Sofia, once hidden behind the Iron Curtain is now a thriving city, and also part of the European Union. The city has many reminders of its history that make it an interesting place to visit. If you’re on an adventure through the Balkans, one day in Sofia, Bulgaria should make your list. So here’s some of the best things to do in Sofia, Bulgaria to help you make the most of your visit.
Check out the Communist architecture
It won’t be long into your 1 day in Sofia to get to grips with the Communist architecture. It’s just about everywhere. Despite taking far too long to visit Russia, I’ve always been fascinated by Soviet-era architecture. Perhaps it is the grandiose nature of it, or at times ugly facades. To an Australian growing up in Sydney, it’s most unlike anything I’ve known and therein creates intrigue.
Everywhere you look in Sofia, you’ll find reminders of its communist past. Wide roads and plazas, imposing buildings and odd shaped designs. In particular, the Palace of Justice and the boulevard in front of it is something out of ‘The Americans’.
Aleksandar Nevsky church
The green church and unmistakable gold roof is the number one sight to see when in Sofia. An Orthodox Church, it was finished in 1912. That gold roof is indeed plated with gold! Opulent, colourful and grand. It’s an easy wander around the outside of the building to admire it from many different angles.
Sertica ruins around the train station
Catching public transport is always a great way of seeing a city- particularly when it’s cheap! There’s an added bonus in Sofia, where you’ll find some ancient ruins in Sertica station. Sertica is the former name of Sofia.
When construction on the subway commenced, the former city was discovered. Sofia was built ‘on top’ of the former city, and there are some well-preserved ruins that you can admire around Sertica station.
Enjoy a beer in the city park
On our visit to Sofia, we had blue skies and warm days. Similar to a lot of other European cities in the warmer months, it was clear the locals enjoy getting out and about. But it’s fair to say that the Sofia locals really, really enjoy socialising in parks and open spaces more than most.
Whilst not legally allowed, people do bring their beers and wine along to the local parks for a tipple and chat. You’ll find older men playing chess and younger adults practicing their dance moves. Check out the City Garden and Ivan Vazov National Theatre for a glimpse of how everyone gets together.
Free walking tour of Sofia
Just like all good European cities, Sofia has a wonderful free walking tour (paid in tips). This is one of the most popular things to do in Sofia, Bulgaria in fact! So popular, the group that met at the meeting point was split into 3! Guides are knowledgeable locals including students and in our case, an actor.
You’ll see many of the main sites and understand parts of Bulgarian history they may have otherwise eluded you. Learn about the stories of Bulgarian’s involvement in WW2. You’ll hear about the foundation of Sofia, which has had many makeovers through millennia. And you’ll hear the story behind the yellow cobblestones and how they came to pave the main streets of Sofia.
We always find these tours a great way of getting our bearings in a new city and learning things directly from locals. The tour takes around 2 hours to complete.
Got more than 1 day in Sofia, Bulgaria?
This is cheating a little bit given this isn’t technically a thing to do in Sofia, but perhaps from Sofia! Depending on how much time you have, a day trip to Serbia could be in order if you enjoy collecting passport stamps. There are a couple of different tours, and of course you can get there yourself via public transport.
We elected for a trip to the town of Nis, Serbia’s third largest city. Nis has some city walls you can wander and something of an old town and market to pick up some cheap wares. There is also a main shopping promenade with major retailers to explore as well.
Nis is most infamously well-known for its brutal history. The Skull Tower of Nis is a harrowing destination with human skulls preserved in its ruined walls. The church tower served as a reminder to anyone who dared cross the leader of the day of the fate that would become them.
Nis was also home to a concentration camp during WW2. I’ve now been to 4 camps, and they don’t get any easier to imagine what occurred all those years ago. The top floor of the main building in this camp is nothing short of horrific. A sauna in the summer, a freezer in the winter, this is where the ‘worst’ prisoners saw out their last days. With no food or water in diabolical temperatures, no human should have to endure.
Nis won’t provide an uplifting moment in your travels. I always find it important to balance the fun component with learning from history.
We enjoyed our visit to Sofia (and Nis) and hope you can make the most of your visit 1 day in Sofia too. If you’re in the Balkans, you may want to consider visiting Skopje as well.
Like what you read? We’d love to keep you up to date with the latest travel tips, insights and inspo. We don’t spam – we promise!
Our Passion For Travel contains affiliate links which may provide a commission. Our reviews and commentary remain independent and commission comes at no cost to you. Income derived help us create more content to help travellers like you make the most of your travel experiences. Read more here.