Is Sofia, Bulgaria Worth Visiting? 7 Reasons to Visit

Is Sofia, Bulgaria, worth visiting? I’ve lived here for years, and I get this question a lot. Usually from travelers who are torn between bigger-name cities like Budapest or Athens. The answer is YES. If you’re looking for an affordable, safe, and surprisingly vibrant European capital that still feels undiscovered, Sofia might just surprise you.

This isn’t a polished postcard city, and that’s exactly the point. Sofia is real. It’s raw in places, but it’s also soulful, green, historic, and full of charm. You’ll stumble across ancient Roman ruins next to Brutalist architecture. You’ll sip strong coffee under 1950s colonnades. You’ll eat one of the best meals of your trip for under 10 euros.

In this post, I won’t overwhelm you with logistics, just honest reasons why Sofia is (still) a hidden gem worth adding to your travel plans.

Reasons Why Sofia Is Worth Visiting

🏛️ 1. It’s One of the Most Affordable Capitals in Europe

Let’s start with the obvious: Sofia is cheap, in a good way.

A strong espresso costs around €1. A sit-down lunch with salad, soup, and beer? Around €10. Museum entry rarely tops €5, and you can ride the metro for less than €1 per trip.

If you’re traveling Europe on a budget, Sofia stretches your money without feeling like you’re cutting corners.

🏞️ 2. You’re Never Far from Nature

One thing I love about living in Sofia is how close nature is. You can hop on a city bus and be hiking in Vitosha Mountain in half an hour. There are leafy parks right in the center (shoutout to Borisova Garden), and spring and autumn in this city are honestly magical — green and golden.

🏺 3. It’s Packed with History — But Not in Your Face

From Roman ruins beneath the streets to medieval churches and Ottoman mosques, Sofia has layers. You’ll walk past thousand-year-old stones without even realizing it. And then stumble into a Brutalist underpass filled with street art. This mix of eras gives Sofia a gritty elegance that’s totally its own.

🥗 4. Bulgarian Food Deserves Way More Attention

If you’ve never tried banitsa, Shopska salad, or tarator, you’re in for a treat. Bulgarian cuisine is simple, fresh, and full of flavor. It’s especially good for vegetarians (think grilled veggies, yogurt soups, bean stews), and even better when paired with homemade rakia or local wine.

Sofia has a strong food scene, and prices make it easy to explore it all.

☕ 5. It’s Relaxed, Safe, and Easy to Explore

Sofia is not overwhelming. It’s one of the reasons I chose to live here. The city center is walkable, public transport is cheap and reliable, and it doesn’t feel overrun with tourists.

Whether you’re solo, traveling with friends, or visiting as a couple, it’s a city that lets you settle in quickly. I walk around at night without worry, and that peace of mind is part of the charm.

Your ultimate travel guide to Bulgaria.

🕌 6. The Cultural Mix Is Tangible and Peaceful

One of the most unique things about Sofia is how visibly its cultures coexist. Within just a few blocks, you can walk past an Orthodox cathedral, a functioning mosque, a synagogue, and a Catholic church. All active, all respected.

Locals call this part of town the “Square of Tolerance.” It’s a powerful reminder of the city’s layered history and its surprisingly inclusive spirit.

📖 7. It’s Full of Quiet Moments, If You Look for Them

Sofia isn’t loud. It’s not flashy. But it rewards anyone who slows down. One of my favorite memories here? Sitting in a tiny tea shop during a spring rain. I stayed there for hours watching steam rise from the stones. These kinds of moments don’t show up on “Top 10” lists, but they’re what make Sofia worth visiting.

🔄 Compared to Other Cities…

Sofia isn’t as visually polished as Prague or as grand as Vienna. But it’s less crowded, far more affordable, and more relaxed. You won’t wait in line for an hour to see a church. You won’t pay €7 for a coffee. And you won’t feel like just another tourist.

⚖️ What Might Not Be for Everyone

If you’re expecting Parisian polish or postcard perfection, Sofia might catch you off guard.

Some parts of the city are rough around the edges. Sidewalks can be uneven, old buildings sometimes look abandoned, and customer service isn’t always warm and fuzzy. It’s part of the charm, but also part of the reality.

English isn’t spoken everywhere, though in restaurants, hotels, and public transport, you’ll usually get by fine. And while the city has character, it doesn’t scream tourist wow-factor on first glance. It’s more of a slow burn, and that’s exactly why people who visit often end up saying: “I didn’t expect to love it this much.”

💡 Who Will Love Sofia — And Who Might Not

If you like your cities polished and tourist-ready, Sofia might feel too raw. But if you’re the kind of traveler who enjoys finding beauty in the unexpected — old bookstores, faded facades, tiny family-run bakeries — then this city will win you over.

Sofia is ideal for:

• 🧳 Solo travelers looking for safety, affordability, and easy navigation
• 🥘 Food lovers curious about underrated Balkan cuisine
• 💶 Budget travelers who want a European capital without the price tag
• 🎒 Slow travelers who enjoy walking, local cafés, and everyday scenes
• 📸 Urban photographers — from Soviet mosaics to Roman ruins to golden domes, it’s a visual feast

So, is Sofia, Bulgaria, worth visiting? Absolutely! Аnd if you’re curious to experience it for yourself, I’ve put together a complete trip planner to help you.

👉 Start planning your visit with my Ultimate Sofia Travel Guide

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❓ FAQ: Is Sofia, Bulgaria, Worth Visiting?