Sofia’s Layers: A 3-Day Guide to Roman Ruins, Golden Domes, and Balkan Flavours (2025)

Sofia is a city of continuous, compelling history. Walk down a major street and you will literally pass over the ancient Roman city of Serdica, view a 4th-century church tucked behind a modern government building, and stare up at the gilded magnificence of Orthodox cathedrals. It is a city of gentle contrasts, where the massive mountain of Vitosha constantly dominates the skyline, offering an immediate escape into nature.

If you are seeking a city break Europe offers that is exceptionally affordable, rich in history, and perfectly walkable, a trip Sofia is the perfect choice. This expert-crafted 3 days in Sofia itinerary is designed for maximum efficiency, balancing the must-see religious icons and the deep archaeological layers with the thriving modern café culture. It is the definitive Sofia travel guide for planning your journey, detailing exactly what to do in Sofia during your unforgettable Sofia weekend itinerary.

Golden domes shining over Sofia as the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral stands calm and timeless in the heart of the city.

Day 1: Ancient Serdica and Religious Icons

Day one is dedicated to the core archaeological and religious heart of Sofia, much of which is concentrated beneath and around the central metro station.

Morning: The Largo and Ancient Serdica

Start your day at the Ancient Serdica Complex (Metro: Serdika). This surreal archaeological site is essentially a Roman city (Serdica) preserved beneath glass domes, walkways, and the central metro station. Walk through the ruins of Roman streets, bathhouses, and residential buildings.

Nearby, look for the tiny, unassuming St. George Rotunda Church (Sveti Georgi Rotunda). Tucked away in a courtyard behind the Presidency building, this 4th-century red-brick church is Sofia's oldest building and features incredibly preserved medieval frescoes.

Walk to Sveta Nedelya Church (Sveta Nedelya Orthodox Cathedral), a major Orthodox landmark in the very centre of the city, known for its strategic location and beautiful frescoes.

Lunch and Central Culture

For lunch, immerse yourself in the city's culinary culture. Head to a traditional spot for Banitsa (a savoury pastry made with filo and sirene cheese) and Ayran (a salty yogurt drink). This is a classic Bulgarian breakfast/lunch staple.

The afternoon focuses on history and architecture. Visit the Banya Bashi Mosque, the only functioning mosque in Sofia, built in 1576 during the Ottoman Empire, right next to the Central Market Hall (Tsentralni Hali).

Walk past the Ivan Vazov National Theatre, admiring its neoclassical splendour, and relax in the beautiful surrounding City Garden, a favourite spot for locals and chess players.

Evening: Dinner on Vitosha Boulevard

Walk toward the Vitosha Boulevard (Bul. Vitosha), Sofia's main pedestrian thoroughfare. Lined with cafes, boutiques, and street performers, this is the place to see and be seen, with a magnificent view of Mount Vitosha in the distance.

For dinner, choose a restaurant on Vitosha Boulevard. Try traditional Bulgarian grilled meats like Meshana Skara (mixed grill) or Kebapche (minced meat rolls), always preceded by a refreshing Shopska Salata (cucumber, tomato, onion, and grated sirene cheese).

Practical Details: Day 1

Activity	Time	Cost (BGN)	Cost (EUR) *	Cost (GBP) *	Address/Details
Ancient Serdica Complex & Rotunda	9:30 AM – 11:30 AM	Free	Free	Free	Roman ruins beneath the central Serdika Metro station.
Lunch – Banitsa & Ayran	11:30 AM – 12:30 PM	8 avg	€4.10 avg	£3.55 avg	Traditional Bulgarian breakfast/snack from a banicharnitsa.
Banya Bashi Mosque & Central Hall	1:30 PM – 3:00 PM	Free	Free	Free	Only functioning mosque in the city; located near the Central Market Hall.
Ivan Vazov Theatre & City Garden	3:30 PM – 5:30 PM	Free	Free	Free	Relaxing park area popular with locals.
Dinner – Vitosha Boulevard	7:30 PM	35 avg	€17.90 avg	£15.60 avg	Try Meshana Skara or Kebapche and Shopska Salata.
Total Estimated Transport Cost: 4 BGN (approx. Daily Pass)

• EUR/GBP prices are approximate conversions based on a rate of BGN 1.00 ≈ €0.51 / £0.44, for planning purposes.

Day 2: Golden Domes and Socialist Legacy

Day two explores Sofia's most magnificent religious architecture, its poignant political history, and its commitment to art.

Morning: Alexander Nevsky and Russian Splendour

Start your day at the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, one of the largest Orthodox cathedrals in the world and the single most iconic symbol of Sofia. Admire its stunning gold-plated domes and richly decorated interior. Entry is free, but a small fee is charged for photography.

Nearby, visit the unassuming St. Sofia Church (Sveta Sofia). This is the city's oldest working church, dating back to the 4th century. The church has a fascinating underground archaeological museum (fee applies).

Walk past the miniature, brightly coloured Church of St. Nicholas the Miracle-Maker (the Russian Church), known for its intricate exterior tiles and popular crypt where locals leave wishes.

Lunch and Historical Context

For lunch, try a refreshing Tarator (cold yogurt soup with cucumber and walnuts), ideal if the weather is warm, or a hearty Bob Chorba (bean soup).

The afternoon begins with a necessary historical stop at the Museum of Socialist Art. Located slightly outside the centre, this museum displays statues, busts, and paintings from the 45-year communist period, offering a frank look at the country's recent past.

Walk to the nearby Eagle's Bridge (Orlov Most), an important traffic interchange and a historical symbol of the city.

Evening: Vitosha Views and Folk Dinner

Head south toward the immense National Palace of Culture (NDK). This large, communist-era conference center is a massive example of brutalist architecture. Walk around the surrounding park, which features fountains and is popular for people-watching.

For dinner, seek out a traditional Bulgarian restaurant (mehana) in the city centre known for its rustic atmosphere and folk music. Try a meal cooked in a Gyuvech (a clay pot stew).

Practical Details: Day 2

Activity	Time	Cost (BGN)	Cost (EUR) *	Cost (GBP) *	Address/Details
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral	9:30 AM – 11:30 AM	Free	Free	Free	Largest Orthodox cathedral in the Balkans.
St. Sofia Church & Russian Church	11:30 AM – 1:00 PM	8 avg (St. Sofia Crypt)	€4.10 avg	£3.55 avg	Explore the ancient crypt and the charming Russian church exterior.
Lunch – Local Soup/Salad	1:00 PM – 2:00 PM	15 avg	€7.70 avg	£6.70 avg	Try Tarator or Bob Chorba.
Museum of Socialist Art	3:00 PM – 5:00 PM	6 avg	€3.05 avg	£2.65 avg	Statue park and museum dedicated to the Communist era.
NDK Palace of Culture Walk	5:30 PM – 7:00 PM	Free	Free	Free	Massive communist-era building and park area.
Dinner – Gyuvech/Mehana	8:00 PM	40 avg	€20.40 avg	£17.75 avg	Traditional Bulgarian dinner cooked in a clay pot.
Total Estimated Transport Cost: Included in 72-Hour Pass

• GBP prices are approximate conversions based on a rate of BGN 1.00 ≈ €0.51 / £0.44, for planning purposes.

Day 3: Vitosha Nature and Final Flavours

Your final day offers a choice between an escape to the mountains or a deeper look at smaller, unique museums before a final traditional farewell.

Morning: Vitosha Mountain Escape or Boyana Church

Option 1 (Nature): Take a half-day trip to Mount Vitosha, which dominates the city skyline. Use the lift or local transport to reach the hiking trails. This provides incredible views and fresh mountain air, demonstrating the city's unique position.

Option 2 (History): Take a bus or taxi to the outskirts of the city to visit the Boyana Church (UNESCO World Heritage Site). This small, medieval Bulgarian Orthodox church is famous for its exceptionally well-preserved 13th-century frescoes. Pre-booking your slot is essential.

Lunch and Quirky Culture

Return to the city centre. For lunch, explore the area near Slaveykov Square (famous for its open-air book market) and try another traditional specialty like Moussaka (the local, heartier version of the dish).

The afternoon is for unique finds. Visit The Red Flat, an immersive, interactive museum that recreates the life of a typical Bulgarian family during the late 1980s under communism. It is a highly engaging way to connect with the city's recent past.

Practical Details: Day 3

Activity	Time	Cost (BGN)	Cost (EUR) *	Cost (GBP) *	Address/Details
Boyana Church (Option 1)	9:30 AM – 1:00 PM	10 avg (Entry)	€5.10 avg	£4.45 avg	Bus required. UNESCO site famous for its frescoes.
Mount Vitosha (Option 2)	9:30 AM – 1:00 PM	10 avg (Chairlift)	€5.10 avg	£4.45 avg	Hike, enjoy the fresh air, and view the city.
Lunch – Slaveykov Square	1:30 PM – 2:30 PM	18 avg	€9.20 avg	£8.00 avg	Try Moussaka or Sarmi (stuffed cabbage/vine leaves).
The Red Flat Museum	3:30 PM – 5:30 PM	18 avg	€9.20 avg	£8.00 avg	Immersive museum detailing 1980s communist family life.
Farewell Dinner & Wine	7:30 PM onwards	40 avg	€20.40 avg	£17.75 avg	Enjoy a final dinner with local Bulgarian wine.
Total Estimated Transport Cost: Included in 72-Hour Pass

• GBP prices are approximate conversions based on a rate of BGN 1.00 ≈ €0.51 / £0.44, for planning purposes.

Where to Stay: Accommodation Suggestion

For a successful city break Sofia, staying in the city centre offers maximum walkability to the core sites and excellent transport links.

Grand Hotel Sofia (Book here)

• Location: Unbeatable. This 5-star hotel is situated directly opposite the City Garden and the Ivan Vazov National Theatre, placing you immediately next to the main pedestrian zone (Vitosha Boulevard) and within easy walking distance of Serdica, the Rotunda, and Alexander Nevsky Cathedral.

• Style & Amenities: The hotel is known for its classic, elegant, and somewhat traditional style, offering exceptionally spacious rooms (often noted by guests as being the largest in the city). Amenities include a lobby bar, a sophisticated restaurant (Shades of Red), a spa area with a sauna, and private art galleries.

• Rates: Reflecting its prestige and prime location, rooms typically start around BGN 165 - 200 (£73 - £88 / €85 - €102) per night, depending on the season and view.

Final Section: Tips and Local Insights

Your dynamic trip Bulgaria is planned. Here are essential logistics and local insights to ensure your visit is seamless.

Mastering Sofia’s Public Transport (Urban Mobility Center)

Sofia's transport system (Metro, Tram, Bus) is efficient and remarkably cheap.

• Tickets: For your 3 days in Sofia, the 72-Hour Pass for 15 BGN (approx. €7.67 / £6.70) is the most convenient and cost-effective choice, offering unlimited travel on all city lines (including the Metro).

• Payment/Capping: The easiest option is to use a contactless debit/credit card directly on the Metro turnstiles and onboard machines. The system automatically caps your daily spending at 4 BGN (the cost of a day pass), meaning all subsequent rides that day are free. This is highly efficient for tourists.

• Walkability: The central zone is compact and largely walkable, making transport mainly necessary for trips to the outskirts (Vitosha, Boyana Church).

Currency, Tipping, and Culture

• Currency: Bulgaria uses the Bulgarian Lev (BGN), which is pegged to the Euro at a rate of 1 EUR = 1.95583 BGN. You can easily calculate prices in Euros by dividing the Lev price by two.

• Tipping: Tipping around 10% is standard and expected in restaurants and for good service.

• Head Gestures: Be aware that Bulgarians often nod their heads for "No" and shake their heads for "Yes"—the opposite of most Western cultures.

  
  

Sofia is waiting to reveal its fascinating layers of history and share its warm Balkan hospitality. Dobar put! (Have a good trip!)