Activities in Sofia
-
Free Sofia Tour
This free walking tour led by a local tourism volunteer NGO sets off twice daily from in front of the Palace of Justice (diagonally across the road from McDonalds). Led by friendly, English-speaking volunteers, the two-hour brings you by the city’s main sites, with lots of interesting background presented in a fun and engaging way. The tour is a hit with travellers from backpackers to businesspeople, serves as a great introduction to Sofia and often makes new friends among other travellers and locals in the process.
reviewed
-
A
Maria Luisa Pool
Lying southeast of the city centre, Sofia’s most attractive expanse of greenery is home to the Vasil Levski Stadium, CSKA Stadium and Maria Luisa Pool, as well as bike tracks and tennis courts. It’s laid out with countless statues and flowerbeds, and is a relaxing place to take a leisurely stroll on a sunny Sunday afternoon. The eastern end of the park is dominated by a gigantic communist monument built in 1956 and known as the Mound of Brotherhood, featuring a 42m-high obelisk and socialist-realist icons including a pair of partisan fighters, dramatically gesturing comrades clutching Kalashnikovs, and smiling, stoic workers. It has long been neglected by the authorit…
reviewed
-
B
Maleeva Tennis Club
Run by the Maleeva sisters, a trio of ex-pro tennis players, the Maleeva Tennis Club has both outdoor and indoor courts (per hour from 13/28 lv), as well as squash courts (45 minutes from 14 lv). Individual tennis coaching costs 26 lv per hour. Other facilities include a spa and sauna, and a 30-minute massage costs around 18 lv. See the website for a full price list.
reviewed
-
C
Kokolandia
Kids and adults can enjoy active, outdoorsy fun at Kokolandia, an adventure park inside Borisova Gradina. Divided into three increasingly challenging areas, it offers rope-climbing, tree-top obstacle courses (harnesses provided), rock-climbing walls and a minigolf course. The first zone is suitable for children aged five to 10, while the third is for over-18s only.
reviewed
-
D
Spartak
If you need to cool off, go for a dip at Spartak near the City Center Sofia mall. It’s a big place with an Olympic-sized indoor pool and summer-only outdoor pool with a ‘beach’. The Sparta Fitness & Spinning centre is on the same site.
reviewed
-
E
Zig Zag Holidays
Offers all sorts of tailor-made outdoor activities, including hiking, climbing, caving and biking trips. It offers day trips to Rila Monastery (€67) and walking tours of Sofia (€25). Prices are per person, for groups of up to three. Entrance is on ul Lavele.
reviewed
-
F
Karting Sport
Young speed fans (over eight years old) can take the wheel of a motorised go-kart and zoom around the twisting, 1km-long track at Karting Sport, a modern speedway circuit in the Krasna Polyana district. Take bus 11 or tram 11 or 22 to get here.
reviewed
-
G
Sparta Fitness & Spinning
One of the most advanced gyms in town is Sparta Fitness & Spinning. Besides the well-equipped gym, there’s a sauna, pool and spa area. Yoga and Pilates classes, massages and more are available. A one-hour massage costs around 30 lv.
reviewed
-
Mega Xtreme Bowling Center
The Mega Xtreme Bowling Center is a vast, state-of-the-art complex featuring an 18-lane bowling alley, pool tables and a disco with live music Friday and Saturday nights. To get there, catch minibus 7 from bul Maria Luisa.
reviewed
-
H
TanguerIN
Fancy learning the tango in Sofia? This friendly studio in the Lozenets district runs private one-hour classes for 30 lv (more than one couple 20 lv) on weekday evenings. Longer courses are also available; see the website for details.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
Paintball Bulgaria
Paintballing has become a popular pastime around Sofia. Paintball Bulgaria offers sessions around Mt Vitosha. The price includes equipment and 100 balls. Reservations are essential.
reviewed
-
I
Kibea Health Centre
Nutritional healing courses can be followed here. Three- to five-day courses, in English, start at €150, and cover various aspects of nutritional science.
reviewed
-
J
Alexander Tour
An upmarket outfit offering numerous tours all over Bulgaria, including bird-watching, archaeology and wine tours.
reviewed
-
K
Odysseia-in Travel Agency
Odysseia-In can book you on hiking, skiing, climbing, bird-watching and numerous other trips across the country.
reviewed
-
Motoroads
Motoroads in Sofia has a good choice of motorcycles for rent from €40 per day (plus €300 security deposit) and organises a series of motorbike trips: a quick three-day riding tour of the Rila, Pirin and Rodopi Mountains costs €460 per person for two, including accommodation, or €270 for a self-guided trip.
reviewed
