Sofia hotels

Hotels in Sofia

Relaxed and reasonably un-touristy, Sofia combines a modern vibe with Communist architecture and a history dating back 2,400 years.

Book one of our Sofia hotels and discover Bulgaria's appealing capital, which is brimming with things to explore.

Sights

Built in the 6th century, St Sophia's Church gave its name to the city, which had previously been known as Sredets, in the 14th century. Its floor is covered with mosaics, and there's a museum with an ancient necropolis and the remains of four other churches. Outside are the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the grave of Ivan Vazov, Bulgaria's most illustrious writer.

The magnificent gold and turquoise-domed Alexander Nevksy Cathedral was built in memory of the 200,000 Russian soldiers who died fighting for Bulgaria's independence during the Russo-Turkish War. Decorated with mosaics of saints, multicoloured Italian marble, Brazilian onyx and alabaster, the church is as splendid inside as it is outside.

Museums and galleries

The National Art Gallery houses more than 3,000 works of Bulgarian art, including paintings by Bulgarian masters, prints, black and white drawings, sculptures and graphics.

Ivan Vazov's novel Under the Yoke, about the Ottoman oppression of Bulgaria and the 1876 April Uprising, is the most famous piece of classic Bulgarian literature. The house where he lived from 1895 until his death in 1921 is now the Ivan Vazov House Museum, with period rooms, photographs, documents and awards he received.

In the Museum of Socialist Art, you'll see paintings from the Communist era and old propaganda films. There's also a sculpture park with a statue of Lenin that once stood in the city centre and the red star that topped the Socialist Party headquarters.

Parks

The largest of Sofia's many parks, the pretty Borisova Gradina has flowerbeds, statues, play areas, several cafés and a lake filled with waterlillies. Pensioners sometimes come to lay flowers by its Communist monument, the Mound of Brotherhood. The oldest park, Sofia City Garden, is a popular place for outdoor chess.

On the outskirts of Sofia is the Vitosha mountain, a popular place for hiking and skiing. Part of the mountain is a natural park, and more than a thousand species of plants are found here. At the foot of the mountain is the medieval Boyana Church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Eating and drinking

For authentic Bulgarian cuisine, head to Manastirska Magernitsa, a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence winner. Its enormous menu features recipes collected from monasteries across the country, including a wide range of salads and charcoal-grilled meats.

Another Certificate of Excellence winner, Chevermeto combines traditional food with daily performances of folk music, singing and dancing.

On the outskirts of the city you'll find two popular Italians, Il Viaggio, where you can watch the goings-on in the fish tank, and Certificate of Excellence winner the Sage Bistro. The restaurant is run by two brothers, and its rustic interior has been created using repurposed wood, bricks and other materials from their family's village.