Things to do & places to visit in Sofia Region, Bulgaria

Sofia Region #1 destination in Bulgaria 2023. The average rating score is 4.58 based on 42.5k traveler reviews, of 129 attractions. Timezone: Europe/Sofia, current date and time: Tuesday, May 07, 2024, 17:48.

Top things to do (37)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 365 Association Sofia Tours (5.246 reviews)
- Not to be missed
City Tours • Cultural Tours • Historical & Heritage Tours • Walking Tours • Sightseeing Tours

After two days in the City where we already visited the main attractions without a guide we took the free tour in the evening. A lot of people showed up before the court but there were couple of guides available two split into around 20 participants. Yoan was our guide and the next 2 hours were very informative, which gave us a good overview of Sofia’s and Bulgarians rich history. The mixture between sad and funny stories kept us all engaged and even our children found it very interesting. Thanks Yoan for this tour and keep it up See more..
5.0 Rila Monastery (1.932 reviews)
- Get the Mekitsas!!
Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Religious Sites

Founded in the 10th century, this monastery was restored in the 15th and again in the 19th century. See more..
5.0 Hunters Ski School (1.898 reviews)
- Amazing
Lessons & Workshops • Gear Rentals

We have all you need to get you ready for the mountain – whether you need a Lift Pass, Equipment or Tuition – we have it all. We are a young and dynamic Ski School: we want to share our technical knowledge as well as our passion for snow sports in a fun way. With us it’s not just about skiing, it’s about having fun and fully experiencing the most fascinating and authentic mountains, defined World Heritage site by UNESCO: Rila National Park. We are professionals! We cater for the increasingly diverse demands; our instructors speak several languages: English, German, Greek, Turkish, Russian and Bulgarian.Passionate about their work, our fully qualified professional instructors teach all the disciplines on the mountain, in group or private lessons. Lessons can be organised in ski, snowboard or cross country skiing. Our instructors take care of you by adapting the teaching methods to the ability of each and every person, to create the perfect learning environment. We are a group of instructors motivated to give the best to you - our clients. Be it ski-, snowboarding-, freeriding-, or freestyle- courses, for adults or children, our mission is to teach you how to ski in complete safety and maximum fun. It is all about high-end convenience and helping you get the most out of each visit. Though it can get pricey when it comes to lessons, we offer many options and personal attention from our instructors. The instructor ratios are among the best in the country and their state-licensed childcare facility is top-notch too, leaving parents free to focus on learning the sport. For kid’s lessons, the instructors will teach children as young as 3 years and for kids 6 years and up, all day lessons help cement new skills and build confidence. We are pleased for your feedback and ratings. We are happy to meet year after year many repeat customers, satisfied with our service – both quality of our lessons and equipment hire. If you are looking for personalised service we are you top... See more..
5.0 Teorema Rooms (1.161 reviews)
- WOW!
Tuesday: 10:30 AM - 10:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Escape Games

Teorema Rooms operates two escape rooms in the very centre of Sofia - TNT and Atlantis. In TNT you're hostages in a bank robbery and have 60 minutes to deactivate the bomb and escape. In Atlantis your purpose is to find and grab the heart of Poseidon - the heart that will save the world. Both escape rooms are boutique and with a unique design. Both games are suitable for 2-6 players but we recommend teams of 4 players. Give yourself lots of pleasure,fun, adventure, and … a new challenge! Are you ready? See more..
5.0 Escape Way (1.116 reviews)
- The best family entertainment
Tuesday: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Escape Games

Escapeway is the top escape room in Sofia and Bulgaria. An escape room is an especially prepared room that will take you into a world of adventure and mystery. Your task will be to go through a series of challenges to solve a series of mysteries; deciphering codes, discovering ancient artifacts, and unlocking secret promises are your way out of the room. See more..
5.0 Ski School Borosport (694 reviews)
- Excellent - thank you Ivo and Stefan
Spent More than 3 hours Lessons & Workshops

We spent a week in Borovets over half term as a family My two boys Noah (11) and Luca (8) were booked into ski school. Both could do the basics but were very much green run snow ploughers at the start of the week. They were in separate classes but both of their instructors (Stefan and Ivo) were superb. The progress they made was remarkable and both boys were doing jumps and black runs by the end of the week. More importantly they loved ski school due to the fun, friendly and attentive approach of their instructors. I think they were supposed to have 4 hours tuition a day, but the groups regularly started early or finished late - the instructors seemed to genuinely love what they were doing and wanted to develop the group as much as possible. At a fraction of the price of lessons in the Alps, I really cannot recommend this ski school highly enough. Absolutely superb all round....thank you guys for a brilliant week. See more..
5.0 Museum of illusions Sofia (456 reviews) from $11.78
- An amazing adventure in the center of Sofia
Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • Science Museums

It's fascinating. It's fun. It's sure to be surprising. 400 m2 full of riveting illusions, wonderful atmosphere and helpful staff. See more..
5.0 Tempus Vini Wine Point (423 reviews)
- A truly memorable evening of wine
Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM Speciality & Gift Shops • Wine Bars

Boutique wines from Bulgaria. More than 580 labels from top Bulgarian quality cellars expecting you! Everyday different wine tasting in a cozy,friendly atmosphere:) See more..
5.0 Ski & Board Traventuria - Borovets (361 reviews)
- Beginner to Boarder
Tuesday: 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM Gear Rentals

SkiBorovets.bg was established by an enthusiastic and experienced team in 2014. In 2016, the company founded its own ski school. More than 10 000 customers per year benefit from the packages, provided with a smile from the company’s team. 1/3 of the equipment in the shop is brand new- 1000 pairs of boots, skis, and boards are purchased before each season. The shop is located in hotel Ela and it has also retail and storage sections with built-in drying available. In stock, there are items for sale for all kinds of winter sports. The ski robot, owned by the shop, repairs 80 pairs of rental equipment per hour. For the guests' free time, we offer many apres-ski activities. Our best-seller is the snowboard taster for those who wish to try the basics of boarding. Borovets offers night skiing and long cross-country tracks and our shop will provide you with everything to experiencing that. Ski& Board Traventuria operates transfers from/to Sofia. You may also benefit them! See more..
5.0 Snow Masters (323 reviews)
- Great friendly service
Tuesday: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Ski & Snow Tours • Lessons & Workshops • Gear Rentals

Snow Masters ski and snowboard school office and rental shop is in Iglika 2 hotel, Borovets. We offer ski and snowboard private lessons, group tuition, ski and snowboard rental, service, gear rental, ski and snowboard full packages. See more..
5.0 Rila National Park (258 reviews)
- Daytrip from Sofia to the Seven lakes is a must
National Parks

There are many picturesque landscapes, but this one is guaranteed to be one of the most beautiful experiences. In October 2020 I was lucky enough to make a great tour here by sunshine. I would like to repeat this tour ones in winter. The drive to the parking lot of the national park was about 1 hour from Sofia. For 20 leva (10 euros) you bought the ticket there and back and the tour can start. You should plan about 4-5 hours and lots of photo stops - since the area is worth a photo at every point. See more..
5.0 Balkan PMS Travel (251 reviews)
- Family friendly ski holiday
Tuesday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Taxis & Shuttles

We have the pleasure to introduce you our company. Established in the year of 2004 the Balkan PMS company is growing with every year that passes. One of our main services is transporting travelers to their desired destinations, taking the stress and strain out of their holiday. Anywhere that you require to go we can cater for. We offer very affordable and high quality transport service using cars and mini-buses. You can feel confident and safe with us, we are fully licensed, bonded and insured. Vehicle types will be catered for your group size, ranging from taxis and minibuses for smaller groups to large comfort buses for bigger groups. We can organize discounted rates for Large Groups over 20 , so you can be sure that you will be getting the best value transfer available. Our driver will meet you personally at your terminal arrival gate or platform, or any place you want, carrying a board with "Your Name" written on. You will be escorted to your vehicle, with no-fuss or waiting. Then you can relax as the driver takes care of your trip to your hotel or accommodation or other transfer point. Don't worry also about rushing to get your flight we make sure that we leave enough time to get to your destination . With an organized transfer shuttle, we can take you direct to the airport with no stress. We are always willing to provide assistance with luggage. Unlimited time of waiting and parking payment are already included into the rate. See more..
5.0 ALPIN Rent Ski & School Borovets (226 reviews)
- Private family lessons
Tuesday: 8:30 AM - 9:30 PM Spent More than 3 hours Lessons & Workshops • Gear Rentals

Wе аrе Alpin Ski & Snowboard Rentals Borovets аnd оffеr ѕkі hіrе аnd ѕkі lеѕѕоnѕ іn Воrоvеtѕ. Веѕt іn оur wоrk wе dоmіnаtе thе mаrkеt fоr bеѕt ѕkі еquірmеnt іn Воrоvеtѕ. Сhесk оur соmреtеtіvе рrісеѕ аnd bооk оnlіnе. Wе'vе wоrkеd іn ѕkі hіrе wіth lосаl аnd fоrеіgn vіѕіtоrѕ fоr mаnу уеаrѕ nоw - whеthеr thеу аrе іndереndеnt trаvеllеrѕ оr аrе оn а расkаgе wіth а tоur соmраnу. Wе'd lіkе tо ѕhоw уоu whу оur rеgulаrѕ rеturn tо ѕее uѕ уеаr аftеr уеаr. See more..
5.0 RilSki Ski & Snowboard School (152 reviews)
- Rilski- will ski with you again!!!!
Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 10:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Lessons & Workshops • Gear Rentals

Our ski school is offering you professional ski and snowboard tuition and equipment hire. Being professional, experienced and having individual approach we are going to motivate you and your children, we will help you acquire basic skills in the ski and snowboard sport, we will improve your technique and most of all we will make you feel safe at the slopes in the ski area ! See more..
5.0 The Red Flat (152 reviews)
- Interesting experience!
Tuesday: 10:30 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Art Museums • History Museums

The Red Flat is not a typical museum, but an interactive experience and a time machine aiming to send you back to the 1980’s - the last stage of the communist regime in Bulgaria. By entering the flat, you will visit the home of an average family and discover what everyday life was like for ordinary Bulgarians during the Cold War. See more..
5.0 Muzeiko (114 reviews)
- Great activities
Tuesday: Spent 2-3 hours Science Museums • Observatories & Planetariums • Children's Museums

Muzeiko is the biggest science center for children in Eastern Europe. Muzeiko is a 2,000 m2 space with over 130 interactive games created for children and curious adults. The entire content of the museum is designed to inspire children to learn, discover and explore the sciences, while helping children, their families and educators spend time together actively and effectively. See more..
5.0 Bulgaria on Horseback (103 reviews)
- Fantastic ride with incredible host on incredible horses!!!
Spent 2-3 hours Horseback Riding Tours

My daughter and I (an experienced horse rider) went on a 3 hour journey through the woods and snow of Borovets to Black Rock and back. As experienced riders, Oggie took us on unmarked trails through the woods with snow sometimes up to our horses knees, but we also found time to gallop the horses on marked trails up to Black Rock, with incredible views of the Rila Valley and surrounding mountains. Best horseback riding experience ever!!!! Oggie was incredibly knowledgeable about the horses and the history of the area. A must do experience when in Borovets!!! See more..
5.0 ProX-Treme (93 reviews)
- 5 stars for ProX-Treme
Tuesday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent More than 3 hours Gear Rentals • Ski & Snowboard Areas

We are a ski depot in the resort of Borovets. We are in close proximity to the gondola lift. Here you can find ski and snowboard equipment for complete beginners, advanced ones and for those who are fluent in the art of caressing the snow on the slopes, or so-called “Gods” in skiing or snowboarding. See more..
5.0 Rila Mountains (85 reviews)
- Rila mountains
Mountains

A magnificent Alpine-type mountain, you always need to be prepared for it solidly! Worth the beautiful view! See more..
5.0 Horse Riding With Butch (63 reviews)
- Totally amazing experience! Will be back again!
Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Horseback Riding Tours

Amazing experience for us all and such a lovely person and the horses were wonderful! We booked this on the last day of our ski holiday for 4 of us one of them was my 5 year old daughter. Vasil is a great guy and he made us feel totally as ease. It was my daughters first time on a horse and they made her feel so safe and her horse was so good she had no fear. We went on a 1hr hike through paths in the forest and it was beautiful! I even seen a wild dear! The horses are beautiful and very well looked after and these guys clearly love them dearly! We loved it and will definitely be back next time to do it again! Vasil stopped to take pics of us also which was great so we could show the rest of our group what we did! The cats and dogs back at the ranch area were gorgeous too! Amazing experience and amazing company to chose to ride horses with! Vasil even gave us a lift back to our hotel to save us walking or getting a taxi! Such a great guy! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ See more..
4.5 St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral (6.540 reviews)
- Impressive
Architectural Buildings • Religious Sites • Churches & Cathedrals

Completed in 1912, St. Alexander Nevsky Patriarchal Cathedral Stauropigial Memorial-Church is an impressive landmark in Sofia. The church was built as a memorial to the 200,000 Russian soldiers who died in the Russo-Turkish Liberation War (1877-1878). See more..
4.5 Saint Nikolas Russian Church (Tsurkva Sveta Nikolai) (2.139 reviews)
- Different to your average
Spent < 1 hour Architectural Buildings • Religious Sites

I’m a church lover but never come across a Russian style before and it was very unique. You couldn’t take pictures inside but the detail was beautiful and more colourful than I pictured. Definitely worth stopping by, a lot of detail to take in See more..
4.5 Boyana Church (1.880 reviews)
- A vare rare experience
Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings • Religious Sites • Churches & Cathedrals

Located at the foot of Mt. Vitosha, Bojana Church is about 900 years old. The church houses the National Museum, which focuses on regional history, art and cultural artifacts. See more..
4.5 The Rotunda Church of St George (1.685 reviews)
- An amazing piece of history
Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings • Religious Sites

Built in the 4th century, this is the oldest building in Sofia. See more..
4.5 Borovets Ski Resort (1.516 reviews)
- Little better than I expected!
Mountains

Overall, I have to give this resort 4 stars. Just over an hour or so transfer from Sofia, nice easy drive and you have everything you need in the resort itself. Loads of bars and restaurants with excellent menu choices almost everywhere you go. Not cheap cheap but very cost effective compared to France/Switzerland. There’s other excursions to do also but don’t get sucked into the “natural” hit spa afternoon. It’s literally an open air swimming baths, just with various pools, and it’s stinks of rotten eggs! That was a day wasted for us. The quad biking is worth doing. If you’re an advanced skier, this may not be the resort for you as it’s almost all blue/green and little bit of reds/black. But, if you like nice flowy pistes through the forest, it’s great. It was too busy for me at times and waiting at the lifts was boring at certain times but I think it was because there was a Bulgarian school holiday at the end of Jan, which didn’t help (full of ski school kids in your way). The biggest downside for me is many of the locals can be unfriendly and not welcoming at all. Avoid the Balkani restaurant at all costs as they are only interested in your money and offer aggressive and poor service when you complain. Best restaurant is Victorias (I love sushi). So, it’s well worth a visit here overall and we will come back sometime for sure (despite some of the locals attitudes) See more..
4.5 Vitosha Mountain (1.227 reviews)
- Great view
Mountains • Ski & Snowboard Areas

We waited a couple of rainy days so that we can explore the mountains. On last Saturday when the sun came out we went up to a specific place called Momina Skala that was recommended by a collega of mine in Bulgaria. The place has a very nice and short hiking trails with a great view which leads to a local hut that serves drinks and food including alcohol and warm soups for cold weather See more..
4.5 Saint Sofia Church (957 reviews)
- Don't forget to visit downstairs, the archaelogical finds are amazing!
Spent < 1 hour Churches & Cathedrals

It's free to visit upstairs but don't miss the downstairs display. For a modest fee you can look around the various early Christian burials, (one including Roman murals) and also a couple of very early Romano Christian mosaics. Worth a visit and we almost missed out as the first time we went to visit, there was a funeral in process which we obviously didn't want to disturb but glad we took the time to go back. Be mindful though it looks as though Monday opening is a bit variable. It was open when we went but signs say differently. See more..
4.5 Catedral de Sveta-Nedelya (631 reviews)
- Worth a visit
Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings • Churches & Cathedrals

One of the most interesting churches in Sofia. Built in the 10th century, it has been demolished several times. The modern church was built in the early 20th century after a terrorist attack almost completely destroyed the building. See more..
4.5 National Institute of Archaeology with Museum (617 reviews)
- Excellent tour guide
Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM History Museums

The National Institute of Archaeology with Museum at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences covers the complete study of the culture of tribes and peoples who have occupied present day Bulgaria from the remote past until the 18th century. The Museum of Archaeology hosts the most numerous collections in Bulgaria and its exhibitions reveal it as one of the most important centers in the country for promotion of the cultural heritage of present day Bulgaria. NIAM-BAS was established in 1949 as a follower and successor of the Department of Valuables - part of the Library established in Sofia in 1879 and reformed into a National Museum in 1892 - and the Bulgarian Institute of Archaeology (1921), which was the first academic institute in Bulgaria. See more..
4.5 Ivan Vazov National Theater (343 reviews)
- Good vibes
Tuesday: 7:00 PM - 10:30 PM Theaters

This is one of my favorite places to spend time in a park with friends. In the evenings musicians get around and you can enjoy different types of music. It's fun, everyone are enjoying beers. The building of the theater is magnificent and from the inside you can feel like you have travelled back in time. See more..