Start your tour at Alexander Nevsky Square, Sofia’s grand central plaza, dominated by the iconic Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, a neo-Byzantine masterpiece with golden domes and intricate frescoes. Admire its imposing façade and, if time allows, step inside to see the ornate interior (free entry). From here, stroll west along Bul. Tsar Osvoboditel, a stately boulevard lined with elegant buildings and yellow-brick pavements, capturing Sofia’s blend of history and charm.
After about 10 minutes, stop at Made in Home (Ul. Angel Kanchev 30A, a short detour, or opt for Raffy Bar & Gelato at Bul. Vitosha 18 for a closer option), a cosy eatery with a rustic vibe, perfect for a quick lunch of Bulgarian classics like shopska salad or banitsa (cheese-filled pastry), affordable, no reservations needed, but arrive early to avoid the local lunch crowd. The homely atmosphere feels like a Sofia institution.
Continue west to Sveta Nedelya Square, home to the Sveta Nedelya Church, a 19th-century Orthodox church with a richly decorated interior. Pop in for a quick look at its icons and chandeliers (free entry). Nearby, explore Vitosha Boulevard, Sofia’s lively pedestrian street, lined with shops, cafés, and the distant backdrop of Vitosha Mountain.
Head north towards Serdika, where ancient Roman ruins, including the Serdika Archaeological Complex, lie exposed near the metro station. Wander through this open-air site (free) for a glimpse of Sofia’s 2,000-year history. From here, stroll east to Sveti Georgi Rotunda, a 4th-century red-brick church, one of the oldest in Europe, nestled in a courtyard behind the Presidency, its simplicity and frescoes are worth a quick visit.
Loop south to NDK (National Palace of Culture), a modern cultural hub surrounded by gardens. For a sweet treat, stop at Confetti (Bul. Vitosha 6), a beloved gelateria and café, for a hot chocolate or coffee with a slice of garash (chocolate-walnut cake), no bookings needed, but arrive promptly to enjoy its vibrant vibe. The nearby Ivan Vazov National Theatre, with its neo-classical façade, adds a cultural flourish.
Continue east along Bul. Patriarch Evtimiy to Orlov Most (Eagle’s Bridge), a historic crossing over the Perlovska River, adorned with bronze eagles. Pause for views of the city’s mix of Soviet-era and modern architecture. If time allows, pop into the nearby Museum of Socialist Art (Ul. Lachezar Stanchev 7) for a quick 20-minute look at communist-era sculptures (small fee).
End your tour at Sveti Sedmochislenitsi Church, a beautifully restored 16th-century church with lush gardens. For a final treat, visit Mekitsa & Kafe (Ul. Graf Ignatiev 31), a cosy spot for a traditional mekitsa (fried dough pastry) with a dusting of icing sugar or a warm coffee, soaking up Sofia’s laid-back charm. Alternatively, relax at a café on Vitosha Boulevard, like Costa Coffee (Bul. Vitosha 12), watching the city’s eclectic energy unfold.This 3-4 km route captures Sofia’s layered history, hearty cuisine, and vibrant streets, perfect for a four-hour stroll. Wear comfortable shoes for the uneven pavements and bring a light jacket for Sofia’s often cool, breezy weather
