Four Days of Adventures in Budget-Friendly Sofia

See Sofia's secrets on a budget!

21 June 2023

Sofia is a great destination for budget travelers looking for a cultural experience. Visitors can explore historic sites such as the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and the National Palace of Culture, which are both free to enter. Local street food and affordable restaurants offer delicious Bulgarian cuisine without breaking the bank.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Exploring the City

Check into the budget-friendly Hostel Mostel in the city center
Visit the iconic Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, one of Sofia's top landmarks
Wander through the city's oldest market, the Central Halls, for a taste of local produce
Head to the National Palace of Culture for some modern art exhibitions
End the day at Bar Petak for a cocktail with a view of the Vitosha Mountain range

Day 2

History and Culture

Visit the Boyana Church, a UNESCO World Heritage site with exquisite frescoes from the 13th century
Explore the National Museum of History, which boasts an impressive collection dating back to prehistoric times
Take a stroll through the City Garden, the oldest park in Sofia, and admire the fountains and monuments
Learn about Bulgarian folk traditions at the National Museum of Ethnography
Indulge in a traditional Bulgarian dinner at Made in Home, where the atmosphere is as authentic as the food

Day 3

Outdoor Activities

Take a hike in the Vitosha Mountain, accessible by public transport from the city center
Visit the nearby Pancharevo Lake for a picnic or a swim
Walk through the Borisova Gradina, a large park with picturesque lakes and gardens
Rent a bike and explore the city's green spaces along the bike lanes
Try some Bulgarian craft beer at One More Bar, a cozy pub with a local atmosphere

Day 4

Shopping and Relaxation

Visit the Women's Market for traditional Bulgarian souvenirs, from rose oil to ceramics
Explore the trendy district of Oborishte, home to independent shops and cafes
Relax at one of Sofia's many spa centers, such as Coworking and Spa
Enjoy a glass of Bulgarian wine at Vino Orenda, a bar that focuses on organic and natural wines
Take a final stroll through the city center before heading back home, reflecting on the unique charm that Sofia has to offer.

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Sofia, Bulgaria by plane is to fly to Sofia Airport, which is the main airport serving the city. There are numerous airlines that operate flights to and from Sofia, including Bulgaria Air, Wizz Air, and Ryanair.

Car

If you are traveling to Sofia by car, you can either take the E79 highway from Serbia or the E80 from Greece. The distance from Serbia is around 370 km, while the distance from Greece is around 590 km. You can also rent a car from the airport or the city center.

Train

While there are train services from other countries to Bulgaria, the best way to get to Sofia by train is from within the country. The main train station in Sofia is the Sofia Central Station, which offers regular connections to other parts of Bulgaria.

Boat

There are no direct boat services to Sofia as the city is not located on the coast. The nearest port to Sofia is the port of Burgas, which is around 400 km from Sofia. From there, you can take a train or bus to Sofia.

Bus

Taking a bus is a popular option for getting to Sofia as there are many bus companies that operate services to the city. The most popular bus station in Sofia is the Central Bus Station, which is located near the center of the city.