The compelling capital of Bulgaria has a whole lot of riveting stories and legends to narrate. For the most part, the historic attractions that are to be found in and around the capital feature an admission fee. However, Sofia has no scarcity in great and free attractions as well, which also reveal so much about Bulgaria’s heritage and rich culture. All in all, the gorgeous capital is so fascinating, that you’d surely change your mind and stay here for a few more days.
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1. Vitosha Mountain offers the ultimate repose
As a traveler, I always find time to stop by the best city’s parks and gardens simply to take in the fresh air and enjoy the greenery around me. Of course, it may not be the case with you. However, if you’d love to escape from the busy city during the peak season, the capital can offer you the perfect solitude. Alongside the central Borisova Garden, City Garden, and South Park, tourists are surely going to get enchanted by the compelling Vitosha Mountain. Tip: bus line N122 will take you exactly there!
Become one with nature: Not only does it offer great outdoor activities, such as hiking, mountain biking, and winter sports when the cold season rolls along, but it also illustrates the image of seclusion and perfect respite.
Vitosha Mountain
Address: bus 122/123 to Simeonovo lift station
Website: Vitosha Mountain
2. Sightseeing tour around Sofia: enjoy the free Sofia tour
What better way to explore the inexhaustible riches and beauties of Sofia, Bulgaria, than with a lovely sightseeing tour? And with that, the good news just keeps on rolling. The best part of the tour is that it’s completely free of charge as it’s organized by a non-profit organization. The tour occurs twice a day and it covers the city’s top highlights, such as the Palace of Justice - being the starting point - renowned churches, statues, mosques, as well as many other noteworthy attractions.
Explore Sofia: The Free Sightseeing Tour is quite a compelling and educational experience that is totally worth engaging in.
Free Sightseeing Tour
Address: starting point, Palace of Justice
Website: Free Sightseeing Tour
3. Enjoy paragliding in Sofia
Posted by SKY CAMP paragliding Bulgaria on Saturday, 3 March 2012
What would you say to gliding across the vast sky? Would it not be simply wonderful? Feel like a bird thanks to the Sky Camp paragliding courses in Sofia! Take advantage of the great professional paragliding courses, which feature 3 levels in total. Naturally, you’d fly alongside a professional. By doing this, you’ll feel the freedom of the birds while flying high up in the sky!
Fly like a bird: don’t be nervous if you haven’t tried it before, since you’re going to engage in tandem flights. Have a blast in the sky!
Sky Camp Paragliding
Address: 1 Kovachev, Sofia
Website: Sky Camp Paragliding
4. Rural hiking: become one with nature
There’s a great narrative behind the organized tourism around here. It actually started with a famous writer A. Konstantinov, who got to push more than 300 locals to leave the cozy cafes, dusty boulevards, and streets and go out for a breezy walk. And, Voila! Today a stone marks the beginning of this curious adventure. Provided that you’re a nature-lover at heart, keep in mind that a few bus lines can take you right to the foothill of Vitosha Mountain.
Write it down: And so, be sure to write bus 66, bus 64 and bus 122 as the last one rides to the gondola lift in Simeonovo.
Rural hiking
Address: Gondola lift in Simeonovo
Website: Rural hiking
5. Zoo Sofia: meet exotic species in the city’s zoo park!
Come inside the city’s zoo park and meet incredible animals including carnivores, primates, and herbivores. Also, Sofia’s Zoo Park is home to a wide diversity of exotic species and birds. What’s more, while strolling through the zoo park, don’t miss the great aquarium that features a whole lot of fish species, such as the yellow tank, green swordtail, catfish and so on and so forth.
Come on in: take a walk through the city’s park and explore the zoo’s exotic species.
Zoo Sofia
Address: 1 Srebarna, Hladilnika Neighbourhood, Sofia
Website: Zoo Sofia
6. Rejoice in rafting and kayaking
Don’t think that we’re done with the good news. The shiny capital of Bulgaria does not only offer you unique landmarks and landscapes, but it also invites you on a high-adrenaline kayak and rafting adventure! How amazing! Indulge in a wonderful experience across rivers and seas operated outside the country’s borders as well!
Excite yourself: the rafting and kayaking trip runs across Struma River and adrenaline-lovers can have a blast by jumping off cliffs.
Rafting and kayaking
Address: Sofia 1408, Bulgaria
Website: Rafting and kayaking
7. Fly over Sofia: try the Jet Ops
Take your best pals with you and get ready to experience a memorable adventure high up in the sky! As engrossing as it is, newcomers may enjoy flying over the capital’s top features including the best landmarks, city views, and greatest attractions!
Explore the city’s best features from above: after all, is there a better and more amazing picture than Sofia from above?
Jet Ops
Address: Sofia 1000, Bulgaria
Website: Fly over Sofia
8. Cathedral Saint Alexandar Nevski: one of the largest on the Balkans
Perhaps there is a whole myriad of interesting facts surrounding this colossal attraction and landmark. True enough, there’s one certain detail that brings a touch of greatness and sublimity to it. The breathtaking cathedral features room for more than 10 thousand people. Naturally, this turns it into one of the largest cathedrals worldwide and the 2nd in the Balkans.
Visit it: the capital’s renowned cathedral dates back to the 80s as it impresses with its majestic architecture.
Cathedral Saint Alexandar Nevski
Address: Downtown (East)
Website: Cathedral Saint Alexandar Nevski
What to expect
Here we are with your short, but quite useful list of great activities you could enjoy and try in the gorgeous Bulgarian capital! From sightseeing tours and mountain hiking to paragliding high up in the sky, visitors can get a better view of the city’s top highlights and most crowded attractions! Choose your activity and get started! Have a splendid experience in Sofia, Bulgaria!
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