You’ve planned a trip to Sofia or are considering travelling to Sofia ? Check out our recommendations in this article !
Sofia isn’t the fairy-tale European capital you might imagine. It’s a city with layers — ancient ruins beneath the streets, Ottoman echoes above, monumental squares born of the communist era, and everyday local life pulsing through markets and cafés.
To be frank: we were not blown away. But Sofia surprised us in quiet, uneven, meaningful ways — and we’re glad we went.
🏛️ A city built on Serdica — ancient to modern
Sofia’s history stretches back to antiquity. The settlement was originally known as Serdica, named after the Thracian tribe of the Serdi. It was an important town under the Romans and later became part of the Byzantine world. Over centuries it was ruled by various powers — Thracians, Romans, Byzantines, the First Bulgarian Empire, the Ottoman Empire, and finally liberated in 1878. Its centre is one of Europe’s major archaeological sites, visible in surprising places like the metro station Serdika, where ruins of the Roman city sit right beneath your feet.
Today, Sofia is one of the oldest capitals in Europe — ancient roots beneath a city still shaping its identity.
🗺️ Our Sofia highlights — the good and the middling
🏰 St Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
This grand neo-Byzantine cathedral is the most iconic building in the city. With green and gold domes, it dominates the skyline and was built to honour Russian soldiers who helped liberate Bulgaria from Ottoman rule. Inside, the crypt houses a small museum of religious art.
🏛️ Metro Serdika & Roman ruins
One of the coolest things we saw: Roman Serdica revealed inside and around the Serdika metro station, with remains of streets, walls and buildings integrated into modern infrastructure. It’s a striking reminder of the city’s ancient origins.
🪩 The Women’s Market (Zhenski Pazar)
A vibrant, authentic corner of Sofia life — food stalls, spices, produce and the buzz of real local trade. Great for wandering and getting a feel for everyday Bulgaria.
☕ Central Market Hall
Not just a supermarket — this historic market building (now a Kaufland) is a fun place for coffee or a simple lunch. It’s everyday life as it is, no frills.
Find it here
⛪ Russian Church & the Church of the Seven Saints
The Russian Church, with its golden onion domes, is charming and small enough to be a nice stop between bigger sites. Nearby, the Church of the Seven Saints is another peaceful, local gem.
🏞️ Boyana Church or Rila Monastery (day trip)
If you have time, the Church of Boyana (with medieval frescoes) and the Monastery of Rila (a UNESCO site and one of Bulgaria’s spiritual heartlands) make wonderful day trips — especially Rila, which adds depth to any Bulgaria itinerary.
🪧 Other things worth considering
Here are a few additional suggestions if you feel like exploring further:
- City Garden – Sofia’s oldest central public garden, great for a stroll.
- Statue of Sofia & Tsar Osvoboditel Monument – symbols of national history and identity.
- National Theatre Ivan Vazov and National Gallery – for culture lovers.
- Vitosha Mountain – about 30 minutes from the city centre: hiking in summer, skiing in winter, or just a green escape from urban life.
- tram line 10, the most scenic tram route – get a feel of nature in the middle of the city, take this beautiful tram… you can stop as soon as you get out, and come by walk, through the forest
☕ Where to eat & drink — honest Sofia spots
We weren’t chasing “best restaurants in the world,” but a few spots stood out:
- Central Market Hall — great for a casual meal or coffee.
- Around the Women’s Market — cheap, hearty local food and a lively vibe.
- Several cosy cafés around the centre (especially near Vitosha Boulevard and the National Theatre) — perfect for a slow pause during a day of wandering.
💭 So… is Sofia worth it?
Here’s the honest take:
Yes — but with expectations in check.
Sofia is not a polished European capital like Budpaest or Prague. It won’t bowl you over with a single moment of architectural magic. But if you love layers of history, unexpected ancient remnants, lived-in markets, and a city that feels like a crossroads rather than a theme park, then Sofia makes sense. It’s not glamorous, and that’s part of its character.
Let Sofia surprise you — in its quiet moments beneath the streets, in markets where locals shop, and in churches that span empires past.
You might not fall in love instantly — but you could well be glad you went. 💚
Still wondering which city to visit in Europe ? Check out our different articles around Europe : Albania, Hungary, Greece, …