5-Day Tour Itinerary for Sofia, Bulgaria: Experience Culture, History, and Cuisine

Day 1: Explore Sofia

Sofia, Bulgaria on April 15, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Veda House

Enjoy a healthy start to your day at Veda House, known for its organic teas and wholesome breakfast options.
BGN20, 1 hour

9:30AM

Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

Visit this stunning Orthodox cathedral, one of Sofia's most iconic landmarks, known for its impressive architecture and golden domes.
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

National History Museum

Discover Bulgaria's rich history at this museum which showcases artifacts from ancient times to the present.
BGN10, 1.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Hadjidraganovite kashti

Savor traditional Bulgarian dishes in a cozy restaurant that offers a taste of authentic local cuisine.
BGN40, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Walking Tour of City Center

Join a guided walking tour to explore Sofia's historical center, including the Parliament building and nearby parks.
BGN25, 2 hours

4:30PM

Boyana Church

Visit this UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its medieval frescoes that provide insight into early Bulgarian art.
BGN10, 1 hour

6:00PM

Relax at Borisova Gradina

Enjoy a leisurely stroll or relax in Sofia’s central park, a beautiful green space perfect for unwinding.
Free, 1 hour

7:30PM

Dinner at Sasa Asian Pub

Experience a fusion of Asian cuisine with a modern twist at Sasa Asian Pub, a vibrant restaurant with an excellent atmosphere.
BGN50, 2 hours

Day 2: Day Trip to Vitosha

Vitosha Mountain, Bulgaria on April 16, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Sense Hotel

Start your day with a delicious breakfast featuring local and international delights, served in a rooftop restaurant with a view.
BGN30, 1 hour

9:30AM

Hiking in Vitosha Mountain

Embark on a hiking adventure in the scenic Vitosha Mountain, ideal for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Free, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Ale House

Enjoy a hearty meal at this charming eatery known for its craft beers and rustic Bulgarian dishes after your hike.
BGN35, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit Dragalevtsi Monastery

Explore the beautiful Dragalevtsi Monastery nestled in the mountain, known for its stunning murals and peaceful atmosphere.
BGN5, 1 hour

4:00PM

Vitosha Boulevard

Take a stroll along Sofia's famous pedestrian street filled with shops, cafes, and vibrant street life.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Manastirska Magernitsa

Relish traditional Bulgarian cuisine in a rustic setting that replicates monastery life set within the city.
BGN45, 2 hours

Day 3: Discover Plovdiv

Plovdiv, Bulgaria on April 17, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Diner

Have a retro breakfast with classic American-style dishes paired with Bulgarian flavors in a cozy diner atmosphere.
BGN25, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Plovdiv

Take a day trip to Plovdiv, Bulgaria's second-largest city, filled with history and beautiful architecture.
BGN15, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Visit the Roman Theatre

Explore the well-preserved Roman Theatre, an iconic archaeological site that dates back to the 1st century.
BGN12, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Hebros Restaurant

Enjoy Bulgarian and Mediterranean cuisine in a charming setting with a lovely outdoor terrace.
BGN40, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Old Town Plovdiv

Wander through the picturesque streets of Old Town, filled with colorful houses and galleries, showcasing Bulgarian Revival architecture.
Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Visit the Regional Ethnographic Museum

Learn about Bulgarian culture and history while exploring this museum housed in a stunning revival house.
BGN8, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Pavaj

Indulge in a cozy dinner experience with a menu that features traditional Bulgarian and Mediterranean dishes.
BGN50, 2 hours

8:00PM

Return to Sofia

Travel back to Sofia to rest after a long day of exploration in Plovdiv.
BGN15, 1.5 hours

Day 4: Visit Rila Monastery

Rila Monastery, Bulgaria on April 18, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at Rakovski Market

Start your day at this local market, where you can find fresh pastries and coffee to fuel your journey.
BGN15, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Rila Monastery

Take a scenic trip to Rila Monastery, one of Bulgaria's most famous landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
BGN20, 2 hours

11:00AM

Explore Rila Monastery

Discover the stunning architecture and rich history of this monastery, home to beautiful frescoes and serene gardens.
BGN10, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at the Monastery Restaurant

Enjoy traditional Bulgarian cuisine at the restaurant within the monastery complex, providing a unique dining experience.
BGN30, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit the Rila Lakes

Take a short hike to the nearby Rila Lakes, a group of glacial lakes that are breathtakingly beautiful.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Return to Sofia

Travel back to Sofia after a fulfilling day at Rila Monastery and the Rila Lakes.
BGN20, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at The Little Things

Enjoy a cozy dinner in a charming restaurant that specializes in homemade Bulgarian dishes, known for its warm ambiance.
BGN40, 2 hours

Day 5: Last Day in Sofia

Sofia, Bulgaria on April 19, 2025

9:00AM

Breakfast at Green Deli

Start your day with a light and fresh breakfast featuring healthy options such as smoothie bowls and salads.
BGN20, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Sofia Synagogue

Explore one of the largest synagogues in Europe, showcasing beautiful architecture and a profound history.
Free, 1 hour

12:00PM

Shopping at TZUM

Spend time shopping at Bulgaria's first department store, featuring a wide array of local and international brands.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Divaka

Relax with lunch at Divaka, known for its warm atmosphere and many delicious Bulgarian dishes like shopska salad.
BGN35, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

National Gallery for Foreign Art

Explore this exceptional gallery which holds an extensive collection of art from various countries, a true delight for art enthusiasts.
BGN10, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Relax at a Cafe

Enjoy your last afternoon with a coffee at one of Sofia's lovely cafes, reflecting on your trip.
BGN10, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at Restaurant 36

Savor your final dinner at this upscale restaurant known for combining traditional and modern Bulgarian cuisine.
BGN60, 2 hours