Sofia Under Communism: Self-Guided Puzzle Quest

Sofia , Bulgaria

Sofia Under Communism: Self-Guided Puzzle Quest

Active

(9 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Embark on a quest where you will uncover the secret stories from the communism era of Sofia. Solve clues and unlock stories on your phone, as you discover the National Art Gallery, the Soviet Army Monument, and many more. As you solve challenges, the story unfolds and exact directions on your phone will guide you to the next location. So, are you up for an exciting city game?

- Walk along Sofia’s city centre and visit the Temple of Bulgarian Martyrs, the Sofia University, and lesser-known places.
- Enjoy a uniquely crafted story brought to you by our talented writers.
- Walk along the streets filled with remnants of communist times.
- Enjoy the most interesting attractions from the communist past of Sofia.
- Try a new type of experience, the perfect mix between a tour, outdoor escape game, and treasure hunt.
- Visiting the inside of the attractions you will encounter is not required for the game

Available options

Sofia Under Communism: Self-Guided Puzzle Quest

What's included

24/7 customer support.

Full availability: 24/7, every day of the year.

A city exploration game available on your phone (Questo app).

Safety: It’s self-guided, open air and you will avoid crowds.

Flexibility: start, take a break and continue at your own pace.

Detailed itinerary

You will begin at the St. Nedelya Cathedral Church. Here you will receive the first clue to solve the challenge that awaits you. Solving the challenge will unlock the next part of the story and give you the directions to the next stop.

Stop 2

You will be given a new clue to solve the challenge that awaits you at the Church St. George Rotunda. You can stop for as long as you like and continue exploring at your own pace.

You will be given a new clue to solve the challenge that awaits you at the President of Republic of Bulgaria. You can stop for as long as you like and continue exploring at your own pace.

Stop 4

You will be given a new clue to solve the challenge that awaits you at the National Art Gallery. You can stop for as long as you like and continue exploring at your own pace.

You will be given a new clue to solve the challenge that awaits you at the National Assembly of the Republic of Bulgaria. You can stop for as long as you like and continue exploring at your own pace.

You will be given a new clue to solve the challenge that awaits you at the Sofia University. You can stop for as long as you like and continue exploring at your own pace.

Stop 7

You will be given a new clue to solve the challenge that awaits you at the Soviet Army Monument. You can stop for as long as you like and continue exploring at your own pace.

You will be given a new clue to solve the challenge that awaits you at the Balgarska Natsionalna Filmoteka. You can stop for as long as you like and continue exploring at your own pace.

You will be given a new clue to solve the challenge that awaits you at the Hotel Slavyanska Beseda. You can stop for as long as you like and continue exploring at your own pace.

You will be given a new clue to solve the challenge that awaits you at K.E.B.A. You can stop for as long as you like and continue exploring at your own pace.

You will be given a new clue to solve the challenge that awaits you at the First Urban Hospital. You can stop for as long as you like and continue exploring at your own pace.

You will finish at the Temple of Bulgarian Martyrs. Here is where both the story and the city exploration games end.

What's not included

A tour guide.

There are no entry tickets to attractions included in the price.

Available languages

Written guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 4.8

9 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

• Go to St. Nedelya Cathedral Church.
• Bring a charged phone.
• Open the Questo app and follow the instructions.
• You must have downloaded the app and created an account first, using the same email you made the purchase with.

Important notes

- Unlock your city game in the Questo app using this link: [https://questoapp.com/unlock](https://questoapp.com/unlock)
- Download the Questo app using this link (it’s free): [onelink.to/questo](http://onelink.to/questo)
- Head to the starting point and enjoy your city game!

About Sofia

Sofia is the vibrant capital of Bulgaria, nestled at the foot of the Vitosha Mountain. Known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and lively cultural scene, it offers a unique blend of ancient and modern attractions. The city is a treasure trove of Roman ruins, Orthodox churches, and Soviet-era landmarks, all set against the backdrop of beautiful natural surroundings.

Top Attractions

Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

This iconic cathedral is one of Sofia's most famous landmarks. It was built in honor of the Russian soldiers who died during the Russo-Turkish War.

Religious 1-2 hours Free (small fee for the museum and bell tower)

Vitosha Mountain

Vitosha Mountain offers a stunning backdrop to Sofia and is a popular destination for hiking, skiing, and enjoying nature.

Nature Half day to full day Free (lift tickets for skiing cost around €10-€20)

National History Museum

This museum houses a vast collection of artifacts that tell the story of Bulgaria's rich history.

Museum 2-3 hours €5

Boyana Church

A UNESCO World Heritage site, Boyana Church is known for its stunning frescoes dating back to the 13th century.

Historical 1 hour €4

Sofia Central Mineral Baths

This historic building was once a public bathhouse and is now a popular spot for shopping and dining.

Historical 1-2 hours Free to explore

Must-Try Local Dishes

Banitsa

A traditional Bulgarian pastry made with layers of filo dough, cheese, and eggs. It's often served for breakfast with a side of yogurt.

Breakfast Vegetarian

Shopska Salad

A refreshing salad made with tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and grated sirene cheese. It's a staple in Bulgarian cuisine and is often served as a side dish.

Appetizer Vegetarian

Kebapche

A grilled minced meat sausage made with a mix of pork and beef, seasoned with spices like black pepper, cumin, and coriander. It's often served with french fries or lyutenitsa (a spicy pepper and tomato spread).

Main Course Contains meat

Tarator

A cold soup made with yogurt, cucumbers, garlic, and dill. It's a refreshing dish, especially during the hot summer months.

Appetizer Vegetarian, Vegan (if made with plant-based yogurt)

Popular Activities

Hiking in Vitosha Mountain Skiing in Bansko or nearby resorts Mountain biking and other outdoor activities Visiting spas and wellness centers Strolling through parks and gardens Enjoying a meal or drink at a rooftop bar Exploring museums and galleries Attending concerts and performances

Best Time to Visit

May to September

This is the best time to visit Sofia for warm weather and outdoor activities. The city is lively with festivals and cultural events.

15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F) 59°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Bulgarian
Widely spoken: English, Russian, Romanian
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited in other places

Currency

Bulgarian Lev (BGN)

Time Zone

GMT+2 (EET)

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Sofia is generally a safe city for travelers, but petty crime and pickpocketing can occur in crowded tourist areas. It's important to take basic precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps
• Be cautious of strangers approaching you with petitions or surveys

Getting there

By air

Sofia Airport • 10 km (6 miles) from city center

By train

Central Railway Station

By bus

Central Bus Station, South Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The metro is efficient, clean, and affordable. It's the fastest way to get around Sofia.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Yellow Taxi, OK Taxi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

City Center Lozenets Studentski Grad Orlov Most

Day trips

Rila Monastery

120 km (75 miles) • Full day

The Rila Monastery is one of the most important cultural and historical sites in Bulgaria. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site and is known for its stunning architecture and beautiful frescoes.

Plovdiv

150 km (93 miles) • Full day

Plovdiv is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. It's known for its rich history, beautiful architecture, and vibrant cultural scene.

Bansko

160 km (100 miles) • Full day or overnight

Bansko is a popular ski resort in the winter and a great destination for hiking and outdoor activities in the summer. It's known for its stunning mountain scenery and traditional Bulgarian charm.

Festivals

Sofia Film Fest • March Sofia Pride • June Sofia International Film Festival • October

Pro tips

Visit the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy the beautiful light.
Try traditional Bulgarian rakia and meze at a local bar for an authentic experience.
Explore the underground caves and tunnels of Sofia for a unique and fascinating look at the city's history.
Take a day trip to the Rila Monastery or Plovdiv for a taste of Bulgaria's rich history and culture.
Visit the National Palace of Culture for concerts, performances, and other cultural events.