The 8 Best Guided Tours To Take In Sofia

You can always discover Sofia on your own but for a true insight into the Bulgarian capital, or merely for a chance to meet other fellow travelers, it’s better to join an organised tour. Here are the best guided tours you could choose from in Sofia.

Free Sofia Tour

Available in many countries around the world, the Free Tour is a perfect introduction to a city you visit for the first time. Free Sofia Tour will take you to the main attractions in the city, tell you the highlights of its past and present stories, and give you a history lesson in a fun and engaging way. It sets off three times a day, every day, from the Palace of Justice, no reservation is required. When the tour finishes you are welcome to leave a tip for the guide.

Balkan Bites – Free Culinary Tour

This walking food tour starts at lunchtime and takes you around several emblematic Sofia food venues and shows you the local culinary scene for free. You will taste both traditional and contemporary dishes (slow food and vegan venues take part alongside traditional restaurants and fast food places). Booking in advance is advisory (although not compulsory), the tour starts at two pm and last for around two hours. Tips for the guide are appreciated at the end.

Sofia Green Tour

Sofia Green Tour will show you the city on two wheels with a focus on parks and green areas. If you don’t have your favorite bike with you, you can rent one for the tour for five euros. No reservation is needed between April and November, in the winter months you have to book in advance through their website.

The New Sofia Pub Crawl

Pub, Pub Grub

Sofia at night feels like a different city to its day time self. Join the locals on a tour around a mix of bars and clubs, each of them with their own style and atmosphere. The tour runs every day, no reservation is required, just show up at nine pm at Crystal Garden. It costs 10 euros and includes a few free drinks and a free entry to a club.

The Bohemian Sofia Tour

This free walking tour focuses on the golden age of Sofia, paying a visit to its most emblematic buildings from the beginning of the last century and telling their amazing stories. It only takes place on Saturdays, starting at four pm in front of the Saint Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. You need to make a reservation through their website.

Sofia Graffiti Tour

Delve into the rebellious atmosphere of Sofia’s street culture, discovering graffiti galleries and learning the stories behind the murals. The tour is free and it covers a small area in the city center. It is free but a tip for the guide is welcomed. No reservation is needed but make sure to come a little before three pm in winter/ six pm in summer to secure a place on the tour as they operate on first come – first serve basis. The tour only runs at the weekend.

Sofia Iron Star Tour

Rent a classic Communist-era vehicle from Sofia Iron Star Tour and discover post-communist Sofia. Choose among a Trabi, Volga, UAZ 469, and Izhe sidecar motorcycle and relax on your seat while listening your professional English-speaking guide telling you stories from the Soviet era. You need to book in advance, the prices vary depending on the vehicle and the tour duration, starting from 25 euro per person.

Sofia on Scooter Tour

When you are fed up with the hustle and bustle of the capital, rent a 50cc scooter and head out of the city noise to explore a few local monasteries. You can choose among small-group tours, private tours or you can rent a scooter to explore the on your own. You need to book a tour or scooter in advance and discuss your route with Sofia on Scooter Tour.

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."