Sofia in 2 Days for Couples - Sunset rooftop cocktails at Sense Hotel Sofia
A slow-paced, intimate 48-hour itinerary for couples in Sofia in May (Spring). Combines cathedral charm, cozy local restaurants, a private spa moment, and two unforgettable sunset experiences — one in the city on a rooftop and one above Sofia on Vitosha Mountain.
Highlights
- Sunset rooftop cocktails at Sense Hotel Sofia
- Golden-hour on Vitosha from Aleko Hut
- Quiet UNESCO visit at Boyana Church
- Cozy, locally loved restaurants (Made in Home, Manu, Hadjidraganov's Cellars)
Itinerary
Day 1
Gentle introduction to Sofia: historic sights, relaxed lunch, a park stroll, rooftop golden hour, and an intimate dinner.
Breakfast at Made in Home — cozy, home-style start
Relaxed, locally loved breakfast and coffee in a warm, homey interior — perfect for planning the day together.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve a window table in advance for a quieter, more intimate corner.
- In May the terrace can be pleasant — ask for outdoor seating if you prefer morning sun.
- Order a shared dessert (pancakes or homemade cakes) to create a sweet, romantic moment.
Visit Alexander Nevsky Cathedral — a calm morning wander
Admire the golden domes, mosaic interiors and take photos on the cathedral steps away from peak crowds.
Tips from local experts:
- Visit earlier to avoid large tour groups; the morning light is lovely for photos from the cathedral steps.
- Respect interior photography rules and keep voices low to preserve the serene atmosphere.
- Walk the surrounding sidewalks (St. Alexander Nevsky Square) for quieter viewpoints and bench seating.
National Archaeological Museum — intimate cultural set
Short, curated visit to see Thracian gold, ancient mosaics and artifacts — modest size keeps it unhurried.
Tips from local experts:
- Focus on the Thracian gold and Roman galleries; a guided audio or short guided tour can make it more romantic and meaningful.
- The museum is compact — pair it with a coffee break instead of a long museum marathon to keep the day relaxed.
- Wear comfortable shoes; the building is historic with a few steps and uneven floors in places.
Leisurely lunch at Manu — modern Bulgarian fine-casual
Slow, ingredient-focused lunch at one of Sofia’s well-regarded restaurants — perfect for a date-lunch.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve in advance and request a quiet table; ask the staff to suggest wine pairings for a romantic touch.
- Choose a tasting-style selection to share several dishes and keep the meal light and intimate.
- May evenings can be cool — if you plan to return later, ask about outdoor seating options for a dinner switch.
Hotel check-in & rest at Sense Hotel Sofia — unwind together
Check in, freshen up and enjoy a short rest in your room before the evening; perfect time to change for rooftop sunset.
Tips from local experts:
- If staying here, request a room with a view of the city or Vitosha if available — it adds to the romantic vibe.
- Use this downtime to book evening reservations (rooftop and dinner) or a couples spa slot if desired.
- Keep clothes for both warm and light layers; May can cool quickly after sunset at higher views.
Stroll through Borisova Gradina — park promenade
A relaxed early evening walk among tree-lined paths, ponds and hidden benches — ideal for quiet conversation.
Tips from local experts:
- Seek out a small bench by the pond for a quiet sit; the park is peaceful in late afternoon.
- Bring a light sweater for the breeze; May greenery is lush and fragrant after recent spring rains.
- Avoid the central sports areas if you want a truly intimate, low-noise experience — head toward the southern paths near the lake.
Sunset rooftop cocktails at Sense Rooftop Bar — special moment
Golden-hour cocktails with panoramic city views — a curated, romantic rooftop experience to toast the evening.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve a table on the terrace for sunset — ask for the corner tables for the best uninterrupted view of Vitosha and the city skyline.
- Dress smart-casual; rooftop spaces can enforce a slightly smarter dress code in the evening.
- Bring a light wrap — even in May the rooftop breeze can feel cool during and after sunset.
Intimate dinner at Shtastlivetsa — classic, cozy Bulgarian dining
Late dinner in a warm, wood-accented restaurant known for comfortable ambiance and Bulgarian flavors.
Tips from local experts:
- Book a corner table in advance for privacy; tell them it’s a special dinner for a couple — small surprises are sometimes arranged.
- Share a few traditional plates family-style to taste more and keep the meal interactive.
- May evenings are pleasant; if you prefer to extend the night, ask about a quieter after-dinner table with coffee or dessert.
Day 2
A nature-meets-culture day: UNESCO calm at Boyana, a refreshing waterfall walk, a couples spa, and a mountaintop sunset before a final romantic dinner.
Breakfast at Sense Hotel — relaxed morning
Casual breakfast at the hotel to fuel a day out to Boyana and Vitosha Mountain.
Tips from local experts:
- Choose a table with a morning view to enjoy city awakening before you head out.
- Order a light, protein-rich breakfast if you plan to hike to the waterfall afterwards.
- Confirm spa or sunset transfer plans with reception while having breakfast to save time.
Transfer to Boyana (taxi/ride) — short scenic drive
Quick 20-minute ride toward the foothills to reach Boyana Church and nearby trailheads.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask the driver to wait or agree a return time if you prefer private transport — it saves parking and waiting time.
- Keep warm layers handy; the foothills are cooler and breezier than central Sofia in May.
- Check local traffic mid-morning — weekends can be busier near Boyana due to locals visiting the parks.
Visit Boyana Church (UNESCO) — tranquil heritage moment
Short, reflective visit to the small medieval church famous for its frescoes — intimate and culturally rich.
Tips from local experts:
- Book timed entry if possible; the church limits numbers and a quiet slot enhances the experience.
- Maintain a hushed tone — the site is contemplative and less crowded in the morning.
- Combine with a slow walk around the adjacent parkland for photo opportunities and privacy.
Hike to Boyana Waterfall — refreshing outdoor walk
A moderate, scenic hike through green woodland to a pretty waterfall — great for couples who enjoy nature together.
Tips from local experts:
- Wear comfortable hiking shoes — the path can be muddy or uneven in places after spring rains.
- Bring a small picnic snack and water; there are quiet spots near the falls to sit together.
- Start earlier to avoid families who often visit later in the day — mornings are more intimate for couples.
Lunch at Hadjidraganov's Cellars — hearty traditional meal
Return to the city for a relaxed traditional Bulgarian lunch in an atmospheric, intimate setting.
Tips from local experts:
- Request a quieter table in the stone cellar area for a romantic ambiance.
- Share several meze-style dishes and a carafe of local red wine to make the meal feel special.
- Allow time for a leisurely pace — no rushing after the hike will keep the day unhurried.
Couples spa at Sense Hotel Spa — special relaxing moment
An afternoon couples treatment (massage, sauna or spa package) to refresh before the evening ascent to Vitosha.
Tips from local experts:
- Book a couples treatment in advance and request a private room to make it an intimate experience.
- Arrive slightly early to enjoy sauna/relaxation areas together and extend the calming effect before sunset.
- Inform the spa of any allergies or pressure preferences when booking to ensure a tailored, relaxing session.
Transfer to Aleko Hut (Vitosha) — scenic drive up the mountain
Taxi or private transfer up toward Aleko Hut, a popular high meadow and viewpoint on Vitosha Mountain.
Tips from local experts:
- Confirm with your driver that they can wait or arrange a return pick-up time — mountain transfers can be slower after sunset.
- Pack a light jacket; temperatures drop significantly on Vitosha in the evening even in May.
- Check weather quickly before departure — mountain fog can obscure the view; have a backup romantic plan if visibility is poor.
Sunset and evening on Vitosha from Aleko Hut — mountain golden hour (special)
Spend golden hour watching the city light up from the mountain edge — bring a light blanket for an intimate picnic-style moment.
Tips from local experts:
- Bring a compact picnic (cheese, fruit, a small bottle of Bulgarian wine) picked up earlier — sharing while watching sunset is very romantic.
- Position yourselves on the west-facing side for the best sunset; ask locals at the hut for the quiet viewpoint.
- Keep an eye on the time and descent route — mountain roads can be narrow; pre-book return transport for safety after dark.
Final romantic dinner at Niko'las 0/360 — panoramic city-night dining
Return to the city for a memorable rooftop-style dinner with panoramic views — a fitting finale for the trip.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve a panoramic table in advance and mention you’re celebrating a special evening; the view is the highlight.
- Choose a tasting or shareable menu to sample multiple dishes and keep the conversation flowing.
- If you’re tired after the mountain, request a leisurely pacing of courses and a quiet corner to relax into the evening.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 2 |
| Highlights | 4 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Couples |
| Transfers | 2 |
| Restaurants | 6 |
| Total Activities | 15 |
| Total Places | 15 |
| Activities Types | Meal, Attraction, Culture, Hotel, Neighborhood, Nightlife, Transfer, Outdoor, Experience |
