20+ Fun and Cheap Things to Do During Two Days in Sofia, Bulgaria

Sofia, the current capital of Bulgaria, lies at the foothills of the Vitosha Mountains. Sofia has a ton of cool things to see. I was surprised at how much there is to do and the plethora of great restaurants and bars. You can easily spend two days in Sofia, and it should be part of any three week Eastern European itinerary. 

Want a guided tour to start out your trip and get acclimated to the city? Then check out Guru Walks for a free guided tour. You can book online to reserve your spot and pay what you wish when you get there. Check out the tours in Sofia here. 

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History of Sofia 

Sofia was founded by the Thracians in the 5th century BD and later became a part of the Roman empire. Under Roman rule, it became an important administrative and economic center. During that time, it developed thermal baths and city walls. It then came under Byzantine control. 

During the 1300s, the Ottoman Empire took over Sofia, and it became part of the empire for 500 years. During this time, the culture and architecture were greatly influenced by the Ottomans. IN 1879, it was liberated and became the new capital of Bulgaria. 

In the modern era, Sofia played a significant role in World War II and the Cold War. Since communism fell in 1989, Sofia has become a vibrant historical capital and Bulgaria’s largest city, with many things to do to keep visitors busy. 

When to Spend Two Days in Sofia

The best time to spend two days in Sofia is May, June, and early fall. These times will not be too busy, and the weather will be warm and enjoyable. However, every season brings many unique things to do. 

How to Get to Sofia

Sofia has one international airport: Sofia Airport. You can get flights here from all across Europe and some places in the Middle East and Northern Africa. From the airport you can take public transportation or use this Airport transfer.

Transportation in Sofia

Sofia has both metros and buses, but many of the main sites are within walking distance of the city center. If you do opt to take the metro and bus, make sure to have small bills to buy your ticket. Fun fact: Some of the subways have some ruins in them, as well as ancient artifacts, so make sure to ride it at least once!

Where to Stay in Sofia

TripAdvisor is a great place to start your hotel search. Search for the best Sofia and Bulgaria hotels here!

I recommend staying in the Sofia Center area in order to be able to walk to many of the sites. We stayed at the Sveta Sofia Hotel. This hotel was about a 10-15 minute walk from Boulevard Vitosha (the main street) and a short walk to the metro stop. It costs about $62/night. 

Other awesome hotels to stay at in Sofia

• Best Western Terminus Hotel
• Central Hotel Sofia
• Hilton Sofia
• Sofia Balkan Palace
• InterContinental Sofia

What to do During Two Days in Sofia

Day 1

There are so many fun things to do during two days in Sofia. For a self-guided tour, check out this audio guide. If you want to learn more of the history, check out this Communist Walking Tour or the small group guided tour. You could even do a Wine and Cheese Tasting!

Banya Bashi

Cost: Free

Hours: Varies

To start off your first of two days in Sofia, opt with a visit to the Banya Bashi mosque. This mosque dates back to Ottoman times in the 1500s and is currently the only functioning mosque in Sofia. It sits over natural thermal spas. Banya Bashi means lots of baths. 

You will be able to catch views of it from all around the city center and remember to be respectful if you choose to go inside. 

St. George Rotunda Church

Cost: Free

Hours: 8am-7:30pm

Next head to the St. George Rotunda Church. This Christian Church is considered the oldest building in Sofia. It was built by the Romans in the 300s and the interior contains the most amazing frescos. Visitors will be impressed by the amazing contrast of old and new in the area. 

Ivan Vazov National Theater

Cost: Free

Hours: Varies

The Ivan Vazov National Theater is the oldest and main theater of Bulgaria. Present day, you can go see various performances and shows. On this two day Sofia itinerary, stop by the outside of the building to look at the ornate architecture. If you have the chance, stop back by in the evening to see it lit up. 

Social Cafe Bar and Kitchen Restaurant

Cost: $$

Hours: 10am-1am

Once hungry, grab a small lunch at Social Cafe, the best place if you are craving Italian food. They have a variety of homemade pasta with some amazing sauces. Pizza is also served as well. I recommend sharing if possible since you will get plenty to eat with the food tour later in the day. 

Saint Sofia Church

Cost: Free 

Hours: 7am-6pm

Next, during your two days in Sofia, stop at the Saint Sofia Church. This Church is the second oldest church in Sofia. The original church was built by Byzantine Emperor Justinian but was rebuilt several times before the church that stands on the site today. 

Cathedral Saint Alexander Nevski

Cost: Free

Hours: 7am-7pm

The St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is one of the most impressive buildings to see during your two days in Sofia. This Orthodox cathedral was built in the Byzantine style. Visitors can go inside to see the expansive dome, the relics of Alexander Nevski, and the decorated interior. It also has an underground museum. 

Food Tour with Balkan Bites

Cost: Free

Hours: 2pm Sat and Sun

One of the best things to do during two days in Sofia is a free food tour with Balkan Bites. I was amazed to discover Sofia offers a free food tour around the city. Who can say no to free food (especially a traveling teacher)!? The tour lasts about 2.5 hours and you will leave full of delicious food. 

Make sure to make a reservation ahead of time in order to ensure a spot. You will need to email info@balkanbites.bg to reserve your spot. Throughout the tour, you will hit up some local spots and get to try some traditional Bulgarian cuisine. Two of my favorites include Supa Star and Skaptoburger. 

Supa Star was a small cafe that served a variety of soups. One of the most popular is the traditional cold Bulgarian soup Tarator. It is made with Bulgarian yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and walnuts. Tarator is often used as a hangover cure. 

Another favorite was Skaptoburger which had a variety of mouth-watering burgers. It was the perfect place to grab a quick meal. 

National Palace of Culture

Cost: Free

Hours: 9am-8:30pm

The National Palace of Culture is a convention center opened in 1981. It displays the communist style and ambition. Present day, this complex is a favorite for concerts and performances. Take a quick walk around the check out the architecture. 

Boulevard Vitosha

Cost: Free

Hours: Varies

This is the main street of Sofia that is lined with shops and restaurants. Visitors will have no problem finding something good to eat here. It is a great place to walk around during your two days in Sofia and find the best souvenirs. If you need something to eat for dinner after the food tour, this is a great place to stop. 

Sense Rooftop Bar

Cost: $

Hours: Sun-Tues: 10am-1am, Thurs-Sat: 10am-2am

End your first of two days in Sofia with one of the best views of Sofia can be found at Sense Rooftop Bar. This bar is located at the top of Hotel Sense. While the drinks are slightly pricier than what you may find in other more local establishments. It is still 100% worth it for the views. We opted to head up to this bar for sunsets. They also have several craft cocktail specialties. 

Day 2

Take a Day Trip to Rila Monastery

Cost: $20+

Hours: Varies by Tour

For your second of two days in Sofia, take a day trip to visit the Rila Monastery. This is a must do on a visit to Bulgaria. Visiting the monastery does take up the majority of the day.  

Rila Monastery is a UNESCO site that has been preserved. It is still a working Monastery that dates back to the 10th century. Unless you hire a car, you will have to take a tour to get here as no public transport runs near the Monastery. You can read more about the details in this post or book this tour. 

Boyana Church

Cost: $5.50

Hours: 9am-5:30pm

In the afternoon, visit Boyana Church. This UNESCO site is a small church located at the foothills of the Vitosha Mountains. It is about a 20 minutes drive to get out here but worth it to see the frescos on the walls. Make sure to reserve your ticket ahead of time, or be part of a group tour as the tickets often sell out. 

This tour will take you to both the Rila Monastery and Boyana Church on a day trip. If you choose this option, skip this today, and visit both sites on day two. 

The Hadjidragonov’s Cellars

Cost: $$

Hours: 11:30am-11pm

Tonight, grab dinner at Hadjidraganov’s Cellars. This restaurant serves many traditional Bulgarian dishes, so make sure to come hungry and share as the meals are huge. You will want  to try their appetizers such as Katak. It is a must visit during your two days in Sofia. 

Ale House Sofia

Cost: $

Hours: 11am-12am

After dinner, makes sure to grab some after dinner drinks. If you are interested in getting a local beer or a drink, this is the place for you! There are taps at your table and you can pour your own beer. You are only charged for what you pour. Food is also served here if you want a lighter dinner or some food paired with your beer. It is such a fun place to add to two days in Sofia. 

The Cocktail Bar

Cost: $

Hours: 8am-2pm

If you are looking for more craft cocktails or a trendy bar, then you will want to head to the Cocktail Bar. The Cocktail Bar was a cute indoor/outdoor bar in the middle of a square. They have several craft cocktail specialties as well as general drinks. It is the perfect place to relax at the end of the day. 

Have More Than Two Days in Sofia?

If you have more than two days in Sofia, add these things to your itinerary. We spent a total of three days in Sofia which is what I would recommend as the minimum amount you should spend in this fabulous city. 

Day 3

Borisova Gardens

Cost: Free

Hours: 24 hours

The Borisova Gardens are the most popular and oldest park in Sofia. It is named after Tsar Boris III as translated, it means Boris’ Gardens. Borisova Gardens is a great place to go for a morning stroll or to have a picnic lunch during your two days in Sofia. 

National Museum of History

Cost: $6.60

Hours: 9:30am-6pm

The National Museum of History is a fun thing to add to two days in Sofia. This museum is Bulgaria’s largest museum. It contains all kinds of artifacts from Bulgaria’s history and is the perfect place to visit if you want to learn more about Bulgaria’s entire history.  

Grab Gelato at Confetti

Cost: $

Hours: 10am-11:45pm

When it is hot and you need that gelato fix, Confetti is the place to stop! For less than $3 you get two humongous scoops of gelato. They had at least 20 flavors to choose from. There are also some other food and Italian dessert options if that is more your style. No matter what, it makes for a great stop during your two days in Sofia. 

Final Thoughts on Two Days in Sofia

Spending two days in Sofia is one of the best stops during an Eastern Europe trip. Sofia has such an unique and long history, visitors will enjoy seeing the complex buildings and taking in the culture. If you have more time, make sure to head to Bucharest or Belgrade as part of this trip. 

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