Looking for the best day trips from Sofia Bulgaria?! You’ve come to the right place, my travel-enthusastic friend!
If you’re wondering where in Europe to go next, then come on over to Bulgaria! Bulgaria is a wonderful, less-visited country in Eastern Europe, which can offer a lot for everybody’s taste. The country surprises so many who visit – from stunning mountains, beautiful beaches with equally beautiful girls, a long history, lovely villages, and absolutely delicious food, it’s no wonder people are pleasantly surprised after visiting! And even better, Bulgarians are exceptionally friendly, and on top of all of that, Bulgaria is extremely affordable.
Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, is an absolutely vibrant city. Sofia has many beautiful sights, and you’ll find Roman ruins everywhere in the city center, lovely parks, and is all around tons of fun!
But you came here for the day trips from Sofia, so let’s get to it!
The city is also a great start point for many amazing day trips from Sofia to all around the country. Before we look through some of the best suggestions, here’s a few things you need to know about the city as well as a Sofia travel guide.
[divider style=”thin” title=”” text_align=””]Pre-Travel Guide
How to Get to Sofia and Around the City
With low-fare airlines like Ryanair and WizzAir, it’s now very easy and cheap to fly to Sofia from many other European capitals and large cities. Sofia also has great bus and train connections through the whole continent, which you can find great deals on as well.
Thankfully, the city itself is easy to get around too. The main tourist attractions are located in the city center, all easily reached by foot, although Sofia boasts a very good subway system, as well as bus and tram systems.
[divider style=”thin” title=”” text_align=””]Where to Stay in Sofia
The best area to stay in Sofia is the city center. There are many affordable hotels, as well as many hostels, guest houses, etc. You can also find great Airbnb’s. Couchsurfing is also another option for accommodation here.
If you don’t mind spending some extra bucks for a hotel with a great location and which also offers outstanding views, check out Sense Hotel in the heart of the city –> highly recommended!
[divider style=”thin” title=”” text_align=””]The Best Time to Visit Sofia
Sofia is a splendid little city to visit any time of year, although the summer may be the absolute best time. Not only is the city shining and green, but summer provides the most convenient weather for day trips from Sofia.
[divider style=”thin” title=”” text_align=””]Common Bulgarian Expressions
Hello: Zdravei (Здравей)
Hi: Zdrasti (Здрасти)
How are you?: Kak si (Как си)
Yes: Da (Да)
No: Ne (Не)
Thank you: Blagodarya (Благодаря)
Good bye: Divizhdane (Довиждане)
[divider style=”thin” title=”” text_align=””]Best Day Trips from Sofia, Bulgaria
Good to know: If you’ll be taking some day trips from Sofia, it’s important to note that you’ll need to pack a good pair of hiking shoes or boots.
1.Vitosha
Vitosha is absolutely the best day trip from Sofia. Why? Because Vitosha Mountain is located just on the outskirts of the city and takes only around 30-40 minutes to reach from the city center.
There are many hiking trails in Vitosha including the highest peak, Cherni vruh. Maybe you’ll decide to hike to the beautiful Boyana waterfall or go to Kopitoto, where you can find one of the best views over the city. So many wonderful hiking options here!
In the summer there are free buses going from the city center (Vasil Levski Stadium) to the Golden Bridges in Vitosha. Can’t beat free, am I right?!
In the winter, you can join group snowshoeing tours which bring you right to the mountain for snowy hiking walks. Or looking to do something kinda crazy? Why not paraglide over the Vitosha Mountains?! Definitely an experience to remember!
[divider style=”thin” title=”” text_align=””]2. Musala Peak
Another amazing mountain day trip is the highest peak in Bulgaria and the Balkanian Peninsula, Musala (2,925 meters). Even though is the highest peak in the whole Balkan Peninsula, the peak is relatively easy to hike.
Musala is located in Rila Mountain. The nearest city is Borovets, which is just 60 km away from Sofia.
To get there, you first need to take a bus to Samokov and then another one to Borovets. The buses are daily and they depart from the South bus station in Sofia. However, if you’re traveling alone or would just like some expert hiking advice, I highly recommend you sign up for a hiking tour to Musala Peak.
If you don’t feel like trekking and want to see beautiful lakes anyways, consider a tour to the Seven Rila Lakes – just as wonderful, and much easier on the knees. 😉
[divider style=”thin” title=”” text_align=””]3. Buzludzha
One of my favorite day trips from Sofia is Buzludzha. A Buzludzha day trip is for everyone who loves the alternative things to do and see. Buzludzha is an abandoned monument, which once was home to the Bulgarian Communist Party.
Unfortunately, there is no public transport going straight to the monument. I would suggest joining a private tour, that way you will also learn everything about the fascinating history of the monuments and Bulgaria.
[divider style=”thin” title=”” text_align=””]4. Plovdiv
You can’t skip a day trip from Sofia to Plovdiv, you just can’t and you shouldn’t! Plovdiv is the second biggest city in Bulgaria and it’s also the oldest inhabited city in Europe. The city has a unique atmosphere and is so easy to fall in love with. The beautiful and impressive Amphitheatre and the lovely, narrow streets in the Old Town would make you want to stay for more than one day (and if you have this opportunity, please take it)!
Plovdiv is often called ‘’the city under the hills’’ and ‘’hiking’’ to one of them or all of them is an essential thing to do in the city. They can also reveal some very nice views over the city.
When visiting Plovdiv another essential thing to do is visit Kapana. Kapana, which literally translates to ‘’the trap’’ is the art district of Plovdiv. It’s located in the heart of the city and its full of lovely cafes and magazines.
Book a private tour to Plovdiv to ensure you’ll see everything you want in only one day! Looking to make some friends? Consider a group tour to Plovdiv instead.
[divider style=”thin” title=”” text_align=””]5. Belogradchik Rocks and Fortress
Belogradchik Rocks and Fortress are a UNESCO Heritage Site and definitely one of the best day trips to take from Sofia. They are one of the most famous Bulgarian landmarks and I have seen them featured in many lists as ‘’places you won’t believe that are in Bulgaria’’, ‘’the most beautiful fortresses around the world’’, etc. Just go.
Along with the rocks and the fortress as a day trip from Sofia, you can also visit the caves Magurata and Venetsa, which are in the same area. To make it easier and to make sure you’ll visit all you can in the area, I recommend signing up for a group tour to Belogradchik Rocks and Magurata Caves. And because options are always good, here’s another highly sought out option.
[divider style=”thin” title=”” text_align=””]6. Rila Monastery
Rila Monastery is the largest and the most famous Eastern Orthodox monastery in the country. The monastery is a popular tourist attraction and one of the symbols of Bulgaria. Rila Monastery is also on the list of UNESCO Cultural Heritage Sites, and shouldn’t be missed.
Get super easy round trip transportation to both Rica Monastery and Boyana Church here! Psst – it’s less than $30 when you book in advance! Want lunch included? Book this tour instead – did someone say food?! 😛
[divider style=”thin” title=”” text_align=””]7. Krushuna Waterfalls
The beautiful Krushuna Waterfalls makes the perfect getaway from the city of Sofia. They are the biggest water cascade in the country and around them is an eco-trail.
To get there the best and most convenient way is to take an organized tour, which often include the Devetaki Cave. The Devetaki Cave is a huge karst cave and it’s also home to more than 35 000 species bats. Parts of the famous Hollywood movie ‘The Expendables 2’ was filmed right here in this cave!.
Tip: When visiting the Krushuna Waterfalls escape the beaten path to the nearest Green Waterfall. To find the waterfall simply follow the way to the cascade and on your right, you will see a sign pointing the way you have to take.
[divider style=”thin” title=”” text_align=””]Those are seven of the best day trips from Sofia. What do you think? Which one would you like to take if you visiting Sofia for a limited time? Or maybe you would like to visit all of them? Sure you would, they are amazing places and is absolutely worth visiting them.
Check out these day trips from Sofia:
Have you visited Bulgaria before? What were some of your favorite day trips from Sofia?!
Author’s bio: Bilyana is a travel blogger, mountain lover, and full-time dream chaser. She follows her dreams and wants you to do the same. Her goal is to help you to travel more & worry less and inspire you to get out of your comfort zone and see this beautiful world we live in one adventure at a time. You can follow her adventures on her blog, Instagram and Facebook.
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