---
type: "Article"
title: "A weekend city trip to Sofia with the gang"
description: "At the moment, Bulgaria is not quite considered a normal excursion target. But that makes it even better suited for our annual boys' weekend getaway..."
resource: "https://travelmemo.com/bulgaria/weekend-city-trip-sofia"
author: "Walter Schaerer"
publisher: "Travelmemo"
photo_count: 12
tags: ["City Trip", "Bulgaria"]
entities:
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  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/topics/restaurant"
  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/topics/culinary-tourism"
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  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/topics/boutique-hotel"
  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/topics/excursion-tips"
  - "https://travelmemo.com/author/walter-schaerer"
generated: { by: "human:https://travelmemo.com/author/walter-schaerer", at: 2026-07-04T14:24:34+00:00 }
verified:
  - { by: "human:https://travelmemo.com/author/katja-birrer", at: 2016-11-21T15:00:01+00:00 }
sources:
  - id: photos
    resource: weekend-city-trip-sofia.md#photos
    title: "Original photography by Walter Schaerer"
    author: "human:https://travelmemo.com/author/walter-schaerer"
timestamp: 2026-07-04T14:24:34+00:00
---

# A weekend city trip to Sofia with the gang

> Sofia, Bulgaria's underrated capital, offers a compact mix of layered history, lively dining, and a buzzing rooftop bar scene — making it a solid pick for a long weekend city break with friends.

## Destination
Sofia, Bulgaria

## What to see
- **Cathedral of Saint Alexander Nevski** — Landmark cathedral glistening in the city centre, visible from the Sense Hotel rooftop.
- **Sveta Sofia Temple and catacombs** — Four temples built on top of one another over the centuries, with catacombs beneath; located directly across from the Sense Hotel.
- **Former House of the Communist Party** — Notable architectural remnant of Bulgaria's communist era.
- **Artist's districts and graffiti** — Informal creative quarter with standout street art, best explored on foot.
- **Pedestrian mall** — Shop- and restaurant-lined walking street forming the commercial heart of the city centre.

## What to do
- **Rooftop bar at Sense Hotel** — 360-degree views over the Old Town; an after-dinner drink here is reportedly a local jet-set ritual.
- **Dinner at Moma Bulgarian Food and Wine** — Staff guide guests through traditional appetisers and mains paired with Bulgarian wines including Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and the highly recommended red Mavrud.
- **Lunch at Samurai restaurant** — Generous portions of solid fare near the pedestrian mall; local Kamenitza beer recommended.
- **Dinner at Sense Hotel restaurant** — Stylish, design-forward dining room in keeping with the hotel's aesthetic.

## Good to know
Sofia suits a long weekend rather than a full city-break itinerary. The sightseeing bus service was unreliable in the authors' experience; exploring on foot is recommended. Bulgaria is not yet a mainstream tourist destination, which adds to its appeal for off-the-beaten-path travellers.

## Photos

```yaml
photos:
  - url: "https://travelmemo.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Santa-Barbara-Eco-Beach-Resort-Pool.jpg"
    caption: "The Infinity Pool"
  - url: "https://travelmemo.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Santa-Barbara-Eco-Beach-Resort-Retreat-Villas.jpg"
    caption: "Santa Barbara Eco-Beach Resort"
  - url: "https://travelmemo.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Santa-Barbara-Eco-Beach-Resort-Schlafzimmer-Blue-Green-Studio.jpg"
    caption: "Bedding in the Blue and Green Studio"
  - url: "https://travelmemo.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Santa-Barbara-Eco-Beach-Resort-Sonnenliegen.jpg"
    caption: "View of Praia de Santa Barbara beach"
  - url: "https://travelmemo.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Santa-Barbara-Eco-Beach-Resort-Restaurant.jpg"
    caption: "Santa Bárbara Restaurant"
  - url: "https://travelmemo.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Santa-Barbara-Eco-Beach-Resort-Reception.jpg"
    caption: "Reception in the Santa Barbara Eco-Beach Resort"
  - url: "https://travelmemo.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Santa-Barbara-Eco-Beach-Resort-Restaurant-Aussicht.jpg"
    caption: "Mountain view from the restaurant"
```