How to Plan a Trip to Sofia
The complete 2026 guide — flights, hotels, things to do and airport transfers, all in one place. Everything a first-time visitor to Bulgaria needs.
Your 4-step Sofia plan
Step 1 — Book flights to SOF
Sofia Airport Airport (SOF) is the main gateway to Sofia. Compare fares across major airlines and OTAs before locking a date.
See flight deals to SOFStep 2 — Pick a neighborhood
Base yourself in Vitosha Boulevard + Largo Square for the best first-time visit — Pedestrian shopping street + Largo Square with Bulgarian Communist Party HQ (now Council of Ministers).
Where to stay in SofiaStep 3 — Plan your itinerary
Start with Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, then build outward. Most first-time visitors need 3-5 days to see the highlights of Sofia.
Things to do in SofiaStep 4 — Sort your airport transfer
Metro M1 (to Serdika centre) is BGN 1.60 (€0.80) and takes 20 min. Pre-book a private transfer for stress-free arrival.
SOF arrival guideBefore you book — visa check
Bulgaria is EU + Schengen (joined March 2024) — visa-free for most Western passports up to 90 days. EU passports + IDs accepted for travel.