Are you attracted to Bulgaria? If the answer is "yes", nod your head from left to right, as if to say "no" in France. That's how Bulgarians say yes! Enough anecdotes, let's get down to the detailed program for visiting Sofia in 3 days. Unsurprisingly, the city is one of Bulgaria's must-sees. Your stay will oscillate between varied landscapes and fascinating archaeological visits. Sofia, the pearl of the Balkans, has many treasures to reveal during your extended weekend.
Day 1: Sofia's most beautiful buildings to see in 3 days
This first day in Sofia begins with an exploration of the city center. The main buildings are yours to see, with a short visit to the Museum of Fine Arts.
Morning: Alexander Nevski Cathedral and the National Gallery
The first morning of your 3-day visit to Sofia begins at its most famous landmark, the alexander Nevski Cathedraladorned with an imposing golden dome. Admire its walls decorated with Italian marble and Egyptian alabaster, offering a breathtaking sensory tour. Built by Russian architect Pomerantsev, it is no less than 52 metres high! It owes its success to its unique style, boldly blending Bulgarian, Byzantine and Russian influences. Inside, we invite you to discover its five naves housing altars dedicated to important religious figures.
We recommend booking this guided tour of Sofia, which takes in all the city's must-see sights, including Alexander Nevsky Cathedral.
The morning continues at Sofia's National Gallery of Fine Arts, for which you should allow around two hours. Located in Kvadrat 500, near Alexander Nevski Cathedral, it houses over 2,000 paintings from all over the world. The main building, a former royal palace, hosts temporary exhibitions in a neoclassical setting. The museum, established in the 1930s, invites you to discover its permanent collection of works by Bulgarian artists such as Milev, Kazakov and Yanko.
Afternoon: Sofia's Russian Church and History Museum
The afternoon begins with a leisurely stroll to Sofia's Russian Church, known as Tsurkva Sveta Nikolai. Built in 1907 on the site of the Saray mosque destroyed in 1882, it honors the liberation of Bulgaria by Russia. You can admire the recently renovated golden and green domes. The legend of St. Nicholas, the miracle-worker, is associated with this church. The crypt houses the remains of Saint Seraphin, Archbishop of Sofia.
Round off your first day in Sofia at the National History Museum, where you'll get your fill of culture! Allow a few hours for this visit, as it is Bulgaria's largest museum, created in 1973 to preserve Bulgarian heritage from prehistory to the present day. Your steps will lead you to the discovery of over 650,000 objects from the past.
A little background informationthe National History Museum is housed in the former residence of Todor Zhivkov, head of state of Communist Bulgaria.
The exhibition covers all periods, from prehistory to the Third Bulgarian Kingdom. The permanent and temporary exhibitions are organized thematically, offering a magnificent overview of key periods in Bulgarian history, highlighting important personalities and events. A must-see during your 3 days in Sofia!
As the day draws to a close, the evening is spent in style at the Ivan Vazov National Theatre. The building's architecture alone is a feast for the eyes.
Day 2: Boyana Church and Vitosha Mountain
Two new religious buildings reveal their treasures on this second day, then it's off to the beautiful Balkan countryside!
Morning: Dragalevtsi monastery and the superb Boyana church
Come on, two more cultural visits before heading off into the Bulgarian countryside!
The Dragalevtsi monastery, built around 1345, is an active site adorned with colorful frescoes. It's a marvel to behold, and a must-see before you set off on your hike! Tucked away in the Vitosha Natural Park, it also offers a lovely view of the surrounding area. Dedicated to the Virgin Mary, it is one of the best-maintained monasteries near Sofia. With its beautiful white architecture set amidst the surrounding greenery, it's impossible to miss!
How to get there
Dragalevtsi Monastery can be reached by bus 66 or 93, followed by a short walk up the hill.
The second morning of your 3-day visit to Sofia continues at the famous Boyana church. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this church is an architectural treasure made up of three buildings erected century after century. You can still admire its superb frescoes, painted in 1259 and among the most important in Eastern Europe. Its Greek cross architecture, ornate facades and murals make it a unique medieval gem. A picnic lunch, and you're ready to tackle this superb walk to the gates of Sofia!
Afternoon: The assault on Vitosha National Park
The Vitosha National Park overlooks Sofia in all its splendor. A veritable natural gem, it is a popular destination for locals and holidaymakers alike, and offers a wealth of outdoor activities. Hiking, cycling, mountaineering: take your pick! Visiting Sofia for 3 days in winter? The area offers ideal conditions for skiing, so don't hesitate! But beyond winter sports, this superb Bulgarian park is also home to exceptional biodiversity and rare species. The Bistrishko Branishte reserve, with its deciduous forests and alpine meadows, is even classified as a biosphere reserve by Unesco. With a dozen peaks exceeding 2,000 meters in altitude, including the Černi vrǎh peaking at 2,290 meters, the park offers numerous hiking opportunities, allowing you to take full advantage of the natural beauty of the Vitosha massif. A wonderful day out!
Tip: book this guided tour combining the Dragalevtsi monastery, Vitosha and the Boyana church to make your stay even easier!
Day 3: Between archaeology and religion
Return to the city to complete your 3-day cultural tour of Sofia!
Morning: Sofia Museum of Archaeology and St. George Rotunda Church
Head for Sofia's National Museum of Archaeology to start your final day. Located right in the heart of the city, opposite the entrance to the Presidency of the Republic, it offers a fascinating cultural visit for anyone interested in the country's history. The idea for its creation dates back to the 1840s, when Roman ruins were discovered during construction work in the city. After the Ottoman liberation, the museum was erected, becoming independent in 1892 by royal decree. What can you admire? A rich collection, rivalling that of Europe's greatest archaeological museums! It also houses a major research center, organized into sections covering Antiquity, the Middle Ages and Numismatics. You're not just visiting a museum: you're taking a leap into the past!
Did you know? The Museum of Archaeology is housed in Sofia's oldest building, a former grand Ottoman mosque built between 1454 and 1494.
The morning continues at leisure at the Church of St. George Rotunda, nestled in a courtyard behind the Sofia Presidency. This remarkable Romanesque building still vibrates with its eventful history, which saw it change from a pagan place of worship to a Christian church, then to a mosque during the Ottoman occupation, and finally back to an Orthodox church. Despite these vicissitudes, it remains as beautiful as ever, offering an impressive record of conservation, not least thanks to its superb frescoes.
Afternoon: St. Nedelia Cathedral
In the heart of Sofia, you can't miss the majestic Cathedral of St. Nedelia. It stands as a symbol of the Bulgarian Orthodox faith and the country's tumultuous history. With its golden domes and ornate facade, it's pure splendor. Nearby, you'll find the Sofia City Court, an imposing neoclassical building that bears witness to the city's judicial importance. A few steps away is the Saint Sofia Monument, an imposing representation of the martyred saint Sofia, patron saint of the city. All that's left for you to do is stroll through the city center in shopping mode, to round off your 3-day visit to Sofia! Kaloyan and Lege streets, Vitosha boulevard and Chichman and Graf-Ignatiev streets are perfect for window shopping.
Find out more about the 11 must-sees in Sofia during your stay.
Where to stay in Sofia for 3 days? Our selection of the best hotels
Known as one of Europe's budget destinations, Bulgaria offers a wide range of attractive accommodation options. By staying in the city center, you'll have easy access, on foot, to all Sofia's points of interest.
- The most modern
The glazed design of the Sense Hotel stands in stark contrast to the period buildings of old Sofia. With a magnificent view of Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the hotel offers a full range of facilities, including a spa, swimming pool and rooftop terrace with panoramic views of the city. Book a room in this beautiful Sofia establishmenthere .
- The best location
Set down your suitcases atHotel Triada, ideally located close to Sofia's main sights. The spacious, well-equipped rooms offer all the comforts you could wish for. All that's left to do is take advantage of the restaurant and ancillary services, such as the massage area, to complete your stay in style. Click here to book this modern establishment.
- The most luxurious
At theHôtel Anel, the charm of the exquisitely decorated rooms is matched only by the quality of the services on offer. With its pleasant indoor pool, massages and pampering treatments, everything is designed to ensure that your stay is an upscale one. Click here to book this luxury establishment.
Eastern Europe is a beautiful place, just waiting to reveal its Balkan delights between history and nature. Life here is so pleasant that Sofia is one of the most pleasant cities in which to retire, making it an ideal place for a leisure trip too! These 8 destinations in Eastern Europe prove it, and make us want to travel again and again.
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