Tour Features

St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

Saint Joseph Catholic Cathedral

National Library

Sofia University

Parliament

National Theater

St. Sofia Church

Church of St. George Rotunda
These are some of the features your tour might include, but please bear in mind that every guide create their unique itinerary to provide the best possible experience.
Departures not found
Faq
Where does the tour start?
You will receive the full meeting point details and a map after you finalize your booking, in a confirmation email.
Do I have to book my Free Tour?
Yes, it's necessary to book your Free Tour in order to receive the full meeting point details via email on time. This helps ensure an enjoyable experience and good coordination between guides and tour guests. Booking is free, quick, and easy!
Can I contact my guide?
Yes, you will be able to message your guide with any questions that you might have after making a reservation, up until the start of the tour.
Can I make a booking for a larger group?
Maybe! In order to keep the group sizes manageable, each guide sets their own limit of guests per booking and departure. Choose the Free Tour you want to book, select the number of people in your group, and see if there are any departures available that suit your needs.
Are Free Tours really Free?
Yes, with Free Tours, there's no set price; instead, the guides rely on the tips of participants to sustain their livelihoods. By contributing a fair amount that reflects the value you receive from the tour, you not only support the guides but also express your appreciation for their expertise and dedication.
Adventure lovers and travelers looking for cultural destinations beyond mass tourism will fall in love with Sofia. The capital of Bulgaria is full of modern attractions, bars and restaurants, while brimming with ancient culture and boasting incomparable architectural gems. If you want to enjoy the best introduction to this little-known capital of Eastern Europe, join the best Essential Free Tour of Sofia! This comprehensive tour has been designed by local guides who are passionate about their city and who want to share their culture with newcomers to Bulgaria. The tour will take you through the best monuments of Sofia's Old Town, while learning about its thousands of years of history.
Throughout your Free Essential Sofia Tour, you will walk through the historic center of the city and understand that Sofia is one of the oldest cities in Europe. In front of the Roman Ruins of Serdica, you will be able to listen to the evolution of the city: from the conquest of Emperor Trajan in the times of the Roman Empire, to the Byzantine Empire, the Ottoman period, the Soviet-era and today. Another important stop on the tour will be the enormous St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, whose golden onion domes are a symbol of Sofia. Built at the beginning of the 20th century to commemorate Bulgaria's liberation from the Ottoman Empire, it is an architectural and artistic gem.
Your tour will also take you to other fantastically beautiful Christian and Orthodox churches, and provide an introduction to the role of religion in Eastern Europe. Of course, throughout the tour you will also learn about current Bulgarian customs, cuisine and culture. Chatting with your local guide, as you walk past government buildings such as the Bulgarian Parliament and the Council of Ministers (which used to sport a large red Soviet star in the past), you'll understand the complicated relations with Russia and how Bulgarians look to the future with optimism in search of a better future. During the tour, you'll also hear great tips on what to do, where to eat, and what to order to make the most of your stay.