Title: Visit Sofia: Best of Sofia Tourism | Expedia Travel Guide - Expedia.ca

[Hotels in Sofia](https://expedia.ca/Sofia-Hotels.d3235.Travel-Guide-Hotels)[Vacation Rentals in Sofia](https://expedia.ca/Sofia-Vacation-Rentals.d3235.Travel-Guide-VacationRentals)[Flights to Sofia](https://expedia.ca/Cheap-Flights-To-Sofia.d3235.Travel-Guide-Flights)[Things to do in Sofia](https://expedia.ca/Things-To-Do-In-Sofia.d3235.Travel-Guide-Activities)[Sofia Car Rentals](https://expedia.ca/Car-Rentals-In-Sofia.d3235.Car-Rental-Guide)[Sofia Vacation Packages](https://expedia.ca/Sofia.d3235.Destination-Travel-Guides)

# Sofia

## Travel Guide

![Sofia](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/507000/507294-sofia.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![Sofia](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/507000/507261-sofia.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![Sofia](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/507000/507322-sofia.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![Sofia](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/507000/507314-sofia.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![Sofia](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/507000/507341-sofia.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

## Visit Sofia

Where to stay

Things to do

Reviews

#### Bulgaria’s capital offers thousands of years of history and culture, beautiful architecture, exciting nightlife, modern malls and mountain pursuits.

Since the end of Communist rule in Bulgaria, Sofia has reinvented itself as a lively, cosmopolitan city. Stroll in the shadows of Byzantine buildings, gold-domed churches and Communist-era monuments to find modern shopping malls, acres of parkland, elegant boulevards and a lively café culture. With some of Europe’s most beautiful architecture and ski slopes on its doorstep, Sofia has plenty to show its visitors.

Marvel at the beauty of the multi-domed Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. Look inside at its Byzantine-style murals. Next to the cathedral, find the sixth-century Church of St. Sofia, which gave the city its name. See the Rotunda of St. George, thought to be the city’s oldest church. The redbrick structure was built by the Romans in the fourth century. Visit the 16th-century Banya Bashi Mosque.

Investigate some of the 650,000 artifacts inside the National Museum of History. Learn about Bulgarian art from the 19th and 20th centuries at the National Art Gallery.

Go on a shopping spree to the city malls. These include the Bulgaria Mall and The Mall, one of the largest malls in Sofia. Stock up on fresh fruit and vegetables at the market on Graf Ignatiev. Take a break from shopping and sightseeing for a drink at a pavement café or picnic at Borisova Gradina Park.

Sofia sits at the foot of the Vitosha Mountain, a 7,513-foot-tall (2,290-metre) peak. Trek along its numerous marked paths in the spring and summer or go skiing in the winter.

To experience Sofia’s nightlife, visit Vitosha Boulevard, Sofia’s main shopping street. Choose from a large concentration of trendy bars and cafés. For music and dance, visit Sofia Opera and Ballet.

Sofia is a compact city. Many sights are within easy walking distance of each other. Alternatively, get around by public transportation or rental car. With thousands of years of history, rich cultural pursuits and a lively social scene, Sofia is a fascinating and increasingly popular vacation destination.

### Where to stay in Sofia

![Sofia featuring heritage architecture and a house](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/206000/206647-Sofia.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium)

### Sofia City Center

4/5(32 area reviews)

 Noted for its museums and historic sites, there's plenty to explore in Sofia City Center. Top attractions like Ivan Vazov National Theatre and National Archaeological Museum are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at Serdika Station or Lavov Most Station to see more of the city. 

[](https://expedia.ca/Sofia-Sofia-City-Center.dx3000660880)

![Default Image](https://images.trvl-media.com/media/content/expus/graphics/deals/TE_Clouds_card_r1.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium)

### Lozenets

4/5(4 area reviews)

 Unique features of Lozenets include the spas and bars. Make a stop by Sofia Zoo or Borisova Gradina Park while you're exploring the area. 

[](https://expedia.ca/Sofia-Lozenets.dx3000660879)

![Default Image](https://images.trvl-media.com/media/content/expus/graphics/deals/TE_Clouds_card_r1.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium)

### Mladost

4/5(4 area reviews)

 While you're in Mladost, take in top sights like Inter Expo and Congress Center or Winter Palace of Sports, and hop on the metro to see more the city at Mladost 1 or Business Park Station. 

[](https://expedia.ca/Sofia-Mladost.dx553248635974587104)

![Monument to the Liberating Tsar which includes a monument, a square or plaza and a statue or sculpture](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/81000/81145-Monument-To-The-Liberating-Tsar.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium)

### Sredets District

 While visiting Sredets District, you might make a stop by sights like Monument to the Liberating Tsar and Central Military Club. 

[](https://expedia.ca/Sofia-Sredets-District.dx553248635976006865)

![Default Image](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/507000/507340-national-museum-of-history.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium)

### Vitosha District

 Vitosha District is noteworthy for its spas, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Mount Vitosha and Boyana Church. 

[](https://expedia.ca/Sofia-Vitosha-District.dx553248635939577099)

![Default Image](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/507000/507259-sofia-court-house.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium)

### Rajon Triaditsa

 If you're spending some time in Rajon Triaditsa, Vitosha Blvd and National Palace of Culture are top sights worth seeing. 

[](https://expedia.ca/Sofia-Rajon-Triaditsa.dx553248635976007013)

- Sofia Hotel Deals
- Vacation Rentals in Sofia

![Sofia Balkan Palace](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/10000/2000/1978/b6f761b2_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Sofia Balkan Palace

5 Sveta Nedelya Square Sofia Sofia

CA $144

CA $162 total

Feb 1 - Feb 2

includes taxes & fees

Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Sofia. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...

8.4/10 Very Good! (1,002 reviews)

Staff

Reviewed on Jan 4, 2026

[](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=01%2F02%2F2026&endDate=02%2F02%2F2026&selected=1978&PinnedHotelID=1978&HadPinnedHotel=true&regionId=3235)

![Grand Hotel Sofia](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/2000000/1160000/1156200/1156140/ce50095c_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Grand Hotel Sofia

1 Gurko Str Sofia 

CA $183

CA $205 total

Feb 1 - Feb 2

includes taxes & fees

Book a stay at this luxury hotel in Sofia. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), room service, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the spacious ...

9.2/10 Wonderful! (998 reviews)

Wonderful place to stay

Reviewed on Jan 3, 2026

[](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=01%2F02%2F2026&endDate=02%2F02%2F2026&selected=1156140&PinnedHotelID=1156140&HadPinnedHotel=true&regionId=3235)

![Central Hotel Sofia](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/2000000/1400000/1397800/1397742/e6547c55_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Central Hotel Sofia

52, Hristo Botev Blvd. Sofia 

Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Sofia. Enjoy free WiFi, room service, and a sauna. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...

8.6/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)

It was a comfortable bed at a reasonable price.

Reviewed on Jan 9, 2026

[Get rates](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=25%2F01%2F2026&endDate=26%2F01%2F2026&selected=1397742&PinnedHotelID=1397742&HadPinnedHotel=true&regionId=3235)

[](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=25%2F01%2F2026&endDate=26%2F01%2F2026&selected=1397742&PinnedHotelID=1397742&HadPinnedHotel=true&regionId=3235)

[See all 745 properties in Sofia](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.DestinationExperience&startDate=12%2F01%2F2026&endDate=13%2F01%2F2026&regionId=3235)

Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

![Dunav Apartment House](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/65000000/64610000/64609800/64609777/40c28a65_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Dunav Apartment House

Dunav street 38 Sofia Sofia City Province

Stay at this aparthotel in Sofia. Enjoy free WiFi, in-room massages, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Saint Sofia Monument and Sveta Petka Samardjiyska ...

9/10 Wonderful! (31 reviews)

Central location, the facilities were good enough. Reception works 9 to 5, and as we arrived after 5 we were given instructions on how to check in and which apartment to go to. When we went to that apartment, however, it was already occupied by other people 😁. In the end we managed to find the apartment ...

Reviewed on Jan 3, 2026

[](https://expedia.ca/Sofia-Hotels-CityResidence-Aparthotel.h64609777.Hotel-Information)

![Agora Boutique](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/101000000/100720000/100714600/100714540/f00fdb0a_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Agora Boutique

16 Uzundzhovska str Sofia Sofia

Stay at this aparthotel in Sofia. Enjoy free WiFi, daily housekeeping, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Ethnographic Institute with Museum and ...

9.4/10 Exceptional! (25 reviews)

We had a great stay at this hotel, which is right on the corner with Vitosha street. Great location, walkable to all the main attractions. Plenty of restaurants nearby. The room was also great, there is an AC. We could leave our bags at reception after check-out. Breakfast was at a nearby cafe Memento ...

Reviewed on Sep 18, 2025

[](https://expedia.ca/Sofia-Hotels-Agora-Boutique-Self-Check-In.h100714540.Hotel-Information)

![DOT Sofia](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/111000000/110010000/110003400/110003349/a89b37fa_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

DOT Sofia

ul. Bratya Miladinovi 46 Sofia Sofia City Province

Stay at this apartment in Sofia. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and onsite spa services. Popular attractions Sofia Synagogue and Central Sofia Market ...

9.8/10 Exceptional! (15 reviews)

This hotel was clean and modern and the staff was very quick to respond to inquiries. It was close to downtown so it was an easy walk to anything we wanted to see. Would recommend and stay here again.

Reviewed on Nov 11, 2025

[](https://expedia.ca/Sofia-Hotels-DOT-Sofia.h110003349.Hotel-Information)

[See all properties in Sofia](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.DestinationExperience&regionId=3235&sort=VACATION_RENTAL)

Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

## Check Sofia hotel availability

[Tonight

](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=3235&startDate=2026-01-11&endDate=2026-01-12)[Jan 11 - Jan 12](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=3235&startDate=2026-01-11&endDate=2026-01-12)

[Tomorrow night

](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=3235&startDate=2026-01-12&endDate=2026-01-13)[Jan 12 - Jan 13](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=3235&startDate=2026-01-12&endDate=2026-01-13)

[Next weekend

](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=3235&startDate=16%2F01%2F2026&endDate=18%2F01%2F2026)[Jan 16 - Jan 18](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=3235&startDate=16%2F01%2F2026&endDate=18%2F01%2F2026)

### Popular places to visit

![Alexander Nevski Cathedral](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/507000/507274-alexander-nevski-cathedral.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Alexander Nevski Cathedral

Gaze in awe at this magnificent cathedral and step inside to see a fascinating collection of mosaics, murals and religious icons.

[](https://expedia.ca/Alexander-Nevski-Cathedral-Sofia-City-Center.d6097802.Vacation-Attraction)

![National Palace of Culture](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/507000/507364-national-palace-of-culture.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### National Palace of Culture

This impressive castle-like monument is a multipurpose cultural center that hosts art exhibitions, a film festival and concerts by well-known performers.

[](https://expedia.ca/National-Palace-Of-Culture-Sofia-City-Center.d6097814.Vacation-Attraction)

![Sofia Central Mineral Baths](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/2/fec5d4dda121f080cc0dbefde8cfba04.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Sofia Central Mineral Baths

You can find out about the history of Sofia with a stop at Sofia Central Mineral Baths. While in this culturally rich area, find time to visit its shops. 

[](https://expedia.ca/Sofia-Central-Mineral-Baths-Sofia-City-Center.d6097840.Vacation-Attraction)

![Bulgarian Parliament](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/507000/507257-bulgarian-parliament.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Bulgarian Parliament

Admire the architecture of Bulgaria’s national assembly building and attend a parliamentary session at this elegant government building in Sofia’s city center.

[](https://expedia.ca/Bulgarian-Parliament-Sofia-City-Center.d6097806.Vacation-Attraction)

![Mount Vitosha](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/1/1aeeaf16cb11708e544582517db4fd5d.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Mount Vitosha

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Mount Vitosha during your travels in Sofia. While in this culturally rich area, find time to visit its spas. 

[](https://expedia.ca/Mount-Vitosha-Vitosha-District.d6097834.Vacation-Attraction)

![Vitoshka Boulevard](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/507000/507287-sofia.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Vitoshka Boulevard

Stroll along the spacious main shopping street of Sofia and enjoy the mix of heritage façades, renowned retailers, leafy trees and lively cafés.

[](https://expedia.ca/Vitoshka-Boulevard-Rajon-Triaditsa.d6170818.Vacation-Attraction)

### Things to do

![Sofia: Guided Tasting of Local Wines and Cheeses](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/48237794/840bb487-d9a3-46cf-a4a3-7222d7440914.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Sofia: Guided Tasting of Local Wines and Cheeses

CA $30

per adult

[](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/sofia-guided-tasting-of-local-wines-and-cheeses.a48237794.activity-details)

![Sofia: Discover Bulgaria with Dance](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/48224234/bd6f0c2f-9da8-440e-85a2-3e5e78237498.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Sofia: Discover Bulgaria with Dance

CA $19

per adult

[](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/sofia-discover-bulgaria-with-dance.a48224234.activity-details)

![The New Sofia Pub Crawl Guides](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/2067639/c550f8cd-bc68-40ac-8d7b-d1fab5e6d048.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Sofia Pub Crawl Tour of The Hidden Unique Bars

CA $33

per adult

[](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/sofia-pub-crawl-tour-of-the-hidden-unique-bars.a2067639.activity-details)

![Best: UNESCO Rila Monastery & Boyana Church Must-See Tour](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/47672049/e7a51b56-561d-4bfa-82fb-58695de3819d.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Best: UNESCO Rila Monastery & Boyana Church Must-See Tour

CA $32

per adult

**98%** of travellers recommend

[](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/best-unesco-rila-monastery-boyana-church-must-see-tour.a47672049.activity-details)

![Rakia Museum](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/48376037/2e862cc6-5454-49f6-bbcb-6b82b4c1859c.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Rakia Museum Entrance Ticket

CA $33

per adult

[](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/rakia-museum-entrance-ticket.a48376037.activity-details)

![Photos with traditional costumes in Sofia](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/47755487/32c03dad-9f40-45d6-be80-8c6bc6d8b5c0.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Photos with traditional costumes in Sofia

CA $17

per adult

[](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/photos-with-traditional-costumes-in-sofia.a47755487.activity-details)

[See all activities in Sofia](https://expedia.ca/Things-To-Do-In-Sofia.d3235.Travel-Guide-Activities)

## Reviews of Sofia

4

Top destination

5 - Excellent

8

4 - Good

22

3 - Okay

3

2 - Disappointing

2

1 - Terrible

0

### 3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

The locals were not very welcoming, warm and helpful. Perhaps language barrier reflected into their disposition. The city itself has lots to offer given its rich history of 6000+ years. Beware of the taxis, most meters are altered.

### 4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

The old part of the city is wonderful

### 4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Beware of the local taxis. The meter is more than often faulty and when you point it out, they pretend to not know English at all. Otherwise taxi ride is meant to be cheap, when you come across an honest driver, which was rare in our experience.

### 4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Sofia is my home town.

### 4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Enjoyed the pedestrian mall and its many restaurants. Public transit, which I use whenever I travel, was frequent but the payment system leaves a lot to be desired.

### 4/5 - Good

BS

Overall Sofia was nice. Highly recommend to hike the Seven Rila Lakes!!

## Cities near Sofia

![Photo by Kelvin Harrison](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/2/0fd0ee8d480577ab2507bbb9914ff17f.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium)

### Samokov

![Photo by MIJODO](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/2/004cbfb28a7294fa169ec1a4cd7e50e4.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium)

### Pernik

### Other places like Sofia

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[Samokov](https://expedia.ca/Samokov.dx6125536)[Pernik](https://expedia.ca/Pernik.dx6298330)[Ravno Pole](https://expedia.ca/Ravno-Pole.dx3000043580)[Krivina](https://expedia.ca/Krivina.dx3000043670)[Gorni Okol](https://expedia.ca/Gorni-Okol.dx3000043719)

- [Alexander Nevski Cathedral ](https://expedia.ca/Alexander-Nevski-Cathedral-Sofia-City-Center.d6097802.Vacation-Attraction)
- [National Palace of Culture ](https://expedia.ca/National-Palace-Of-Culture-Sofia-City-Center.d6097814.Vacation-Attraction)
- [Sofia Central Mineral Baths ](https://expedia.ca/Sofia-Central-Mineral-Baths-Sofia-City-Center.d6097840.Vacation-Attraction)
- [Bulgarian Parliament ](https://expedia.ca/Bulgarian-Parliament-Sofia-City-Center.d6097806.Vacation-Attraction)
- [Mount Vitosha ](https://expedia.ca/Mount-Vitosha-Vitosha-District.d6097834.Vacation-Attraction)
- [Vitoshka Boulevard ](https://expedia.ca/Vitoshka-Boulevard-Rajon-Triaditsa.d6170818.Vacation-Attraction)
- [Ivan Vazov National Theatre ](https://expedia.ca/Ivan-Vazov-National-Theatre-Sofia-City-Center.d6097820.Vacation-Attraction)
- [National Museum of History ](https://expedia.ca/National-Museum-Of-History-Vitosha-District.d6097810.Vacation-Attraction)
- [Church of St. George ](https://expedia.ca/Church-Of-St-George-Sofia-City-Center.d6097822.Vacation-Attraction)
- [Slaveykov Square ](https://expedia.ca/Slaveykov-Square-Sofia-City-Center.d6097842.Vacation-Attraction)

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