Top 3 Itineraries in Sofia

No matter how long you plan to stay, there’s a perfect trip to Sofia.

If you only have a few days, Sofia weekend getaways are the perfect option. A 3 to 5-day stay in Sofia offers just enough time to soak in the highlights

For a balanced mix of sightseeing and relaxation, city breaks in Sofia are ideal. With a few extra days, you can dive deeper into Sofia’s most iconic landmarks, stroll through charming neighborhoods, and savor local cuisine at a leisurely pace.

For those who crave freedom and discovery, road trips through Sofia offer the perfect opportunity to explore beyond the city. With the open road ahead, you’ll uncover Bulgaria's most scenic landscapes, visit charming towns, and discover hidden gems along the way.

Explore all the best trips for every travel style below and make your next trip to Sofia truly unforgettable!

If you’re as convinced as we are that Sofia belongs on your bucket list, you're in luck. The best trips to Sofia are just a quick search away.

Enter your dates below to discover the best travel packages in Sofia and start planning your next trip!

Discover the perfect Sofia itinerary with our handpicked list. Each of these 3 itineraries is crafted to match different travel styles. So whether you're in Sofia just for a weekend, or you plan to see more on a longer city break or road trip, there's an itinerary for you!

With detailed routes, top attractions, and insider tips, these itineraries will help you experience the best of Sofia without missing a thing. Dive into our list and learn how to plan the ultimate trip to Sofia!

A scenic 7-day road trip through Бургас, Добрич, Варна, Балчик, and Несебър is one of the best ways to experience Bulgaria. With the freedom to travel at your own pace, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to make spontaneous stops between the planned activities on your itinerary.

A 7-day itinerary means that Sofia can easily be combined with other top destinations in Bulgaria without stress. While it’s possible to travel between Бургас, Добрич, Варна, Балчик, and Несебър by public transport, renting a car in Bulgaria opens up a whole new level of freedom!

So, with 7 days to spend, all you need is a rental car, some hotel reservations, and this iconic road trip itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive in Varna

• Arrival city: Варна
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Varna, e.g., Continental Hotel
• Sightseeing: Sea Garden

Begin your road trip adventure by picking up your rental car at the airport upon arrival in Varna. Drive to your centrally located hotel, which offers convenient access to local attractions. Spend the day exploring nearby sights, and in the evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, sampling regional flavors and soaking up the atmosphere.

Day 2: Explore Варна

• Destinations: Варна
• Driving distance: 51.85 km, approx. 1 hour and 20 minutes
• Accommodation: hotel in Veliko Tarnovo, e.g., Tarnovgrad Apartments - Free parking
• Sightseeing: Dolphinarium Varna, Asparuhov park, Dormition of the Mother of God Cathedral, and Aladzha Monastery
• Recommended tour: ATV/BUGGY tour around Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanasi

Set out on a day of discovery and visit Dolphinarium Varna, Asparuhov park, Dormition of the Mother of God Cathedral, and Aladzha Monastery. Take time to enjoy the scenery and local highlights of Варна, with the freedom to stop at whatever sight catches your interest.

Day 3: Discover Варна and Мадара

• Destinations: Варна and Мадара
• Driving distance: 234.02 km, approx. 3 hours and 30 minutes
• Accommodation: 5-star hotel in Sofia, e.g., Grand Hotel Millennium Sofia
• Sightseeing: Retro Museum, Varna Zoo, Madara Horseman, and Madara National Historical and Archaeological Park
• Recommended tour: Communist Walking Tour of Sofia

Spend the day exploring Retro Museum, Varna Zoo, Madara Horseman, and Madara National Historical and Archaeological Park. Take scenic drives or walking tours to experience the area’s charm at your own pace. End the day by checking into a new hotel, conveniently located in central Sofia.

Day 4: Experience Бургас, Созопол, Китен, Равадиново, and Приморско

• Destinations: Бургас, Созопол, Китен, Равадиново, and Приморско
• Driving distance: 139.45 km, approx. 2 hours and 45 minutes
• Accommodation: 5-star hotel in Sofia, e.g., Grand Hotel Millennium Sofia
• Sightseeing: Begliktash, The Sea Garden, Harmanite Beach, Atliman Beach, and Castle of Ravadinovo
• Recommended tour: Rila Monastery and Boyana Church Shuttle Day Tour

Continue your journey through Бургас, Созопол, Китен, Равадиново, and Приморско, where you can explore Begliktash, The Sea Garden, Harmanite Beach, Atliman Beach, and Castle of Ravadinovo. Make time for a break at a cozy café or scenic picnic spot.

Day 5: Enjoy Sightseeing in Бургас and Несебър

• Destinations: Бургас and Несебър
• Driving distance: 203.25 km, approx. 3 hours and 32 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Plovdiv, e.g., Hotel Jagerhof
• Sightseeing: Ancient Theatre, Church of Saint Sophia, Sunny Beach, and Nesebar Archaeological Museum
• Recommended tour: Plovdiv Guided Walking Tour

Drive through Бургас and Несебър, stopping to visit Ancient Theatre, Church of Saint Sophia, Sunny Beach, and Nesebar Archaeological Museum. Embrace the opportunity to explore smaller towns and hidden gems off the beaten path. Conclude your day by settling into a centrally located hotel in Plovdiv.

Day 6: Embrace the Spirit of Добрич, Балчик, Каварна, Балчик, and Каварна

• Destinations: Добрич, Балчик, Каварна, Балчик, and Каварна
• Driving distance: 166.1 km, approx. 2 hours and 51 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Varna, e.g., Continental Hotel
• Sightseeing: Balchik Botanic Garden, Park "Sveti Georgi", Albena Beach, Balchik Dvoretsa Palace and Park, and Cape Kaliakra
• Recommended tour: The OFFroad Adventure

Spend time discovering Balchik Botanic Garden, Park "Sveti Georgi", Albena Beach, Balchik Dvoretsa Palace and Park, and Cape Kaliakra, with plenty of opportunities to engage in outdoor activities or enjoy local culture. After a day of exploring, check into a hotel in Varna.

Day 7: Spend Time in Варна

• Destinations: Варна
• Driving distance: 1.08 km, approx. 15 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Plovdiv, e.g., Hotel Jagerhof
• Sightseeing: Casino Black Sea

Explore Casino Black Sea at a relaxed pace. Make spontaneous stops for sightseeing, photography, or lunch at a family-run restaurant. Finish the day by checking into another comfortable hotel in the center of Plovdiv.

Day 7: Bid Farewell to Varna

• Departure city: Варна
• Driving distance: 1.08 km, approx. 15 minutes
• Sightseeing: Casino Black Sea

Savor an hour or two for souvenir shopping or revisiting a favorite spot before it’s time to say goodbye to Varna. Drop off your rental car at the airport a couple of hours before departure for a seamless end to your trip.

The estimated cost for a rental car and accommodations for each night along the route is around 548 EUR for two people, providing a value-for-money way to experience what's beyond Sofia. So, if you’re ready to explore iconic landmarks, scenic routes, and charming towns at your own pace, this 7-day road trip itinerary through Бургас, Добрич, Варна, Балчик, and Несебър is an excellent choice.

Looking for something different? Explore more road trips with a stop in Sofia for alternative itineraries, routes, and durations.

Enjoy a 4-day city break in Sofia with the perfect itinerary, designed to showcase the city’s top sights, local flavors, and hidden corners.

No need to stress over the details – we’ve curated the perfect 4-day itinerary to give you a seamless outline for your trip. Use this itinerary to capture the best of Sofia without the hassle of planning.

Day 1: Begin Your Journey in Sofia

Arrive in Sofia and start your trip with a relaxing walk through town, discovering highlights like Zaimov Park.

Take in the local charm as you wander the streets, and as evening approaches, indulge in a delicious dinner at Restaurant Vodenitzata, a top local restaurant—the ideal way to kick off your getaway!

Day 2: Discover Nearby Attractions and Iconic Landmarks

Enjoy your first full day in Sofia by heading out for some must-see sightseeing. Explore around town and visit popular attractions like the iconic Borisova Gradina Park, Geo Milev Park, National Theater "Ivan Vazov", Cathedral of Saint Nedelya, and Patriarchal Cathedral of St. Alexander Nevsky.

One of the best ways to quickly learn how to navigate the city is to join one of the many great city sightseeing tours in Sofia. Choose a walking tour to embrace a relaxed exploration. Alternatively, go for a tour by bus or bike to cover a larger part of Sofia in the same amount of time.

In the evening, head out for another lovely dinner and raise a glass to a fantastic day of exploring!

Day 3: Learn More About the Local Sites

Use this day to discover more of Sofia’s top sights. We recommend visiting South Park, Eagles' Bridge, Zoo Sofia, National Palace of Culture (NPC), and Prince's Garden.

To make the most of your time, don’t forget to book your attraction tickets and passes in Sofia in advance. Beyond possible savings, booking tickets early ensures availability even for Sofia's most popular attractions.

After a nice dinner, take a walk through the city center and experience Sofia’s attractions in another light.

Day 4: Explore the Local Flavors

Start the day with breakfast at a local cafe before you head out to explore. Lions' Bridge are attractions you could discover today.

Afterward, enjoy lunch or visit a local market. Spend the afternoon shopping for unique souvenirs to memorialize your city break in Sofia.

For a fun and interesting evening, check out the food and drink tours in Sofia. Take the opportunity to sample local specialties and learn more about the food culture of Bulgaria!

A 5-day weekend getaway in Sofia offers the perfect break from the hustle of daily life.

However, with a well-planned Sofia itinerary, you can effortlessly experience the best of the city in just a few days. Picture yourself exploring iconic landmarks, savoring local cuisine, and wandering charming neighborhoods—it's all within reach as long as you know how to plan your trip properly.

With 5 days to spend, this is the perfect Sofia weekend itinerary for your trip:

Day 1 - Arrive in Sofia

Arrive in Sofia around noon and head to your hotel for an early check-in.

• Morning: Take some time to relax and refresh after your journey, or get a head start by visiting a nearby landmark.
• Afternoon: Ease into your trip with some sightseeing, for example, visiting Lions' Bridge, and soak in the surroundings.
• Evening: Dine at a popular restaurant and celebrate the start of the vacation with some drinks.
• Tip: Book an airport transfer to Sofia in advance for a smooth journey. End the day with an evening stroll for an enchanting first glimpse of Sofia by night.

Day 2 - Discover Sofia’s Famous Sights

Maximize your first full day in Sofia with sightseeing, food, and drinks.

• Morning: Visit Russian Monument Square early to avoid crowds and enjoy the views.
• Afternoon: Continue to National Theater "Ivan Vazov", stopping by South Park for a break and some photos.
• Evening: Dine at a popular restaurant and cap off the day at a local bar.
• Tip: Use part of the morning to join one of the many city sightseeing tours in Sofia and get a guided journey through the top attractions in the city.

Day 3 - Immerse in the Local Culture of Sofia

No itinerary in Sofia is complete without trying the city's top local delicacies and experiencing the culture.

• Morning: Start with a traditional breakfast to fuel up for the day and then head to Church of St. Nicholas the Miraclemaker.
• Afternoon: Explore Borisova Gradina Park and Eagles' Bridge, stopping at markets, boutiques, museums, or exhibitions along the way.
• Evening: Enjoy a dinner featuring regional specialties and finish with a night tour of the city’s illuminated landmarks.
• Tip: Explore food and drink experiences in Sofia and join an afternoon tour to sample the authentic flavors of Bulgaria.

Day 5 - Depart from Sofia

Make the most of your last few hours in Sofia before your departure.

• Morning: Grab a light breakfast at a local bakery or café and take a final stroll nearby.
• Afternoon: If you have time, do some last-minute sightseeing.
• Tip: Schedule an airport transfer from Sofia in advance to enjoy a stress-free end to your trip in Sofia.

For more ideas, explore our complete selection of weekend trips to Sofia. Whether you’re looking for a quick getaway or want to extend the weekend, these trips all come with pre-planned but customizable Sofia itineraries, ensuring an effortless travel experience.

As you explore Sofia, you’ll find countless layers of history, art, and local charm waiting to be uncovered.

Finding the right place to stay is essential for a comfortable trip. This is why we've also gathered our top recommendations for the best places to stay in Sofia for you.

If you're unsure of when to visit, don't forget to check out our insights on the best time to visit Sofia. We'll share everything we know about weather, crowd levels, and price fluctuations throughout the year.

Wherever your journey takes you, we’re here to make every step memorable. From expert tips to local insights, count on us to help you experience Sofia in a way that feels truly unforgettable!