Things to Do in Sofia, Bulgaria: A Two-Day Budget-Friendly Itinerary

Image by Photo by Lubomir Vladikov

Sofia, Bulgaria’s vibrant capital, is perfect for a short city break. Compact, walkable, full of history, and surprisingly affordable, it’s ideal for solo travelers, young professionals, and anyone looking for budget-friendly solo travel destinations. This guide shares my personal experience, combining adventure travel activities, local culture, and culinary delights.

Day 1: Arrival & Afternoon Communist-Era Walking Tour

I landed at Sofia Airport at 10 am and hopped on bus 84 to the city. The journey takes around 35–40 minutes, and don’t hand cash to the driver—it’s cashless, so just tap your card on the machine as soon as you board.

After arriving in the city around 10:40 am, I checked into Peter Pan Hotel, a cosy, budget-friendly option ideal for affordable solo travel. I grabbed a quick snack—a slice of pizza from a street vendor for €1—before heading out.

At 2 pm, I joined a Communist-era walking tour that lasted about three hours—a perfect way to dive deep into Sofia’s unique history. The tour began at the Palace of Justice and took us past iconic landmarks like the National Assembly, State Archives, and National Palace of Culture, with peaceful stops at City Garden and Knyazheska Garden along the way.

This tour is an immersive experience for adventure travel for solo travelers, offering insider insights into Sofia’s Soviet-era architecture and cultural transformation. By the end, you’ll not only have seen the landmarks but also gain a richer understanding of the city, making it an essential activity for first-time visitors.

In the evening, I enjoyed a proper dinner at a vegetarian-friendly restaurant: vegetable moussaka, fresh Shopska salad, and a local beer—perfect for budget travel without missing out on local flavors.

Day 2: Cathedrals, Boyana Church & Wine, Cheese & Market Exploration

I started the morning with a coffee and some baklava at a nearby café—a sweet, satisfying way to fuel up for the day.

First stop was Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, one of Sofia’s most iconic landmarks. Its golden domes and intricate frescoes are even more impressive in person.

Later, I visited Boyana Church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site just outside the city. I took Bus 107 from the city centre, which took 35–40 minutes, €1 each way. Entry was €10, but the beautifully preserved 13th-century frescoes made it worth every cent. This is ideal for solo travel inspiration and cultural immersion.

Afternoon Wine & Cheese Tasting

After Boyana Church, I indulged in a Bulgarian wine and cheese tasting, an absolute highlight of my trip:

Cheese Selection:

• Sirene: Tangy, salty white sheep’s milk cheese.

• Kashkaval: Nutty, semi-hard cow’s milk cheese.

• Goat Cheese: Creamy and earthy.

  
  

Wine Pairings:

• Mavrud: Deep, robust red, pairing with Sirene.

• Melnik: Red berries and herbs, matching Kashkaval.

• Sauvignon Blanc: Crisp white, complementing Goat Cheese.

  
  

The host guided us on tasting techniques—observe the colour, inhale the aroma, savour the flavours.

Local Market Exploration

After the tasting, I wandered through a nearby market:

• Banitsa: Flaky pastry with eggs, yogurt, and white cheese.

• Fresh Produce: Seasonal fruits, vegetables, fragrant herbs.

• Baked Goods: Freshly baked bread, pastries, and sweets.

  
  

I also grabbed some grapes for 50 cents, which went perfectly with the remaining cheese I took with me. It made for a perfect snack while walking around Sofia, showing how easy it is to combine adventure travel and budget travel even on a short trip.

By late afternoon, it was time to head back to the airport.

If I Had Extended My Stay to 3–4 Days

With more time, I would have:

• Hiked up Vitosha Mountain for panoramic views over Sofia (adventure travel activity for solo travelers)

• Visited Rila Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site about two hours away

• Explored Plovdiv with its Roman ruins and charming streets

Extended days allow a perfect mix of city exploration, cultural landmarks, and nature—great for solo travel experiences.

Total costs

Item	Cost (£)
Flights	21
Accommodation	22
Communist walking tour	14
Wine & Cheese Tasting	14
Meals & drinks	22
Transport	3.50

Practical Information for Visiting Sofia

Flights to Sofia

• Flights from the UK are usually 2–3 hours. Early morning arrivals and late evening departures help maximise sightseeing.

• Use budget airlines like Wizz Air or Ryanair and compare fares on Skyscanner or Google Flights.

  
  

Hotels vs Hostels

• Hostels: Great for solo travellers, socialising, and tight budgets. Dorm beds start around £10–15 per night and most include breakfast.

• Budget Hotels: More privacy and comfort, central locations, starting at £20–25 per night, with most including breakfast.

  
  

Transport Around the City

• Public Transport: Buses, trams, and metro are cheap (~€1/£0.88 per ride). Passes are available for multiple trips.

• Airport Transfer: Bus 84 or 184 connects the airport to the city centre (35–40 mins, tap card to pay).

• Walking: Central Sofia is compact and walkable.

  
  

Weather in Sofia

• Spring (April–June): Mild and pleasant, 12–22°C. Blooming parks and lively markets make it perfect for walking.

• Autumn (September–October): Crisp, 10–18°C, with colourful foliage and fewer crowds—ideal for sightseeing and markets.

• Summer (July–August): Hot, 20–30°C, sunny days, great for outdoor dining but busier.

• Winter (Dec–Feb): Cold, 0–5°C, occasional snow; perfect for nearby skiing and cosy cafés.

  
  

Language

• Official Language: Bulgarian

• English: Widely spoken in hotels, restaurants, and tourist areas; learning basic phrases is appreciated.

  
  

Money and Currency

• Currency: Bulgarian Lev (BGN), though many vendors accept euros, often at a slightly less favourable rate.

• Cards vs Cash: Cards are widely accepted; carry some cash for markets and street food.

• ATMs: Available across the city; fees are usually low.

• Budget Tip: Two-day trips usually cost around €100–120 (£90–110).

  
  

Vegetarian Eating in Sofia

• Street Food: Quick, affordable, and filling. Many stalls offer vegetarian-friendly snacks, such as banitsa or fresh salads. Some vendors also offer meat-free kebapche, replacing the traditional grilled meat sausage with grilled vegetables, beans, lentils, or tofu while keeping the same seasoning and shape.

• Restaurants: Sofia has plenty of casual vegetarian options, including shopska salad, tarator, vegetable stews, and meat-free kebapche. Dinner costs around 15–25 BGN (£13–22).

• Supermarkets & Markets: Great for vegetarian snacks, fresh fruit, or cheeses. Grapes cost €0.50 and pair perfectly with leftover cheese from tastings. Markets also sell fresh vegetables, homemade pastries, and local cheeses ideal for budget-conscious vegetarian travellers.