Sofia Travel Guide 2025
Where Ancient History Meets Modern Balkan Culture
🌍 Why Visit Sofia in 2025?
Bulgaria's capital offers an incredible mix of Roman ruins, Orthodox churches, communist-era landmarks, and vibrant nightlife. New for 2025: The fully renovated National Museum of History and the opening of the Sofia Underground Archaeological Complex.
🏛️ Top 15 Must-Do Activities
| Activity | Location | Best Time | Duration | Price (EUR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alexander Nevsky Cathedral Visit | City Center | Morning/Evening | 1-2 hours | Free (Crypt €5) |
| Ancient Serdica Archaeological Complex | Underground | Daytime | 1.5 hours | €6 |
| Vitosha Mountain Day Hike | City Outskirts | Daytime | 4-8 hours | Free (Transport €3) |
| Communist History Tour | Various | Daytime | 3 hours | €25-40 |
| Boyana Church (UNESCO) | Vitosha Foothills | Morning | 1.5 hours | €10 |
| Central Mineral Baths & Spa | City Center | Afternoon | 2-3 hours | €15-30 |
| National Palace of Culture Area | NDK | Evening | 2-3 hours | Free |
| Ivan Vazov National Theater | City Center | Evening | 2-4 hours | €10-50 |
| Rakia & Meze Tasting | Traditional Taverns | Evening | 2-3 hours | €20-40 |
| Day Trip to Rila Monastery | Rila Mountains | All day | 8-10 hours | €50-80 |
🍽️ Bulgarian Culinary Highlights
NEW FOR 2025: Sofia Food & Wine Festival (May 15-18)
Experience Bulgaria's best wines and traditional dishes at this annual event in Borisova Gradina Park.
Must-Try Foods:
- Banitsa - Flaky cheese pastry
- Shopska Salad - National dish with tomatoes, cucumbers, cheese
- Kavarma - Traditional meat stew
- Rakia - Fruit brandy (national drink)
Top Dining Spots:
| Restaurant | Specialty | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Made in Home | Modern Bulgarian | €€ |
| Hadjidraganov's Cellars | Traditional Tavern | €€ |
| Raffy Bar & Gelato | Best Ice Cream | € |
🏨 Accommodation Guide
| Type | Best Areas | Price Range/Night |
|---|---|---|
| Luxury Hotels | City Center, NDK | €80-200 |
| Boutique Hotels | Oborishte, Lozenets | €50-120 |
| Hostels | Near Serdika Station | €10-25 |
📅 Seasonal Guide
| Season | Highlights | Avg Temp (°C) |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (Apr-May) | Flower festivals, mild weather | 12-22 |
| Summer (Jun-Aug) | Outdoor cafes, Vitosha hiking | 20-30 |
| Fall (Sep-Oct) | Wine harvest, cultural events | 15-25 |
| Winter (Nov-Mar) | Christmas markets, ski resorts | -5 to 5 |
💎 Hidden Gem: Red Flat Communist Museum
This unique apartment museum recreates typical 1980s Bulgarian life. Book ahead for the interactive experience.