Sofia is one of the oldest cities in the Balkans found by the Thracian tribe Serdi. In 29 A.D. Sofia became the capital of the Roman province of Inner Dacia. Through the ages, the city played a role as an important trading center in the Byzantine and Bulgarian Empires. Under Ottoman rule, Sofia was the center of Rumelia province. Sofia became the capital of restored Bulgaria in 1879, with a population of only about 12,000. Today many streets, buildings, parks, and even whole neighborhoods preserve the architectural style from the turn of the century. We will explore the compact city center, Boyana Church (UNESCO), and the National History Museum - one of the largest in the Balkans.
Sofia City Highlights Tour: Explore Historic Sites & UNESCO Attractions
$177
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About This Tour
Inclusions
- English-speaking guide throughout the tour
- Transportation with modern air-conditioned vehicle.
- Admission tickets for the Boyana Church and the National History Museum
Exclusions
Meals
Drinks
Personal expenses.
Tour Plan
Aleksander Nevski Square, Sofia
Your day of sightseeing begins from the starting point of the guided walking tour - Alexander Nevski Cathedral. It is considered the biggest Orthodox basilica on the Balkans and it is a true architectural masterpiece It was built in 45 years time and financed only by the private donations of the people of Bulgaria. With your guide, you will explore it from outside and then from the inside.
The theatre's Neoclassical building was designed by the famous Viennese architects Hermann Helmer and Ferdinand Fellner. It has a striking and very photogenic facade. Your guide will tell you more about the history of theatre and the symbolism of the figures presented on the facade.
The National Art Gallery and the National Ethnographic Museum are housed in the former Bulgarian king's palace. Did you know that the last Bulgarian monarch became a prime minister after the communist regime in Bulgaria? Some of the stories connected with the Bulgaria kings and queens from the Saxe-Coburg and Gota dynasty are as colourful as of their relatives ruling powerful kingdoms in Western Europe. Some of them will be presented by your guide in an intriguing way.
This is the church that gave the name of the city of Sofia. You will explore its interior with the guide.
The building of the National Assembly of the Republic of Bulgaria was completed in 1886. It has been proclaimed a monument of culture for its historic significance
The Russian church in Sofia is famous for its beauty. Many people still visit the grave of archbishop Serafim, who served in the church until his death in 1950, praying and leaving notes asking for their wishes to be granted.
TSUM is an iconic shopping center in Sofia, which opened in 1956. it shares the same building with the Council of Ministers of Bulgaria.
The Boyana church is the closest UNESCO site to the Sofia city center. It was added to the World Heritage list, because of its second layer of frescoes, which dates back to the year 1259.
Meeting / Pickup
Meet on location: This experience has no pick-up service, customers have to make their way to our meeting point.
Know Before You Go
- Public transportation nearby
Please Note
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
- Not stroller accessible
- Not suitable for pets
- Infants must not sit on laps
- Infant seats unavailable
- Dress code is smart casual
- Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
Cancellation Policy
- Refund if cancelled at least 1 day before the event
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4 Comments
4.6
The day started with a comfortable ride through the city, which set the tone for a truly enriching experience. I was captivated by the stunning architecture and the stories behind each UNESCO site I visited, particularly a magnificent cathedral that left me in awe. My only suggestion would be to add a bit more time at the final stop, as I felt a little rushed to absorb everything.
4.4
Wandering through Sofia’s lush parks and historic squares, we were captivated by the stunning architecture that tells stories of centuries past. One of our favorite moments was standing beneath the magnificent Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, where the sheer scale and artistry left us in awe. It would have been nice to have a bit more time at each stop, but overall, the day was a fantastic blend of culture and discovery.
4.6
I had an amazing experience diving into the city’s rich history and UNESCO sites, which truly brought its fascinating past to life. The transportation was smooth, but I wouldn’t mind a bit more time at each stop to soak everything in.
4.8
Exploring the historic sites and unique UNESCO treasures in this vibrant city was a highlight of my trip. I particularly loved wandering through the stunning architecture, where each building seemed to tell a story of its own. One of the standout moments was visiting the breathtaking cathedral, whose intricate designs left me in awe. The knowledgeable guide made the experience even richer by sharing fascinating anecdotes about each location. My only suggestion would be to include a little extra time at the more popular spots, as I found myself wanting to soak it all in a bit longer. Overall, it was a fantastic way to get immersed in the city’s culture and history, making it a memorable day.