Hidden Sofia: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours (approximately)
Offered in: English and 1 more

Sofia is one of Europe’s most surprising capitals, with seven thousand years of history hidden in plain sight.

On this self-guided audio walk, I’ll also show you treasures that reveal how Bulgaria’s capital has reinvented itself through the eras. You’ll also discover how the city’s unique lack of a distinct Old Town creates a compact territory where ancient Serdica meets modern Sofia.

The tour starts on St. Nedelya Square, from where you’ll weave through vibrant boulevards and tucked-away courtyards. You’ll walk through peaceful parks and descend into underground archaeological complexes to walk Roman streets.

You’ll also hear how communist symbols were transformed into democratic spaces, and Neoclassicism, Art Nouveau, and Modernism found their way into the city’s architecture.

By the end of this tour, you’ll have a greater understanding of how Sofia’s absence of an Old Town has created one of Europe’s most fascinating archaeological centres.

What's Included

Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it
Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
App for Android and iOS
Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour
Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start
Smartphone and headphones
Personal expenses for admission fees not included during the tour
Food and drink
Transportation

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

This self-guided audio tour starts in St. Nedelya Square. Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.

End point

This GPS-guided tour ends in front of the Patriarchal Cathedral St. Alexander Nevsky.

Itinerary

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours (approximately)
  • (Pass by)

    The tour starts on St. Nedelya Square, above the ancient Roman forum of Serdica, from where you’ll weave through vibrant boulevards and tucked-away courtyards.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    Explore the Square of Tolerance, home to the Orthodox Cathedral of Saint Nedelia, the Catholic Cathedral of Sofia St Joseph Parish, the Central Synagogue, and the Central Mosque

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    On this tour, you'll pass by the Regional History Museum of Sofia. Along the way, you’ll learn about Bulgaria’s history from its Roman Empire roots through Ottoman rule and the Communist period, to modern times.

    Admission ticket free
  • Ancient Serdica Archaeological Complex (Pass by)

    Stroll through Roman Serdica, where Emperor Constantine declared ”Serdica is my Rome” – before choosing Constantinople instead

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    Visit the 4th-century St. Georgi Rotunda Church, Sofia’s oldest building that’s served various purposes throughout the years

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    Take in the Banya Bashi Mosque, the only active mosque in Sofia

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    Explore the Square of Tolerance, home to the Orthodox Cathedral of Saint Nedelia, the Catholic Cathedral of Sofia St Joseph Parish, the Central Synagogue, and the Central Mosque

    Admission ticket free
  • Catholic Cathedral of St Joseph (Pass by)

    Explore the Square of Tolerance, home to the Orthodox Cathedral of Saint Nedelia, the Catholic Cathedral of Sofia St Joseph Parish, the Central Synagogue, and the Central Mosque

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    Stand in the former Presidential Palace of the Republic of Bulgaria, where Tsar Boris III died mysteriously after meeting Hitler in 1943

    Admission ticket free
  • City Garden (Pass by)

    You’ll walk through peaceful parks where locals meet for chess and morning coffee, and descend into underground archaeological complexes to walk Roman streets.

    Admission ticket free
  • Ivan Vazov National Theater (Pass by)

    On this tour, you'll pass by the Ivan Vazov National Theatre. Along the way, you’ll learn about Bulgaria’s history from its Roman Empire roots through Ottoman rule and the Communist period, to modern times.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    On this tour, you'll pass by the Tsar Samuil Monument. Along the way, you’ll learn about Bulgaria’s history from its Roman Empire roots through Ottoman rule and the Communist period, to modern times.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    On this tour, you'll pass by the Monument of the Unknown Soldier. Along the way, you’ll learn about Bulgaria’s history from its Roman Empire roots through Ottoman rule and the Communist period, to modern times.

    Admission ticket free
  • St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral (Pass by)

    The tour finishes at the Patriarchal Cathedral St Alexander Nevsky, whose golden domes are a reminder of Bulgaria’s Orthodox identity, but also honor Russian liberators.

    Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Supplied by VoiceMap Audio Tours

Tags

Private Sightseeing Tours
Audio Guides
Historical Tours
Walking Tours
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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