Sofia , Bulgaria

Guided Walking Tour of Sofia

Active

(65 reviews)

2h - 3h

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

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

The guide will meet you near the National Theater Ivan Vazov. You will visit more than 20 attractions and cultural monuments of Sofia. For convenience and good audibility of the excursion, you will be given audio guides and headphones. You will move comfortably, enter the temples, take photographs, and all this will allow you not to stand next to the guide.
The tour will end at the Presidency, where you will be able to video and film the changing of the presidential guard.
With us you will see the sights of Sofia freely, in your own language, and at your own pace!

Available options

Guided Walking Tour of Sofia

What's included

Headphones

Radio guide or audio guide in 7 languages ENG | FR | SP | IT | RU | BG |DE|

Guide

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

The guide will meet you near the National Theater Ivan Vazov.

Basilica of St. Sophia

Stop 3

St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

National Gallery and National Ethnographic Museum

Stop 5

Russian Church

Monument to Tsar Liberator

Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski

Monument to King Samuel

Ancient Serdica

Mosque

Stop 11

Rotunda St. George

Stop 12

Ivan Vazov National Theater

What's not included

Drop-off

Available languages

Audio guide

DE RU EN IT FR ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.3

27 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.6

38 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

The guide will meet you near the National Theater Ivan Vazov.

Important notes

Thank you for choosing our tour!
Please take a moment to read this short guide — it will help our guides provide you with an interesting and memorable experience.

The tour route passes through the central part of the city. Unfortunately, there are no toilets or shops along the way. We kindly ask for your understanding, as the guide cannot leave the group to look for a restroom or a place to buy water.

The tour lasts 2 hours and 10 minutes. In order to reach the Changing of the Guard at the Presidency — the final stop on the route — we must follow the schedule. The guard change lasts only 2–3 minutes. It starts at 12:55 PM and then at five minutes to every full hour (1:55 PM, 2:55 PM, etc.).
Please do not fall behind the group.

Attention! When visiting the Alexander Nevsky Temple
It is not allowed:
To enter in the temple with improper attire: short skirts, shorts, vests, and all other kinds of skimpy outfit.

Thank you for your understanding!
The Audio Guide Bulgaria Team

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.