Free, tip what you liked · ★ 9.5/10 (7,630 reviews) · on Civitatis
Quick answer
Yes. There is 1 free walking tour in Sofia listed here, bookable for free on Civitatis. It is Free Tour of Sofia: it meets at Palace of Justice, lasts about 2h and is guided in English, rated 9.5/10 from 7,630 reviews.
Start times vary by date and are confirmed when you book.
Sofia is one of the oldest cities in Europe and shows it in layers. The Roman town of Serdica lies a few metres below today's streets and is visible in the underpasses of the centre. Above it stand a medieval church half sunk in the pavement, an Ottoman mosque, one of the largest synagogues in Europe, the heavy buildings of the communist years and the gold domes of Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, all within a short walk and with Mount Vitosha behind.
The free walking tour covers that centre in two hours. From the Palace of Justice it goes to Sveta Nedelya Church and the small church of Sveta Petka, passes the Roman ruins and reaches the Banya Bashi Mosque and the Sofia Synagogue. It continues past the old bath house, the former Communist Party headquarters, the Parliament, the Ivan Vazov National Theatre and the former Royal Palace to the Church of St Sophia, which gave the city its name, and ends at Alexander Nevsky Cathedral.
Plan your visit to Sofia
What to see in Sofia
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is the symbol of the city, built in memory of the soldiers who died in the war that freed Bulgaria from Ottoman rule. Behind the Presidency, the red-brick Rotunda of St George dates from the 4th century and is the oldest building in Sofia still standing. The city's official tourism website lists museums and opening times.
The remains of Roman Serdica are displayed in and around Serdika metro station, free to walk through. On the southern edge of the city, Boyana Church is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its 13th-century frescoes.
Getting around and when to go
The centre is compact and flat; the metro and trams reach the rest. May, June and September are the most pleasant months, and winter brings snow and skiing on Vitosha. Travellers crossing the Balkans often link Sofia with Bucharest to the north or Istanbul to the east. See the month-by-month guide for timing.
Good to know before you go
Bulgaria switched from the lev to the euro in 2026, so you can tip the guide in euros. Small notes or coins are easiest.
Next to the old Central Baths there are public fountains of warm mineral water where locals fill their bottles. The tour passes close by.
The metro runs from the airport to the centre, and the meeting point at the Palace of Justice is a short walk from Serdika station.
Leave half a day for Mount Vitosha or the medieval frescoes of Boyana Church on the edge of the city, and a full day if you want to reach Rila Monastery.
Rest those walking legs
Where to stay in Sofia
Well-reviewed stays from our partner Booking.com. Check rates and availability for your dates on their site.
Yes. The Free Tour of Sofia on Civitatis covers Sveta Nedelya, the Roman ruins, the Banya Bashi Mosque, the synagogue, the National Theatre and Alexander Nevsky Cathedral with an English-speaking guide. You reserve for free and tip at the end.
Where does the Sofia free tour start?
In front of the Palace of Justice, in the centre. The exact point and how to recognise the guide are confirmed in your booking.
How long is the free tour of Sofia?
About two hours. It ends at Alexander Nevsky Cathedral.
Does the tour go inside the churches, the mosque or the synagogue?
No. It is a street tour that explains the buildings from outside. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is at the end of the route, so you can go in on your own afterwards.
How much should I tip on a free tour in Sofia?
There is no fixed amount. At the end you give the guide what you think the tour was worth. Our tip calculator shows the usual range.
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