Welcome to my home country…Bulgaria!

Some of you may already be familiar with this beautiful Balkan gem, while others may be discovering it for the very first time. Bulgaria is one of Europe’s most underrated travel destinations, yet it offers breathtaking mountain scenery, rich history, incredible architecture, delicious food, and some of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet. I’m so excited to introduce you to the beauty of my homeland, starting with its vibrant capital city, Sofia.

After spending many years living in the United States, I’ve recently moved back to Europe, which means I’ll finally have the opportunity to explore Bulgaria more often. YAY! I’ll be sharing more about that journey in a future blog post.

The last time I visited Sofia, I was only twelve years old. You can probably imagine how emotional I felt. Walking through the streets as an adult was a completely different experience. I wasn’t only revisiting memories, but I was also seeing my country with fresh new eyes.

Let me show you some of my favorite places that made me fall in love with Sofia, Bulgaria all over again!

1. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

If there’s one place you can’t miss in Sofia, it’s the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. In my opinion, this is the number one reason people want to visit Sofia. It’s the city’s most famous landmark!

No matter how many photos you’ve seen online, they don’t do it justice. It’s even more breathtaking in person! I found myself just standing there, taking it all in and being in awe of every little detail. It’s one of those churches that instantly makes you pause and admire.

The cathedral was built to honor the Russian soldiers who fought in the Russo-Turkish War and helped Bulgaria gain its freedom. For us Bulgarians, it’s much more than a beautiful church. It’s a symbol of our freedom and a place we’re incredibly proud of.

One thing you shouldn’t skip is going inside. The inside is just as beautiful, with stunning artwork, glowing chandeliers, and a peaceful atmosphere. Just remember to be respectful by keeping your voice down and dressing appropriately. Also, if I were you, I’d come back at night too! Seeing the cathedral all lit up is such a treat for the eyes.

2. Church of Saint George

If it’s your first time in Sofia, don’t skip the Church of Saint George! Also known as the St. George Rotunda, this little red-brick church is tucked away in the middle of the city. How incredible to think that it has been standing here for centuries? Watching Sofia change all around it! For me, that’s what makes it so special. It’s a great reminder of just how much history this beautiful city has. I definitely felt small standing in front of it.

Just like the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, you can go inside the church and see the beautiful ancient wall paintings on the walls.

One thing I quickly realized during my trip to Sofia was how special it felt to experience my home country up close and personal. This trip gave me a deeper appreciation for where I came from. I was truly touched by everything I learned about beautiful Sofia.

3. National Palace of Culture (NDK)

One of the places I was most excited to experience in Sofia was the National Palace of Culture. I don’t have many vivid memories of visiting NDK when I was younger, so this time it felt like discovering it for the first time.

The entire area surrounding NDK is beautiful and full of life. You’ll see locals strolling through the gardens, meeting friends, enjoying coffee at nearby cafes, and simply being present. It is one of those places in Sofia where you can really feel the energy of the city.

During our visit, one of my favorite surprises was stumbling across the Sofia Spring Fest (from April 9th- May 10th). The streets were filled with vendors selling handmade crafts, artwork, traditional Bulgarian foods, and unique souvenirs. This is where I bought my very first traditional Bulgarian nosia (a beautiful embroidered folk dress). Yep, I wore it the minute I bought it, I was that excited!

The fun didn’t stop there! We had the opportunity to go inside NDK and experience the Philip Kutev National Folklore Ensemble, a performance that I will never forget. Being able to reconnect with my culture in such a meaningful way was so emotional. I felt so touched watching the traditions of my country come alive right in front of me. Even now, when I think about Bulgaria, I still think about that special evening. A dream come true!

4. Vitosha Boulevard

As a first time visitor in Sofia, you have to spend some time exploring Vitosha Boulevard. This is one of the most exciting streets in the city! There’s never a dull moment here. No matter what time of day you visit, it’s always buzzing with people.

You’ll find everything…outdoor cafes, restaurants, shops, street performers, and plenty of places to stop for a coffee or a bite to eat. It’s one of those streets that doesn’t sleep, just like Vegas! hahaha!

We stayed in an Airbnb on Tsar Asen Street, just a few steps away from Vitosha Boulevard, so we ended up walking along it every single day. I loved seeing how it changed from day to night. During the day, everyone was out shopping and enjoying their time in the sunshine. Then, as the sun went down, the whole street came alive with people heading out for dinner and cocktails.

If you’re looking for a romantic place to enjoy dinner in Sofia, I recommend Lavelé Garden one hundred and ten percent. The food was beyond delicious, the cocktails were amazing, and the atmosphere was so beautiful. It was one of my favorite meals of the trip and I’d happily go back to on my next visit to Sofia.

5. SS. Cyril and Methodius National Library

When visiting Sofia, don’t miss the SS. Cyril and Methodius National Library. You can probably tell from the photo above just how beautiful this place is during springtime. The colorful flower beds bloom right in front of the statues of Saints Cyril and Methodius, creating one of the prettiest spots in the city.

The day we visited, it was pouring rain. However, for me the rain always makes the whole experience feel even more magical!

One tip I have if you’re visiting Sofia, Bulgaria in the spring is to pack plenty of layers. The weather can change so quickly! In just one day, you might experience both sunshine and rain, so it’s always a good idea to have a light jacket and an umbrella with you.

This library is the largest public library in Bulgaria! Standing tall in front of it are the statues of Saints Cyril and Methodius, two brothers whose work helped shape the writing system used across Bulgaria. Every year on May 24th, Sofia comes alive as Bulgaria celebrates the Day of Bulgarian education, culture, and the Cyrillic Alphabet. It’s one of the biggest and most loved holidays in the country! If you happen to be visiting Sofia around this time, you’ll get to experience this amazing celebration for yourself.

6. Ivan Vazov National Theatre

Standing proudly in the center of the city, Ivan Vazov National Theatre is one of Sofia’s most photographed buildings. Definitely a favorite of mine! Once you see it in person, you’ll understand why!

This theatre is such an important part of Bulgarian culture. It’s the oldest in the country, and it’s where you can watch some of Bulgaria’s most talented actors and actresses bring incredible stories to life. The theatre hosts a wide variety of productions all year round, including classic plays, dramas, and special performances. Dress up for the occasion! Put on that outfit you’ve been waiting to wear and head to the theatre! You can easily purchase tickets here.

Even if you don’t have time to see a show, the architecture is so stunning. I couldn’t stop looking at the beautiful gold details that shimmer in the sunlight. Just outside the theatre you’ll also spot the City Garden. Find a bench, grab a coffee, and spend a while soaking up the atmosphere. Especially in the spring, the garden comes alive with colorful flowers, the warm sunshine shining down, and locals enjoying. I felt so happy to be there during this time of year (end of April).

7. Serdica Ancient Fortress

One of the coolest places to visit in Sofia is the Serdica Ancient Fortress. I don’t know about you, but I think it’s amazing that you can be walking through a busy, modern city one minute and suddenly find yourself surrounded by ancient Roman ruins the next.

This was my first time seeing the Serdica ruins in person. They’re what’s left of the ancient Roman city of Serdica, which once stood where Sofia is today. As the city continued to grow over the centuries, the remains were preserved for everyone to enjoy.

If you’d like to learn more about the history of Sofia while exploring its most famous landmarks, I highly recommend joining one of the FREE Sofia walking tours. We decided to do one and loved it! Our guide, Kris shared so many interesting stories and made the whole experience really fun. Best of all, the tours are available in both English and Spanish. Plus, The Serdica Ancient Fortress is one of the stops on the tour, so you’ll get to learn all about its fascinating history.

While you’re exploring this area, don’t forget to stop by the nearby mineral water fountains. Sofia has been famous for its natural mineral springs since Roman times, and you can still drink the warm mineral water today. You’ll probably notice lots of locals filling up bottles to take home. Give it a try!

8. Borisova Gradina Park

Finally, make sure you leave a little time to wander through the Borisova Gradina Park. I like to think of it as Sofia’s version of Central Park. It’s one of the greenest and most peaceful places in the city, and the perfect getaway after a day of sightseeing.

This is where you can come to recharge your batteries. There are beautiful walking paths, huge trees, colorful flowers, and plenty of benches to unwind at.

I loved walking through the park because we were lucky to visit on one of the sunniest days of our trip. It also didn’t feel like I was in the middle of a capital city. It felt more like I had suddenly escaped into a massive forest. I think here is the ideal way to end your Sofia, Bulgaria trip before heading home, leaving with a heart full of beautiful memories.

Until next time, Bulgaria! I hope this guide inspires you to add Sofia, Bulgaria to your travel list and discover a few of these places for yourself.