Free Tour of Sofia
Sveta Nedelya, Roman Serdica, the mosque and Alexander Nevsky
Reserve your free spotQuick answer
Yes, it is free: no ticket, you tip the guide at the end. Free Tour of Sofia meets at Palace of Justice, lasts about 2h and is guided in English; rated 9.5/10 from 7,630 reviews on Civitatis.
Start times vary by date and are confirmed when you book.
The walk starts in front of the Palace of Justice and heads into the old centre, where each period of the city left a different style of building. The first stops are Sveta Nedelya Church, the coat of arms of Sofia and the little church of Sveta Petka with its rough stone walls. The route then passes the Roman ruins and reaches the Banya Bashi Mosque, the main trace of the Ottoman centuries, and the Sofia Synagogue, where the guide covers the city's history during the Second World War.
The second half takes in the Sofia museum in the old bath house, the former headquarters of the Bulgarian Communist Party, the Parliament, the Ivan Vazov National Theatre and the former Royal Palace. After the early Christian Church of St Sophia, which gave the city its name, the tour ends at Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, two hours after the start.
Tour highlights
- Sveta Nedelya Church
- Church of Sveta Petka
- Roman ruins of Serdica
- Banya Bashi Mosque
- Ivan Vazov National Theatre
- Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
Meeting point
After the tour
This tour is free — there's no charge to join. At the end, tip your guide whatever you feel the experience was worth. 100% of tips go directly to them.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Free Tour of Sofia really free?
Yes — there is no ticket and no upfront cost. You reserve a free spot, join the tour, and at the end tip your guide whatever you feel it was worth. Most travelers tip the equivalent of €10–20 per person, but the amount is entirely up to you.
Where does the Free Tour of Sofia start?
The tour meets at Palace of Justice (Palace of Justice). The exact meeting point and how to spot your guide are confirmed in your Civitatis booking.
How long is the tour, and what languages is it in?
It lasts around 2h and is guided in English. One booking covers up to 5 people; larger parties need a private tour. Comfortable walking shoes recommended.