7 original things to do in Sofia

Bulgaria

Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, is steadily earning a place in the hearts of tourists. With emblematic sites such as the Alexander Nevski Cathedral, the Monument to the Soviet Army, and the Banya Bashi Mosque, the city offers much to discover. But beyond these tourist spots, Sofia hides corners and experiences that can make your trip truly unique. If you want to have a different experience, here is a guide with 7 original activities to enjoy in Sofia.

To reach every corner of the city, we recommend hiring a car in Sofia. You can organise your itinerary in advance and change it at any time. Experience the freedom and flexibility of a rental car with CarJet.

How to get to Sofia?

Before diving into our list of activities, it’s important to know which is the best way to reach Sofia.

Sofia has its own airport, just 6 miles from the city centre. You can hire your car directly from Sofia International Airport and start your adventure straight away. If you can't find flights to Sofia, Plovdiv Airport, located 93 miles from the Bulgarian capital, is often an alternative option.

Varna and Burgas airports, although a little further away from Sofia (450 and 380 kilometres respectively), can be good alternatives to reach the Bulgarian capital. These airports, mainly active during the high summer season, are ideal for those who wish to discover the Black Sea region before heading to Sofia. Additionally, Varna and Burgasairports—although farther from Sofia (280 and 236 miles away respectively)—can also be good options. These airports are particularly active during the summer season and are ideal if you wish to explore the Black Sea region before heading to Sofia.

7 activities in Sofia

So, grab a pen and paper and take note of the activities we’re about to suggest—you won’t be disappointed!

Visiting the Hagia Sophia Basilica and the Ancient Ruins of Serdica

The Hagia Sophia Basilica is a 6th-century historical monument, built under the Byzantine Empire. It exemplifies Byzantine architecture and originally served as a cathedral before becoming a mosque under the Ottoman Empire. Today, it stands as an iconic landmark of the city, symbolising Sofia’s religious heritage. Be sure to check its opening hours before visiting.

Just a short distance from the basilica lie the ruins of Serdica, the ancient Roman city that once preceded Sofia. These ruins include walls, baths, basilicas, and even an amphitheatre, offering a fascinating glimpse into the city’s evolution from Roman times to the modern era. Serdica is a must-see site that unravels the layers of Sofia's past.

Strolling through Borisova Gradina Park

Borisova Gradina Park is a favourite spot for both locals and visitors. Spanning 360 hectares, this park—established in 1884—is a lush green oasis located in the heart of Sofia. It features highlights such as the lake of Borisova Gradina and the Monument to Freedom, a tribute to the Soviet soldiers who contributed during the Second World War. It's a perfect place to go for a run, enjoy a picnic, or escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

Shopping at the Paradise Center

The Paradise Center is Sofia’s most modern and popular shopping centres. In fact, it’s the largest shopping centre in the Balkans, with 80,000 m². Opened in 2010, it’s located in the Lozenets district, near Vitosha Park, and features a vast array of shops, restaurants, and leisure facilities. Thanks to Sofia’s size, it takes just 30 minutes by car to reach the Paradise Center. This makes it the perfect destination for shopaholics or a rainy day when an indoor activity is just what you need.

Grab a drink at the Sense Rooftop Bar

The Sense Rooftop Bar is one of Sofia’s trendiest spots, offering incredible views of the city and the surrounding mountains. Perched atop the luxurious Sense Hotel in central Sofia, this rooftop bar is the ideal place to enjoy expertly crafted cocktails while soaking in the stunning skyline.

See a play at the Ivan Vazov National Theatre

The Ivan Vazov National Theatre is one of Bulgaria’s most iconic cultural venues. Established in 1904, it’s named after Ivan Vazov, the revered Bulgarian writer and poet who is considered the father of modern Bulgarian literature.

Located near Nezavisimost Square, the theatre hosts an array of productions throughout the year, including international classics, contemporary dramas, and adaptations of famous works. A visit to this cultural gem promises to add a touch of sophistication to your trip.

Go to the Central Market

Immerse yourself in Sofia’s daily life by visiting the Central Market. Opened in 1911, the market is renowned for its stunning architecture, which blends Art Nouveau elegance with Neo-Byzantine details. Inside, you can sample quintessential Bulgarian delicacies such as sirene, a delicious white cheese, or banitsa, a flaky pastry filled with cheese or other savoury ingredients. More than just a shopping spot, the Central Market offers a window into Sofia’s culture. It’s open daily from 7:00 to 21:00.

Visit the 'Red Flat'

The Red Flat offers a journey back in time, recreating life in Bulgaria during the communist era of the 1970s and 1980s. Unlike a traditional museum, this setting lets you experience the everyday routines, struggles, and joys of a Bulgarian family under communist rule. The tour lasts around an hour and includes an audio guide filled with personal anecdotes and stories, helping you to understand the historical context and life under the communist regime.

Discover Sofia with a rental car

Discover every corner of Sofia with your hire car!CarJet compares prices across numerous car rental companies in real-time, guaranteeing the most competitive rates. Best of all, the booking process is quick and hassle-free—it takes no more than three minutes!

Here’s how it works: simply enter your pick-up and drop-off locations, travel dates, and click ‘search’. For those seeking an electric rental car, just activate the ‘electric’ filter to see the most eco-friendly options available. With a wide selection of vehicles and customisable filters, CarJet makes it easy to find the perfect car to suit your needs and budget.