Self Guided Walking Tour of Sofia with Audio Guide

Sofia , Bulgaria

Self Guided Walking Tour of Sofia with Audio Guide

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About this experience

Explore Sofia at your own pace with a self-guided walking tour on your phone. You get a clear map of all 10 stops, simple directions through Google Maps, and short audio stories you can play when you reach each location.

The route covers downtown Sofia, from St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral to the Central Mineral Baths, passing sites like the Saint George Rotunda, the Ancient Serdica Archaeological Complex, and the Ivan Vazov National Theatre.

Start anytime, pause whenever you like, and explore freely. No groups, no schedules. Audio and text available in 7 languages.

Available options

Self Guided Walking Tour of Sofia with Audio Guide

What's included

Audioguide about each point of interest along the tour

Self-guided tour on your smartphone, APP not needed!

Available in: English, Deutsch, Italiano, Français, Español, Português, 中文

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1 Pass by

Start your walk at St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. Just open Ciceru nearby to begin exploring the massive neo Byzantine exterior, where golden domes and marble façades express Bulgaria’s gratitude carved in stone.

Stop 2 Pass by

View the Church of Saint Sofia from the outside. Its austere red brick walls and quiet presence reveal the ancient building that gave the city its name and its idea of wisdom.

Admire the Russian Church from the street. The green roofs and gilded onion domes create a fairytale silhouette that broadcasts imperial influence without stepping inside.

Stop 4 Pass by

Stand before the Ivan Vazov National Theatre and take in its Neoclassical façade. Columns, pediment and surrounding garden set the stage entirely from the open square.

Pause outside St. Nedelya Church and observe its rebuilt dome and solid form. The exterior carries the weight of one of Sofia’s darkest historical moments.

View the Saint George Rotunda from the courtyard. This red brick cylinder, Sofia’s oldest building, tells two millennia of survival through its walls alone.

Walk around the open air ruins of ancient Serdica. Streets, foundations and glass covered remains show Roman Sofia directly beneath modern traffic.

Stand beneath the Statue of Saint Sofia and observe the towering bronze figure. This modern symbol replaced a Soviet monument and now watches over the city crossroads.

Admire the Banya Bashi Mosque from the outside. Its single dome and minaret rise above the street, marking the last active Ottoman era mosque in Sofia.

Wrap up your tour at the Central Mineral Baths. Take a moment to enjoy the colorful façade, thermal fountains and historic building before ending your walk at the city’s geothermal heart.

What's not included

Access offline. Internet needed on your phone

A physical guide (the tour is accessible on your smartphone)

Available languages

Audio guide

DE PT EN ZH-CN IT FR ES

Written guide

DE PT EN ZH-CN IT FR ES

Important information

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Important notes

No app needed—start your Ciceru experience right from your smartphone!

Your ticket is valid for 1 year, or 48 hours once activated at ciceru.com/start.
When you're ready, just head to that link with your phone and activate the Ciceru ticket you’ll receive in your next email.

Didn’t get your ticket within the hour?
Check your spam folder or contact us at info@ciceru.com and we’ll help you out!

About Sofia

Sofia is the vibrant capital of Bulgaria, nestled at the foot of the Vitosha Mountain. Known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and lively cultural scene, it offers a unique blend of ancient and modern attractions. The city is a treasure trove of Roman ruins, Orthodox churches, and Soviet-era landmarks, all set against the backdrop of beautiful natural surroundings.

Top Attractions

Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

This iconic cathedral is one of Sofia's most famous landmarks. It was built in honor of the Russian soldiers who died during the Russo-Turkish War.

Religious 1-2 hours Free (small fee for the museum and bell tower)

Vitosha Mountain

Vitosha Mountain offers a stunning backdrop to Sofia and is a popular destination for hiking, skiing, and enjoying nature.

Nature Half day to full day Free (lift tickets for skiing cost around €10-€20)

National History Museum

This museum houses a vast collection of artifacts that tell the story of Bulgaria's rich history.

Museum 2-3 hours €5

Boyana Church

A UNESCO World Heritage site, Boyana Church is known for its stunning frescoes dating back to the 13th century.

Historical 1 hour €4

Sofia Central Mineral Baths

This historic building was once a public bathhouse and is now a popular spot for shopping and dining.

Historical 1-2 hours Free to explore

Must-Try Local Dishes

Banitsa

A traditional Bulgarian pastry made with layers of filo dough, cheese, and eggs. It's often served for breakfast with a side of yogurt.

Breakfast Vegetarian

Shopska Salad

A refreshing salad made with tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and grated sirene cheese. It's a staple in Bulgarian cuisine and is often served as a side dish.

Appetizer Vegetarian

Kebapche

A grilled minced meat sausage made with a mix of pork and beef, seasoned with spices like black pepper, cumin, and coriander. It's often served with french fries or lyutenitsa (a spicy pepper and tomato spread).

Main Course Contains meat

Tarator

A cold soup made with yogurt, cucumbers, garlic, and dill. It's a refreshing dish, especially during the hot summer months.

Appetizer Vegetarian, Vegan (if made with plant-based yogurt)

Popular Activities

Hiking in Vitosha Mountain Skiing in Bansko or nearby resorts Mountain biking and other outdoor activities Visiting spas and wellness centers Strolling through parks and gardens Enjoying a meal or drink at a rooftop bar Exploring museums and galleries Attending concerts and performances

Best Time to Visit

May to September

This is the best time to visit Sofia for warm weather and outdoor activities. The city is lively with festivals and cultural events.

15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F) 59°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Bulgarian
Widely spoken: English, Russian, Romanian
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited in other places

Currency

Bulgarian Lev (BGN)

Time Zone

GMT+2 (EET)

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Sofia is generally a safe city for travelers, but petty crime and pickpocketing can occur in crowded tourist areas. It's important to take basic precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps
• Be cautious of strangers approaching you with petitions or surveys

Getting there

By air

Sofia Airport • 10 km (6 miles) from city center

By train

Central Railway Station

By bus

Central Bus Station, South Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The metro is efficient, clean, and affordable. It's the fastest way to get around Sofia.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Yellow Taxi, OK Taxi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

City Center Lozenets Studentski Grad Orlov Most

Day trips

Rila Monastery

120 km (75 miles) • Full day

The Rila Monastery is one of the most important cultural and historical sites in Bulgaria. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site and is known for its stunning architecture and beautiful frescoes.

Plovdiv

150 km (93 miles) • Full day

Plovdiv is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. It's known for its rich history, beautiful architecture, and vibrant cultural scene.

Bansko

160 km (100 miles) • Full day or overnight

Bansko is a popular ski resort in the winter and a great destination for hiking and outdoor activities in the summer. It's known for its stunning mountain scenery and traditional Bulgarian charm.

Festivals

Sofia Film Fest • March Sofia Pride • June Sofia International Film Festival • October

Pro tips

Visit the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy the beautiful light.
Try traditional Bulgarian rakia and meze at a local bar for an authentic experience.
Explore the underground caves and tunnels of Sofia for a unique and fascinating look at the city's history.
Take a day trip to the Rila Monastery or Plovdiv for a taste of Bulgaria's rich history and culture.
Visit the National Palace of Culture for concerts, performances, and other cultural events.