Sofia’s Nightlife
My third day began with a leisurely breakfast at Café 1920, where I fueled up on a rich coffee and mekitsi, a Bulgarian fried dough treat. With my energy up, I headed over to National Art Gallery. The gallery, housed in the former royal palace, is a treasure trove of Bulgarian art, from medieval religious icons to contemporary pieces. It was the perfect way to spend a slow morning, absorbing the cultural side of Sofia.
Next, I wandered over to Borisova Garden, Sofia’s largest park, for a peaceful afternoon. I rented a bike and spent some time cycling through the leafy paths, taking in the natural beauty of this urban oasis.
For dinner, I couldn’t resist trying Hadjidraganov’s Houses, a traditional Bulgarian restaurant. I indulged in kavarma, a rich meat stew, and soaked up the warm, rustic atmosphere of the place. After dinner, it was time to experience Sofia’s nightlife! I started with cocktails at One More Bar, a stylish, laid-back spot in the city center, and later danced the night away at Sofia Live Club, where live music brought the crowd to life.
Dinner at Hadjidraganov's Houses was a truly authentic experience. The kavarma was rich and hearty, and the rustic interior of the restaurant added to the charm. A bit touristy, but the food quality was excellent.
Food
Sense Hotel’s rooftop bar was a great spot to unwind after a day of exploring. The room remained comfortable, and the amenities were top-notch, but I wished the breakfast had a bit more variety.
Accomodation
I spent most of the day at the National Art Gallery and cycling through Borisova Garden. The art collection was impressive, and the park was a peaceful break from the city’s hustle and bustle.
Activity
Sofia’s cultural spots offer a lot of variety, and you can easily switch between modern art and ancient history. The nightlife here is energetic, so don’t miss out on trying a local club or live music venue!
Day 4A Last Taste of Sofia’s Flavors and Final Exploration
On my last day in Sofia, I wanted to squeeze in as much as possible before heading out. I started my morning with a visit to Zhenski Pazar Market, the Women’s Market. Here, you can find everything from fresh produce to local handicrafts. I grabbed some Bulgarian honey and rose oil, perfect for bringing a little bit of Sofia home with me.
Next, I headed to Sofia Synagogue, one of the largest in Europe, with its beautiful Moorish-inspired architecture. The grandeur of the building and the peaceful interior offered a reflective moment in my busy day.
For lunch, I couldn’t leave Sofia without trying Sasa Asian Pub, a trendy spot blending Asian flavors with Bulgarian ingredients. The fusion dishes were a fun twist and surprisingly delicious—perfect for my last meal in the city.
I ended my trip with a quiet afternoon visit to Sveti Sedmochislenitsi Church, a hidden gem that offers a peaceful escape from the more tourist-heavy spots. The tranquility of the church and the surrounding garden made for a relaxing end to my time in Sofia.
Lunch at Sasa Asian Pub was a fun experience, mixing Bulgarian ingredients with Asian flavors. It was a bit unconventional for my last day, but the food was delicious and light, perfect before heading to the airport.
Food
Although I didn’t stay long in my hotel room on the last day, it was a cozy spot to relax before leaving Sofia. I appreciated the late check-out option and helpful staff.
Accomodation
My final day was spent exploring Zhenski Pazar Market and visiting the Sofia Synagogue. It was a great way to end the trip, seeing more of Sofia's cultural and architectural diversity.
Activity
Don’t leave Sofia without visiting its markets and trying a fusion restaurant. The blend of old and new is what makes this city so unique!
Summary of My Trip
Through Bobby's eyes
My experiences
Sofia is a city that offers a unique blend of history, nature, and modern charm, making it an intriguing destination for travelers. From ancient Roman ruins to lively contemporary neighborhoods, the city caters to a variety of interests. Its affordability, welcoming locals, and close proximity to natural wonders like Vitosha Mountain make it a standout destination in Europe.
I had my first meal at Shtastlivetsa, a local restaurant known for traditional Bulgarian cuisine. The shopska salad was fresh, and the banitsa was a perfect introduction to Bulgarian flavors. The food was delicious, but the service was a bit slow.
Food
I stayed at Sense Hotel, a boutique hotel with a modern vibe and a fantastic rooftop bar offering views of the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. The room was clean and comfortable, and the central location made it easy to explore the city on foot.
Accomodation
My day was packed with visits to Serdika Archaeological Complex and Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. The contrast between the ancient Roman ruins and the grandeur of the cathedral made for a fascinating historical journey.
Activity