Bulgaria · WALKING TOURS
Sofia and Plovdiv are cities for feet, and both hide their Roman layer at pavement level. These 15 walks are priced by length, with a note on the ones that involve real hills and the ones that end in a bar.
Spend three hours walking central Sofia with an English-speaking guide such as Daniel, Vasil, Martin, or Dino. Visit communist landmarks, a former secret police site, the Soviet Army Monument, and the National Palace of Culture while weighing daily life, politics, and the era’s lasting effects.
“An incredible and knowledgeable tour guide, would recommend this tour to others”
Start by Ivan Vazov National Theater and follow a guide through Sofia’s central sights, including Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Serdika ruins, St. George Rotunda, and the Presidency. Headphones provide commentary in seven languages, while the live guide keeps you on course and leaves time for photos.
“Toni was a great guide, very informative and knowledgeable. The walk itself was done at a very relaxed pace stopping a 20 locations with the last being the Changing of the Guard at the Residency, Thank You”
Meet your English-speaking guide at Sofia Court House at 4pm for a three-hour walk through communist-era Sofia. Expect personal stories, political history, architecture, and stops at the Largo, Soviet Army Monument, NDK, and a piece of the Berlin Wall. Guides may include Niki, Nikola, Vasko, Martin, or Stefan.
“So much information! And really interesting history. Great guide, Nickolas, who presented the pros and cons of communism.”
Meet your English-speaking licensed guide at Alexander Nevsky Cathedral for a two-hour walk through Sofia’s major sights. You’ll enter the cathedral, see Roman Serdika, taste mineral water, and finish near Vitosha Boulevard. Guides such as Nikola add warm, personal insight to Bulgaria’s story.
“This tour was a fantastic way to discover Sofia’s most important landmarks. What made it really special was our guide, Nikola — knowledgeable, friendly, and someone who made me feel completely at ease from the start. He shared fascinating insights into Bulgaria’s history and took the time to answer all my questions thoroughly. It felt more like exploring the city with a local friend than a typical tour. Highly recommended!”
Walk Sofia’s historic center with a live English-speaking guide, often in a group of 10 or fewer. Enter Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Saint Sofia Church, and the Rotunda, then follow Roman ruins, royal monuments, communist-era buildings, and Vitosha Boulevard.
“Our guide Peter was excellent! Sofia was such a beautiful city, and our guide didnt waste time giving long history lectures.”
Spend about two hours walking central Sofia with a private English-speaking guide. Follow the route from Saint Nedelia Cathedral through Serdika, the mosque, synagogue, Largo, Russian Church, and Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. Guides such as Vasil and Mina are praised for clear stories and lively anecdotes.
“We recently enjoyed a 2-hour city center tour of Sofia with Vasil, and it was a highlight of our stay. Although we had been exploring the city center on our own for the past two days, Vasil brought the history and culture of Sofia to life in a way we hadn’t experienced. His deep knowledge, backed by his academic background in tourism, made the tour both informative and engaging. Vasil was exceptionally friendly and enthusiastic, and his passion for the city was contagious. My wife and I learned so much during our time with him. We highly recommend Vasil for anyone looking to explore and truly understand the majestic city…”
Walk Sofia’s historic center with a private English-speaking guide such as Pavlina, Rumi, or Nikolaj. See Roman streets, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the Russian Church, mosque, synagogue, royal palace, and communist-era buildings while getting useful advice for exploring on your own.
“Our tour guide Pavlina was the best! She was so knowledgeable and informative and made sure we saw all the historic sites in Sofia. She went above and beyond our tour time as it ran over a little bit but she didn’t skimp on anything. Highly recommend this tour and Pavlina!”
Leave Sofia early with an English-speaking mountain leader such as Velko, Alex, Daniel, or Kiril. Ride a chairlift above the pine forest, snowshoe toward the Kidney Lake, then soak in Sapareva Banya’s thermal pools. Weather may change the route.
“Incredible trip with our amazing guide Velko, he went above and beyond and made the trip so memorable”
Walk Sofia’s central sights in about two hours with a live guide who keeps the group moving while you follow recorded commentary in English or six other languages. Expect Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Ancient Serdica, the Russian Church, Banya Bashi Mosque, and more. Headphones and audio equipment are included.
“Obliging tour guides. Eager for you to know about Sofia and then help you get around the city and even get a taxi”
Walk from Plovdiv’s central square through Kapana and the Old Town to Nebet Tepe and the Ancient Theatre. A private English-speaking guide covers Roman ruins, Ottoman houses, churches, and local stories. Guide Niki is specifically praised for clear, engaging explanations.
“Thank you so much for an amazing tour of Plovdiv. My guide Niki was awesome, super knowledgeable, about the city, its history and its story. Thank you for a great day.”
Spend about three hours walking central Sofia with an English- or Spanish-speaking guide, visiting the National Theater, Serdika, mosque, churches, and city landmarks. Finish with Bulgarian wine and local bites such as lukanka, katak, kopoolu, and fillet Elena. Vegetarian and vegan options can be requested.
“Great tour by Dani! Funny and informative guide, very entertaining for 4 hours and showed us all the important historical locations and explained their background in depth and covered the whole city. Really got a great insight into Sofia and highly recommended”
Walk Plovdiv with a live English, Italian, or Spanish-speaking guide, visiting the Roman theater, Roman Stadium, Kapana, Old Town, and pedestrian street. Guides such as Bibiana and Sonya bring local stories to the route, which includes cobblestones and steep sections.
“Sonya was a wonderful guide, very friendly , polite and informative. A great tour showing lots of great spots/ areas. Would highly recommend.”
Start near the Monument of the Unification at 10 a.m. and spend about three hours tasting Bulgarian treats at markets, bakeries, tea shops, and other local stops. Guides Iliya and Daniel add stories about Plovdiv’s culture and past, with the walk ending near the Mosque and Roman Stadium.
“Our tour guide Ilya was very knowledgeable about the local area and gave us excellent insights on Plovdiv. The food along all of the stops was fantastic. Would highly recommend this to anyone visiting Plovdiv!”
Start at the Statue of Sofia and follow a guide such as Ivo, Stella, or Katarina through central Sofia’s less obvious art spots. You’ll learn graffiti styles, meet Bulgarian and international artists through their work, hear the stories behind the walls, and have a chance to try graffiti yourself.
“I had an amazing tour! All thanks to Ivo, who was super friendly and knowledgeable about the subject! He even gave me some valuable tips for the rest of my Bulgária trip. Sófia has some great street art, so take advantage of this great tour!”
Start at Plovdiv’s Ancient East Gate and walk through the Old Town with an English-speaking guide. Boris is one named guide on the team. Expect live history, monument context, practical tips, and a finish near the Roman Stadium, with entry fees extra.
“Boris was very knowledgeable and engaging with everyone during the tour. I enjoyed the tour very much!”
Pick a monastery, a ridge, a cellar or a beach.
