Sofia caught me off guard. I arrived expecting another quiet European capital, but instead found a place where Roman ruins sit beside coffee shops, and mountains hover so close you can almost touch them.
Day 1 – Getting to Know Sofia
My first stop was the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, its golden domes shining under the morning light. Inside, the smell of incense and the quiet hum of prayers made everything slow down. Just a few steps away, the St. Sophia Church felt humbler but more personal — like standing inside a piece of the city’s memory.
I wandered down to Serdika, where ancient ruins lie right beneath the modern streets. Watching people rush to catch the metro next to 2,000-year-old stones made me realize how casually Sofia wears its history. I grabbed a coffee nearby, sat outside, and watched the city breathe.
Day 2 – Green Escapes and Mountain Air
The next morning, I joined locals strolling through Borisova Gradina. It’s peaceful and green, full of runners, kids, and old men playing chess. Not far away, Vitosha Mountain called for a quick escape — just 30 minutes from the city center. The air was crisp, and the view of Sofia spread out below was incredible.
That evening, I ended up in the Lozenets district, a quieter part of Sofia filled with tree-shaded streets and small wine bars. I found a local spot where the waiter insisted I try kavarma, a traditional stew served sizzling in a clay pot. The food was rich and comforting, and the mix of languages around me — Bulgarian, English, bits of Italian — made the whole place feel effortlessly international yet local at the same time. On my walk back, the streets glowed softly under yellow lights, and the city felt both calm and alive.
Day 3 – History in Everyday Life
The next morning, I spent a few quiet hours exploring Boyana Church, a small UNESCO site at the edge of the city. Its medieval frescoes felt almost alive, painted centuries before the Renaissance began elsewhere in Europe. From there, I headed back toward the center and stopped by the Central Mineral Baths, now home to the city’s history museum. Outside, locals queued with plastic bottles, collecting the same warm spring water that’s been flowing here for generations — living proof that in Sofia, the past isn’t something you visit, it’s something you share.
Before leaving, I wandered through Sofia’s central streets, letting the city wake around me. Markets were setting up, café owners arranged tables on the sidewalks, and locals moved with a quiet, purposeful energy. I stopped at a small fountain in a tucked-away square, watching children play and neighbors greet each other. In that simple morning scene, Sofia revealed itself: a city where history isn’t a display, but woven seamlessly into daily life, steady, approachable, and quietly captivating.
Travel Tips for Sofia
- Cafés and Local Eats: Try Memento Café for great coffee and pastries, or Made in Home for local Bulgarian dishes in a cozy setting. Don’t miss shopska salad, banitsa, or kavarma.
- Getting Around: Sofia is very walkable, especially in the city center. The metro is clean and efficient, and taxis are affordable — just make sure to choose official ones.
- Markets: Zhenski Pazar (Women’s Market) is perfect for fresh produce, spices, and local crafts. Early morning is best for the full experience.
- Day Trips: If you have extra time, a short trip to Vitosha Mountain or Rila Monastery gives a breath of fresh air and a touch of Bulgaria’s natural beauty.
- Timing: Early mornings are ideal for quieter streets and better light for photography, while evenings are great for strolling and enjoying the city’s cafés and bars.
