Visit two UNESCO World Heritage Sites in one day with this loop shuttle from Sofia to Boyana Church and Rila Monastery. These holy sites hold a special place in the hearts of most Bulgarians and are symbols of national identity.
We start the tour by visiting Boyana Church (only if the option is selected and the entrance ticket is not included). These frescoes that adorn the walls are considered predecessors of the European Renaissance. The majority of more than 240 figures depicted are full of not just reverence for God but also of the individuality and vitality of mankind.
Next, travel to Rila Monastery (entrance ticket is not included) is famed for its arcaded balconies, delicate frescoes – the work of one of the most famous Bulgarian revival painters – the gilded iconostasis, and the fabulous mountain view. The unique combination of them all makes for an extraordinary and memorable visit to the monastery. You have at least two hours of free time at Rila to explore the complex, enter the main church and take photos of the narthex gallery, admire the exhibits in the museum, try the tasty ¨mekitsi¨ (Bulgarian doughnuts) with delicious buffalo yoghurt (a local speciality), or even have a short walk in the area.
Options
Complete Tour with Audioguide includes visits to Rila Monastery, Dragalevtsi Monastery and Byana Church with online audioguide
Complete Tour with English Guide includes visits to Rila Monastery, Dragalevtsi Monastery and Byana Church with an English live guide
Tour with English Guide includes visits to Rila Monastery and Melnik with an English live guide (No Visit to Bayona Church)
Languages
Audioguide available in English, Spanish, Italian, German, Russian and French.
First time in Sofia? Enjoy a traditional Bulgarian breakfast with banitsa, then join a cultural walk tailored to your interests—history, archaeology, local bars, restaurants, markets, or even city spas.
Start your journey at the historic St. Sophia Church, one of the oldest landmarks in the city. Discover centuries of history as you admire its Roman foundations, medieval walls, and stunning frescoes. Then, taste a traditional Bulgarian breakfast – a freshly baked banitsa paired with cold ayran, a local yogurt drink. This walking tour blends history, culture, and authentic Bulgarian flavors, giving you a perfect introduction to the heart of Sophia.
Itinerary
Saint Sophia church
We start our tour at the heart of Sophia’s history – the St. Sophia Church, the city’s namesake.
This 6th-century basilica is one of the oldest churches in Sophia and a true symbol of the city. Its simple exterior hides a rich history: the walls have witnessed Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman eras.
The Local Bakery
We wil taste the ultimate breakfast classic.
In a cozy, family-run bakery, we taste a freshly baked banitsa – crispy layers of filo pastry filled with white cheese, golden and warm straight from the oven.
To go with it: a glass of cold, refreshing ayran (a yogurt-based drink), beloved by locals for its simple, tangy taste.
Central Sofia Market Hall
Our next stop is the Central Sofia Market Hall, a true landmark in the heart of the city. Built in 1911, this beautiful building with its striking steel structure and colorful facade has been a hub for local trade for over a century.
Inside, you’ll find a lively mix of vendors selling fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, cheeses, spices, and traditional Bulgarian treats. It’s the perfect place to soak up the local atmosphere, taste some specialties, and see Sofia’s everyday life in action.
Ancient Serdica City
Next, we step back in time to explore Ancient Serdica, the Roman city that once stood where modern Sophia now thrives. Founded over 2,000 years ago, Serdica was an important administrative and commercial center of the Roman Empire.
As you walk through the ruins, you can see ancient streets, foundations of houses, and fragments of public buildings, giving a glimpse into daily life in Roman times. Some areas are integrated into modern streets, creating a unique blend of old and new
Coffee
After exploring the city’s history and ancient sites, it’s time to relax with a coffee break at a local café. Here, you can enjoy a freshly brewed Bulgarian-style coffee or espresso, accompanied by a sweet treat or pastry if you like.
This is the perfect moment to pause, chat, and soak in the local atmosphere, watching the daily life of Sophia’s streets while enjoying a warm drink.
Rotunda of St. George
Our next stop is the , the oldest preserved building in Sophia, dating back to the 4th century. Hidden in the courtyard of the Largo complex, this red-brick rotunda has survived Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman periods, making it a true historical gem.
Inside, you’ll discover remarkable frescoes from different eras, reflecting the rich religious and cultural history of the city. The intimate, circular space gives a sense of continuity through centuries, connecting visitors with Sofia’s ancient past.
Presidency of Bulgaria
Next, we pass by the Presidency of Bulgaria, an important symbol of the country’s modern political life. The building itself is architecturally impressive, reflecting early 20th-century design, and is surrounded by well-kept gardens and open squares.
Visitors can admire the exterior and take photos while learning about the role of the Bulgarian president and the city’s political history.
Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski"
Our next stop is the majestic Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”, the oldest higher education institution in Bulgaria, founded in 1888. Its grand architecture, with neoclassical columns and a striking facade, makes it one of the city’s most iconic landmarks.
Walking around the square, guests can admire the statues, fountains, and nearby gardens, and learn about the university’s role in shaping Bulgaria’s intellectual and cultural life.
The National Library
Next, we visit the National Library “St. Cyril and Methodius”, the largest library in Bulgaria and a major cultural landmark in Sophia. Founded in 1878, it holds over 7 million items, including rare manuscripts and historical documents, making it a treasure trove of Bulgarian heritage
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
Next, we arrive at the magnificent Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, one of the largest Eastern Orthodox cathedrals in the world and a true symbol of Sophia.
Discover the true spirit of Sofia on an Insider Walking Tour with a local expert. See off-the-beaten-path spots and learn fascinating stories about the city.
Alexander Nevski Cathedral
This is a Bulgarian Orthodox cathedral in Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria. Built in Neo-Byzantine style, it is one of the 50 largest Christian church buildings by volume in the world.
The National Gallery for Foreign Art
Kvadrat 500, the newest and largest building of the National Gallery, opened on 25 May 2015. Some 1,700 artworks from the gallery’s rich fund of over 42,000 museum pieces by Bulgarian and foreign artists are exhibited in 28 halls on four levels. The Bulgarian collection dates back to the 1890s, while the greater part of the foreign collection was formed in the 1980s.
The exposition features works tracing the path of Bulgarian art from the mid-19th century and from the 20th century, European art from the 15th–19th centuries, and art exhibits from Asia, Africa, and America.
Bulgarian National Library (St. Cyrill and St. Methodius National Library)
Today the Library's collection contains nearly 8.5 million documents. Every year, it receives about 70 000 publications. The National Library “St. St. Cyril and Methodius” is the largest book treasury in Bulgaria. The tourist will visit inside
Sofia University "Saint Kliment Ohridski"
The Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski is the first higher educational institution in Bulgaria. Its history is an embodiment and a continuation of centuries of cultural and educational tradition in this country.
Public teaching activities in Bulgaria date back to the second half of the 9th century.
During the Bulgarian Renaissance, a new idea for opening a School of Higher Education was conceived.
The prestige of the School of Higher Education grew rapidly with the cultural and educational mission it acquired after the Liberation in 1878. We will visit inside
National Assembly of the Republic of Bulgaria
It was built in 1884-1886 at the design of architect Constantin Yovanovic, who studied in Vienna and Switzerland and authored the design of the Serbian Assembly (1891-1892) as well. The style of the building is neo-Renaissance.
National Opera and Ballet
In 1890, three Bulgarian musicians Dragomir Kazakov, Ivan Slavkov and Angel Bukoreshtliev organized the first opera troupe in Bulgaria as a branch of the ""Sofia Drama and Opera Troupe"". The performances - 12 whole operas and excerpts from 11 operas, with the participation of Bulgarians, Czechs and Italians accompanied by piano, the Guards Orchestra, the orchestra of the Sixth Infantry Regiment and people of the Italian Singing Society are accepted with unexpected success.
Ivan Vazov National Theater
The building of the National Theatre was finished in 1906 and the opening ceremony was held on 3 January 1907. It was designed by the architects Ferdinand Fellner and Hermann Helmer, who were hugely popular in the early twentieth century, to become one of Sofia’s most imposing and representative buildings in the Art Nouveau style, which was all the rage in those days. The plafond and the walls of the auditorium seating 848 were painted by artist Rudolf Fuchs from Vienna.
Former Bulgarian Communist Party Headquarters
The Largo (Bulgarian: Ларго, definite form Ларгото, Largoto) is an architectural ensemble of three Socialist Classicism edifices in central Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, designed and built in the 1950s with the intention of becoming the city's new representative centre.
The Rotunda Church of St George
The Church of Saint George (Bulgarian: Ротонда „Свети Георги“, romanized: Rotonda ""Sveti Georgi"") is a Late Antique red brick rotunda in Sofia, Bulgaria. Built in the early 4th century as Roman baths, it became a church inside the walls of Serdica, capital of ancient Dacia Mediterranea during the Roman Empire and Byzantine Empire.[1] The Early Christian church is considered the oldest building in modern Sofia and belongs to the Bulgarian Orthodox Church.
Ancient Serdica Archaeological Complex
Ancient cultural and communication complex “Serdica” combines areas with various purposes, divided into two zones. The “Largo” zone, situated underneath Nezavisimost Square, integrates the unearthed archaeological remains into a site for cultural events. The remains of one of the two main streets of the Roman town, the decumanus maximus, which connects the eastern and the western gate of the city, can be seen here. A large residential building, covering an entire insula (urban block), can be seen south of it. The building also had small shops, from which travelers and the town’s inhabitants could purchase food and various goods. A lapidarium is located close to the building.
Central Mineral Baths
The current Central Mineral Baths building was designed in the Vienna Secession style, but integrating typically Bulgarian, Byzantine and Eastern Orthodox ornamental elements, by the architects Petko Momchilov and Friedrich Grünanger in 1904–1905 and approved on 30 January 1906, as projects by an Austrian (in 1889) and a French architect (in 1901) were declined.
Central Synagogue Of Sofia
In the early 20th century, the Jewish community of Sofia (lead by rabbi Dr. Ehrenpreis and president of the community Ezra Sol) collected donations and invited the Viennese architect Friedrich Grünanger to prepare a project for the Synagogue. You can see the names of the 10 ""top contributors"" to the left on the wall after entering. In just 4 years, the architect managed to organize and complete the construction. Tombstones from an old Jewish cemetery were used to build the base of the Synagogue.
The value of its construction amounts to 437 000 golden leva.
The building of the Central Sofia Synagogue was built on the old site of another one known with the Hebrew name “Ahava ve Chesed” (Love and Goodness),
The Western Gate of Sofia
The Western Gate of Serdica is protected by towers – in the preserved section of the fortress wall a pentagonal tower is next to the gate and another triangular tower – in close proximity. The Western gate of Serdica is located between ""St. Joseph"" Catholic Cathedral, Todor Alexandrov boulevard and the Monument Symbol of the City of Sofia.
Women's Market
Zhenski Pazar Market (Bulgarian: “Женски пазар”) is the oldest market in Sofia. Established more than 140 years ago, it has become one of the most important trading centres in the metropolitan city.
Banya Bashi Mosque
Banya Bashi Mosque is located in the center of Sofia, near the hot mineral springs. (Banya Bashi means “many baths”). It was built in 1576 during the Ottoman military expansion by the best known Ottoman architect Miamar Sinan. He was also created Selemiye mosque in Edrine and Suleyman mosque in Istanbul."
Explore Sofia on a 2-hour walking tour with a passionate local guide. Taste authentic Bulgarian beer, local wine, and traditional meze while discovering hidden gems and the city’s vibrant nightlife.
You will explore Sofia on foot, tasting delicious Bulgarian beer and a glass of local quality wine paired with traditional meze: dried meat (100g) and cheese (100g).
Your passionate local guide, who grew up in Sofia, will show you not only the city’s main attractions but also hidden gems in small streets, galleries, bars, and events.
Discover where locals go, learn about Sofia’s vibrant social and nightlife scene, and get insider tips for your free time. This 2-hour walking tour offers an authentic experience of Sofia beyond the usual tourist paths.
The Meeting Point: The Saint Sofia Basilica (6 th c.).
The Saint Sophia Church is one of the few preserved Christian basilicas in Bulgarian lands. It was built in the VI century on the site of several earlier churches from IV and V century. At the end of the XIV century it was rebuilt in a mosque with a minaret. It suffered the earthquakes in 1818 and 1858. Along with the church "St. George", it is one of the oldest and most valuable historical sites of Sofia from its Roman period.
The Alexander Nevski Cathedral
Built in Neo-Byzantine style it is the is one of the biggest Eastern Orthodox cathedrals in the world, as well as one of Sofia's symbols and primary tourist attractions.
The National Gallery
The design of that Building, in Neoclassical style, by the Viennese architect Friedrich Schwanberg was realised in the period between 1881 and 1883.
With its 8.5 million documents the National Library “St. St. Cyril and Methodius” is the largest book treasury in Bulgaria. Visitors will see temporary exhibitions inside. The collection of old, rare and valuable books includes a total of about 17 000 volumes of books and periodicals printed in the period 15th-21st centuries. The materials are organized in separate collections.
The Sofia University "Saint Kliment"
Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski" and The "St. St. Cyril and Methodius" National Library are near the Eagles' Bridge. The university was founded on 1 October 1888. Monday-Friday visitors could also see the amazing central hall with the big stained glass windows.
The National Assembly
The building National Assembly sits is of historic significance and it is a monument of culture. It was built in 1884-1886 at the design of architect Constantin Yovanovic.
The ex Communist Party Hause
Bulgaria was occupied by USSR 1944-1989. The Party House (at present housing offices of the National Assembly) was designed by a team headed by architect Petso Zlatev. It was built from 1948 to 1954. The red Star, placed following the Soviet Model, is now removed and displayed at the Museum of Socialist Art. It is replaced by the national flag.
The remains of the ancient roman city Serdica
Ancient cultural and communication complex “Serdica” combines areas with various purposes, divided into two zones. The “Largo” zone, situated underneath Nezavisimost Square, integrates the unearthed archaeological remains into a site for cultural events. The remains of one of the two main streets of the Roman town, the decumanus maximus, which connects the eastern and the western gate of the city, can be seen here. A large residential building, covering an entire insula (urban block), can be seen south of it. The building also had small shops, from which travelers and the town’s inhabitants could purchase food and various goods.
The warm thermal springs of Sofia City
Visitors will go to see the Natural Hot Springs of the city-46 degrees Celsius The current Central Mineral Baths building was designed in the Vienna Secession style, but integrating typically Bulgarian, Byzantine and Eastern Orthodox ornamental elements, by the architects Petko Momchilov and Friedrich Grünanger in 1904–1905 and approved on 30 January 1906, as projects by an Austrian (in 1889).
Saint George church (4th c.)
The oldest and best-preserved functioning church since Roman times in Sofia is the rotunda church St. George. It was built in the beginning of the 4th century AD during the reign of the Roman emperor Constantine the Great (reigned 306 – 337) and the flourishing of the ancient town Serdika (the old name of Sofia). It is believed that the rotunda is the oldest building in Sofia.
The old Mosque (16th c.)
*It was built by the initiative and with the financial support of Mullah Effendi Kada Seyfullah and is also known as Mollah Effendi Mosque. It was designed by the famous Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan, who also built the mosque of Sultan Selim on Edirne and the Suleymaniye Mosque in Istanbul. Because of the number 974 above the entrance arch, the mosque is considered to be built in 974, the Hijri (Islamic calendar) or in 1566 – 1567 AD.
The remains of the ancient wall of Serdica city
The first fortification wall of Serdica was erected in the second half of the 2nd century AD. It had a width of 2.20 m. At the end of the 3rd , the beginning of the 4th c.АD, a remodeling of the wall was undertaken and a ditch was dug in front of it - 14 m west of the Western gate at about 2 m deep and 5 m wide, functioning in the 4th century.
The old city market *zhenski pazar
Established more than 140 years ago, it has become one of the most important trading centres in the metropolitan city. Almost 60 000 visit Zhenski Pazar Market every day. The market is located in the so-called Area of Tolerance in Sofia. The name itself is coined after the close proximity of the temples of all the official religious communities in Bulgaria. Here you can find the church “Saints Cyril and Methodius“, the “Banya bashi” Mosque, and the Central Synagogue of Sofia.
Central Synagogue of Sofia
The building of the Central Sofia Synagogue is rightly described as the pride of the Bulgarian Jewish community. It is one of the three largest Sephardic (Spanish-Jewish) synagogues in Europe and the largest on the Balkan Peninsula.
Brailla Bar
Local bar with Bulgarian drinks and appetizers.
Discover Sofia through a personalized walking experience tailored to your group’s interests. Choose which landmarks and neighborhoods to explore, from historic churches and Roman ruins to hidden streets and local squares.
Flexible itinerary: Adjust the tour to match your preferences.
Group size: Up to 10 participants.
Highlights:
· Explore Sofia’s hidden gems and iconic sights.
· Learn fascinating stories from a local guide.
· Enjoy a relaxed, private-paced walk through the city center.
· Perfect for travelers seeking a personalized, local experience, giving you the freedom to explore Sofia at your own pace.
Step back in time and explore Sofia’s Roman roots! Walk through the ruins of ancient Serdica, visit key archaeological sites with included tickets, and uncover the fascinating history of the city’s Roman heritage.
Journey into the heart of ancient Serdica, where Sofia’s Roman heritage still stands beneath the modern city.
This walking tour will guide you through the most impressive Roman remains, from streets and baths to fortifications and mosaics, revealing the daily life of one of the empire’s thriving cities.
· Tickets included – skip the hassle and enjoy entry to major archaeological attractions.
· Expert storytelling – learn how Serdica became the city where “Constantine the Great wished to live.”
· Unique blend of old & new – see how Roman ruins are preserved in the very center of today’s Sofia.
Itinerary:
The Meeting point: The Saint Sofia Church
Saint George Rotunda
The oldest and best-preserved functioning church since Roman times in Sofia is the rotunda church St. George. It was built in the beginning of the 4th century AD during the reign of the Roman emperor Constantine the Great
The Largo
The Old Thermal Bath
8. The style of the building, which is regarded as Torbov's best work, is Neo-Renaissance, featuring also elements of Neo-Byzantine architecture and Neo-Baroque. The façade is known for its relief of the coat of arms of Sofia above the main entrance created by the artist Haralampi Tachev. The famous little clock tower with three dials tops the edifice. The first fortification wall of Serdica was erected in the second half of the 2nd century AD. It had a width of 2.20 m. At the end of the 3rd , the beginning of the 4th c.АD, a remodeling of the wall was undertaken and a ditch was dug in front of it - 14 m west of the Western gate at about 2 m deep and 5 m wide, functioning in the 4th century.
The first fortification wall of Serdica was erected in the second half of the 2nd century AD. It had a width of 2.20 m. At the end of the 3rd , the beginning of the 4th c.АD, a remodeling of the wall was undertaken and a ditch was dug in front of it - 14 m west of the Western gate at about 2 m deep and 5 m wide, functioning in the 4th century
The Central Sofia Synagogue
The building of the Central Sofia Synagogue is rightly described as the pride of the Bulgarian Jewish community. It is one of the three largest Sephardic (Spanish-Jewish) synagogues in Europe and the largest on the Balkan Peninsula
The City Hall
It was opened in 1911 and is today an important trade centre in the city.
Banya Bashi Mosque It was built by the initiative and with the financial support of Mullah Effendi Kada Seyfullah and is also known as Mollah Effendi Mosque. It was designed by the famous Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan, who also built the mosque of Sultan Selim on Edirne and the Suleymaniye Mosque in Istanbul. Because of the number 974 above the entrance arch, the mosque is considered to be built in 974, the Hijri (Islamic calendar) or in 1566 – 1567 AD.
Ladies Market
Zhenski Pazar Market (Bulgarian: “Женски пазар”) is the oldest market in Sofia. Established more than 140 years ago, it has become one of the most important trading centres in the metropolitan city. The market is located in the so-called Area of Tolerance in Sofia. The name itself is coined after the close proximity of the temples of all the official religious communities in Bulgaria. Here you can find the church “Saints Cyril and Methodius“, the “Banya bashi” Mosque, and the Central Synagogue of Sofia. Almost 60 000 visit Zhenski Pazar Market every day.
Discover the rich flavors and traditions of Bulgarian wine on this intimate tasting experience in the heart of Sofia. Bulgaria is one of Europe’s oldest wine regions, and today you’ll have the chance to sample some of its finest bottles in a welcoming and authentic local setting.
During your tasting, you can choose between different wine flights, depending on your preferences:
5 Wines Tasting – A journey through five carefully selected Bulgarian wines, from crisp whites to bold reds.
3 Wines Tasting – A shorter but equally rich tasting experience, ideal if you prefer something lighter.
5 Wines with Cheese – Five wines paired with a selection of artisanal Bulgarian cheeses, highlighting the harmony of local flavors.
3 Wines with Cheese – Three wines paired with cheeses, perfect for those who enjoy a focused tasting with food.
Your local guide will introduce you to each wine, explain the grape varieties, regions, and traditions behind them, and share stories about Bulgaria’s ancient winemaking culture.
The experience is designed not only to delight your taste buds, but also to give you a deeper understanding of Bulgarian heritage and hospitality.
This is a relaxed and interactive event, suitable both for wine enthusiasts and curious beginners. By the end of the tasting, you’ll walk away with a better appreciation of Bulgarian wines – and perhaps a new favorite bottle.
Discover Sofia in the most authentic way — through its flavors, stories, and hidden streets. This 3-hour small-group tour combines fascinating history with traditional Bulgarian cuisine, giving you a true taste of the city’s soul.
We begin with a short introduction to Sofia’s past while strolling through lively streets and squares.
Along the way, you’ll enjoy carefully selected tastings that represent Bulgaria’s culinary traditions: a freshly baked banitsa (cheese pastry), grilled local cheese on a hot plate, a stuffed vegetable dish like chushka burek, and a hearty sample of slow-cooked lamb
“haiduk-style.” To finish, we sweeten the walk with a traditional dessert.
Please note: the menu may vary depending on the day, ensuring the freshest and most seasonal ingredients.
But this experience isn’t just about food. You’ll also step onto Sofia’s nostalgic tramway — a ride on one of the city’s vintage tram lines that has been carrying locals for decades.
From the windows, you’ll see a different side of Sofia, away from the main boulevards, while your guide shares stories about life here, past and present.
Your guide is a local who knows the city intimately and adds personal touches to every stop — from small family-run bakeries to hidden courtyards and landmarks you won’t find in the guidebooks.
English 
Spanish