Popular Attractions Sofia

Sofia is the capital of Bulgaria, with a population of 1.4 million people. A unique combination of history architecture makes a city very interesting destination for tourists. Historical monuments, the buildings of the Communist era and Orthodox cathedrals in Sofia stand next to modern buildings and shopping centers. In the list of main attractions of Sofia, you can find many museums and parks, shops and restaurants, where food is cheaper than most other European capitals. Definitely, this city deserves several days in your travel route in Eastern Europe. This article choses the main attractions of Sofia, who are worth visiting.

National Museum of History

This exhibition area will introduce you to the fascinating history of Bulgaria. Some exhibits here are dated to the period before our era, while other exhibitions trace the history of modern Bulgaria, from ancient times to the present. Among the most interesting parts of the museum can be noted exhibitions that explore the Communist Era. The museum received numerous premiums for the preservation and popularization of the history and culture of Bulgaria. The very historical building was used by the Government of Bulgaria during the Communist Era. Next door is located one interesting landmark. The museum at the National Institute of Archeology also stores artifacts from the ancient last Bulgaria. If you are interested in the history of this country, both of these museums should be in the list of places to visit Sofia.

Cathedral of St. Alexander Nevsky

This is a massive and unusual structure - one of the most recognized buildings of Sofia. The dome-shaped roof is visible from almost every district of the city. Built in the 19th century in honor of the Russian soldiers who liberated Bulgaria from the Turkish rule, this church remains one of the largest Orthodox cathedrals in the world. The appearance of the Cathedral of Alexander Nevsky reminds the Byzantine Palace with a multitude of dome-shaped towers coated with metal and gold. The highest dome rises above 45 meters. Wide ceilings immediately attract attention in the interior of the church, while many frescoes and parts on the walls create a special atmosphere. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Sofia is open daily - this is still a working church, where services are held during the day.

National Gallery of Arts

Of all the attractions of Sofia, this is exactly the place you should not miss. Placed in the former royal palace, the National Picture Gallery is devoted to the past and true, with the appropriate selection of works of art. The most famous modern artists of Bulgaria demonstrate their work here. The art gallery equally presents both painting and sculpture. There is also a huge collection of classical art from the past Bulgaria. More modern works are on the first floor, while permanent classic art exhibitions are located on higher floors. Another interesting place to visit Sofia is the National Ethnographic Museum. It is worth going here after visiting the National Art Gallery, because two exhibitions are placed in one general building.

Parks and Gardens Sofia

In Sofia there are many fragrant green zones. Borisova Garden Park - Sofia Central Park. It has a lake, pedestrian walkways and a large number of green plantings. People come here for a walk, or for a picnic. You can rent a boat and swim on the lake. Every year, a number of events are held in the park, especially during the summer period. Youth Park (South Park) is another excellent place to walk, with a large number of open areas and a pleasant atmosphere. Finally, the city garden is a great place to relax among the greenery in the city center. The park was founded in the 1870s and since then it is very well supported. If you are not a lover of vegetation, go to Petko Slaveykov's area, where there is an open book market. Here you can also conveniently get a job and read an interesting book.

Boulevard Vitosh

The main street for shopping in Sofia - Vitosha Boulevard, where very active life is usually boiled. A cheerful festival atmosphere is reigned here, with numerous buyers and families, leisurely walking in the heart of the city. This is quite an expensive place compared to other areas in Sofia, but on European standards prices are quite reasonable here. Walk through the Vitosha Boulevard and lunch in one of the street cafes must be part of the Sofia experience of each tourist. On this exclusively pedestrian street, a number of interesting sights of Sofia are concentrated.

Thermal sources of Sofia

They are also called Turkish baths of Sofia. They were built in 1911 - 1913 on the site of archaeological excavations. Thermal sources are one of the most famous archaeological finds of Sofia. Currently, the complex is restored, upon completion of which the Civic Museum will be here.


Have you ever been to Bulgaria in the biggest city? Use the Comments section to report what is worth adding to the list of the main attractions of Sofia.