What to See in Sofia in Two Days

Bulgaria

Alba García October 07, 2026

Only have a weekend to explore the capital of Bulgaria? Don't worry: it's perfectly possible to see Sofia in two days and come away with a good feel for a city that combines history, architecture, food and nature.

Sofia is one of those European destinations that still feels like somewhere waiting to be discovered. As you walk around, you'll come across the remains of the ancient Roman city of Serdica, Orthodox churches, Soviet-era buildings, traditional markets and modern areas where you can stop for a drink.

To help you make the most of your trip, we've put together a route covering the must-see places in Sofia in two days. And if you'd like to use the trip to explore the surrounding area too, we'll also tell you when it's worth hiring a car.

Day 1: Discover Sofia's Historic Centre

We'd spend the first day exploring the centre on foot. Many of the main sights are fairly close to each other, so you can easily walk from one to the next without needing the car in the city centre.

Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

We’ll start with one of the city's best-known landmarks: Alexander Nevsky Cathedral.

Its sheer size and golden domes make it almost impossible to pass through Sofia without stopping in front of it. As well as admiring it from the outside, it's worth going in to see its icons and frescoes.

We recommend getting there early if you'd like to enjoy it while it's a bit quieter, and taking the chance to wander around the surrounding area.

Very close by, you'll also find the Church of St Sofia, one of the oldest churches in the capital and the building that gave the city its name.

Russian Church of St Nicholas

Carry on walking to the Russian Church of St Nicholas. Its small golden domes really stand out among the buildings in this part of the city.

Although it's only a small church, the outside is striking, and it's one of those stops you can easily add to your route without spending too much time there.

Rotunda of St George and the Remains of Serdica

Next, you can head to the Rotunda of St George, one of the oldest buildings in Sofia.

This is where you start to see one of the things that makes the city special: you can walk for a few minutes and go from a medieval church to Roman ruins, and shortly after, to buildings from much more recent times.

This area is also home to the remains of ancient Serdica, the Roman city on which part of modern-day Sofia was built. If you're interested in history, it's well worth stopping to look at the ruins and see how different periods have become part of the city as it is today.

Banya Bashi Mosque and Central Market

Our next stop could be the Banya Bashi Mosque, one of the main religious buildings from the Ottoman period that you'll find in Sofia.

Afterwards, pop over to the Central Market, a good place to take a break and try some local produce. It's also a handy option if you want something to eat without having to stop for a long lunch.

And speaking of food, don't leave Bulgaria without trying some of its traditional dishes. Shopska salad, banitsa and Bulgarian moussaka are just a few of the options you'll come across along the way.

Vitosha Boulevard

To finish off the first day, we head to Vitosha Boulevard, one of the liveliest parts of Sofia.

Here you'll find shops, restaurants, cafés and terraces where you can sit down after a full day on your feet. It's the perfect place to slow down, have dinner and soak up the atmosphere of the capital.

Day 2: Parks, Culture and a Different Side of Sofia

After spending the first day on the big landmarks, we can save the second day for exploring other parts of the city and getting a feel for a more local side of Sofia.

Borisova Gradina Park

Start the day with a stroll through Borisova Gradina, one of the best-known parks in the capital.

It's a good way to get away from the pace of the city centre and, especially if you're visiting when the weather's good, enjoy a greener side of Sofia.

If you'd like to discover some less typical things to do, have a look at our article on 7 unusual things to do in Sofia. You'll find some different ideas to round off your trip and step away from the usual tourist route.

Ivan Vazov National Theatre

From the park, you can carry on to the Ivan Vazov National Theatre, one of the most recognisable buildings in Sofia.

Even if you're not planning to see a performance, it's worth heading over to admire the façade and walk around the garden that surrounds it.

Afterwards, you can continue to the area around the former Royal Palace, which is now home to several cultural spaces, including the National Art Gallery.

National Palace of Culture

If you still have time and want to extend your route, you can head over to the National Palace of Culture, one of the major buildings of modern Sofia.

It's not essential on a first two-day visit, but it can be a good option if you've already seen the main sights in the centre.

Boyana Church: An Extra that's Well Worth It

That said, if there's one thing that completely changes how you plan this second day, it's having a car.

Boyana Church is on the outskirts of Sofia and is particularly well known for its medieval frescoes. If you like history and art, it's definitely a visit worth considering.

Having a car also means you can combine it with other places in the surrounding area without relying on public transport timetables. You can check out our car hire in Sofia options and compare different vehicles before deciding which one best suits your trip.

Is It Worth Hiring a Car to Visit Sofia?

Yes, if you want to make the most of your trip by exploring the surrounding area.

With a car, you can plan your itinerary to suit you, leave the city whenever you like and combine Sofia with places such as Boyana Church, Mount Vitosha or, if you extend your route, the impressive Rila Monastery.

And if you're travelling with others, sharing the cost of the car can be a good alternative to using taxis or booking separate transfers.

At CarJet, we recommend comparing prices in advance and being a bit flexible with your dates and type of vehicle. In the end, small changes can help you keep your budget down.

If you'd like more ideas for planning a trip on a smaller budget, you can also take a look at our tips on how to travel on a budget.

Tips for Making the Most of Two Days in Sofia

Before you finish packing, keep these tips in mind:

Plan your route before you go. With only two days, organising your visits by area will help you avoid unnecessary journeys.

Leave room to improvise. Part of the pleasure of Sofia is simply wandering around its streets, markets and little squares.

Mix sightseeing with experiences. It doesn't all have to be churches and museums. Set aside some time to eat, have a drink or try something a bit different.

Consider a car if you want to get out of the centre. You don't need one for a city break, but it can give you a lot of freedom if you want to explore the surrounding area.

Compare prices before you book. From flights to accommodation and car hire, planning ahead can help you find better options.

You can do a lot in two days in Sofia. In a short space of time, you can go from admiring the domes of Alexander Nevsky Cathedral to walking over the ancient ruins of Serdica, trying Bulgarian food, relaxing in Borisova Gradina and ending the day with a drink in the centre.

And that mix of history, city atmosphere and nature close by is exactly what makes Sofia a European city break that's well worth discovering.