Sofia
Capital of Bulgaria
Sofia is the capital of Bulgaria and home to 1,213,134 people as of 2025. Visitors come to see significant landmarks such as the Saint Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the UNESCO-listed Boyana Church, and the Largo.
What to see
The city features several notable sites. Religious and historical architecture includes the Saint Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and the UNESCO-listed Boyana Church. The Largo area is another central point of interest. Other locations of note include the Church of Saint George, the Amphitheatre of Serdica, and the Banya Bashi Mosque. Outdoor spaces and monuments include Borisova gradina, the Monument to the Tsar Liberator, the Monument to the Soviet Army, the Monument to the Unknown Soldier, Eagles' Bridge, Lions' Bridge, and the Battenberg Mausoleum. Additionally, the Museum of Socialist Art and the Cathedral of St Joseph are available to visitors.
When to go
The warmest weather occurs from June through August, with daily highs reaching 24 °C to 26 °C. These months also see lower rainfall compared to the spring. May and June are the wettest months, with rain on about 16 days each. Winters are cold, with daily highs between 4 °C and 6 °C and lows dropping below freezing from December to March.
Getting there
Sofia Airport is located 8 kilometers from the city.
Top sights in Sofia
Weather by month
The warmest month is August, with an average high of 26 °C. Rain is spread fairly evenly through the year.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average high, °C | 4 | 6 | 10 | 16 | 20 | 24 | 26 | 26 | 22 | 17 | 10 | 5 |
| Average low, °C | -5 | -4 | 0 | 5 | 10 | 13 | 15 | 15 | 11 | 7 | 1 | -3 |
| Rainfall, mm | 42 | 41 | 46 | 53 | 72 | 74 | 58 | 56 | 47 | 46 | 46 | 46 |
| Rainy days | 11 | 11 | 13 | 12 | 16 | 16 | 10 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 10 | 11 |
Temperatures and rainfall: 1981–2010 averages for Sofia (4 km grid), from CHELSA. Rainy days: 2015–2024, NASA POWER.
Also worth a look
- Amphitheatre of Serdica
- Banya Bashi Mosque
- Battenberg Mausoleum
- Borisova gradina
- Cathedral of St Joseph, Sofia
- Church of Saint George, Sofia
- Eagles' Bridge, Sofia
- Lions' Bridge, Sofia
- Monument to the Soviet Army, Sofia
- Monument to the Tsar Liberator
- Monument to the Unknown Soldier, Sofia
- Museum of Socialist Art
- National Archaeological Museum
- National Art Gallery
- National Historical Museum
- National Palace of Culture
- Old Parliament House, Sofia
- Prince Alexander of Battenberg Square
- Royal Palace
- Russian Church, Sofia
- SS. Cyril and Methodius National Library
- Saint Nedelya Cathedral, Sofia
- Saint Sophia Church, Sofia
- Sofia Central Mineral Baths
- Sofia Synagogue
- Sofia Zoo