Solo Trip to Sofia: History, Rila Monastery Hike, and Nightlife (Oct 16-18, 2025)

Day 1: Evening Arrival and Nightlife

Sofia, Bulgaria on October 16, 2025

6:00pm

Check-in to hotel

Settle into a centrally located hotel such as Sense Hotel Sofia for easy access to nightlife and historic sites.
BGN0, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Hadjidraganovite Kashti

Savor traditional Bulgarian cuisine in a cozy, folkloric-style restaurant open until 11pm, perfect for your first night.
BGN40, 1h30m

9:30pm

Explore Sofia Nightlife - Bar Hop at One More Bar and Culture Beat

Visit popular bars nearby: One More Bar and Culture Beat offer a mix of local craft beers and vibrant atmospheres, typically busy until 2am.
BGN30, 3h0m
View Hotels

Day 2: Rila Monastery and Hiking

Rila Monastery, near Sofia, Bulgaria on October 17, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your hotel to prepare for a full day of hiking and exploring the monastery.
Included with hotel, 0h30m

8:00am

Travel to Rila Monastery

Drive or take a guided tour approximately 2 hours from Sofia to reach Rila Monastery by mid-morning.
BGN30, 2h0m

10:00am

Explore Rila Monastery

Tour the UNESCO World Heritage Site with its iconic frescoes, Byzantine architecture, and serene mountain setting. Monastery is open 9am-5pm.
BGN10, 1h30m

11:30am

Hike in Rila Mountains

Take a moderate hike on the Cirque Lakes trail starting from the monastery, known for stunning alpine scenery. Pack suitable gear and snacks.
Free, 3h0m

2:30pm

Lunch at Monastery’s Guesthouse Restaurant

Refuel with Bulgarian mountain specialties like grilled meats and banitsa at the monastery’s traditional restaurant.
BGN25, 1h0m

3:30pm

Return to Sofia

Travel back to Sofia for evening relaxation or optional nightlife.
BGN30, 2h0m

6:00pm

Rest and freshen up

Rest at your hotel after the day’s excursion.
BGN0, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Made in Home

Enjoy contemporary Bulgarian dishes in this cozy, art-filled spot open until 10:30pm.
BGN35, 1h30m

9:00pm

Nightlife at Sense Hotel Rooftop Bar

Unwind with cocktails and panoramic city views at the famous rooftop bar open until midnight.
BGN30, 2h0m
View Hotels

Day 3: Sofia History and Departure

Sofia, Bulgaria on October 18, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Fabrika Daga

Start your day with a specialty coffee and artisan pastries at this popular urban café open from 8am.
BGN15, 0h45m

9:00am

Visit National Historical Museum

Explore Bulgaria’s rich history from ancient to modern times at this extensive museum open 9:30am-5pm. Allocate at least 2 hours.
BGN10, 2h0m

11:15am

Visit Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

Visit one of Sofia’s most iconic landmarks, known for its stunning Neo-Byzantine architecture and gold-plated domes. Open all day with free entry.
BGN0, 0h45m

12:15pm

Lunch at Shtastlivetsa

Enjoy traditional Bulgarian cuisine with a modern twist in a lively setting close to the cathedral. Open until 4pm.
BGN30, 1h0m

1:30pm

Return to hotel and checkout

Head back to your hotel to collect luggage and prepare for departure.
BGN0, 0h30m
View Hotels