Home / Bulgaria / Sofia
Flag of Bulgaria Capital of Bulgaria

Sofia

Sofia is the capital and largest city of Bulgaria, nestled in the Sofia Valley at the foot of the Vitosha mountain in the western part of the country. The city is home to natural mineral springs, including the famous Sofia Central Mineral Baths, and offers visitors a blend of natural and urban attractions.

Photo: Deensel (CC BY 2.0)

Quick facts

Population
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Language
Bulgarian
Timezone
EEST (UTC+3)
Local time now
12:36:09

Hotels in Sofia

Sofia offers a range of hotels for visitors exploring Bulgaria's capital city. Whether you're looking for established properties like Sofia Balkan Palace and Central Point Hotel or other accommodation options, you'll find places to stay across the city. See all hotels →

5 ★
Sofia Balkan Palace
86 m from centre
Central Point Hotel
104 m from centre
No 129
248 m from centre

Airports in Sofia

Sofia is served by Васил Левски airport, the main international gateway to Bulgaria's capital. The city also has access to several other regional air facilities including 1 ИАБ Доброславци, Летище Лесново, Сливница, and Брезник, providing various travel options for visitors and residents. See all airports →

Васил Левски - София
7.9 km from centre
1 ИАБ Доброславци
12.9 km from centre
Летище Лесново
27.8 km from centre

Car Hire in Sofia

We're still gathering car hire listings for Sofia — check back soon.

Things to Do in Sofia

Sofia offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into centuries of history, with remarkable archaeological sites and ancient monuments. Explore the remains of Antichna Serdika, wander through the Преториум, and discover the Археологическа експозиция Антична Сердика to experience the city's Roman and Byzantine past. See all things to do →

Преториум
47 m from centre
Преториум
82 m from centre
Антична Сердика
112 m from centre
Южна кула към портата
148 m from centre
Археологическа експозиция Антична Сердика
151 m from centre
Северна правоъгълна кула
155 m from centre

Restaurants in Sofia

Sofia offers a diverse restaurant scene with venues ranging from traditional establishments to contemporary dining. Whether you're looking for local cuisine or international flavours, you'll find options including Траяна, Capo, Happy Bar & Grill, Везна, and Ресторант Сердика. See all restaurants →

Swimming Pools in Sofia

Sofia offers several swimming pool facilities for residents and visitors. Басейн "Академика 4-ти км" is among the options available in the city for swimming and aquatic recreation. See all swimming pools →

Басейн "Академика 4-ти км"
4.4 km from centre

Spas in Sofia

Sofia offers a variety of spa and wellness experiences for visitors seeking relaxation and rejuvenation. From unique venues like Солна пещера to modern facilities such as Metta, the city provides diverse options to unwind and refresh during your stay. See all spas →

Nightlife in Sofia

Sofia's nightlife offers a dynamic blend of clubs and venues catering to diverse tastes. From Live and Loud to FOMO the club, Theatro, Tarantino, and Bedroom Premium Club, the city provides plenty of options for an evening out. See all nightlife →

Bars in Sofia

Sofia's bar scene offers diverse venues for every taste, from stylish cocktail bars to casual hangouts. Explore popular destinations like Largo Di Serdika, The Egg Bar, Dsquared2, Rabbit Hole, and Шугър to experience the city's vibrant nightlife. See all bars →

Largo Di Serdika
80 m from centre
The Egg Bar
116 m from centre
Dsquared2
159 m from centre

Cafes in Sofia

Sofia's cafe scene offers welcoming spaces for coffee and conversation throughout the city. Venues like Ротонда, Σπιτικο, Кафе при Ани, Dabov, and Вергилий are popular local gathering spots where visitors and residents alike can experience Bulgarian hospitality. See all cafes →

Ротонда
142 m from centre
Σπιτικο
197 m from centre
Кафе при Ани
214 m from centre

Shopping in Sofia

Sofia offers a diverse shopping experience with modern malls and established retail destinations. Visitors can explore major shopping centers including Mall of Sofia, F58 Mall, and Парк Център София, alongside traditional stores like ЦУМ and Хавана. See all shopping →

Nature & Wildlife in Sofia

Sofia offers several parks and green spaces for nature enthusiasts to explore. Notable destinations include Градска градина and Царска градина, which provide peaceful retreats in the heart of the city, alongside other recreational gardens and natural areas. See all nature & wildlife →

Археологически парк „Западна порта на Сердика“
175 m from centre
пл. Бански
224 m from centre
Градина „Равин Габриел Меркадо Алмоснино“
307 m from centre
Градска градина
416 m from centre
Царска градина
539 m from centre
Градина „Възраждане“
603 m from centre

Climate snapshot

Sofia experiences a humid continental climate with distinct seasonal variations. Winters are cold and crisp, while summers are mild and pleasant, making spring and autumn ideal times for exploring the city and its surrounding mountain landscapes.

Interesting Facts About Sofia — Weird & Wonderful

  • Sofia is built west of the Iskar river and features several natural mineral springs throughout the city
  • The city is situated at the foot of Vitosha mountain, providing stunning views and outdoor recreation opportunities
  • Sofia Central Mineral Baths is one of the city's notable attractions, drawing visitors interested in the therapeutic properties of the natural mineral waters

Frequently Asked Questions About Sofia

What currency is used in Sofia?

Bulgaria uses the Bulgarian lev (BGN) as its official currency.

What language is spoken in Sofia?

Bulgarian is the official language spoken in Sofia.

Where is Sofia located?

Sofia is situated in the Sofia Valley in the western part of Bulgaria, at the foot of the Vitosha mountain.

What is the climate like in Sofia?

Sofia has a humid continental climate with cold winters and mild summers.

What are the main attractions in Sofia?

Notable attractions include the Sofia Central Mineral Baths, Vitosha mountain for outdoor activities, and the city's location in the scenic Sofia Valley.

Map of Sofia

View larger map · © OpenStreetMap contributors