There is so much to see in the center of Sofia, Bulgaria. After all, it is the second oldest city in all of Europe. If you are wondering what to do in Sofia in One Day, this city center walking tour may be just your thing.
Note: This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy for more information.
What is the City Centre Walking Tour
From a church that’s been around since the 10th century in the city centre, to a massive Bulgarian Orthodox Cathedral which can hold 10,000 worshippers. This walking tour takes in many of the big sights of Sofia Bulgaria, and a few of the lesser seen sights.
You will need about 3 hours to complete this 3 km Sofia sightseeing tour. Whilst it is possible to rush it and complete the walk in 2 hours, I recommend you take your time and allow about 4 hours.
Stops on the City Centre Walking Tour
You can start right in the heart of Sofia at the St.Nedelya Church, or at the biggest attraction in town the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. Both of these sites have a metro subway station virtually right out the front, and they are one stop apart. This makes for an easy and cheap way to get back to the starting point.
Check out the map below, with all of the stops in this walking tour marked.
1: St.Nedelya Church
Right in the center of town, this imposing church is one of the main Sofia attractions. It is an Eastern Orthodox Church, which has been around in its various iterations since the 10th century.
The church is situated alongside a large town square, which is always bustling with locals going about their daily business, as well as vendors trying to lure the tourists into buying food and drinks. It’s actually one of the best places in town to do a little ‘people watching’, if that’s your thing.
Also alongside the church, you will find some recent archaeological diggings, where the local authorities are uncovering the next Sofia tourist attractions, some ancient Roman ruins.
2: Church of St.Petka of the Saddlers
Nearby you will pass this
Be sure to pay the small entry fee to go inside and see the mural paintings dating back to 14th, 15th, 17th and 19th centuries. You will be instantly transported back into turbulent medieval times when you enter this incredible little church.
3: Ruins of Serdica
As you pass the Church of St.Petka of the Saddlers you enter an ancient Roman archaeological site of the Ruins of Serdica. Here you will find an old town gate, many houses and other assorted buildings. Incredibly you are able to walk through many of these buildings, taking you back about 1,500 years to the time of their construction.
This is probably the most popular of all places to visit in
4: Cathedral of St. Joseph
Alongside the ruins of Serdica is the main Roman Catholic Church in Sofia, the Cathedral of St.Joseph. This is a modern building, with the first stone laid by Pope John Paul II back in 2002. The Cathedral has a great viewing platform out the back where you can admire more of the Ruins of Serdica.
5: National Archaeological Museum
This building was a former Ottoman mosque in the heart of the city walking built way back in 1474. The museum was established here back in 1905. If you don’t want to enter the museum, there are many ancient Roman carvings on display out the front. These carvings alone are worthy of any Sofia sightseeing tour.
Around the back of the museum you will find a chic cafe, which happens to be open 24 hours. One of the more popular spots in Sofia for the local hipsters, and a great place to refuel for the rest of the Sofia walking tour.
The National Archaeological Museum is also where you will encounter the first of the yellow cobblestones, as they extend east towards the Tzar Liberator monument. Check out the Yellow Brick Road tour if you want to see more of these.
6: Church of St. George
This is the oldest building in Sofia, built in the 4th century by the Romans. Amazingly it is still standing and is famous for its fresco paintings inside, dating back to the 12th Century.
The church is a little tricky to find, surrounded on all sides by multi-story buildings. There is a public entrance just to the west of the National Archaeological Museum, right at the start of the yellow cobblestones. In my opinion, this is the most amazing of all Sofia attractions because it carries such tremendous historical significance.
7: Ivan Vazov National Theater
This national theatre dates back to 1904. It is an exquisite building in classic Viennese styling. You will find this theatre on older 50 Lev bank notes. At the front of the theatre are some magnificent water fountains and the magnificent City Gardens, towards the back of Battenberg Square. Not only are these City Gardens one of the prettiest Sofia sights,
8: National Art Gallery
As you walk to the front of Battenberg Square you will be confronted by the exquisite National Art Gallery. The former Royal Palace was transformed into Bulgaria’s National Art Gallery back in 1946 after the monarchy was abolished. The palace itself was built in 1880.
Closed on Mondays, this Art Gallery is normally open to the public. It is well worth a look inside, particularly if you are interested in medieval art. This gallery is home to Bulgaria’s largest collection of Medieval paintings and a worthy inclusion on your Sofia tour.
9: Ethnographic Museum
This 1892 Museum also forms part of the Royal Palace complex, alongside the National Art Gallery. A large and beautiful building, it is surrounded by beautiful parklands where you will find many locals watching the day go by.
10: The Russian Church
The Church of St.Nicholas the Miracle Maker is a Russian Orthodox Church with striking golden domes. This was built in 1907 in the style of 16th-century Russian churches and makes for a striking sight in middle of the city. You are welcome to go inside an admire the magnificent artwork, just remember to remove your hat.
11. National Opera and Ballet
At the rear of the Russian Church, you will find some lovely parklands to walk through. This will also lead you into an arts precinct, with the National Opera and Ballet House. This enormous structure was built in 1890 and is obviously the place to go if you want to catch an opera show in Sofia.
12. Saint Sofia Church
This is the second oldest church in Sofia, dating back to the 6th century. It is remarkably well preserved, with public access to a network of underground crypts. You do have to pay to go underground, and no photos are allowed even for paying visitors. Otherwise, you can take a free tour inside the ground level part of the church.
13. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Located next to the 6th century Saint Sofia church is this monument to honor the thousands of soldiers who died in wars over the years. There is an “eternal flame” burning at the monument. It was built in 1981, which happened to be the 1300th anniversary of the Bulgarian state.
14. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
Saving the best for last, this is the biggest and best attraction in Sofia. It’s a massive 53 meters tall. The giant cathedral is a Bulgarian Orthodox cathedral and is said to be able to hold 10,000 people inside. Personally, I would not like to be one of those 10,000 people because my estimation is only about 2,000 people.
This is an impressive cathedral to photograph from all sides. That is actually one of the unusual features, that you can get great photos from any angle. But the real treat is to go inside and admire the massive frescos in the massive domes. Unfortunately, you are not permitted to photograph the interior.
I recommend a little cafe at the front of the National Art Gallery, where you are treated to outstanding views of the cathedral. It’s a little expensive but the view is priceless, with million dollar views of the finest of all Sofia attractions.
Plenty More to See in Sofia
As you take this walking tour, you will see many more interesting looking buildings, monuments, and parks along the way. Why not take a little detour and check them out.
That’s why I suggest you allow a good 4 hours for this walk, there is so much to see. In fact, why not take 6 and have lunch along the way? Now you know what to do in Sofia in 1 day, in fact, you may even need more a little more time.
Would you like a free copy of our Ultimate Bucket List?
Not sure where to travel to next? We have created the Ultimate Bucket List to help you plan your next trip. 1170 awesome travel destinations in 167 countries. And we want you to have it for FREE.
