Great one day trips close to Sofia

If you live in Sofia but you feel like escaping the big city for a day, we recommend you to travel around Bulgaria and explore our beautiful country! Below you will find 13 ideas for one-day trips close to Sofia (for your convenience, 10 of them are easy to reach by public transportation but you can also hire a car, of course). In any case, if you have more time to explore the country, you can also read our article about the must-visit places in Bulgaria. 

1. Vratsa

Vratsa is a city located in the northern part of Bulgaria. A bus ride from Sofia to Vratsa takes about 2 hours. The city has a long pedestrian street and is surrounded by high mountains and rocks which make the city an amazing place for taking pictures. If you visit the city, going to the Ledenika cave is a must. Keep in mind the cave is located about 20 km away from the city centre of Vratsa so you should take a taxi (you won't regret it!).

2. Plovdiv

The second biggest city in Bulgaria, Plovdiv, is one of the most beautiful cities in Bulgaria and is located only two hours away from the capital! Did you know that the longest pedestrian street in Europe is actually the one in Plovdiv? The city is pronounced to be the European capital of culture 2019 and tourists love it because of the Kapana creative district (a pedestrian area right next to the main pedestrian street, full of small and cozy coffee places), the Roman Amphitheatre, the Old Town as well as the views over the city from each hill in Plovdiv. Joining the free Plovdiv tour is a must - volunteers will take you to the best places in the city centre! 

3. Rila Monastery and Stob Pyramids

You probably already know that Rila Monastery is one of the most popular sightseeing places in Bulgaria. It attracts tourists with the breath-taking architecture and the mountains surrounding the monastery. There is a direct bus from Ovcha Kupel bus station (in Sofia) that will take you to Rila Monastery in about two hours and a half. In addition, if you are travelling by car, we definitely recommend visiting the Stob Pyramids which are located on the way to the monastery. 

4. Borovets

Borovets is a famous ski resort among people who love winter and, of course, winter sports. You can go to Borovets by catching a bus from Yug bus station (next to Joliot-Curie metro station in Sofia) to Samokov - it takes one hour. From there you should catch a shuttle bus to Borovets. Make sure you wear comfortable shoes in order to enjoy the mountain to the fullest! 

5. Pancharevo lake

Did you know that Pancharevo lake is located only 30 minutes by bus away from the city centre of Sofia? Just catch bus n. 1 from Tsarigradsko shose and get off at "Banya Pancharevo" bus station. Of course, you can also order a taxi to go there - it won't cost more than 20 leva. The best thing is that there is also a mineral water pool right next to the lake so don't forget your swimming suit! 

6. Seven Rila Lakes

A bit extreme maybe for a one-day trip, but recommended to people who love mountains! You should either catch a bus to Panichishte (a winter resort about 8 km away from the lift that takes you up to the lakes) or go directly to the lift by car. The lift will take you to Rilski ezera (Rila lakes) hut. From there we recommend going on the right side of the hut to climb up the peak and see all lakes from above (it will take you about 2 hours and half to reach the top of the mountain). Keep in mind that you should rather avoid the summer months (in August it is pretty overcrowded) and you should leave Sofia early in the morning in order to be able to catch the lift, climb up the peak and go back to the lift within its working hours. The view is definitely worth it!

7. Lakatnik

If you are into scenic train trips, catch a train from the main Sofia train station to Lakatnik (it will take you in the middle of the Balkan mountains) - it takes about one hour. From there you can climb up the Lakatnik rocks (in Bulgarian "Lakatnishkite skali") - don't worry the trail is quite nice and you will also see some caves and small waterfalls. At the end, you will reach the Septemvriytsi 1923 monument - the view from above is epic! You can also reach the place by car, but the road is very narrow - not the best place for people who hate heights. In any case, if you are travelling by train, we recommend you ask locals for advice and directions!

8. Blagoevgrad

Easy to reach by bus (around 2 hours away from Sofia) and train, Blagoevgrad is said to be one of the most student-friendly cities in Bulgaria. There we recommend walking along the main pedestrian street as well as visiting some of the city parks (e.g. Bachinovo). If you are with a car, Stob Pyramids and the Rila Monastery are located close to the city so you can combine them in a memorable one-day trip!

9. Boyana church and waterfall

You don't want to travel all day long? Visit the Boyana church (located actually in the suburbs of Sofia, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List) and enjoy the beauty of Vitosha mountain (as you can guess, we are talking about the Boyana waterfall). The only thing you need is a ticket for the public transportation (bus no. 64, get off at Boyansko hanche station). 

10. Zlatnite mostove (Golden bridges)

In summer there are often direct buses that take you to the Golden bridges (in Bulgarian "Zlatnite mostove") area in Vitosha mountain. You can also catch a taxi to reach the place - it is a nice area in the mountains covered in stones where you can enjoy a picnic or a nice walk over the weekend. We definitely recommend visiting the place in spring or summer - this way you will enjoy nature and the nice weather!

11. Prohodna cave

We recommend visiting Prohodna cave by car as it is not very easy to reach by bus or train. Believe us, you will fall in love with this place! The cave is also called "God's eyes" because of the two holes on top of the cave that look just like eyes. There is no entrance fee and you can also go bungee jumping from the top of the cave! The place is about one hour and a half away from Sofia (by car). 

12. Koprivshtitsa

The easiest way to reach Koprivshtitsa is by car. It is one of the most spectacular and historic towns in Bulgaria - the hometown of many Bulgarian poets and rebellions who fought for the freedom of Bulgaria during the Ottoman empire. You should visit Koprivshtitsa in summer when you can enjoy the mountains surrounding it and take pictures of the typical Bulgarian houses famous because of the beautiful architecture. 

13. Tran Gorge

The Tran gorge of Erma river is a beautiful place located only about one hour and a half away from Sofia. There is a bus leaving from Ovcha Kupel bus station to Tran village but when you get off, you still have about 3 km to reach the gorge. This is why it might be a better idea to rent a car. Check out the reviews and pictures at tripadvisor to get a sneak peek of the breath-taking gorge!

You don't have much time to travel? Check our article about 15 things do to in Sofia!