Sofia in 2 Days for Friends - Photo run at Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
A fun, vibrant 2-day plan for a group of friends: city icons, a spirited food-hall lunch, an active Vitosha hike, evening live music & pub vibes. Designed for easy bill-splitting, group-friendly venues and energetic hangouts.
Highlights
- Photo run at Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
- Group tasting at Central Sofia Market Hall (Tsentralni Hali)
- Active morning hike on Vitosha (Aleko Hut → Cherni Vrah)
- Evenings with live music and a lively pub crawl
- A friendly bike tour around Sofia's historic neighborhoods
Itinerary
Day 1
Central Sofia sights, foodie lunch, park chill, and a lively night out.
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral — quick iconic photo stop
09:30 – 10:15 • 45m
Start at Sofia's most photographed landmark — perfect for big group shots and a short interior visit.
Sofia Center, pl. "Sveti Aleksandar Nevski", 1000 Sofia, Bulgaria
4.8 (25,003 reviews)
Tips from local experts:
- Arrive early (09:30) to avoid tour groups and get the best light for photos on the south steps.
- Modest clothing is required inside; bring a light scarf if anyone’s bare-shouldered.
- Split the group for interior and exterior shots: one subgroup waits with coffees from a nearby cafe while others go inside (saves time).
Russian Church (Church of St Nicholas) — quick photospot
10:20 – 10:40 • 20m
Two-minute walk from the cathedral; charming golden domes make a great contrast shot.
Sofia Center, bul. "Tsar Osvoboditel" 3, 1000 Sofia, Bulgaria
4.8 (5,941 reviews)
Tips from local experts:
- This is an easy add-on between landmarks — perfect for a quick selfie stop without long detours.
- The plaza in front is great for small-group photos; ask a local passerby to take a 2-shot so everyone’s in frame.
- If you want a coffee nearby, the Boulevard around it has small cafés with outdoor seating that handle groups well.
Stroll Vitosha Boulevard — shopping & people-watching
10:50 – 12:10 • 1h 20m
Wander Sofia’s main pedestrian strip: boutiques, terraces and cafés — great for window-shopping and lively street atmosphere.
bul. "Vitosha", Sofia, Bulgaria
4.6 (1,224 reviews)
Tips from local experts:
- Aim for souvenir-free local finds: small accessory shops and independent bakeries along the boulevard are group-friendly.
- Sit at a terrace café and order sharable pastries to keep the group energized without a full meal.
- If someone wants to shop, pick a meeting café with outdoor seating — easy to keep tabs on everyone.
Lunch at Central Sofia Market Hall (Tsentralni Hali) — casual group feast
12:20 – 13:30 • 1h 10m
A lively food hall with many stalls (Bulgarian cheeses, grilled meats, quick drinks) — ideal for groups who like variety and splitting costs.
Central Sofia Market Hall, Sofia Center, bul. "Knyaginya Maria Luiza" 25, ниво -1, 1000 Sofia, Bulgaria
4 (16,024 reviews)
Tips from local experts:
- Order several stalls’ specialties and share — bill-splitting apps or one person paying with a card is easiest here.
- Try the warm banitsa, local cheeses, and a grilled kebapche; look for vendors with local crowds for the best bites.
- There’s communal seating — scoot together early to get a long table (especially on weekend afternoons).
National Palace of Culture (NDK) — parkside walk & photos
13:45 – 15:00 • 1h 15m
Explore the NDK plaza and surrounding public art; it’s a social hub with cafés and open spaces.
Tips from local experts:
- The fountains and steps are a natural meetup for photos; at sunset the lighting is great for group portraits.
- If someone's into modern art, check for small exhibitions inside NDK — entry is usually inexpensive.
- There are lockers and cloakrooms for large bags during events — handy if you plan to roam light for the evening.
Borisova Gradina — relaxed park break & playful games
15:15 – 16:15 • 1h
A friendly green space for a relaxed stretch, frisbee, or informal group games under chestnut trees.
Tips from local experts:
- Bring a lightweight ball or frisbee (many shops nearby sell inexpensive options) for a quick, playful group activity.
- There are small kiosks with drinks/snacks; reserve a shaded bench area if you have a larger group.
- If anyone wants a quick bicycle ride, there are rentable bikes near the park entrances — good for 2–3 short loops.
Freshen up — quick hotel break (InterContinental Sofia recommended for groups)
16:30 – 18:00 • 1h 30m
Time to shower, change and relax before dinner — centrally located and used to groups.
Old City Center, pl. "Narodno sabranie" 4, 1000 Sofia, Bulgaria
4.7 (2,260 reviews)
Tips from local experts:
- If you haven’t pre-booked rooms, ask reception for a late check-in / group drop-off option — they often hold luggage.
- Split costs by placing all bags at concierge and meeting in the lobby for a quick taxi to dinner.
- InterContinental has a roomy lobby and bar perfect for regrouping; reserve a table if you plan to meet there before leaving.
Dinner at Hadjidraganov's Houses — hearty Bulgarian group meal
19:00 – 20:30 • 1h 30m
Traditional dishes in a rustic setting — large tables and generous portions make it great for groups.
Tips from local experts:
- Call ahead for a table for 4–6+; they’re happy to set a long table so the group can sit together and share platters.
- Order a couple of mixed meat platters to share (cheaper and better for group tasting).
- Ask for the house rakia sampler to kick off the night — split bottles to keep the costs down.
Evening: Sofia Pub Crawl — group nightlife introduction
21:30 – 00:30 • 3h
A guided pub crawl that hits friendly bars and introduces Sofia's nightlife — perfect for groups wanting a fun, social night safely.
next to the big head statue of Stefan Stambolov, Crystal Garden, Old City Center, 1000 Sofia, Bulgaria
4.8 (372 reviews)
Tips from local experts:
- Book in advance and mention your group size — pub crawl operators often offer group rates or free shots at stops.
- Wear comfy shoes; the crawl is lively and moves between venues, so plan a meetup point if someone drifts off.
- Keep a small cash amount for tips and quick cover fees—some bars prefer cash for entrance or cloakroom.
Day 2
Active Vitosha morning hike, cultural afternoon and a bike tour, finishing with a celebratory dinner and club night.
Transfer up to Vitosha / Aleko area — start of the active day
07:30 – 08:30 • 1h
Taxi or group transfer to the Aleko area on Vitosha to start the hike toward Cherni Vrah.
Tips from local experts:
- A taxi split among 4–6 is usually faster and comparable in cost to multiple buses — ask reception to call one that fits all bags.
- Bring a small daypack with rain layer — mountain weather can change quickly even in May.
- Charge phones/power banks before leaving; signal is patchy higher up and a communal power bank helps the group stay connected.
Hike: Aleko → Cherni Vrah loop — energetic mountain morning
08:30 – 12:30 • 4h
A classic Vitosha route to Cherni Vrah (the summit) that rewards you with panoramic views — a great group challenge.
Cherni Vrah, 1616, Bulgaria
4.9 (843 reviews)
Tips from local experts:
- Start briskly but steady; plan short photo stops and a 10–15 minute snack break halfway to keep the group together.
- Wear sturdy shoes; May can leave muddy patches — gaiters/quick-dry socks keep footwear comfy.
- If anyone prefers a lighter option, local shuttles/cable “Simeonovo” lift can shorten the ascent — coordinate so the group finishes near each other.
Lunch at Aleko Hut — mountain comfort food
12:45 – 13:45 • 1h
Refuel with soups, stews and shared platters in a rustic hut — ideal for muddy shoes and hungry hikers.
ПП ВИТОША, ул. „Буйновско ждрело“, 1444 Sofia, Bulgaria
4.4 (8,856 reviews)
Tips from local experts:
- Order large stew or kebapche platters to share — faster service and ideal for splitting the bill.
- Hot tea or a local soup is perfect after a windy summit; ask for quick service since huts get busy at midday.
- There are limited indoor seats on sunny days — if you prefer indoor warmth, arrive early or ask staff to hold a table for your group.
Return transfer to the city — quick regroup
14:00 – 14:45 • 45m
Head back to central Sofia to continue exploring—time to rest a bit before afternoon culture.
Tips from local experts:
- Book a return taxi big enough for the whole group or split into two — saves waiting time at crowded lift stations.
- Use the travel time to dry damp layers and swap into clean shoes for city walking.
- If anyone needs a power nap, this is the window; agree on a clear meeting time (e.g., 15:15 at Boyana Church) to avoid delays.
Boyana Church — short UNESCO cultural stop
15:30 – 16:30 • 1h
A UNESCO-listed medieval church with remarkable frescoes — a calm, historic contrast to the morning hike.
BojanaVitosha, ul. "Boyansko ezero" 3, 1616 Sofia, Bulgaria
4.5 (7,009 reviews)
Tips from local experts:
- Book timed tickets online if possible; groups are limited inside the church to protect the frescoes.
- Wear comfortable shoes — there’s a short uphill walk from the parking area; bring a light jacket for the shaded setting.
- Consider a combined visit with the nearby National History Museum if your group is into more history (extra time required).
Sofia Bike Tours — playful guided city ride
17:00 – 19:00 • 2h
Two-hour guided bike tour hitting lesser-known neighborhoods, murals and chilled local spots — fun and social.
Sofia Center, bul. "Vitosha" 2, 1000 Sofia, Bulgaria
4.9 (4,849 reviews)
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve a private small-group slot (many operators cap at 6–12) so you get a tailored pace and stops for photos.
- Bring a lightweight lock and a small backpack; the guide will suggest local stops for quick drinks and snacks.
- Many tours include a local snack stop — split the cost or bring small cash for street-market treats.
Farewell dinner at Moma Bulgarian Food & Wine — modern Bulgarian feast
19:30 – 21:00 • 1h 30m
A stylish spot for classic flavors with a modern twist; good for groups who want to toast the trip.
Old City Center, Solunska Street 28, 1000 Sofia, Bulgaria
4.2 (5,106 reviews)
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve a long table in advance (mention you’re a group of friends) — they do shared platters for easy splitting.
- Ask for a wine pairing by the glass if your group wants to taste several Bulgarian wines without committing to bottles.
- Leave room for dessert (local yoghurt desserts and baklava are crowd-pleasers) for a sweet group finish.
Optional: Mixtape 5 — end the night dancing or with DJ sets
22:00 – 01:00 • 3h
A popular, energetic club — perfect for groups who want to dance and celebrate the trip’s end.
bul. Galeriya, Podlez @ Vitamin B, Old City Center, Blvd. "Cherni vrah", 1142 Sofia, Bulgaria
4.5 (2,568 reviews)
Tips from local experts:
- Check guest DJ nights in advance; for a group of friends, arriving before midnight can help avoid long entry lines.
- Book a table if you want a guaranteed spot and a place to regroup between sets — good for bottles and shared costs.
- Carry ID and a small cash amount for cloakroom; taxis back to hotels are easy to get from the nearby main roads.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 2 |
| Highlights | 5 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Friends |
| Transfers | 2 |
| Restaurants | 4 |
| Total Activities | 15 |
| Total Places | 15 |
| Activities Types | Attraction, Neighborhood, Meal, Culture, Outdoor, Break, Restaurant, Nightlife, Transfer, Experience |
