ONE DAY ITINERARY FOR SOFIA
Why Visit Sofia Bulgaria in One Day
Sofia is one of the most underrated capitals in Europe. With a fascinating history and a mix of Roman ruins, Soviet-era buildings, and Orthodox cathedrals like Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the city offers a surprising cultural experience.
It is extremely accessible, especially for travelers on a budget. Sofia is well connected by low cost airlines like Ryanair, and the airport is only 20 minutes from the city center. Once you arrive, you’ll find Sofia incredibly walkable. Unless you want to explore nearby mountains, public transport is rarely needed.
Here’s why Sofia is worth adding to your list:
Affordable and accessible – low-cost airlines like Ryanair connect Sofia with many European cities. The airport is just 20 minutes from the city center.
Walkable city – you can explore most landmarks on foot without needing public transport.
Delicious food – traditional Bulgarian meals are generous, authentic, and budget-friendly (a full meal with drinks for under 15 USD).
Vibrant atmosphere – Sofia feels young and lively, with plenty of things to do for first-time visitors.
Arrival Tips and Accommodation in Sofia
1. How to Get from Sofia Airport to the City Center
If you only have one day in Sofia, quick and easy airport transport is important.
Taxi – costs around 11.00 USD, takes 20 minutes. Best if you want to save time.
Metro Line M4 or Bus 84 – about 2.00 USD, takes 40 minutes. Perfect for budget travelers.
Tip: Always ask for an approximate price before getting into a taxi. We nearly got scammed on our way back to the airport, and it was not a pleasant experience.
2. Where to Stay in Sofia for Budget Travelers
We stayed at The Green Cube Hostel, a 20-minute walk from Sofia’s main street.
Price: ~13.00 USD per person in a four-bed room
Beds with curtains for privacy
Lockers, free towels, shampoo, and fast Wi-Fi
Friendly staff who spoke excellent English
The area felt safe, even at night, and a kiosk nearby made grabbing snacks and beers easy.
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Morning Itinerary and Must See Attractions in Sofia
We started our one day in Sofia early to avoid large crowds. We saved key spots in Google Maps and then set out on foot. If you plan ahead, there’s a lot you can explore in a short time. Here are the top five attractions from our Sofia itinerary.
Morning highlights in Sofia (walking route):
Cathedral of St Joseph
Central Market Hall
Banya Bashi Mosque
Statue of Sofia And Church of St Nicholas
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
1. Cathedral of St. Joseph
This is the main Roman Catholic church in Sofia. Originally built in the 19th century, it was destroyed during World War II and rebuilt in 2006. Though smaller than the Orthodox cathedrals, it is beautiful and surrounded by old ruins. We even saw a monk there during our visit.
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2.Central Market Hall
This was a bit underwhelming as it felt more like a regular supermarket than a bustling market hall. Still, if you are hungry early, there are food stalls and some restaurants upstairs.
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3. Banya Bashi Mosque
An old mosque built during the time when Bulgaria was part of the Ottoman Empire, which ruled the region from the late 14th century until 1878. It is still active today, located right next to the market and easy to visit.
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4. Statue of Sofia and Church of St Nicholas
The Statue of Sofia was built in 2000 on the site of a former Lenin statue. Holding a laurel wreath and an owl, it symbolizes victory and wisdom. On the way to Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, we passed the Church of St Nicholas the Wonderworker. Though small, it dates back to the 13th century and holds deep historical value.
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Address Statue of Sofia
Sofia Center, 1000 Sofia, Bulgaria
Address Church of St. Nicholas
Sofia Center, Tsar Osvoboditel Blvd 3, 1000 Sofia, Bulgaria
5. Patriarchal Cathedral St. Alexander Nevsky
A true highlight of our one day in Sofia itinerary. This massive Orthodox cathedral with golden domes is one of the largest of its kind in the world. Built in the early 20th century, it honors Bulgarian soldiers who died during the Russo Turkish War.
The interior is beautifully detailed, though photography is not allowed inside.
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Where to Eat Brunch in Sofia
From our hostel to the brunch spot, the walking time is about one hour, but with sightseeing and photo stops, it took closer to three. We ate at Rainbow Factory 2. The name sounds modern, but the food is delicious and traditionally Bulgarian. Portions are generous, and prices are very reasonable.
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Address
Sofia Center, ul. “Sheynovo” 13B, 1504 Sofia, Bulgaria
Opening hours
Monday – Friday
8 am – 8 pm
Saturday – Sunday
9 am – 8 pm
Menu
https://fabrikadaga.bg/en/menu/
Afternoon: Park, National Palace and more!
After a perfect brunch, we continued our walking route through Sofia’s parks and cultural landmarks.
1. Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski
Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski is the oldest and largest university in Bulgaria. It was founded in 1888 and has around 18,000 students today. The main building, with its classical architecture, is located in the city center. While the university is mainly for students and staff, parts of the building and the surrounding area are open to the public. We decided not to go inside because we’re happy to be done with university.
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2. Borisova Gradina Park
Borisova Gradina Park is the oldest and most popular park in Sofia. It is a large green space where locals seem to love spending their weekends. The park also houses the National Stadium and during our visit, we saw many families enjoying the fresh air and relaxing together. There are also several busts of famous Bulgarian figures positioned throughout the park.
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3. National Palace of Culture
The National Palace of Culture is an impressive building in Sofia, though it might not stand out as super special. It’s a common spot for events and conferences and is conveniently located on the way to our last stop.
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Where to Eat Traditional Bulgarian Dinner in Sofia
The entire walking route, from morning to evening, took us about six hours in total. For dinner, we visited Shtastlivetsa Restaurant Vitoshka on Vitosha Boulevard.
The location is perfect and the service was excellent.
Although the menu has since changed, the food we ordered was delicious. If you’re unsure what to get, just show the staff a picture. They will recognize the dish. Main courses cost between 14 and 17 US dollars. It’s not the cheapest in town, but definitely worth it for the quality and atmosphere.
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Address
Sofia Center, Vitosha Blvd 27, 1000 Sofia, Bulgaria
Opening hours
Monday – Sunday
11 am – 12 pm
One Day in Sofia Conclusion
One day in Sofia might sound short, but as you can see, it is enough to experience the city’s main highlights, taste traditional Bulgarian food, and get a feel for the local vibe. With an early start, a well-planned route, and a mix of history, culture, and good food, you can make the most out of my Sofia itinerary and leave with great memories.
FAQ
You can visit Sofia’s top highlights in one full day if you start early and plan your route well. Expect around 4 to 6 hours of sightseeing plus breaks for food and photos. Just follow this Sofia Travel Guide!
Yes, Sofia is generally safe for tourists. We felt comfortable walking even in the early morning or after dark, especially near the city center and popular spots.
Taking a taxi is the quickest and most convenient way, usually about 20 minutes and around 10.00 USD. For a cheaper option, the public bus costs about 1.60 USD but takes longer.
Staying near the city center or close to major transport links is ideal. We chose a hostel within walking distance to many attractions, which saved us time and transport costs.
Some must-try dishes include banitsa (cheese pastry), shopska salad (fresh vegetable salad), and kavarma (slow-cooked meat stew). Many restaurants also offer hearty soups and grilled meats.
Yes, Sofia has a growing number of restaurants with vegetarian and vegan options. Many traditional dishes are naturally veggie-friendly, and some places cater specifically to plant-based diets.
Some landmarks, like the statue of Sofia and certain public parks, are free to visit. Most churches and cathedrals allow entry for free or a small donation, but some places may charge a fee for guided tours or special exhibitions.
Thanks For Reading
I truly hope my one day itinerary for Sofia has inspired you to explore this amazing capital on your own. One day in Sofia might not sound like much, but this Sofia travel guide should have changed your mind. Another great capital I visited together with Vicky is Riga—be sure to check out our blog article, “Our Riga Travel Guide: What to Do in 2 Days Over New Year.”
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out. We are always happy to help. We would also love to hear about your own experience in the comments below. If you found this article helpful, please consider sharing it to support our travel blog.
Vicky and Malte
