Sofia
Capital of Bulgaria
Sofia is the capital and largest city of Bulgaria. It is situated in the Sofia Valley. Sofia Municipality is identical to Sofia City Province, which is different from Sofia Province.
How to Reach in Sofia
Sofia Airport (IATA Code - SOF) is the main international airport of Bulgaria, located 10 km east of the center of the capital Sofia.
Hotels in Sofia
Book hotel online.
Transportation of Sofia
Public Transport such as buses, trams, trolleybuses and metro is well connected in Sofia. Single ticket cost is 1.60 Lev (US$ 0.87), which allows you to transfer between as many vehicles as needed within 30 minutes. For 60 minutes single trip cost 2 Leva (US$ 1.08). Daily Pass for all public transports – 4 Leva (US$ 2.17). 72 hours pass for all public transports – 20 Leva (US$ 10.84). Monthly Pass - 70 Leva (US$ 37.93). Yearly Pass - 600 Leva (US$ 325.09). Free for below 7 years old.
Tram: 15 lines Tram is well connected in the city.
Metro: There are 4 metro lines - Line-M1 (Red), Line-M2 (Blue), Line-M3 (Green) and Line-M4 (Yellow). Single-trip – 1.60 Lev (US$ 0.87). Card for ten single trips – 12 Leva (US$ 6.50). Monthly Pass for metro only - 42 Leva (US$ 22.76).
There are four night bus lines in Sofia run from midnight to 4 AM. All the lines intersect in Sofia city center at Alexander Battenberg Square. The travel card for the all four night lines costs 2 Leva (US$ 1.08). It can be purchased only from the driver.
Tourist Places in Sofia
I have described 86 Best Places to Visit in Sofia. There are some Top Tourist Attractions in Sofia. Some Sofia Must Visiting Places. I have also described the Best Things to Do in Sofia and the Fun Things to Do in Sofia.
You will get to know the Famous Tourist sights and Attractions of Sofia. So that you can create a travel list of your choice from the Attractions & Sightseeing of Sofia.
You need approximately USD 125 entry fees for visiting all the places listed below. Add food costs, transportation costs and hotel fares according to your preferences and you can find the total cost of your trip.
Day-1:
Lions' Bridge
Bridge
Lions' Bridge is a bridge over the Vladaya River was built in 1889–1891 replacing an older bridge called "Motley Bridge".
The name Lions Bridge comes from the four bronze sculptures of lions. A bronze lion is depicted on the 1999 Bulgarian 20 leva banknote.
Since 2014, automobile traffic has been removed from the bridge, reserving it for trams and pedestrians only.
How to go: It is located near Lavov Most Metro station (Blue Line).
Saints Cyril and Methodius Church
Church
The church was built in 1901-1903.
The church was built over the ruins of the former Black Mosque. After the Liberation in 1878, the mosque was used as military warehouse, later as prison.
How to go: It is located about 250 meters from Lions Bridge towards southwest.
Sofia Synagogue
Jewish Temple
Sofia Synagogue was built and opened on 9 September 1909. It can accommodate 1,300 worshipers.
The Sofia Synagogue is the largest synagogue in Southeast Europe and the third largest in Europe. It is one of two functioning synagogues in Bulgaria, the other being in Plovdiv (Bulgaria's second largest city).
The main chandelier weighs 1.7 tons and is the largest in the country. It also houses the Jewish Museum of History since 8 May 1992.
How to go: It is located about 350 meters from Saints Cyril and Methodius Church towards south and just west side of Market Hall, and north of Administrative Court of Sofia-city.
Holy Trinity Romanian Orthodox Church
Church
The Romanian Orthodox Church "Holy Trinity" was built between 1905 and 1912, and was inaugurated on 6th December 1923.
How to go: It is located about 150 meters from Sofia Synagogue towards southwest at street Knyaz Boris I, No 152, Sofia.
Cathedral of St Joseph
Church
Cathedral of St Joseph was destroyed during World War II. The foundation stone of the new cathedral was laid by Pope John Paul II during his visit to Bulgaria in 2002. It was inaugurated on 21 May 2006.
On the right side of the entrance is the icon of God's Mercy with the inscription: "Jesus, I trust to thee". Statue of Mother Mary at the entrance. On the other side of the gate are statues of some saints.
How to go: It is located about 120 meters from Holy Trinity Romanian Orthodox Church towards south.
Central Market Hall
Market
It was built in 1909, spreads over 3,200 m². It was reconstructed, modernized and again opened for Easter in 2000.
The famous little clock tower with three dials tops the edifice.
How to go: It is located east of Sofia Synagogue at 25 Maria Luisa Boulevard. About 100 meters from Serdika II metro station (interchange of Red and Blue line) towards north.
Banya Bashi Mosque
Mosque
The mosque was completed in 1566 during the Ottoman rule. It is the only functioning mosque built during the Ottoman period in Sofia.
"Banyo" means bath in the Turkish language and Bash means "head' or main". So the name means 'Head of the bath mosque'. It was actually built over natural thermal spas, one can even see the steam rising from vents in the ground near the mosque walls.
The mosque is famous for its large dome, diameter 15 meters, and the minaret.
How to go: It is located southeast of Central Market Hall at Knyagina Maria Luisa Boulevard 18. About 100 meters from Serdika II metro station (interchange of Red and Blue line) towards north.
Museum of illusions
Museum
Visiting Time: Monday to Sunday - 10 AM to 8 PM. Friday - 12 PM to 8 PM.
Entry Fee: 23 Leva (US$ 12.42) for adults. 18 Leva (US$ 9.72) for stuent or senior. 9 Leva (US$ 4.86) for child age 3-6 years. 68 Leva (US$ 36.73) for family (2 adults + 2 children). Free for age 0-2.
How to go: It is located northeast of Central Market Hall at Knyagina Maria Luisa Boulevard 16. About 90 meters from Banya Bashi Mosque towards north.
Day-2:
Regional History Museum
Museum
The museum's first permanent exhibition opened in late 1941. The building was destroyed by bombing in 1944 during World War II. On September 17, 2015, the Regional History Museum's permanent exhibit moved to its current location.
It has eight exhibition halls and two more halls for temporary exhibitions. The museum displays history from the 6th century BC to the present. Among the most interesting exhibits are the car of the Bulgarian King Ferdinand, the 1378 Vitosha gold-sealed deed of Tsar Ivan Shishman, the first evidence of the name change of the city of Sofia. It also displays what a Neolithic house looked like in 6 BC.
It also has several branches:
*) The underground museum at "St. Sophia" basilica,
*) The Ancient Cultural Complex Serdica,
*) The Tomb of Knyaz Alexander I Battenberg
*) The National Reconciliation Exposition (garrison shooting range),
*) The Western gate of Serdica,
*) The Triangular Tower of Serdica.
Visiting Time: 10 AM to 6 PM every day.
Entry Fee: 6 Leva (US$ 3.24) for adult.
How to go: It is located east of Banya Bashi Mosque at 1 Banski Sq, Platno."Banski" 1.
Largo Square
Square
The Largo is an architectural ensemble of three socialist classical buildings. After Sofia was severely damaged by bombing during World War II in 1944, a decree was issued regarding the construction of the Largo in 1951. The site was cleared in the autumn of 1952. The square has a 3-lane yellow-paved street and 3 attractive classic style buildings. The center of the yellow-cobblestones square is called Nezavisimost (Independence) Square.
Independence Square is surrounded by prestigious buildings. Such as -
TSUM: Central Universal Store (TSUM) or Central Department Store is a shopping mall located north of Largo Square. Construction of the store began in 1955 and was completed in late 1956. It was officially opened in 1957. It was sold to Regent Pacific Group in 1989. It was then renovated for a mixed-use office and retail building. Plovdiv businessman Georgi Gergov acquired TSUM on 19 October 2004. About 12,000 people visit the store every day.
Council of Ministers: The Council of Ministers building is located north of Largo Square, to the right of TSUM. It was built between 1953 and 1957. It is the workplace of the Prime Minister of Bulgaria and all special ministers.
National Assembly Building: Also known as the Party Office, it is located on the eastern side of Largo Square. The building was constructed in 1955 to serve as the former Communist Party House. A giant red star sign was placed on a pole at the top of the building, representing communism in Bulgaria. However, when the Bulgarians tried to arson the building in 1990, the star was quickly removed. The red star was later replaced by the flag of Bulgaria. The former Communist Party House is now used as the National Assembly of Bulgaria. Impressive building, now one of Sofia's best landmarks.
Fountain: The fountain between the President's office and the old National Archaeological Museum was built in 1958.
Presidency Palace: The building was built between 1954 and 1956 is located on the south of Largo Square. Today the official chambers of the President of Bulgaria, facing the Archaeological Museum. You can enjoy the changing of the guard every hour. You can also enjoy the full program here on the first Wednesday of the month at 12 noon, where you will witness the ceremonial changing of the guards with singing, shouting and brandishing of weapon.
Sofia Balkan Palace: The building is located on the south of the Largo Square and west side Presidency Palace. It was built in 1956. Sofia Balkan Palace Hotel is a luxurious hotel. St. George Rotunda Church is located south of the building.
St. Petka Church: The church is located on the west of Largo Square. It is dedicated to the 11th century Bulgarian saint Saint Petka. The church is believed to have been built in the 11th century. The church was first mentioned in the 16th century. It is today a monument of culture known for its mural paintings depicting biblical scenes from the 14th, 15th, 17th and 19th centuries.
National Bulgarian Archeological Museum
Museum
The National Bulgarian Archaeological Museum is located southeast of Largo Square. It occupies the largest and oldest former Ottoman mosque building. The construction of the mosque began in 1451 and was completed in 1494. The mosque was occupied by the National Library between 1880 and 1893. The National Archaeological Museum was officially opened and inaugurated here in 1905.
Visiting Time: 10 AM to 6 PM every day.
Entry Fee: 12 Leva (US$ 6.46) for adult.
How to go: It is located southeast corner of Largo Square.
St George Rotunda Church
Church
It is believed to have been built in the early 4th century as a Roman bath. It became a church during the Roman Empire (31 BC to 1453 AD) and the Byzantine Empire (330/395 to 1453 AD). It has a red brick rotunda, a building with a circular roof and sometimes covered by a dome.
The building, a cylindrical domed structure built on a square base, is famous for the 12th, 13th and 14th century mural paintings inside the central dome.
There are five layers of partially preserved mural paint on the walls. The oldest is a Roman-Byzantine with floral motifs from the 4th century. The second in Bulgarian medieval style with angels from the 10th century. The third from the 11th and 12th centuries. the fourth is from the 14th century with a donor's portrait of a bishop north of the entrance. During the Ottoman period (1396–1878), the building was used as a mosque. A mural of 22 prophets with crowns 2 meters tall was painted on the dome during that time.
The wall has five layers of partially preserved mural paint. The oldest is a Roman-Byzantine with floral designs from the 4th century. The second is in Bulgarian medieval style with 10th-century angels. Third of the eleventh and twelfth centuries. The fourth is a 14th-century mural, seen north of the entrance, depicting a bishop's donor. During the Ottoman period (1396-1878), the building was used as a mosque. At that time a mural of 22 prophets with 2 meter tall crowns was painted on the dome.
How to go: The church is located in the courtyard between Hotel Balkan and the Presidency.
St Nicholas Orthodox Church
Church
The church was built in the 13th century as a small family church.
Every year hundreds of Sophians visit this small chapel to be blessed by the saints. Its festival day is December 6.
How to go: It is located south of St. George Rotunda Church.
St Nedelya Church
Church
The cathedral's earliest history is largely unknown. It was probably built in the 10th century.
The former building was demolished on April 25, 1856. Construction of the church began in the summer of the same year. Construction was delayed by an earthquake in 1858 and was finally completed in 1863. It was officially inaugurated on 11 May 1867. A new belfry was built to house the eight bells given to the church as a gift from a Russian prince in 1879.
The church was destroyed by bombing in 1925. Between the summer of 1927 and the spring of 1933 the church was restored to its present appearance and reopened on 7 April 1933. The gilt iconostasis that survived the bombing was returned to the church. The mural was decorated between 1971 and 1973. The floor was renovated and the north colonnade was glazed between 1992 and 1994. In 2000 the facade was cleaned and a device was added to automatically ring eleven bells (of the previous eight bells, two bells were made in Serbia and one in Bulgaria).
How to go: It is located southwest corner of Sofia Balkan Palace.
Sofia Monument
Monument
There was once featured a statue of Vladimir Lenin, which was later removed and replaced by the statue of St. Sophia in 2000.
26 feet 6 inches hight statue stands on a 52 feet 5.9 inches high pedestal.
How to go: It is located west of St. Petka Church. About 100 meters north of St Nedelya Church, near Serdika metro station (interchange of Red and Blue line).
Day-3
Sofia City Court
Courthouse
Construction began in 1929 and finished in 1940. It is a four-storey building with two additional underground floors. The facade features five large gates and 12 columns.
How to go: It is located about 100 meters south from St Nedelya Church, and about 200 meters south from Serdika metro station (interchange of Red and Blue line).
Museum of the Ministry of Interior
Museum
The Ministry of Home Affairs museum building was built in 1912. In 1976, the building was declared a cultural monument.
It showcases key moments in the history of the Ministry of Home Affairs. Also displays the detection of petty crimes and known criminals over the years, technical equipment and facilities used by officers at different times, as well as samples of Bulgarian police weapons.
Visiting Time: Monday to Friday - 9 AM to 5 PM. Saturday and Sunday remains closed.
How to go: It is located southwest corner of Sofia City Court.
The Red Flat
Museum
Entering the Red Flats means stepping back into communist Bulgaria in the 1980s. You will see what everyday life was like for ordinary Bulgarians during the Cold War. Work and leisure, school and holidays, eating, drinking, watching TV, partying and working.
Visiting Time: Everyday 10:30 AM to 7:30 PM.
Entry Fee: 18 Leva (US$ 9.72).
How to go: It is located about 170 meters from Museum of the Ministry of Interior towards southeast at GIFTED urban culture hub, ul. "Ivan Denkoglu" 24.
Puppet Museum
Museum
The museum has many dolls with its history of each of them. Especially children will like this museum.
Visiting Time: Monday, Wednesday and Friday - 12 to 6 PM. Saturday - 11 AM to 4 PM. Sunday , Tuesday and Thursday remains closed.
Entry Fee: Free.
How to go: It is located about 250 meters from The Red Flat museum towards west at ul. "Tsar Samuil" 34.
Museum Boris Christoff
Museum
Boris Christoff (18 May 1914 – 28 June 1993) was a Bulgarian opera singer, considered one of the greatest opera singers of the 20th century.
He was born on 18 May 1914 in Plovdiv, Bulgaria. Christoff left for Italy in May 1942. After performing in Austria in 1944 and 1945, Christoff returned to Italy in December 1945. From 1947. Christoff played several roles at La Scala in Milan, La Fenice in Venice, Rome Opera, Covent Garden in London, Opera Theaters in Naples, Barcelona, Lisbon, Rio de Janeiro etc. Christoff visited the United States in 1956 at the San Francisco Opera.
In 1967 he returned to Bulgaria for the first time since 1945 for his mother's funeral. He ended his career on 22 June 1986 with a final concert at the Accademia di Bulgaria in Rome. He died in Rome in 1993 and his body was returned to Bulgaria.
On 21 May 2003, the Center for Music Boris Kristoff was established. Since 6 February 2004, there have been regular events. The exhibition consists of authentic costumes worn by Boris Kristoff on stage, letters, photographs and objects from various stages of his career. Books, scores, records and videotapes are available in the library.
Visiting Time: Monday to Friday - 2 PM to 5:30 PM. Sunday remains closed.
Entry Fee: 2 Leva (US$ 1.08). Concert ticket - 5 Leva (US$ 2.70) to 15 Leva (US$ 8.10). Free for child age 0-6 and disabled.
Free entry: In the European Night of Museums and on 18th May, Boris Christoff's birthday.
Photography: Allowed after taking permission from office.
How to go: It is located about 30 meters south of Puppet Museum at ul. "Tsar Samuil" 43.
St. Nicholas of Sofia
Church
Saint Nicholas is a Christian saint who lived in Sofia in the 16th century and is considered a martyr in the Bulgarian Orthodox Church. At the time of Nicholas' death, Bulgaria was under the rule of the Ottoman Empire. On May 17, 1555, some local authorities brought Nicholas before a judge, although he was freed. Nicholas was attacked and killed by a mob of townspeople. In 1900, a large church called St. Nicholas of Sofia was built in the center of Sofia.
The saint's actual grave is located a few blocks northeast of the church at 125 Tsar Simeon Street. There is a historical plaque on the wall next to the entrance gate. Every year, on May 17, the saint's feast day, a small group gathers at the cemetery to pray in memory of Saint Nicholas of Sofia. The traditional icon of the saint shows him dressed as a Roman soldier with a red cape that alludes to spiritual warfare and martyrdom.
How to go: It is located about 1.25 km from Museum Boris Christoff towards northwest via Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Shalom Jewish Cultural Center, and Opalchenska metro station (Red line). About 100 meters north of Opalchenska metro station (Red line).
National Polytechnic Museum
Museum
The National Poly technical Museum was established on 13 May 1957. It was declared a national museum in 1968. Since 1992, the museum is located in the current building.
The museum displays transports (eg: Ford Model A (1928), Fiat 509, Tatra 97 and Messerschmitt KR200 etc), audio, radio and television equipment (eg: by Telefunken, Blaupunkt and others), computers (eg: Pravetz computers (1980s)), communications equipment (eg: Creed & Company transmitters), recording device (eg: Quipus), counting device (eg: abaci), early electronic calculators (eg: Bulgarian-manufactured Elka 22 (1965) and Pravetz), Instruments for space satellites and space food, musical equipment (Bulgarian-manufactured Hammond organ, barrel organs and others), and etc.
Visiting Time: Monday to Saturday - 9:30 AM to 6 PM. Sunday remains closed.
Entry Fee: 6 Leva (US$ 3.24) for adult. 2 Leva (US$ 1.08) for student or retired. Free child age 0-7. 10 Leva (US$ 5.40) for Family.
How to go: It is located about 300 meters from St. Nicholas of Sofia towards north.
Day-4
Vazrazhdane Aqua Park
Water Park
It consists of Aqua-park with 8 slides, Cafe and outdoor bar, Massages, Sauna park, Indoor 6 Swimming Pools, Salt Room, Tangent Bath, Relax room with an atrium.
Visiting Time: 7 AM to 11 PM.
Aqua Park Entry Fee: Monday to Friday - 24 Leva (US$ 12.96) for height over 130 cm, 12 Leva (US$ 6.48) for height 90-130 cm or for disabled and retired. Free for height below 90 cm. After 5 PM - 17 Leva (US$ 9.18) for height 90-130 cm, 9 Leva (US$ 4.86) for height over 130 cm, Free for height below 90 cm. Saturday Sunday holidays - 29 Leva (US$ 15.66) for height over 130 cm, 15 Leva (US$ 8.10) for height 90-130 cm, 16 Leva (US$ 8.64) for disabled and retired. Free for height below 90 cm. After 5 PM - 20 Leva (US$ 10.80) for height 90-130 cm, 11 Leva (US$ 5.94) for height over 130 cm, Free for height below 90 cm.
Other Cost: Swimming Pool - 11 Leva (US$ 5.94) for 1 time, 40 Leva (US$ 21.61) for 4 times, 75 Leva (US$ 40.51) for 8 Times, 105 Leva (US$ 56.71) for 12 times 132 Leva (US$ 71.30) for 16 times. Sauna Park - 15 Leva (US$ 8.10) for 1 time, 54 Leva (US$ 29.17) for 4 times, 102 Leva (US$ 55.09) for 8 Times, 144 Leva (US$ 77.78) for 12 times 180 Leva (US$ 97.22) for 16 times. Swimming pool and Sauna park - 23 Leva (US$ 12.42) for 1 time, 84 Leva (US$ 45.37) for 4 times, 157 Leva (US$ 84.80) for 8 Times, 220 Leva (US$ 118.83) for 12 times 276 Leva (US$ 149.08) for 16 times. Water aerobics - 11 Leva (US$ 5.94) for 1 time, 110 Leva (US$ 59.41) for 11 times. Underwater shower massage - 35 Leva (US$ 18.90) for 30 minutes. Antioxidant bath - 20 Leva (US$ 10.80) for 20 minutes. Aromatherapy bath - 20 Leva (US$ 10.80) for 40 minutes. Classic massage - 30 Leva (US$ 16.20) for 30 minutes, 55 Leva (US$ 29.71) for 60 minutes. Deep tissue massage - 55 Leva (US$ 29.71) for 50 minutes. Aromatherapy - 60 Leva (US$ 32.41) for 60 minutes. Anti-cellulite massage - 40 Leva (US$ 21.61) for 45 minutes. Cosmetic massage with honey - 60 Leva (US$ 32.41) for 60 minutes. Chocolate delight - 60 Leva (US$ 32.41) for 60 minutes. Feet massage - 40 Leva (US$ 21.61) for 40 minutes. Full body peeling massage - 25 Leva (US$ 13.50) for 20 minutes. Anti-stress massage - 55 Leva (US$ 29.71) for 60 minutes. Lymphatic drainage massage - 60 Leva (US$ 32.41) for 55 minutes. Lymphatic drainage massage - 35 Leva (US$ 18.90) for 30 minutes. Massage with foam clay or seaweed - 85 Leva (US$ 45.91) for 90 minutes. Salt Room - 19 Leva (US$ 10.26) for 45 minutes for adult and 9 Leva (US$ 4.86) for 25 minutes for child age below 12.
How to go: It is located about 500 meters south of Opalchenska metro station (Red line).
Russian Monument
Monument
The Russian Monument was the first monument erected in the capital of newly independent Bulgaria, unveiled on 29 June 1882.
How to go: It is located about 300 meters from Vazrazhdane Aqua Park towards southeast. About 600 meters from NDK 2 metro station (Green line) towards northwest.
Happy Victoria Sofia
Restaurant
Chain restaurant where they got best restaurant award in London for 2023. "Happy Lozenets" is the shop name in Sofia.
Visiting Time: Sunday to Thursday - 11 AM to 10 PM. Friday and Saturday - 11 AM to 10:30 PM.
How to go: It is located about 550 meters from Russian Monument towards south. About 250 meters from Medical University metro station (Green line) towards northwest.
Saint George Church
Church
How to go: It is located northwest of NDK 2 metro station (Green Line). About 800 meters from Happy Victoria Sofia restaurant towards northeast.
Klek Shops
Shops
Due to high rent, these small traders have set up shops in the basement of the building. To interact with shopkeepers, each shop has a small window that opens onto the sidewalk below knee level. 'Clake' means 'knee', which is why they are popularly known as "Clake Shops". Products are displayed outside on the sidewalk, around the windows. Customers have to sit in front of the window to interact with shopkeepers for orders or payments.
How to go: It is located about 100 meters from National Palace of Culture metro station (Blue and Green Line) towards east and about 130 meters from NDK metro station (Blue and Yellow line) towards north.
National Palace of Culture
Cultural Center
The National Palace of Culture (NDK) is the largest, multifunctional conference and exhibition centre in Southeast Europe. It was opened in 1981 in celebration of Bulgaria's 1300th anniversary.
There are 13 exhibition halls and several restaurants, spread over eight floors. Decorating the halls is a collection of murals, mosaics and sculptures.
Concerts by national and international artists take place in the main hall. In December, the center hosts Sofia’s New Year Music Festival. In the Art Gallery, art displays about World War I.
In the month of November, the Cinemania film festival is held here. Some screenings are free entrance to children.
Dine at one of the restaurants and bars located in the cultural center.
There is an onsite parking lot and metered parking is also available on the streets surrounding Bulgaria Square.
Visiting Time: Monday to Friday - 9 AM to 8:30 PM. Saturday and Sunday - 10 AM to 8 PM.
Entry Fee: Admission to the building is free. Visit the cultural center’s official website for a schedule of events and information about exhibition and concert tickets.
How to go: From Klek shops, walk to the south through Vitosha Boulevard and walk about 300 meters and you will reach Bulgaria Square, which is front of the center.
Lover's Bridge
Bridge
The pedestrian bridge doesn't actually have a name, but is known as Lover's Bridge. Because most of the young couples come to this place to meet and enjoy the beautiful view.
The bridge is over Bulgaria boulevard, one of the busiest crossroads in the city. Bulgaria Square with the park is at one end of the bridge and the other end is to the right of the Hilton Hotel. Just below the bridge is a rock’n roll themed McDonald's restaurant.
There is a beautiful view of the sunset, going down behind the Vitosha mountain. This place sometimes hosts photographic exhibitions and sometimes festivals.
How to go: It is located southeast end of National Palace of Culture.
Museum of Contemporary Art
Museum
The Sofia Arsenal – Museum of Contemporary Art opened in 2011.
The museum building was built in 1916 for the production and storage of artillery ammunition. In the 1930s, and until the end of World War II, it was the headquarters of the Military School for Reserve Officers. From 1970 to early 2003, it was given to the newly established National Gallery for Decorative Applied Arts.
Visiting Time: Tuesday to Sunday – 10 AM to 6 PM. Monday, Bulgarian official holidays, Christmas, New Year, and Easter remains closed.
Entry Fee: 3 Leva (US$ 1.62) for adult. 1 Lev (US$ .54) for student or pensioner. 1 Lev (US$ .54) on Thursday.
How to go: It is located about 200 meters from the south end of Lover's Bridge towards south at 2, Cherni Vrah Boulevard. About 200 meters northeast of European Union metro station (Blue line).
Earth and Man National Museum
Museum
The Earth and Man National Museum is one of the biggest mineralogical museums in the world. It was founded on 30 December 1985 and opened for visitors on 19 June 1987. The museum building was constructed in 1896–1898.
The museum has a number of exhibition halls, stock premises, laboratories, a video room and a conference room. Its collection covers 40% of all known naturally occurring minerals as well as man-made ceramics prepared by Bulgarian scientists. The museum also often hosts exhibitions of various topics such as concerts of chamber music.
Visiting Time: 10 AM to 6 PM every day.
Entry Fee: 10 Leva (US$ 5.40) for adult. 3 Leva (US$ 1.62) for student or retired. Free for child age 0-7, disabled and their guide. Guided visit - 20 Leva (US$ 10.80) in Bulgarian language for a group of up to 20 people. 35 Leva (US$ 18.90) in English and Russian language for a group.
Free Entry: 18th May for all. Last monday of the monthe for all. 1st November for student.
How to go: It is located south of Museum of Contemporary Art at Cherni Vrah Boulevard 4. European Union metro station (Blue line) is the nearest metro station.
Monument to the Soviet Army
Monument
It depicts a Soviet army soldier as a freedom fighter.
How to go: It is located about 570 meters from Earth and Man National Museum and about 420 meters from European Union metro station (Blue line) towards south. About 230 meters from James Bourchier metro station (Blue line) towards north.
The Exaltation of the Christ's Holy Cross
Church
The church was built on the historic site "Krasta" in the Lozenet district of Sofia. It is the new Orthodox church and was consecrated in 2017.
How to go: It is located about 300 meters south from Monument to the Soviet Army and west of James Bourchier metro station (Blue line).
South Park
Park
Also called Yuzhen Park is one of the popular parks in Sofia. It has few cafes and places to eat, walking paths and cycle paths.
How to go: It is located south end of Vitosha Boulevard.
Vitosha Boulevard
Street
This 2.7 km north-south road is popular for posh stores, restaurants and bars. Vitosha Boulevard and surrounding streets have many high-end fashion label outlets. The boulevard is named after Vitosha Hill, right next to Sofia.
According to a 2007 Cushman & Wakefield, Inc. study, Vitosha Boulevard is the 22nd most expensive commercial street in the world.
How to go: It stretches from St Nedelya Square (north end) to South Park (south end).
Day-5:
Boyana Church
Church
The building is in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Boyana Church consists of three buildings.
Boyana Church was first built in the late 10th or early 11th century. It still exists on the east side, a small one-apse cross-vaulted church with built-in cruciform supports.
Adjoining the east church, was built in the mid-13th century. This building is a two-story tomb-church type. It consists of a family tomb on the ground floor and an upper floor family chapel similar in design to the eastern church. The exterior is decorated with ceramics.
Another part of the church was built in the mid-19th century. The church was closed to the public in 1954 for conservation and restoration. It was partially reopened in 2006 and fully opened to the public on October 2, 2008.
Visiting Time: 9 AM to 5:30 PM every day.
How to go: The easiest way is to take tram number 7 from any stop in the city center and get off at Gotse Delchev Stop. Then transfer to bus 64, and go to the Boyansko Hanche stop. Bus may take 1 hour including waiting time. The church is located about 250 metes south from the stop.
By metro from Serdika metro station (interchange of red and blue line) to Vitosha station (Blue line). Then change to bus 64 which also stops right next to Vitosha metro station (Blue line).
Line 63 bus from Sofia - Tsar Boris 3 to Boyana takes 26 minutes and departs every 20 minutes.
Buy a day card for the public transport from any metro station. Cost 4 Leva (US$ 2.16). It covers trams, buses, metro, trolleys, or any public transports.
Boyana Waterfall
Waterfall
You can go there in early autumn (October). The falls are strongest in the spring when the snow melts.
How to go: The easiest way is to take tram number 7 from any stop in the city center and get off at Gotse Delchev Stop. Then transfer to bus 64, and go to the Boyansko Hanche stop. Bus may take 1 hour including waiting time. The church is located about 250 metes south from the stop.
By metro from Serdika metro station (interchange of red and blue line) to Vitosha metro station (Blue line). Then change to bus 64 which also stops right next to Vitosha metro station (Blue line).
Line 63 bus from Sofia - Tsar Boris 3 to Boyana takes 26 minutes and departs every 20 minutes.
Buy a day card for the public transport from any metro station. Cost 4 Leva (US$ 2.16). It covers trams, buses, metro, trolleys, or any public transports.
Boyana Waterfall starting point is located about 250 meters south from Boyana Church. From there you have to hike. There are two hiking trails that lead to the destination. The paths are very clearly marked. Both hiking paths take about an hour. Green marked trails indicate less difficult hiking trails while red marks follow more challenging trails.
Hut "Momina Skala"
Mountain Restaurant
A restaurant where you can warm up with soup, local favorites and get some refreshments. There is a large sunny meadow.
How to go: The easiest way is to take tram number 7 from any stop in the city center and get off at Gotse Delchev Stop. Then transfer to bus 64, and go to the Boyansko Hanche stop. Bus may take 1 hour including waiting time. The church is located about 250 metes south from the stop.
By metro from Serdika metro station (interchange of red and blue line) to Vitosha metro station (Blue line). Then change to bus 64 which also stops right next to Vitosha metro station (Blue line).
Line 63 bus from Sofia - Tsar Boris 3 to Boyana takes 26 minutes and departs every 20 minutes.
Buy a day card for the public transport from any metro station. Cost 4 Leva (US$ 2.16). It covers trams, buses, metro, trolleys, or any public transports.
Boyana Waterfall starting point is located about 250 meters south from Boyana Church. From there you have to hike. There are two hiking trails that lead to the destination. The paths are very clearly marked. Both hiking paths take about an hour. Green marked trails indicate less difficult hiking trails while red marks follow more challenging trails.
Another half an hour hike from waterfall all the way up to the Momina Skala hut.
Golden Bridges
Rock Path
The Vladayska River is located in the Vitosha Mountains at an altitude of 1350 to 1500 meters. The stone blocks completely covered the river. Today, the stones are covered with yellow lichen, which acquires a golden glow when illuminated by the sun's rays. Hence it is called "Golden Bridges". They are called "bridges" because one can easily cross from one end of the river to the other over the rocks.
How to go: The easiest way is to take tram number 7 from any stop in the city center and get off at Gotse Delchev Stop. Then transfer to bus 64, and go to the Boyansko Hanche stop. Bus may take 1 hour including waiting time. The church is located about 250 metes south from the stop.
By metro from Serdika metro station (interchange of red and blue line) to Vitosha metro station (Blue line). Then change to bus 64 which also stops right next to Vitosha metro station (Blue line).
Line 63 bus from Sofia - Tsar Boris 3 to Boyana takes 26 minutes and departs every 20 minutes.
Buy a day card for the public transport from any metro station. Cost 4 Leva (US$ 2.16). It covers trams, buses, metro, trolleys, or any public transports.
Boyana Waterfall starting point is located about 250 meters south from Boyana Church. From there you have to hike. There are two hiking trails that lead to the destination. The paths are very clearly marked. Both hiking paths take about an hour. Green marked trails indicate less difficult hiking trails while red marks follow more challenging trails.
Another half an hour hike from waterfall all the way up to the Momina Skala hut.
Then hike to the Golden Bridges. There are few more restaurants you may see, such as Septemvri Hut, Balkanity Hut, etc.
Boyana Lake
Lake on Mountain
It is a small lake worth visiting and photographing. Do not swim in the lake. This is a protected area.
How to go: The easiest way is to take tram number 7 from any stop in the city center and get off at Gotse Delchev Stop. Then transfer to bus 64, and go to the Boyansko Hanche stop. Bus may take 1 hour including waiting time. The church is located about 250 metes south from the stop.
By metro from Serdika Metro station (interchange of red and blue line) to Vitosha Metro station (Blue line). Then change to bus 64 which also stops right next to Vitosha metro station (Blue line).
Line 63 bus from Sofia - Tsar Boris 3 to Boyana takes 26 minutes and departs every 20 minutes.
Buy a day card for the public transport from any metro station. Cost 4 Leva (US$ 2.16). It covers trams, buses, metro, trolleys, or any public transports.
Boyana Waterfall starting point is located about 250 meters south from Boyana Church. From there you have to hike. There are two hiking trails that lead to the destination. The paths are very clearly marked. Green marked trails indicate less difficult hiking trails while red marks follow more challenging trails. Follow the green marked trail to reach the Boyana Lake.
National Historical Museum
Museum
It is the largest museum in Bulgaria. It was established on 5 May 1973. The museum shifted to this building in 2000. It currently contains over 650,000 objects. Only 10% of them are exhibited permanently.
The museum has a cloakroom, cafe, library and souvenir shop.
Visiting Time: 9:30 AM to 6 PM every day.
Entry Fee: 12 Leva (US$ 6.48) for adult. 3 Leva (US$ 1.62) for student. 5 Leva (US$ 2.70) for senior or retired. Visitors accompanied by children - 5 Leva (US$ 2.70) for adult and 3 Leva (US$ 1.62) for child over 7 years.
How to go: Line 63 bus from Sofia - Tsar Boris 3 to Boyana takes 26 minutes and departs every 20 minutes. You can get down on the way.
Day-6:
Sofia Zoo
Zoo
Visiting Time: 9:30 AM to 6 PM every day. Zoo closes at 7 PM.
Entry Fee: 4 Leva (US$ 2.16) for adult. 2 Leva (US$ 1.08) for age 3-17. 1 Lev (US$ 0.54) for retired or disabled. Free for age 0-2.
How to go: By line 10 tram which takes about 40 minutes to reach. By bus - 120, 122, 102, 93, 88, 83, 64 and 65. About 1 km from Vitosha metro station (Blue line) towards east. About 1.7 km from G.M. Dimitrov metro station (Red line) towards southwest.
* There is a small Maxi Voden svyat water park is located about 1.7 km form the east side of the zoo towards south. You may visit if you want.
Muzeiko
Children's Museum
13 exhibition areas, over 130 interactive games.
Visiting Time: Tuesday to Sunday - 10 AM to 6 PM. Monday remains closed.
Entry Fee: 12 Leva (US$ 6.48) for age 2-18 and adult. 10 Leva (US$ 5.40) for student or senior. 10 Leva (US$ 5.40) for all at 4 PM to 6 PM. Free for age 0-2 or disabled. Planetarium - 2 Leva (US$ 1.08) per show.
How to go: It is located about 1.63 km from Sofia Zoo towards east. About 450 meters from G.M. Dimitrov metro station (Red line) towards southwest at ul. "Professor Boyan Kamenov" 3, 1700 Studentski.
Museum of Socialist Art
Museum
It exhibits the history of the communist era in Bulgaria. It was established on 19 September 2011.
Visiting Time: Tuesday to Sunday - 10 AM to 6 PM.
Entry Fee: 6 Leva (US$ 3.24) for adult. 3 Leva (US$ 1.62) for student and retired. 2 Leva (US$ 1.08) on Thursday. Free for child age 0-12, disabled, student of art school.
How to go: It is located about 200 meters north of G.M. Dimitrov metro station (Red line) at ul. "Lachezar Stanchev" 7.
Luna Park Boby & Kelly
Children's Amusement Park
Visiting Time: October to March - Monday to Friday - 4 PM to 10 PM and Saturday, Sunday and holidays - 10 AM to 10 PM. April to September - every day 10 AM to 10 PM.
Entry Fee: Free. Only pay to the rides. 30 Leva (US$ 16.20) for unlimited attractions for 1 child or 1 adult on weekdays and 35 Leva (US$ 18.90) on Saturday, Sunday and holiday. Single ride - 5 Leva (US$ 2.70). Happy Bounce Trampoline - 7 Leva (US$ 3.78). Playground Jungle - 10 Leva (US$ 5.40). Children’s theater - 7 Leva (US$ 3.70). Luna Show - 7 Leva (US$ 3.70).
How to go: About 500 meters from Aleksandar Malinov metro station (Red line) towards south.
Day-7:
Kokolandia Adventure Park
Adventure Sports Park
They have rope facilities, rope land, treetop and others.
Visiting Time: 10 AM to 7 PM every day.
Cost: 10 Leva (US$ 5.4) for each circle for one round. Rope Land - 10 Leva (US$ 5.4) for kids age 4-10 years. Tree Top - 10 Leva (US$ 5.4) for kids for 4-12 years. Mini Golf - 10 Leva (US$ 5.4) for kids 4++.
How to go: It is located about 1 km from Joliot-Curie metro station (Red line) towards northeast.
National Museum of Military History
Museum
Visiting Time: Monday to Friday - 8.30 AM to 5 PM.
Entry Fee: 10 Leva (US$ 5.4) for adult (open air + permanent chronological exhibition). 2 Leva (US$ 1.08) for student, retired, disabled (permanent exhibition only, ID requested). Free for child age below 7. Audioguide - 4 Leva (US$ 2.16) (with 20 Leva (US$ 10.80) deposit).
How to go: It is located about 1 km from Kokolandia Adventure Park towards northeast at ul. "Cherkovna" 92, 1505 Oborishte.
Boris Garden
Garden Park
Boris Garden is the oldest and best-known park in Sofia. Its construction began in 1884 and is named after Boris III, the Bulgarian Tsar.
In 1882, the then mayor of Sofia brought the Swiss gardener Daniel Neff from Bucharest to create a garden. Construction began in 1884. Neff set up the nursery and built a house for himself. In 1885 the nursery was given the shape of a garden. In later years the garden expanded to the southwest and the large lake was built in 1889.
The Alsatian Joseph Frei was appointed manager of all gardens and parks in Sofia in 1906. At the top, he opens the spacious center from the children's playground to the fish lake. Also built the Peoples Fountain, later known as the Freestone Fountain. A decorative wooden house was built in the garden.
Bulgarian gardener Georgi Duhtev became manager of the Gardens and Park Service in 1934. During his tenure, the rose garden was expanded. Japanese Corner was built in 1940 above Fish Lake. Around 1942 the garden was enlarged with plans to include summer swimming baths, university observatory, open-air school, big lake, Yunak and Levski football fields, tennis club, diplomatic tennis courts, cycling track. and Yunak Rectifying Station.
TV Tower inside the garden was built in 1958-1959.
How to Go: The southeast of the park is located about 620 meters from National Museum of Military History towards southwest. The park is south of Orlov most metro station (Interchange of Red, Yellow and Green line).
Eagles Bridge
Bridge
The bridge was built in 1891. The name of the bridge comes from the statue of four eagles. A column of the bridge and the bronze eagle are depicted on the obverse print of the Bulgarian 20 leva banknote.
How to go: It is located northeast corner of Boris Garden, near Orlov most metro station (Interchange of Red, Yellow and Green line).
Museum of Sport
Museum
Visiting time: Monday to Friday - 9 AM to 5 PM. Saturday and Sunday remains closed.
How to go: It is located north east of Boris Garden. North of the stadium.
Day-8:
Patriarch Evtimiy Square
Square
Patriarch Evtimiy Square is better known as Popa. The square was named after Evtimiy of Tarnovo, Patriarch of Bulgaria from 1375 to 1393 and one of the most important figures of Bulgaria. A monument to Evtimiy has built at the square in 1939. It is a very popular meeting point for teenagers and young adults. To its west is the Odeon cinema and to the south is Bulgartabac headquarters.
How to go: It is located about 600 meters from Museum of Sports towards northwest. Patriarch Evtimiy Metro Station (Green line) is located under the square.
National Literature Museum
Museum
The National Museum of Bulgarian Literature was established on January 1, 1976. It researches, collects, preserves, studies, publishes and exhibits monumental material and documentary material related to the overall history of Bulgarian literature. On March 12, 1992, the name of the museum was changed to National Literary Museum.
How to go: It is located about 530 meters from Patriarch Evtimiy Square or Patriarch Evtimiy Metro Station (Green line) towards northwest at G.S.Rakovski St 138.
* There is a museum House of Peyo Yavorov nearby, you may visit.
St. Sedmochislenitsi Church
Church
It was built as a mosque and later converted to the Orthodox Church "Seven Saints Church".
The Black Mosque was completed around 1547. It was built on the site of a former nunnery of Rila Monastery and an early Christian temple from the 4th-5th centuries, the ruins of which were excavated in 1901. An even older construction, a pagan temple of Asclepius of the Roman Serdica, was also discovered within the foundations of the mosque.
The mosque got its more popular name, the Black Mosque, after the dark granite from which its minarets were made. The minaret collapsed during an earthquake in the 19th century, and after Bulgaria's independence in 1878, the Ottomans abandoned the mosque, and it was used as a military warehouse and prison.
The church was built on the site between 27 May 1901 and 6 May 1902, but full interior decoration was not completed until 1996. Only the central hall and the dome of the former mosque were preserved.
Visiting Time: 8 AM to 5 PM every day.
How to go: It is located about 150 meters from Patriarch Evtimiy Square towards northwest.
Slaveykov Square
Square
Slaveykov Square or pl. Slaveykov is one of the most popular squares in Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria. It is named after Bulgarian writers Petko and Pencho Slavikov, father and son. A sculpture of two people sitting on a bench is one of its main landmarks.
After Bulgaria's independence, the square was expanded. Sofia City Library is located at this Square. So that, in the years following the 1990s, the square became a favorite place for booksellers and many bookstores appeared on it.
How to go: It is located about 200 meters from St. Sedmochislenitsi Church towards northwest.
National Academy for Theatre and Film Arts
Educational Institute
After World War II, the number of theaters also increased in Bulgaria, which required more actors and directors. Krastyo Sarafov National Academy for Theater and Film Arts is a performing, cinematic and media arts institution. It is the first Bulgarian university in the field of theater and film industry. It was established in 1948.
In 1951, to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the birth of Krastyo Sarafov, the school was named after him, and in 1954 it was renamed the Krasto Sarafov Higher Institute of Theater Arts.
The Training Drama Theatre, one of the main units of the Institute, was inaugurated in 1957. The amphitheater hall has 430 seats. In 1962, the institute introduced a puppetry course. A decade later, direction for puppet theater was also added. In 1966, the Training Puppet Theater was inaugurated. It is located at 20 Stefan Karadja Street and has a hall with 100 seats. In 1973, new courses like filmmaking and cinematography were added to the institute's curriculum.
On 1 August 1995, the university received its current name: "Krastyo Sarafov National Academy for Theater and Film Arts".
How to go: It is located about 150 meters from the south of Slaveykov Square towards northeast at ulitsa „Georgi S. Rakovski.
House-Museum of Ivan Vazov
Museum
It was the birthplace of Bulgarian national writer Ivan Vazov. Ivan Vazov was born on July 9, 1850 in his family's old house built in the 18th century by his great grandfather. It was burned down in July 1877 during the Russo-Turkish War of Independence.
In 1920, in celebration of Ivan Vazov's 70th birthday and 50th anniversary of his literary life, it was decided to restore the house where the poet was born. The construction of the house started in 1931. The interior of the house was built based on the information provided by Vazov's brothers. The house was officially opened as a museum on June 6, 1935.
On 8 July 1970, a publication on the poet's life and work was launched at the poet's 170th anniversary.
Visiting Time: Monday to Saturday - 10 AM to 8:30 PM. Sunday remains closed.
How to go: It is located about 120 meters from National Academy for Theater and Film Arts towards northeast at l. "Ivan Vazov" 10.
Ivan Vazov National Theater
Theater
The Ivan Vazov National Theater is the national theater of Bulgaria, as well as the oldest theater in the country. It was founded in 1904, and was known as the "National Theatre". It was named after Krastyu Sarafov between 1952 and 1962. It was named after the famous writer Ivan Vazov. The theater's neoclassical building was completed in 1906 and opened on 3 January 1907.
The building was heavily damaged by fire in 1923 and rebuilt in 1929. The building suffered considerable damage during the bombing of Sofia in World War II, but was rebuilt in 1945. In 1971-1975 and another reconstruction was done in 2006.
The Ivan Vazov National Theater has a well-furnished main stage with 750 seats, a smaller 120-seat stage and an 70-seat stage on the fourth floor.
The facade of the building is depicted on the obverse of the Bulgarian 50 Leva note.
How to go: It is located about 150 meters from House-Museum of Ivan Vazov towards northwest at Dyakon Ignatiy Street 5.
Sofia City Art Gallery
Art Gallery
Sofia City Art Gallery displays information on Bulgarian cultural history in a modern way. It has a collection of 3500 paintings, 800 sculptures, 2800 graphics and drawings.
Visiting Time: Tuesday to Saturday - 10 AM to 6:30 PM. Sunday - 11 AM to 5:30 PM. Monday remains closed.
How to go: It is located about 150 meters from Ivan Vazov National Theater towards northwest.
Day-9:
The Palace - National Art Gallery
Museum
The royal palace was built between 1880 and 1882 during the reign of Knyaz Alexander Battenberg. It was inaugurated on 26 December 1882. At the time of Knyaz Ferdinand (1887-1908), the east wing was built. The east wing housed the apartments of the royal family.
After World War II, most of the palace was given to the National Art Gallery since its building was destroyed by bombing in 1943 and 1944. The gallery was founded in 1934 and moved to the palace in 1946 after the dissolution of the monarchy. All the paintings it housed were preserved and are already on display with the royal art collection in the palace.
Visiting Time: Tuesday to Sunday - 10 AM to 6 PM. Monday remains closed.
Entry Fee: 6 Leva (US$ 3.24) for adult. 3 Leva (US$ 1.62) for student, senior. Free for child age 0-12 and disabled.
How to go: It is located on Battenberg Square about 250 meters from the east of Largo square inside the royal palace at pl. "Knyaz Aleksandar I" 1.
National Ethnographic Museum
Museum
The National Ethnographic Museum collects, preserves and publishes everything connected with Bulgarian ethnocultural resources. The museum has more than 50000 collection items organized under various categories: clothes, goldsmith's crafts, copper objects, ritual objects, wood carvings, agriculture, ceramics, cloth and embroidery, home furnishings, carpets, foreign art and etc.
One of the most interesting collections is the one dedicated to embroidery. It is believed that embroidery is one of the most distinctive features of Bulgarian folklore.
Visiting Time: Tuesday to Sunday - 10 AM to 6 PM. Monday remains closed.
Entry Fee: 3 Leva (US$ 1.62) for adult. 1 Lev (US$ 0.54) for student, senior or disabled. Guided Tour - 15 Leva (US$ 8.10).
How to go: It is located on Battenberg Square about 250 meters from the east of Largo square inside the royal palace at pl. "Knyaz Aleksandar I" 1.
National Museum of Natural History
Museum
Visiting Time: 10 AM to 6 PM every day. On 24 and 31 December - 10 AM to 1 PM.
Entry Fee: 10 Leva (US$ 5.40) for age above 10. 5 Leva (US$ 2.70) for pupil, student, retired. 4 Leva (US$ 2.16) for child age 3—6 or disabled. 25 Leva (US$ 13.50) for family (parents with 2 children under age 18). 30 Leva (US$ 16.20) for guided tour [upon request by phone (+359 87) 9226573] in Bulgarian and 50 Leva (US$ 27.01) for guided tour [upon request by phone (+359 87) 9226573] in English. Free for child age below 3.
Free Entry: May 18 (International Museum Day), June 1 for children up to 14 years old, Every first Tuesday of the month for retired, disabled and their companions.
How to go: It is located about 100 meters from The Palace - National Art Gallery towards southeast.
Church of St. Nicholas the Miracle-Maker
Church
The church was built on the site of the Saray Mosque, which was destroyed after Russia liberated Bulgaria from the Ottoman Empire in 1882. Construction of the church began in 1907 and the church was consecrated in 1914. It was named after Nicholas II, the patron saint of the emperor who ruled Russia at the time. The five domes are coated with gold. The bells were donated by Emperor Nicholas II.
How to go: It is located besides National Museum of Natural History.
Central Military Club
Multipurpose Landmark
The Central Military Club is a multi-purpose cultural building. It serves the Bulgarian army and is managed by military clubs and executive agencies of information. The foundation stone of the building was laid in 1895 and completed in 1907.
The building has three floors and includes a coffeehouse, an art gallery, several renovated halls that vary in size, as well as an impressive concert hall with 450 seats.
How to go: It is located about 100 meters from St. Nicholas the Miracle-Maker Church towards southeast.
Amphitheater of Serdica
Ruined Amphitheater
The Amphitheater of Sardica is located in the ancient Roman city of Ulpia Sardica, now Sofia. It was built over a theater in the 3rd-4th century AD.
The Roman theater was built in the second or third century AD. The theater was probably built simultaneously with the defensive walls of Sardica under Commodus (reign: 177-192). It was active during the reigns of Septimius Severus (reign: 193–211) and Caracalla (reign: 198–217). In the first half of 268, a Gothic raid burned and destroyed the theater, forcing it to be abandoned permanently.
The amphitheater was built in the third and early fourth centuries AD under the Roman emperors Diocletian (reign: 284–305) and Constantine the Great (reign: 306–337). The amphitheater itself was used for less than a century, as it was abandoned by the 5th century, possibly due to the anti-pagan policies of Theodosius I (reign: 379–395).
The amphitheater was discovered in 2004 and was the subject of excavations in 2005 and 2006.
How to go: It is located about 250 meters from Church of St. Nicholas the Miracle-Maker towards northwest at Budapeshta Street 4.
National Opera and Ballet
Opera House
The Bulgarian Opera Society was founded in 1908. The first full opera was performed in 1909. The institution became national in 1922 and was renamed the National Opera. A ballet company was founded and gave its first performance in 1928.
The National Opera and Ballet Building was designed in 1921 and built for the most part between 1947 and its opening in 1953.
Visiting Time: Monday to Friday - 9 AM to 2 PM and 2:30 PM to 7 PM. Saturday - 11 AM to 2 PM and 2:30 PM to 7 PM. Sunday - 11 AM to 2 PM and 2:30 PM to 7 PM.
Entry Fee: Range from 12 Leva (US$ 6.48) to 100 leva (US$ 54.01).
How to go: It is located about 200 meters from Amphitheater of Serdica towards east.
Saint Sophia Church
Church
The church was built on the site of several earlier churches from the 4th century. The basic cross design of the current basilica, with two eastern towers and a tower-cupola, is believed to have been built during the reign of the Byzantine emperor Justinian the Great (527–565).
During the Second Bulgarian Empire (1185–1396), the structure attained the status of a metropolitan church. In the 14th century, the church gave the city its name. During the Ottoman rule (1396–1878), the church was converted into a mosque, the original 12th-century frescoes were destroyed and minarets were added. In the 19th century, two earthquakes destroyed a minaret and the mosque was abandoned. Restoration work began after 1900.
The present building is a cross basilica with three altars. The church also displays icons of historical saints including St. George and St. Vladimir.
Saint Sofia Basilica - archeological level and crypt is located west of the church. The eastern necropolis of the ancient city of Serdica, under the present Basilica of Saint Sophia, has burial facilities from the ruins of three earlier churches. The fourth church building was built from the end of the 5th to the beginning of the 6th century. The number of excavated graves and mausoleums is about 50 and they belong to 3rd-4th centuries. On the lid of the lunette is placed a red letter, which reads: "Honorius, Servant of God."
Visiting Time: 10 AM to 5:30 PM every day.
How to go: It is located about 130 meters from National Opera and Ballet towards south.
Monument of the Unknown Soldier
Monument
The monument commemorates the millions of Bulgarian soldiers who died defending their homeland. The monument was unveiled on September 22, 1981, on the 1300th anniversary of the founding of the Bulgarian state.
The monument has an eternal flame in its center and symbols on either side represent two battles - the Battle of Stara Zagora and the Battle of Shipka Pass. On the wall is an 1885 poem by the national writer Ivan Vazov. A sculpture of a lion (a national symbol of Bulgaria) is displayed in front.
How to go: It is located south of Saint Sophia Church and west of Alexander Nevsky Cathedral.
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
Church
Saint Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is the largest cathedral in Bulgaria and one of the 50 largest Christian church buildings in the world by volume. It can hold 5,000 people inside. It is one of the symbols and primary tourist attractions of Sofia.
Construction of St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral began in 1882, but most of it was built between 1904 and 1912. Saint Alexander Nevsky was a Russian prince. The cathedral was built in honor of Russian soldiers who died during the Russo-Turkish War of 1877-1878.
The marble parts and lighting fixtures were made in Munich, the metal elements for the gates in Berlin, the gates were made in Vienna and the mosaics were shipped from Venice.
The gold-plated dome of the cathedral is 45 meters high, 46.3 meters with the cross, the bell tower reaches 53 meters. The roof span of the central nave is 28 meters. The temple has 12 bells with a total weight of 23 tons, the heaviest is 12 tons and the lightest is 10 kilograms. The interior is decorated with Italian marble, Brazilian onyx, alabaster and other luxurious materials in different colors. The Lord's Prayer is inscribed in thin gold letters around the central dome.
There are many churches in Bulgaria that are small copies of St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in different cities.
Visiting Time: 7 AM to 7 PM every day.
How to go: it is located west of Saint Sophia Church.
National Gallery for Foreign Art
Art Gallery
The building was constructed between 1882 and 1884. It was rebuilt after it suffered significant damage during the bombing of Sofia in World War II. The gallery was established as the Art Gallery on 5 November 1985, as well as by the annexation of the Foreign Art Department of the National Art Gallery.
Since May 2015, the National Gallery's collections of foreign art are exhibited together with the National Gallery's collections of 19th and 20th century art. The building has been enlarged for this purpose.
Visiting Time: Tuesday to Sunday - 10 AM to 5:30 PM. Monday remains closed.
Entry Fee: 6 Leva (US$ 3.24).
How to go: It is located northeast of Alexander Nevsky Cathedral.
Vasil Levski Monument
Monument
The monument to Vasil Levski is one of the first monuments erected in newly independent Bulgaria. It commemorates the execution of Vasil Levski, Bulgaria's national hero on the same spot on 18 February 1873. The 13 meters high monument was inaugurated on 22 October 1895 taking a total of 17 years.
How to go: It is located about 80 meters from National Gallery for Foreign Art towards northeast.
Day-10:
SS Cyril and Methodius National Library
Library
SS The Cyril and Methodius National Library was established on 4 April 1878. It is named "SS. Cyril and Methodius"; Saints Cyril and Methodius. They are the creators of the Glagolitic alphabet. The Cyrillic alphabet is named after Cyril. The present building was completed during 1940-1953.
Visiting Time: Monday to Friday - 8:30 AM to 8:30 PM. Saturday - 8:30 AM to 7:30 PM. Sunday remains closed.
How to go: It is located 180 meters from Vasil Levski Monument towards south.
National Academy of Art
Educational Institute
The National Academy of Arts was established in 1896. The main building was built in 1906.
How to go: It is located opposite of SS Cyril and Methodius National Library.
Museum of Paleontology and historical geology
Museum
The "St. Kliment Ohridski" Museum of Paleontology and Historical Geology (SUMPHG) of Sofia University is located in the main building of Sofia University.
Visiting Time: Monday to Friday - 10 AM to 12 PM. 1 PM to 4 PM. Saturday and Sunday remains closed.
Entry Fee: Free.
How to go: It is located south of SS Cyril and Methodius National Library inside Sofia University. SU Sv. Kliment Ohridski (interchange of Yellow, Green and Red line) is the nearest metro station.
Monument to the Soviet Army
Monument
Monument to the Soviet Army. Around the statue is a large park called "Knyazheska Garden". It is a popular place where many young people gather. It depicts a Soviet army soldier as a freedom fighter, surrounded by a Bulgarian woman, holding her baby, and a Bulgarian man. The monument was built in 1954 to mark the 10th anniversary of liberation by the Soviet Army.
Surrounding the main memorial are other, secondary sculptural parts of the memorial complex.
How to go: SU Sv. Kliment Ohridski metro station (interchange of Red, Green and Yellow line) is located north corner of the park. Orlov most metro station (interchange of Green, Red and Yellow line) is located east corner of the park.
Prince Alexander of Battenberg Square
Square
Prince Alexander I Square, often called Battenberg Square, is the largest square in Sofia. It is named after Alexander Joseph of Battenberg, the first prince of modern Bulgaria. Before 1944, the square was known as Tsar's Square. During the communist rule in Bulgaria, the square was renamed September 9th Square.
How to go: It is located opposite the western center of Knyazheska Garden.
Battenberg Mausoleum
Tomb
The Alexander I Mausoleum of Battenberg, better known as the Battenberg Tomb, is the tomb and final resting place of Prince Alexander I of Bulgaria (1857–1893), the first head of state of modern Bulgaria. When Alexander died in exile in Graz, Austria in 1893, he was initially buried there. However, according to his wishes, his remains were transferred to the Bulgarian capital.
It was opened in 1897, the mausoleum has a height of 11 meters and an area of 80 square meters. The mausoleum was closed between 1947 and 1991 during communist rule in Bulgaria, but was later reopened to the public. It was partially restored in 2005.
How to go: It is located in Prince Alexander of Battenberg Square.
Monument to the Tsar Liberator
Monument
The Tsar Liberator Monument was built in honor of the Russian Emperor Alexander II who liberated Bulgaria from Ottoman rule during the Russo-Turkish War of 1877-78. The foundation stone was laid on 23 April 1901, St. George's Day, in the presence of Knyaz Ferdinand I of Bulgaria, and the monument was completed on 15 September 1903. It was inaugurated on 30 August 1907.
Sculpture of a Russian tsar on a horse. A bronze wreath at the base was donated by Romania to commemorate Romanian soldiers who died during the war. The center depicts a group of Russian and Bulgarian soldiers led by the Goddess of Victory, who raises her sword. Portraits of Grand Duke Nicholas Nicolaievich, Count Ignatiev and the generals Joseph Vladimirovich Gourko and Mikhail Skobelev and other prominent figures from the period round out the group.
How to go: It is located about 200 meters from Sofia University or SU Sv. Kliment Ohridski metro station (interchange of Red, Green and Yellow line) towards west.
National Assembly of Bulgaria
Government Office
The first National Assembly was established in 1879. The National Assembly building was built between 1884 and 1886. The building is depicted on the obverse of the Bulgarian 20 leva banknote.
How to go: It is located opposite of Monument to the Tsar Liberator.
Bulgarian Academy of Sciences
Academy
The Bulgarian Academy of Sciences was founded in 1869.
In 1878, the headquarters of the Society was moved from Braila to Sofia. The BLS headquarters were completed in 1892 and on 1 March 1893 the BLS moved into its own building. The Bulgarian Literary Society (BLS) adopted its current name "Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (BAS)" in 1911. The building was expanded in the 1920s.
Opening Time: Monday to Friday - 10 AM to 5 PM. Saturday and Sunday remains closed.
How to go: It is located west of National Assembly of Bulgaria.
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