1-Day Sofia Spectacle: Cathedrals to Mineral Baths

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May 7, 2024 ·

Sofia 1 Day Itinerary

Embark on a one-day spiritual and intellectual journey through the heart of Sofia, where history and culture converge. Begin your day with a visit to the awe-inspiring Saint Alexander Nevsky Patriarch's Cathedral, a symbol of Bulgarian spirituality, where you'll spend an hour marveling at its grandeur. Just a short walk away, continue to the ancient St. Sofia Church, another hour steeped in religious history and architectural beauty. Afterward, shift gears to the National Museum of Natural History, where two hours will fly by as you explore Bulgaria's rich biodiversity and geological treasures. Conclude your day at the Sofia Public Mineral Baths, a historic site that now serves as a museum, and soak in the cultural significance of this architectural gem. This itinerary promises a day filled with the essence of Sofia's most cherished landmarks, each offering a unique glimpse into the city's soul.

ColumbusSofia
From €395
Cheap flights
Top 6 hotels in Sofia
TOP 1
Maison Sofia - MGallery Collection
Maison Sofia - MGallery Collection
hotelStar
5/5
81 reviews
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TOP 2
Arena di Serdica Hotel
Arena di Serdica Hotel
hotelStar
5/5
0 reviews
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TOP 3
Crowne Plaza SOFIA by IHG
Crowne Plaza SOFIA by IHG
hotelStar
5/5
48 reviews
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InterContinental Hotels SOFIA by IHG
InterContinental Hotels SOFIA by IHG
hotelStar
5/5
64 reviews
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Hilton Sofia
Hilton Sofia
hotelStar
5/5
78 reviews
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Sofia Balkan Palace
Sofia Balkan Palace
hotelStar
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65 reviews
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1 Day in Sofia Itinerary: Day 1

1

Saint Alexander Nevsky Patriarch's Cathedral

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Begin your Sofia sojourn with a serene visit to the Saint Alexander Nevsky Patriarch's Cathedral, a majestic symbol of the city. As the first stop of the day, this architectural masterpiece offers a peaceful morning amidst its grand domes and ornate interiors. Spend an hour marveling at the intricate frescoes and the cathedral's vast collection of religious icons, all while soaking in the spiritual ambiance of this historic sanctuary.

Attraction info

  • pl. "Sveti Aleksandar Nevski", 1000 Sofia Center, Sofia
  • Suggested tour duration: 1-2 hour
  • Open from 7:00am-7:00pm

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Hadjidraganov's Cellars
Hadjidraganov's Cellars
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2

St. Sofia Church

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Just a short walk from the grandeur of your first stop, the St. Sofia Church awaits to enchant you with its rich history and simpler beauty. This ancient church, standing in stark contrast to the lavish Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, offers a glimpse into the past with its modest yet captivating structure. Spend another hour exploring the underground museum, where the history of Sofia through the ages is beautifully displayed.

Attraction info

  • ul. "Paris" 2, 1000 Sofia Center, Sofia, Bulgaria
  • Suggested tour duration: 1-2 hour
  • Open from 7:00am-6:00pm
4 min,0.34 km
3

National Museum of Natural History

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After immersing yourself in spiritual heritage, shift gears to the wonders of the natural world at the National Museum of Natural History. As the third destination of your day, this museum is a treasure trove of scientific knowledge, with extensive exhibits ranging from geology to paleontology. Allocate two hours to wander through the halls, where you'll encounter a fascinating array of flora and fauna that tell the story of Bulgaria's diverse ecosystems.

Attraction info

  • bul. "Tsar Osvoboditel" 1, 1000 Sofia Center, Sofia, Bulgaria
  • Suggested tour duration: 2-3 hour
  • Open from 10:00am-6:00pm
11 min,0.84 km
4

Sofia Public Mineral Baths

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Conclude your day's exploration with a soothing visit to the Sofia Public Mineral Baths, an emblem of the city's historical relationship with water. This former public bathhouse, now a museum, showcases the unique architectural style and the importance of thermal springs in Sofia's development. Spend your final hour delving into the cultural significance of this site, and perhaps, if you're lucky, experience the lingering warmth of the mineral-rich waters that once flowed here.

Attraction info

  • ul Triaditsa City Center
  • Suggested tour duration: 1-2 hour
  • Open on Tue-Fri, Sun,10:00am-6:00pm;Closed on Mon
8.1/1043 Reviews
8.1/10Perfect43 Reviews
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Sofia
|0.14km from city center
8.5/1048 Reviews
8.5/10Perfect48 Reviews
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Top things to do in Sofia-2026

TOP 1
St. Sofia Church
St. Sofia Church
4.9/5 · 28 review
Highlights:
Hagia Sophia is a very old church in Sofia and a very famous masterpiece of Byzantine architecture. The city of Sofia is also named after the Hagia Sophia. The church has a long history, the main nave and the two towers and one domed tower on the east side were all built in the middle of the 6th century. The floor inside the church has very intricate early Christian decorations or mosaics of flowers and animals, and there are tombs under and around the church that predate the construction of the church.
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TOP 2
Patriarchal Cathedral St. Alexander Nevsky
Patriarchal Cathedral St. Alexander Nevsky
4.6/5 · 23 review
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 6,725 review
Highlights:
The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is located in Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, and is an Orthodox cathedral. The church is a neo-Byzantine building. It is the main church of the Bulgarian bishop and one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world. The interior of the church is luxuriously decorated. The golden dome in the middle is 45 meters high, and the Lord's Prayer is inscribed on it. It is decorated with various colors of Italian marble, Brazilian agate, white marble and other precious materials. The church's bell tower is 53 meters high, and there are 12 bells with a total weight of 23 tons, the heavier one is 12 tons, and the lighter one is 10 kilograms, which is very spectacular.
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TOP 3
South Park
South Park
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 137 review
Highlights:
Located in the city of Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, South Park is an urban green space that combines nature and leisure functions. The park features open lawns, shady trees and winding trails, providing a place for citizens and tourists to walk, jog or read books to relax. The park design focuses on the preservation of natural landscapes, and artificial lakes and small fountains are dotted in some parts to add a sense of visual layering. The children's playground facilities are simple and practical, suitable for a short stay for family tourists. The scenery varies in each season, with flowers dotting the green space in spring and colorful leaves in autumn, attracting photography enthusiasts to take pictures. South Park is conveniently located around the commercial area and dining options, so you can easily experience city life after visiting. Its tranquil atmosphere and convenience make it an ideal transition point for balancing nature and humanity in Sofia's urban exploration.
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TOP 4
National Palace of Culture Park
National Palace of Culture Park
Highlights:

The National Palace of Culture Park is one of the city's representative cultural and leisure landmarks, designed by landscape architect Valentina Atanassova. It is not only the square in front of the National Palace of Culture (NDK), but also an ideal place for citizens and tourists to experience Sofia's modern urban atmosphere and natural scenery.

The park is famous for its wide walking paths, exquisite fountains and rich green plants. Among them, the NDK fountain is one of the highlights of the square, with ground fountains and underground water features, which is particularly charming under the lights at night. The park also has attractions such as a children's playground, the Lion Monument, and the Bulgarian Martyrs Church, providing tourists with a diverse visiting experience. In addition, the park hosts various cultural activities throughout the year, such as concerts, exhibitions and festivals, which attract a large number of citizens and tourists to participate.

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TOP 5
The City Garden
The City Garden
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 32 review
Highlights:
The City Garden (Gradska gradina in Bulgarian), located in the heart of Sofia, Bulgaria, is a public green space that combines history with a relaxing atmosphere. It enjoys a prime location adjacent to cultural and administrative buildings such as the Ivan Vazov National Theatre and the Sofia City Art Gallery. The garden's pathways, plantings, and public amenities create an urban oasis. Amidst the bustling city, it offers a place to relax, stroll, or simply sit and admire the interplay of the city's pulse and nature. Whether taking a morning stroll, an afternoon nap, or simply people-watching from a bench, it's a perfect place to soak in the city's rhythm while enjoying a green respite.

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* All user reviews in this article have been translated by machine.

* The information above is subject to change at any time. For the latest information, please check the websites of hotels and attractions.

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Sofia 1 Day Itinerary
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