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Top 4 Must Visit Destinations in Sofia

  • Writer: Erin
    Erin
  • Oct 10, 2022
  • 3 min read

Updated: Jul 31

A tiny country in Southeastern Europe, Bulgaria is often overlooked as a travel destination for the beautiful beaches of Turkey and Greece and the history of countries like Germany or Poland. Bulgaria is full of beautiful sites, a long history, and religious memorials. The capital city of Bulgaria is Sofia. It is a charming city that won't remind you of the bustling streets of Berlin but will make you feel like it you are in a small modern village located at the bottom of the popular ski destination, Vitosha Mountain. There are many different cultural, religious, and historical sites that you have to add to your Bulgaria bucket list.


A grand and ornate Orthodox cathedral, likely the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, is captured from a low angle against a clear blue sky. The cathedral features prominent green-patinated copper domes and roofs, which contrast beautifully with its light-colored stone walls. A large central golden dome shines brightly, flanked by several smaller domes. To the left, a tall bell tower with its own golden dome rises. Intricate architectural details, including arched windows and decorative elements, are visible across the sprawling facade. In the very bottom of the frame, the tops of some parked cars are visible.
Aleksander Nevski Memorial Church

Aleksander Nevski Memorial

You may know Sofia by this iconic building of the Aleksander Nevski Memorial. It is the Orthodox Church in Bulgaria. The cathedral was built to memorialize Bulgarians who lost their lives during the Russo-Turkish war fighting for Bulgarian independence. This memorial was damaged during World War II but was quickly repaired after the war. It is one of the most iconic destinations in Sofia and is a must-see stop, even for those who are not religious.


A wide shot captures the impressive Rila Monastery in Bulgaria, with its vibrant architecture and a backdrop of lush green mountains. In the foreground, a large cobblestone courtyard is filled with scattered tourists. The central church building is highly decorated with horizontal stripes of red and white, ornate arches, and a distinctive domed roof with colorful stripes. The arches are supported by columns with black and white striped patterns. Intricate frescoes adorn the walls beneath the arches. To the left, a fortified stone tower with small windows stands tall. Behind the monastery, steep, forested mountains rise majestically under a partly cloudy sky.
Rila Monastery

Rila Monastery

A UNESCO World Heritage Site in Sofia, the Rila Monastery "Sveti Ivan Rilski" is one of the oldest Orthodox churches in Bulgaria. The monastery was originally thought to be founded by the hermit St. Ivan of the Rila, from which it gets its name. The monastery is one of the most important historic architectural and cultural monuments of Southeastern Europe and Bulgaria. It is said to have been the home to many writings and even shelter to revolutionaries. There are beautiful facades and frescos that depict the story of the monastery.


A grand, symmetrical building, likely the Sofia History Museum, stands under a partly cloudy sky with warm, golden light illuminating its facade. The building is characterized by its light-colored stone, striped patterns, and two large reddish-brown domes. Ornate windows and arches are visible across its front. In the foreground, a series of water fountains are actively spraying, with one large, green-tiered fountain at the center of a shallow pool. Green grass and scattered trees are also visible, with people strolling in the distance. A few cars are parked in front of the building.
Sofia History Museum

Sofia History Museum

One of the best places to discover the history of Bulgaria is the Sofia History Museum. The unique aspect of this history museum is possibly the history of the museum itself. The museum was the former building of the Central Mineral Baths. The museum has centered its exhibits around Sofia and its archaeology, economy, and culture. The museum has a collection of over 100,000 artifacts, covering the period between the sixth century BC and the 1940s. The collection is displayed in eight different themed rooms. As you travel through the various rooms, you'll discover something new in each one. In addition to the eight permanent displays, there are two temporary exhibitions in the other rooms.



A scenic view of Vitosha Mountain, capped with snow, rising majestically under a bright blue sky with fluffy white clouds. In the foreground, a vibrant green park with scattered bare-branched trees stretches across the lower half of the image. Further back within the park, a colorful playground with various equipment is visible, and several people are scattered throughout the area, enjoying the outdoors. In the midground, urban buildings, including a taller modern structure with glass facades, are nestled at the base of the mountain. The overall impression is one of natural beauty bordering an urban environment.
Vitosha Mountain

This mountain is more than just a stunning backdrop to the beautiful city of Sofia. There are plenty of activities to find on this mountain. One of the easiest ways to access the mountain is from Aleko, the ski resort where the Simeonovo gondola lift will drop you off. Even if you don't visit in the winter or skiing is not your favorite activity, there is plenty of hiking and just viewing the magnificent mountain. The hike to Black Peak, the mountain's main summit, is easy due to its slight slope in spring or fall.


The beauty, history, and culture are more than enough to draw you into the capital city of Bulgaria, but there is so much more to offer. Schedule a consultation with us here at Enchanted Wanderings to learn more about the city and how we can customize the perfect trip for you!

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