A Travelling Family's Guide To Sofia

If you plan a family visit to Sofia, you may want to plan your activities ahead, as many of the family attractions in the Bulgarian capital are not well-advertised. You won’t be bored, as you have many options to choose from, including a children’s science museum, a zoo, and a great variety of outdoor playgrounds and parks to choose from. Here are our suggestions for kid-friendly places to visit in Sofia.

Sofia Zoo

A sunny day out is a perfect zoo day. Head to the Sofia Zoo to meet primates, fish, big cats, African and Asian animals, birds, crocodiles, and many more – a total of 281 species. Taking a taxi to the zoo is the best option, as public transportation can be tricky in this part of the city.

Sofia Zoo, 1 Srebarna Str., Hladilnika, Sofia, +359 2 868 32 02

Muzeiko Children’s Museum

Muzeiko is the first children’s museum in Bulgaria, which has a great variety of science workshops, experiment areas, as well as arts and crafts opportunities. Its modern and interactive approach to science is interesting for both parents and children! Plan a whole day at Muzeiko to make sure you’ll make the most of your visit. If you stay in the city center, you’ll need to take the subway to G.M. Dimitrov station (line 1).

Muzeiko Children’s Museum, 3 Professor Boyan Kamenov Str., Sofia, Bulgaria, +359 2 902 0000

National Museum of Natural History

The first and the richest natural history museum in the Balkans might feel a bit outdated today but, it will still take you on an amazing educational journey through nature. You will definitely enjoy it if you have children who love minerals or insects. It’s centrally located, a stone’s throw from the Parliament building in Sofia.

National Museum of Natural History, 1 Tsar Osvoboditel Blvd., Sofia, Bulgaria, +359 2 988 5115

The Polytechnical Museum

This technically-focused science museum is located a bit far from the city center and rarely finds its way into the itinerary of travelers. The National Polytechnical Museum deserves your attention, however, with its rich collection of Bulgarian inventions. Once a month they hold a themed Family Saturday with science workshops for children and parents.

The Polytechnical Museum, 66 Opalchenska Str., Sofia, Bulgaria, +359 2 931 8018

Parks and Playgrounds

Sofia is famous for its green areas and huge parks, including one in the city center – Borisova Gradina. In every park you’ll find playgrounds and children’s attractions, as well as big open spaces for running and cycling. Just south of Borisova Gradina is Yuzhen Park, one of the most kid-friendly areas in Sofia where many families go to enjoy the beautiful weather.