Top 3 Itineraries in Sofia

No matter how long you plan to stay, there’s a perfect trip to Sofia.

If you only have a few days, Sofia weekend getaways are the perfect option. A 3 to 5-day stay in Sofia offers just enough time to soak in the highlights

For a balanced mix of sightseeing and relaxation, city breaks in Sofia are ideal. With a few extra days, you can dive deeper into Sofia’s most iconic landmarks, stroll through charming neighborhoods, and savor local cuisine at a leisurely pace.

For those who crave freedom and discovery, road trips through Sofia offer the perfect opportunity to explore beyond the city. With the open road ahead, you’ll uncover Bulgaria's most scenic landscapes, visit charming towns, and discover hidden gems along the way.

Explore all the best trips for every travel style below and make your next trip to Sofia truly unforgettable!

If you’re as convinced as we are that Sofia belongs on your bucket list, you're in luck. The best trips to Sofia are just a quick search away.

Enter your dates below to discover the best travel packages in Sofia and start planning your next trip!

Discover the perfect Sofia itinerary with our handpicked list. Whether you're in Sofia for a short stay or a longer visit, there's an itinerary for you.

With detailed routes, top attractions, and insider tips, these 3 itineraries will help you experience the best of Sofia without missing a thing. Dive into our list and learn how to plan the ultimate trip to Sofia!

A scenic 8-day road trip through Varna, Veliko T'rnovo, Samokov, Plovdiv, and Sofiya is one of the best ways to experience Bulgaria. With the freedom to travel at your own pace, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to make spontaneous stops between the planned activities on your itinerary.

A 8-day itinerary means that Sofia can easily be combined with other top destinations in Bulgaria without stress. While it’s possible to travel between Varna, Veliko T'rnovo, Samokov, Plovdiv, and Sofiya by public transport, renting a car in Bulgaria opens up a whole new level of freedom!

So, with 8 days to spend, all you need is a rental car, some hotel reservations, and this iconic road trip itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive in Varna

• Arrival city: Varna, Veliko T'rnovo, Samokov, Plovdiv, and Sofiya
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Varna, e.g., Continental Hotel

Begin your road trip adventure by picking up your rental car at the airport upon arrival in Varna. Drive to your centrally located hotel, which offers convenient access to local attractions. Spend the day exploring nearby sights, and in the evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, sampling regional flavors and soaking up the atmosphere.

Day 2: Explore Varna

• Destinations: Varna
• Driving distance: 12.63 km, approx. 50 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Varna, e.g., Continental Hotel
• Sightseeing: Retro Museum, Sea Garden, Dolphinarium Varna, Varna Zoo, and Dormition of the Mother of God Cathedral

Set out on a day of discovery and visit Retro Museum, Sea Garden, Dolphinarium Varna, Varna Zoo, and Dormition of the Mother of God Cathedral. Take time to enjoy the scenery and local highlights of Varna, with the freedom to stop at whatever sight catches your interest.

Day 3: Discover Veliko T'rnovo

• Destinations: Veliko T'rnovo
• Driving distance: 227.14 km, approx. 3 hours and 21 minutes
• Accommodation: hotel in Veliko Tarnovo, e.g., Tarnovgrad Apartments - Free parking
• Sightseeing: Monument of Mother Bulgaria, Tsarevets Fortress, Monument to the Assen Dynasty, Marno Pole Park, and Trapezitsa Fortress
• Recommended tour: ATV/BUGGY tour around Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanasi

Spend the day exploring Monument of Mother Bulgaria, Tsarevets Fortress, Monument to the Assen Dynasty, Marno Pole Park, and Trapezitsa Fortress. Take scenic drives or walking tours to experience the area’s charm at your own pace. End the day by checking into a new hotel, conveniently located in central Veliko Tarnovo.

Day 4: Experience Plovdiv

• Destinations: Plovdiv
• Driving distance: 204.42 km, approx. 3 hours and 15 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Plovdiv, e.g., Hotel Jagerhof
• Sightseeing: Old Town of Plovdiv, “Tsar Simeon Garden” Park, Singing Fountain, Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis, and Ancient Stadium of Philipopolis
• Recommended tour: Plovdiv Guided Walking Tour

Continue your journey through Plovdiv, where you can explore Old Town of Plovdiv, “Tsar Simeon Garden” Park, Singing Fountain, Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis, and Ancient Stadium of Philipopolis. Make time for a break at a cozy café or scenic picnic spot. Wrap up the day by checking in at a hotel in the heart of Plovdiv.

Day 5: Enjoy Sightseeing in Samokov, Borovets, and Dupnitsa

• Destinations: Samokov, Borovets, and Dupnitsa
• Driving distance: 273.35 km, approx. 4 hours and 47 minutes
• Accommodation: 5-star hotel in Sofia, e.g., Grand Hotel Millennium Sofia
• Sightseeing: City Park by the river Iskar, Bistritsa Waterfall, Tsarska Bistritsa, and Dvorets " Tsarska Bistrica " vhod
• Recommended tour: Communist Walking Tour of Sofia

Drive through Samokov, Borovets, and Dupnitsa, stopping to visit City Park by the river Iskar, Bistritsa Waterfall, Tsarska Bistritsa, and Dvorets " Tsarska Bistrica " vhod. Don't forget to embrace the opportunity to explore smaller towns and hidden gems along the way. Conclude your day by settling into a centrally located hotel in Sofia.

Day 6: Embrace the Spirit of Sofiya

• Destinations: Sofiya
• Driving distance: 16.74 km, approx. 1 hour and 4 minutes
• Accommodation: 5-star hotel in Sofia, e.g., Grand Hotel Millennium Sofia
• Sightseeing: Borisova Gradina Park, South Park, Eagles' Bridge, Patriarchal Cathedral of St. Alexander Nevsky, and National Palace of Culture (NPC)
• Recommended tour: Rila Monastery and Boyana Church Shuttle Day Tour

Spend time discovering Borisova Gradina Park, South Park, Eagles' Bridge, Patriarchal Cathedral of St. Alexander Nevsky, and National Palace of Culture (NPC), with plenty of opportunities to engage in outdoor activities or enjoy local culture.

Day 7: Spend Time in Samokov

• Destinations: Samokov
• Driving distance: 558.09 km, approx. 7 hours and 19 seconds
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Varna, e.g., Continental Hotel
• Sightseeing: Samokov Convent "Pokrov", “The Nativity of the Virgin” (Beliova Church), and park "Lago"
• Recommended tour: The OFFroad Adventure

Explore Samokov Convent "Pokrov", “The Nativity of the Virgin” (Beliova Church), and park "Lago" at a relaxed pace. Make spontaneous stops for sightseeing, photography, or lunch at a family-run restaurant. Finish the day by checking into another comfortable hotel in the center of Varna.

Day 8: Bid Farewell to Varna

• Departure city: Варна
• Driving distance: 206 metres, approx. 2 minutes
• Sightseeing: Archaeological Museum Varna

Savor an hour or two for souvenir shopping or revisiting a favorite spot before it’s time to say goodbye to Varna. Drop off your rental car at the airport a couple of hours before departure for a seamless end to your trip.

The estimated cost for a rental car and accommodations for each night along this route is around 542 EUR, providing a value-for-money way to experience what's beyond Sofia.

Looking for something different? Explore more road trips with a stop in Sofia for alternative itineraries, routes, and durations.

Enjoy a 4-day city break in Sofia with the perfect itinerary, designed to showcase the city’s top sights, local flavors, and hidden corners.

With a long list of top-rated attractions in Sofia and Sofia's widest selection of tours and activities at your fingertips, it's easy to plan a travel itinerary filled with unforgettable moments and discoveries.

No need to stress over the details – we’ve curated the perfect 4-day itinerary to give you a seamless outline for your trip. Use this itinerary to capture the best of Sofia without the hassle of planning.

Day 1: Begin Your Journey in Sofia

Arrive in Sofia and start your trip with a relaxing walk through town, discovering highlights like Zaimov Park.

Take in the local charm as you wander the streets, and as evening approaches, indulge in a delicious dinner at a local restaurant. Restaurant Vodenitzata is a top-rated recommendation. Say 'cheers' and set the tone for an amazing vacation ahead!

Day 2: Discover Sofia's Most Iconic Attractions

Enjoy your first full day in Sofia by heading out for some must-see sightseeing. Explore around town and visit popular attractions like the iconic Church of St. Nicholas the Miraclemaker, Borisova Gradina Park, Geo Milev Park, National Theater "Ivan Vazov", and Patriarchal Cathedral of St. Alexander Nevsky.

One of the best ways to quickly learn how to navigate the city is to join one of the many great city sightseeing tours in Sofia. Choose a walking tour to embrace a relaxed exploration. Alternatively, go for a tour by bus or bike to cover a larger part of Sofia in the same amount of time.

In the evening, head out for another lovely dinner and raise a glass to a fantastic day of exploring!

Day 3: Learn More About the Top Sights in Sofia

Use this day to discover more of Sofia’s top sights. We recommend visiting Russian Monument Square, South Park, Eagles' Bridge, Zoo Sofia, and Cathedral of Saint Nedelya.

To make the most of your time, don’t forget to book your attraction tickets and passes in Sofia in advance. Beyond possible savings, booking tickets early ensures availability even for Sofia's most popular attractions.

After a nice dinner, take a walk through the city center and experience Sofia’s attractions in another light.

Day 4: Savor Your Final Moments in Sofia

Spend your last few hours in Sofia soaking up the charm of the city at your own pace. Stroll through favorite spots or revisit local markets before bidding farewell to the city.

We recommend booking your transfers from Sofia in advance.

For more inspiration, explore the complete selection of city breaks in Sofia, all including pre-planned itineraries you can customize to suit your style. Start with a ready-to-go Sofia travel plan and make it your own by selecting tours, accommodations, and more.

A 3-day weekend getaway in Sofia offers the perfect break from the hustle of daily life. But with so many things to see and do in Sofia, fitting it all into a short visit can easily feel overwhelming.

However, with a well-planned Sofia itinerary, you can effortlessly experience the best of the city in just a few days. Picture yourself exploring iconic landmarks, savoring local cuisine, and wandering charming neighborhoods—it's all within reach as long as you know how to plan your trip properly.

With 3 days to spend, this is the perfect Sofia weekend itinerary for your trip:

Day 1 - Arrive in Sofia

Arrive in Sofia around noon and head to your hotel for an early check-in.

• Morning: Take some time to relax and refresh after your journey, or get a head start by visiting a nearby landmark.
• Afternoon: Ease into your trip with some sightseeing, for example, visiting Borisova Gradina Park, and soak in the surroundings.
• Evening: Dine at a popular restaurant and celebrate the start of the vacation with some drinks.
• Tip: Book an airport transfer to Sofia in advance for a smooth journey. End the day with an evening stroll for an enchanting first glimpse of Sofia by night.

Day 2 - Discover Sofia’s Famous Sights

Maximize your first full day in Sofia with sightseeing, food, and drinks.

• Morning: Visit South Park early to avoid crowds and enjoy the views.
• Afternoon: Continue to Zaimov Park, stopping by Eagles' Bridge for a break and some photos.
• Evening: Dine at a popular restaurant and cap off the day at a local bar.
• Tip: Use part of the morning to join one of the many city sightseeing tours in Sofia and get a guided journey through the top attractions in the city.

Day 3 - Depart from Sofia

Make the most of your last few hours in Sofia before your departure.

• Morning: Grab a light breakfast at a local bakery or café and take a final stroll nearby.
• Afternoon: If you have time, do some last-minute sightseeing.
• Tip: Schedule an airport transfer from Sofia in advance to enjoy a stress-free end to your trip in Sofia.

For more ideas, explore our complete selection of weekend trips to Sofia. Whether you’re looking for a quick getaway or want to extend the weekend, these trips all come with pre-planned but customizable Sofia itineraries, ensuring an effortless travel experience.

As you explore Sofia, you’ll find countless layers of history, art, and local charm waiting to be uncovered. For those curious about the city’s highlights, our guide to the best things to do in Sofia offers plenty of inspiration.

Finding the right place to stay is essential for a comfortable trip. This is why we've also gathered our top recommendations for the best places to stay in Sofia for you.

If you're unsure of when to visit, don't forget to check out our insights on the best time to visit Sofia. We'll share everything we know about weather, crowd levels, and price fluctuations throughout the year.

Wherever your journey takes you, we’re here to make every step memorable. From expert tips to local insights, count on us to help you experience Sofia in a way that feels truly unforgettable!