The Best Museums To Visit In Sofia

Sofia has almost 30 museums where you can see most Bulgarian national treasures and learn about the ups and downs of Bulgarian history. If you have only limited time in Sofia, here’s a list of the best museums to visit.

National History Museum

Building, Museum

With its nearly 700,000 exhibits, the National History Museum is the biggest museum in Bulgaria and one of the biggest on the Balkan Peninsula. You will travel through time from prehistory through the magnificent ancient golden treasuresto the latest history. The museum is housed in the building of the former communist government residence in Boyana district, on the outskirts of Sofia.

National Museum of Natural History

Museum

Nature lovers, this is a place where you can spend a few hours exploring Bulgarian flora and fauna. Thousands of butterflies, insects, mammals, plants and minerals – in total, more than 1.5 million exhibits await you at the National Museum of Natural History. You will also see a piece of rock from the Moon –a gift from the USA and Russia for the role Bulgaria played in space research. The museum organizes workshops and special educational events for children.

Earth and Man National Museum, Bulgaria

Museum

National Museum Earth and Man has one of the biggest mineral collections in the world, keeping more than 40% of the minerals known to science in its halls. It’s located in the center of Sofia, behind the National Palace of Culture.

Sofia History Museum

Building, Mosque, Museum

This museum will walk you through the past of the Bulgarian capital. You can take on a tram from the beginning of last century, see a king’s carriage and a neolithic house. It also allows you to discover interactive photo albums that show you fashion and prominent buildings from the past. The Sofia History Museum is located in the building of the former Central Mineral Bath, behind the Banya Bashi Mosque. There’s a mineral drinking fountain to the right of the entrance (when you are facing the building).

National Archaeology Museum

Building, Mosque, Museum

Step inside the building and you will be able to feel the awe of the archaeologists unveiling the past of the country piece by piece. The museum hosts various thematic exhibitions dedicated to different historical periods or specific ancient findings. The National Archaeology Museum in Sofia is located in the building of a former mosque.

About the author

Maria Angelova

Maria Angelova is in love with Bulgaria, fortune-telling, photography and talking to strangers. She is the author of several travel books in Bulgarian and English, including "50 Secret Places to Discover in Bulgaria' and "203 Travel Challenges. Travel the World. Explore Your Inner Self."