09:30

St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

Start with the cathedral, one of the capital’s landmarks, and admire the golden dome and the interiors rich in icons and marble. Admission is generally free; a small contribution may be requested for the crypt or for taking photos inside, typically €2–5.

Dress respectfully and check the photography rules on site.

10:45

Saint Sofia Church

Reach on foot the church that gave the city its name, just a few minutes from the cathedral. In addition to the brick building, it is worth visiting the underground necropolis, with tombs and remains from Sofia’s earliest phases; indicative admission €3–6.

12:00

National Archaeological Museum

Continue toward the center and spend about an hour exploring the collections of Thracian, Roman, and medieval artifacts, housed in the former Ottoman mosque. The ticket is approximately €5–8; check the closing time and whether there is a reduced-entry day.

13:30

Lunch in the historic center

Stop at a tavern or a place around Largo and Saborna Street: try a shopska salad, a soup, or a grilled dish. A simple lunch usually costs €10–18 per person, drinks not included.

15:00

Ancient Serdica Archaeological Complex

Walk toward Largo and explore the open-air excavations and underground walkways, where streets, buildings, and mosaics from ancient Serdica are visible. Visiting the accessible areas is often free; allow 45–60 minutes and wear comfortable shoes.

16:15

Central Sofia Market Hall

Step inside the covered market to admire its architecture and browse food stalls and local products. It’s a good spot for a break or a snack, with an estimated spend of €4–10.

17:15

Banya Bashi Mosque and mineral springs

Wrap up your visit in the area around the mosque and thermal springs, in the historic center and just a short distance from the market. The mosque is an active place of worship: access may be limited during prayer times and modest dress is required; the exterior visit is free.

09:30

Ivan Vazov National Theatre and City Garden

Walk to the neoclassical theater and take your time to admire the façade, the fountains, and the everyday life of the garden in front of it. Visiting the outdoor areas is free; to attend a performance, ticket prices vary depending on the production and availability.

11:00

Walk toward the National Palace of Culture

Head south through the city center, crossing avenues and public spaces for about 20–30 minutes on foot. The large Palace of Culture complex hosts events and exhibitions; access to the interiors depends on the schedule, while the outdoor areas can be visited freely.

12:30

Lunch near the NDK

Choose a restaurant or bakery near the Palace of Culture, where you’ll find quick options and Bulgarian cuisine. Budget roughly €10–18 for a simple meal; for a fuller lunch, consider €18–25.

14:00

Vitosha Boulevard

Stroll along the pedestrian avenue lined with shops, cafés, and historic facades, with views of the Vitosha massif on clear days. Set aside about an hour for the walk and a terrace break; a coffee costs roughly €2–4.

16:00

Borisova Gradina

Reach the park with a walk of about 25–35 minutes or by metro plus a short walk. Among tree-lined avenues, fountains, and sports areas, you can take a break from city traffic; admission is free.

18:30

Dinner and return to the center

Head back toward the center by metro or taxi, allowing around 10–20 minutes of travel depending on the area. For dinner with a main course and a drink, budget roughly €15–28 per person.

09:00

Transfer to Boyana

From the center, reach the city’s southwest area by city bus, possibly combining metro and bus, or by taxi. The trip can take 35–60 minutes depending on traffic; allow about €1–3 for public transport or €10–18 by taxi, depending on where you depart from.

10:00

Boyana Church

Visit the medieval church, famous for its 1259 frescoes and included on the UNESCO list. Access to the interior is limited, and visits may be brief to protect the artwork; plan for an indicative ticket price of €5–10 and book or check availability in advance.

11:30

Walk around the Boyana neighborhood

Spend a little time around the church and on the short paths along the edge of the neighborhood, without going too far if you don’t have hiking gear. It’s a residential, green area at the foot of the mountain: bring water and check trail conditions, especially after rain.

12:30

Lunch in Boyana

Stop at a neighborhood restaurant or grab a snack before leaving the center, since there may be fewer options than downtown. A casual meal costs roughly €12–22 per person.

14:00

National Museum of History

Get to the museum by bus or taxi: the direct connection can vary, so plan your transfer with the local transport app. The galleries trace Bulgaria’s history through Thracian, medieval, and modern objects; allow 1.5–2 hours and an indicative entrance fee of €5–10.

16:30

Return and break in the center

Head back to the city by public transport or taxi, leaving some buffer for traffic and connections: the trip can take 40–70 minutes. Once in the center, take a break for a dessert or coffee, with an estimated cost of €3–7.

18:00

Final stroll and dinner

End with a walk around your accommodation or the historic center, choosing a Bulgarian restaurant. For a relaxed dinner, budget €15–28 per person; if you have a flight or train to catch, move this stop earlier depending on your departure time.