Free Things to do in Sofia Bulgaria
When planning my interrail across Eastern Europe, I wanted to take in as many counties which sounded so foreign to me when I was younger, and Bulgaria was definitely up there. I had images in my head of what it would be like and I was so wrong. Sofia was a stunning city in the heart of Bulgaria, and I’m delighted I made it part of my travel plans. So, here’s my guide on free things to do in Sofia Bulgaria.
The journey to Sofia
Sofia was the third city and second country on my interrail journey. We travelled from Bucharest to Craiova in Romania for an overnight stay, which we then took a train from Craiova to Vidin, a border city between Romania and Bulgaria. After passport control at Vidin we boarded a train heading straight for the capital – Sofia.
Take note that there is a reservation fee for a seat on the Vidin to Sofia route. If you don’t have cash, they don’t take card, do yourself a favour and try get some Bulgarian money. Luckily enough the lady behind the desk let us away without paying. More so from frustration with us than kindness I would say, but hey, we made it onto the train.
Interrail Tip
The train was less than pleasant to say the least. It was fine and it did the job but if you’re accustomed to trains not smelling like pee then brace yourself! But your/my pampered butt will do just fine.
It’s the reason travel is so amazing though, it makes you realise that there just isn’t the same level of infrastructure around the world and it can give you an appreciation for what you have.
Besides, it’s what interrails are all about. I was surrounded by three middle aged women chatting nonstop for hours in a language I didn’t understand, I had gorgeous scenery right outside my window, and the wind was flowing through the train. Life was good.
Free Things to do in Sofia Bulgaria: 1. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
I think Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is one of the most prominent images of Sofia. This incredible cathedral sits in the middle of a vast open space in the middle of the city, so getting a clear photo of the cathedral without any buildings blocking it is easily done.
But with a theatre such as this it is even more magnificent, if that is possible, inside as it is outside.
When it comes to religion and religious buildings a lot of time you will see no photography permitted. I tend to respect these rules because nobody wants to be that ignorant traveller ignoring customs and being rude.
A dress code is in place though not heavily enforced. I always find long cotton/linen or light pants to be the best go-to in these situations, but shorts are fine. Often times you might see that shorts are fine for men but not so for women. Something to consider and prepare for.
For Bulgarians, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is very important. Pride of this cathedral is second to none and the country’s parliament building is located just a 10-minute walk from the cathedral.
You will be taken back by the sheer beauty of this wonderful cathedral. Its proximity to parks, gardens, and just general stunning architecture makes it the perfect place to kick off our list.
Free Things to do in Sofia Bulgaria: 2. Ancient Serdica Ruins
So, I’ll admit that I didn’t know about the ancient Roman ruins of Serdica when I visited Sofia or put it on my travel list but boy was this quite a location to stumble upon.
We were out visiting the Saint Sofia monument (more on that to come) when we were wandering about looking for a place to eat when we came across the ancient Serdica Ruins.
They blew me away. Quite literally out of nowhere, a giant archaeological excavation appears of an ancient Roman town, in the middle of the city. Right beside is a relatively new subway station.
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It blew me away how nonchalant everyone was about such an amazing piece of history in their city. But this is when I started to understand that Sofia is a wonderfully rich country in history and artifact.
Take a stroll through the ancient Roman town, it’s around 10 or so feet below the road around it. Read the signs, get a sense of ancient Roman life and soak up the atmosphere because it really is a great spot.
Free Things to do in Sofia Bulgaria: 3. Go see Sofia herself
The Statue of Saint Sofia was erected in 2000 as a replacement to the statue of Lenin that once stood there.
The statue of Saint Sofia is about a four-minute walk from the ancient Serdica Ruins. You won’t spend hours here, more so minutes, but it’s worth it getting to check out St Sofia.
The area itself is quite a busy intersection, so it’s not a place you’re likely to spend a lot of time. Across the road there is an open cobblestoned area facing the monument. Cross the street to take some better angled photos and you’ll realise that you are in a particularly interesting area.
You will see bubble like glass domes appear from below the ground. Walk over and investigate and you will notice that they are in fact ruins of ancient Serdica continuing.
You’ll also notice the beautiful buildings that line the square: The Council of Ministers, the Constitutional Court of Bulgaria, and the National Assembly Building.
Behind the row of buildings to the south, lies the stunning Church of St George Rotunda.
Free Things to do in Sofia Bulgaria: 4. Church of St George
As mentioned in the above paragraph, a short distance away from the Statue of Saint Sofia lies the Church of St George.
The Church of St George is a rotunda and is the oldest building in Sofia, built in the 4th century.
I always wish walls could talk when I’m exploring or seeing somewhere new and exciting, especially so in a building as old as this one.
As you would expect, photography inside is not allowed, formal dress attire is required, and no food or drink is allowed in.
Inside, the rotunda is quaint. Looking up you’ll see the magnificent frescoes for which the church is especially famous for.
The frescoes are from the 12th, 13th, and 14th century. Altogether, three layers of frescoes have been discovered with the earliest dating back to the 10th century. Interestingly the frescoes were painted over during the Ottoman period when the church was converted into a mosque. The frescoes were only discovered and recovered during the 20th century making the church a true masterpiece of time and us lucky to view such graphic pieces of history.
Free Things to do in Sofia Bulgaria: 5. Take a photo on the steps of the Ivan Vazov National Theatre
The Ivan Vazov Bulgarian National Theatre is nothing short of stunning. When you watch movies, typically spy movies set in Europe, and there’s a scene during it in which all of the characters are attending an aristocratic ball, ballet, or opera and it’s quite intense but the setting looks stunning… if you get what I’m saying then this place has those feels. If you don’t, then watch more spy movies.
But for real, the absolute grandeur of this theatre is something to witness. We didn’t attend a show. We were in Sofia for two days and our budget was strict. But definitely go attend an opera in this opulent theatre, you’ll feel like royalty.
The facade on the front with the gold inlay, the Romanesque columns, the trio of mini balconies at the front of the building… they all just add to the gorgeousness of the building. In fact, the building facade is so well liked that it on Bulgaria’s 50-Lev bank notes.
The theatre is the most authoritative and oldest in the country and definitely worth a visit.
Free Things to do in Sofia Bulgaria: 6. National Palace of Culture and City Garden
I’m trying in together the Palace of Culture and City Park as they’re both expansive public spaces which are nice to visit and walk around.
Sometimes it’s nice to just take in your surroundings and take some photos. The National Palace of Culture is a huge venue for you guessed it – cultural events.
It’s situated right in the NDK Park which has these lovely fountains and water features that lead up to the Palace. There’s also a giant Sofia sign to pose with.
Secondly then City Garden is where the Ivan Vazov theatre is so if you’re going, make sure to take the park in as well.
The park is lovely, filled with fountains and monuments. If you fancy yourself as a semi-decent chess player, the small garden in front of the National Theatre will be your place to take on amateur chess players relaxing and taking in a game of chess.
Altogether these two areas are easily accessed and can fit into your plans for the day.
Free Things to do in Sofia Bulgaria: 7. Have Rakija at the Sense Hotel Rooftop Bar
Okay so this one may not exactly by free, I mean you can technically order a tap water? Either way it deserved an honourable mention and chances are you’ll have some sort of beverage while in Sofia, right?
There are plenty of great bars and restaurants in Sofia but one in particular you must go to is the rooftop bar in the Sense Hotel. If you are looking at staying in the Sense Hotel it looked quite swanky, check out the latest rates for it here.
We didn’t have a reservation for the bar which on hindsight mightn’t have been the best idea as it could’ve easily been full. You can have dinner up there if you like which will more than likely require a reservation. Dress code is business casual I would say: slacks, shirt, polo for men. You could wear shorts provided they are a dressy type shorts. For women, pants, dresses, skirts, blouses etc. are perfect. Dress as you would going to a high-end bar as opposed to your local pub.
When there, the waiters may or may not offer you Rakija if you’re an out-of-towner. Either way, make sure you get a shot of the local liqueur into ya. It’ll put hair on your chest but is tasty for sure. Enjoy your drinks overlooking the city.
You will be able to see Alexander Nevsky illuminated and the views are just gorgeous. It is located in a busy part of town and very safe walking home that night.
So that does it for my blog on Sofia. There’s plenty to do and what’s great is you can accomplish so much here in a short amount of time. If you are in the region taking in the Balkans, definitely try make it to Sofia for a couple days, you won’t regret it.
Again, be sure to check out some of my other stories:
