An AWESOME One Day In Sofia, Bulgaria Itinerary

Wondering how to spend one day in Sofia, Bulgaria? Well, you have come to the right place!

Bulgaria’s capital, Sofia, often gets a bad reputation, not because it is unsafe (because it’s actually very safe, which is great for us solo female travellers), but because it often gets labelled as one of the most boring cities in Europe.

After spending the weekend in Sofia, I have to say that I completely disagree. I think Sofia is a beautiful city with lots of history, green open space and some of the best bars and restaurants you could hope to visit on any city break.

Not only that, but Sofia is a very affordable city break for those looking for a quick European weekend escape.

I noticed that many Sofia itineraries recommend visiting nearly every church or other religious building in the city, which isn’t exactly my style. In this 24 hours in Sofia itinerary, you’ll explore just one or two churches whilst enjoying lots more unique experiences.

So, what’s included on this one day in Sofia Itinerary?

Read on below to find out!

A sunlit urban street in Sofia features tram tracks at its center. People are bicycling and walking along the road. Trees line the sidewalks, with a mix of old and modern buildings flanking the scene. The atmosphere is vibrant and casual, capturing just another day in this charming city.

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About this one day in Sofia Itinerary

This itinerary follows the exact route I took during my day in Sofia. I tried to create a strategic loop around the city that doesn’t involve too much zig-zagging back through places you’ve just walked (although full disclosure there is a small bit of that during stops 6 and 12 on this itinerary).

Your itinerary will look like this:

Stop 1 – Cafe 1920
Stop 2 – Explore the KvARTal Old Jewish Quarter
Stop 3 – Cathedral of St. Alexander Nevsky
Stop 4 – National Art Gallery (Optional)
Stop 5 – City Garden & National Theater “Ivan Vazov”
Stop 6 – 369 Bakery
Stop 7 – National Palace of Culture
Stop 8 – Walk Down Vitosha Boulevard
Stop 9 – Time For Lunch
Stop 10 – Visit The Red Flat
Stop 11 – Visit The Monument of Saint Sofia – Patron of City and Ancient Serdika
Stop 12 – Walk down Tsar Shushman
Stop 13 – Dinner and Drinks

Stop 1 – Breakfast at Cafe 1920

Stop 1 on this itinerary is breakfast at Cafe 1920. Cafe 1920 has to be one of the best places for brunch food in Sofia and I loved it so much I went twice during my weekend in Bulgaria. Whether you’re craving savoury or sweet, veggie or vegan there is a dish to suit every palette. I really recommend trying the “Potato Pan” for a warm and hearty breakfast.

On a patterned tablecloth reminiscent of a quaint café, a skillet brims with poached eggs, diced tomatoes, green onions, and herbs over savory potatoes and sauce. It’s the kind of hearty meal you dream of after just one day in Sofia. Slices of toasted bread eagerly await beside it. Dish is the Potato Pan from Cafe 1920 - Sofia, Bulgaria

This cafe is very popular and therefore gets quite busy, so I recommend trying to get there as early as possible so you can get your day started!

?Cafe 1920
⏰8am – 8pm

Stop 2 – Explore the KvARTal Old Jewish Quarter

Just around the corner from Cafe 1920 is the KvARTal Old Jewish Quarter. The Old Jewish Quarter is located between 4 boulevards which include Alexander Dondukov Boulevard, Maria Louisa Boulevard, Slivnitsa Boulevard and “Vasil Levski” Boulevard.

This area is known to have some of Sofia’s best graffiti and street art so take the opportunity to meander through these streets filled with character and charm as you slowly make your way to stop 3.

Stop 3 – Cathedral of St. Alexander Nevsky

The St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral has to be the most iconic monument in Sofia, and rightly so, it is a stunning building that deserves all the recognition it gets. The Cathedral was completed in 1912 after building works initially began in 1882 (better late than never, right?).

The Cathedral was built to honour Russian soldiers who died in the Russian-Turkish war in the 1800s and the Cathedral was named after a Russian Prince from the 13th Century.

I recommend spending some time admiring both inside and outside the cathedral. Not only is the architecture impressive but the paintings within the Cathedral itself are simply remarkable (and don’t forget to look up at the ceilings). Please ensure that you are wearing modest clothing (shoulders and knees covered) when you enter the church.

The Cathedral is free to enter but there is a €5 photography fee. I actually didn’t know about this at the time and only found out after the fact which meant I unknowingly took pictures without paying this fee. Thankfully I didn’t get caught and avoided a telling-off, but I would definitely not have taken this risk If you want to get some pictures.

A person stands in front of a large, ornate building (Cathedral of St. Alexander Nevsky) with multiple domes and arched windows against Sofia's clear blue sky. The structure features intricate architectural details, telling tales of One Day In Sofia, with a cobblestone pavement spreading elegantly in the foreground.

A grand chandelier with numerous candle-like lights hangs from the ornate dome of a church (Cathedral of St. Alexander Nevsky) , casting a soft glow on this serene stop during one day in Sofia. The dimly lit interior highlights intricate designs, stained glass windows, and detailed artwork adorning the walls and ceiling.

Stop 4 – The Palace – National Art Gallery (Optional)

For those of you who are into art, I’ve added a visit to The Palace – National Art Gallery. It is located right next to the St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral.

The Gallery comprises art exhibitions from all over the world including Bulgaria, India, Nigeria and so much more.

Honestly, this wasn’t really my thing and I only went inside to seek solace from the pouring rain. However, if you are an art lover you will definitely enjoy your time here. Tickets cost 6 BGN (€3) and are half-price for students and pensioners.

Stop 5 – City Garden & National Theater “Ivan Vazov”

From the St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral (or the art gallery) you can then take a stroll over to the City Garden where you’ll be able to take a little rest break and enjoy the green open space and the impressive water features.

En route to the City Garden, you should also pass the Church of St. Nicholas the Miraclemaker which is a Russian church. If you are an admirer of unique architecture then this will be worth the visit for you.

Located in the City Garden you can also find the beautiful Ivan Vazov National Theater which is the National Theatre of Bulgaria. The theatre was built in the early 1900s and is easily recognisable with its impressive deep red walls, gold embellishments and tall white columns.

One Day In Sofia reveals a majestic neoclassical building adorned with grand columns and ornate architectural details, gracefully surrounded by trees. Its facade boasts intricate sculptures and Cyrillic text, capturing the essence of Sofia's rich cultural tapestry. City Garden & National Theater "Ivan Vazov"

Stop 6 – 369 Bakery

The next stop on this itinerary involves a little snack break (because you deserve it). Now this stop does require a small detour, however, if you are a lover of sweet treats and pastries, I promise you it is worth it.

A tray of crème brûlée cinnamon rolls at 369 Bakery is artfully displayed in a bustling bakery, each topped with a caramelized glaze. A sign in front reads, "Crème brûlée cinnamon roll," featuring Russian script and highlighting it as a bestseller—a perfect treat for One Day In Sofia.

369 Bakery has some of the best pastries in Sofia (this place was recommended to me by a local, so that’s how you know it’s genuinely good). Here I tried one of the best cinnamon buns I’ve ever eaten because it wasn’t just any cinnamon bun… it was a Crème Brûlée cinnamon bun! They of course do other pastries as well as coffee and other drinks, but 369 is most famous for this special cinnamon bun.

?369 Bakery
⏰9am – 6pm

Stop 7 – National Palace of Culture

While I don’t think you need to go inside the National Palace of Culture I do think it’s worth visiting the grounds. The building is located in a very large garden where you can find an extremely impressive water feature and a lion statue.

If you are into architectural photography you’ll get the opportunity to get some very cool photos here.

Stop 8 – Walk Down Vitosha Boulevard

From the National Palace of Culture, you can then easily make your way down Vitosha Boulevard which is the main shopping street in Sofia.

As you walk down Vitosha you will be able to see the beautiful domed roof of the St Nedelya Church at one end and the stunning mountain range that surrounds the city at the other.

The St Nedelya Church looks great to admire from afar as you walk down Vitosha, but if you want to, you can absolutely go and take a look around as it won’t cause much of a detour.

On a rainy day in Sofia on Vitosha Boulevard , people with umbrellas stroll down a wet, tree-lined street. Shops and lampposts line the sides, while an ornate building capped with a green dome stands under the cloudy sky in the background.

Stop 9 – Time For Lunch

Hopefully, by now all this walking and exploring has worked up an appetite so that you’re ready for lunch.

There are two places I recommend for lunch on this itinerary which also happen to be two of the best places to try traditional Bulgarian Food in Sofia. The first is Shtastlivetsa Restaurant which is located on Vitosha Boulevard or Q-ftetaria which you can find in Slaveykov Square (located just around the corner from Vitosha).

?Shtastlivetsa Restaurant
⏰11:30am – 6pm

?Q-ftetaria
⏰12pm-11pm

Stop 10 – Visit The Red Flat

The Red Flat is one of the most popular museums in Sofia. I really liked this museum because it’s completely different from the traditional style museums you can normally find in most cities.

At The Red Flat, you can expect an interactive and immersive experience that will transport you back to the 1980s during communist Sofia. Here you will witness what an average Bulgarian family lived like during the Cold War.

This museum is super informative and engaging as you’ll listen to an audio description on the way around the flat, and you are also encouraged to touch and interact with all the items and belongings in the flat.

Tickets to the red flat cost 18 BGN (€9) and I recommend booking ahead as this is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Sofia.

In a vintage wooden cabinet from One Day In Sofia, an old radio sits beside a model ship with white sails and small red emblems. A woven wall lamp with a red shade casts a soft glow, setting the scene in a warmly lit, beige room.

A vintage orange rotary telephone rests on a wooden shelf next to a closed book and a yellow magazine, reminiscent of One Day In Sofia. The phone's cord is coiled and draped casually, evoking a nostalgic atmosphere.

Stop 11 – Visit the Archaeological exhibition “Ancient Serdika”

The Ancient Serdika Archaeological Exhibition showcases ancient artefacts that were unearthed from the ancient city of Serdika during Roman times.

En route to the museum, you will pass by the famous monument of Saint Sofia which overlooks the city. The statue is fairly new to the city, only being erected in 2000.

In the same area, you can also find Tsentralna Banya Park which is home to the beautiful old Central Baths building and fountain where the city used to house its famous public mineral baths. These are no longer in use but the building is absolutely beautiful to look at.

Around the corner from here, you will find the Ancient hot springs of Serdika. Here you can fill up your water bottle where the old springs from the Roman times once stood.

Stop 12 – Tsar Shishman

From the Museum and the springs, it’s time to make your way down towards dinner which is located on a road called Tsar Shishman. I actually love this road because it is filled with lots of independent stores and a very quirky bookshop called “Elephant Bookstore”. So I’d recommend spending some time exploring this street before heading for dinner.

Stop 13 – Dinner and Drinks

Your final stop on this day trip in Sofa is dinner at “The Little Things” restaurant and drinks at “5L Speakeasy” which are both located in Tsar Shishman.

The Little Things is a cosy restaurant that feels as though you’re having dinner in someone’s living room. The menu is small and offers international European cuisine. The food here is so delicious and the vibes are immaculate.

5L Speakeasy is a cool and quirky speakeasy bar that is very well-hidden and there is also a small challenge involved to get inside (which I’m not going to reveal because that would just spoil the fun). The cocktails here are amazing and the staff are super friendly and ready to help give you recommendations.

?The Little Things
⏰12pm – 11pm

?5L Speakeasy
⏰5pm-2am

Other Things To Do in Sofia

If you would prefer to explore other options for your 24 hours in Sofia then I have listed some alternative and top-rate activities for you below!

Other Sites To Visit In Sofia

As I mentioned earlier in this post I haven’t included every single Sofia landmark on this itinerary (mainly because a lot of them are religious buildings) however if you would like to see more, here are some of the other places you can visit:

Church of Saint Sofia
St George Rotunda Church
The Presidential Palace
Banya Bashi Mosque
Sofia Synagogue
Former Communist Party Headquarters

Free Walking Tour

Want to learn more about the history of Sofia from a local? Then I recommend this free walking tour. This tour will take you to a lot of the places already recommended in this itinerary but you’ll be able to get lots of information about the history and culture from a local and very knowledgeable guide.

Graffiti walking tour

If you want to go on a walking tour with a difference then this graffiti walking tour will be right up your street. Sofia is very famous for its abundant street and graffiti art, so this is a great opportunity to learn more about the street art culture here.

Graffiti on a wall whimsically captures the scene of a nun in pink bunny slippers, glasses perched on her nose, and a playful expression. Beside her, colorful abstract artwork unfolds vibrantly, reminiscent of One Day In Sofia. A window peeks into this lively tableau from above.

A colorful mural of a woman wearing a blue hat graces a building in an urban setting. It's "One Day In Sofia," with a clear blue sky above. Below, part of a streetcar or tram passes by, capturing the vibrant life of the city.

Wine Tasting

If you’re a lover of wine, then this top-rated wine-tasting experience will be perfect for you. During the experience, you’ll get to try a variety of different Bulgarian wines along with some local cheeses and breads.

Food Tour

You don’t often find the words “Free” and “Food Tour” in the same sentence, but this is exactly what you get on this free foodie tour of Sofia. This is a great chance to explore another side of Sofia’s culture by immersing yourself in the culinary scene here. The tour will take you to 4 different independent and family-owned restaurants in Sofia to enjoy some traditional Bulgarian cuisine. This tour has multiple 5* reviews and also comes highly rated for solo travellers in Sofia.

Sofia Pub Crawl

If you’re a solo traveller looking to meet others who enjoy the drinking and party scene then this Sofia Pub Crawl tour will be a great option for you. This tour will take you to some of the best pubs and bars in Sofia (and not the typical tourist traps).

How To Get To Sofia

Flight

Sofia is a well-connected city, you can easily get here from most main European airports. I always search for cheap flights using Skyscanner. Both Ryanair and Wizz Air fly into Sofia so you should be able to get some good budget deals if you time it right!

To get from the airport to the city centre you can take a direct train to Serdika Station which will cost around €6. However, if you would prefer to take a taxi this should cost you no more than €15-€20. There is no Uber in Sofia but there is an equivalent called TaxiMe.

Bus

Sofia is also well connected by both national and international bus routes. It’s fairly easy to get here from other countries in the Balkans such as Serbia, North Macedonia and Romania.

I recommend checking out both the FlixBus and GetbyBus websites for the best bus route options available.

Please note that if you are travelling by bus you may be charged a small bus station tax so make sure to have some cash on you (normally the bus stations will accept Euro if you don’t have local currency).

Train

There are both national and international train routes to Sofia. You can travel to Sofia by train from places such as Bucharest and even Istanbul. You can check viable routes on the Trainline.com or Omio.

A street scene in Sofia with people walking on a sidewalk lined with trees and buildings. A man in a green jacket walks away, while others stand near the shops. The trees have green leaves, and some walls are covered with graffiti. It's a bright, sunny day, one typical of a vibrant city like Sofia.

How To Get Around Sofia

Sofia is a very walkable city and on this specific itinerary you do not need to take public transport, however, if you would like to explore public transport options you’ll be pleased to know the city is well connected via a metro and tram network.

On both the metro and the trams in Sofia you can use your contactless debit card as a form of payment so you don’t need to worry about purchasing tickets. However, there are also day pass options for those who do not have contactless.

Where To Stay In Sofia

Central Sofia is fairly small, so no matter where you stay in the city you’ll always be close to the top sites.

Hostels

Hostel Mostel – A great social hostel option for those looking to meet other travellers.
Green Cube Hostel – A very clean hostel located close to the central bus station. Best suited for travellers looking to keep themselves to themselves.

Budget Hotels

Hotel Central Club Sofia – A cheap and cheerful, but top-rated hotel option. You can expect some quirky designs here, such as Buddha statues and egg chairs in the rooms but otherwise a great hotel.

Mid-Range Hotels

B1 Downtown Hotel – A bright, modern and centrally located hotel perfect for those with a mid-range budget.

Luxury Hotels

Art’Otel – One of the most beautiful and top-rated hotels in the city with lots of charm and character.

A bustling Vitosha Boulevard in Sofia, lined with shops and cafes. People stroll along the paved walkway, some walking dogs. Trees with lush green leaves flank the scene, and distant mountains are visible under a partly cloudy sky.

Is One Day In Sofia Enough?

I do think one day in Sofia is more than enough to see all of the best sites in the city, and for this specific itinerary I have created I have ensured that you’re not spending your whole day rushing around the city. With that being said, I haven’t included every single Sofia landmark on this itinerary (mainly because a lot of them are religious buildings) so if you would like to see more then I would recommend spending at least 2 days in Sofia.

What Currency Do They Use In Bulgaria?

In Bulgaria they use the Bulgarian Lev, however, some establishments and tour providers will accept the Euro. This is solely at their discretion so I would recommend having local currency on you at all times!

Is Sofia Safe for Solo Female Travellers?

Yes, Sofia felt very safe as a solo female traveller. Not only did I feel safe, but I did not experience any moments of discomfort (like unwanted staring). With that being said, I would make sure to take the usual precautions that you would during all city breaks, such as keeping your valuables hidden and not walking alone in quiet places at night.

Happy Exploring

I hope this itinerary has helped you plan the perfect 24 hours in Sofia, Bulgaria. If you have any more questions please do not hesitate to reach out!