Sofia’s Roots: A Self-Guided Audio Tour
+10 photos
At a glance
- Duration
- 1h 30min–2h
- Price from
- $15 / person
- Location
- Sofia, Bulgaria
- Languages
- EN, EN
- Group
- Private
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Confirmation
- Instant
- Ticket
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Operator
- VoiceMap Audio Tours
- Meeting point
- The tour starts outside the National Palace of Culture (NDK). Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.
Description
Bulgaria’s capital has layers of captivating history, from ancient Roman foundations to echoes of its days under Communist rule. On this walking tour around Sofia’s vibrant streets, you’ll gain local insights into the city’s rich history and take in cultural landmarks from the fresh perspective of a newly immersed expat. On this tour, you'll see not only point out the obvious landmarks but also hear candid stories and wander off the beaten path, offering you an authentic look at life in Bulgaria. Along the way, you’ll hear about the most horrendous massacre in Bulgarian history and the cultural bracelets shared among friends. Whether you’re revisiting Sofia or exploring it for the first time, this tour offers a thorough and intimate view of the city’s past, present, and all the layers in between. This tour takes approximately 90 minutes without stopping. Allocate two hours in case you expect to pause and explore more.
Schedule & prices
- Runs
- Every day
- Next available
- Mon, Oct 12
- Adult (ages 6+)
- $15
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 11.
Tour Options
Itinerary
This self-guided audio tour starts in the National Palace of Culture Park. You'll hear the city's history as you make your way into the city centre.
Vitosha Boulevard
On this self-guided tour, you'll stroll down Vitosha Boulevard, and hear about some of the landmarks along this picturesque route.
On this self-guided audio tour, you'll have a chance to see the Orthodox Cathedral "Saint Nedelia". You'll learn about its history as you walk around the city centre.
On this self-guided audio tour, you'll have a chance to step inside ancient churches and ruins that date back to the Roman era, including the hidden St. Georgi Rotunda Church.
On this self-guided audio tour, you'll have a chance to marvel at the impressive yet misunderstood Monument of Saint Sofia and reflect on the rich cultural diversity at Tolerance Square.
On this self-guided audio tour, you'll have a chance to explore the remarkably preserved ruins of the cultural complex of ancient Serdika at two underground metro locations and walk along the ancient Roman road that once connected critical cities.
You’ll follow part of the city’s yellow brick roads. Along the way, taking in architectural treasures spanning millennia, including the central mosque of Sofia, Banya Bashi Mosque, the medieval orthodox temple of St. Petka Samardjiyska, and the National Theater Ivan Vazov.
On this self-guided audio tour, you'll have a chance to see the Central Synagogue of Sofia. You'll learn about its history as you walk around the city centre.
On this tour, you'll pass by the Central Baths (Banski) Square where you'll have a chance to taste the revitalizing mineral spring water that’s been part of Sofia’s healing traditions for centuries.
You’ll follow part of the city’s yellow brick roads. Along the way, taking in architectural treasures spanning millennia, including the central mosque of Sofia, Banya Bashi Mosque, the medieval orthodox temple of St. Petka Samardjiyska, and the National Theater Ivan Vazov.
On this self-guided audio tour, you'll have a chance to see the Archeological reserve "Serdika - Largo" (at underpass level). You'll learn about its history as you walk around the city centre.
Ivan Vazov National Theater
St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral
The beautiful snow-capped Vitosha Mountain provides a stunning backdrop as you make your way to Patriarchal Cathedral St. Alexander Nevsky, where the tour ends.
What's included
Included
Lifetime access to this tour in English
Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
App for Android and iOS
Not included
Tickets or entrance fees to any museums or other attractions en route
Smartphone and headphones
Transportation
Food and drink
How it compares in Sofia
- Starting price $15 is 74% below the typical $57 for tours of similar length in Sofia
Excurgo comparison of 608 Viator tours, recalculated daily.
Important Information
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sofia’s Roots: A Self-Guided Audio Tour take?
Sofia’s Roots: A Self-Guided Audio Tour lasts about 1h 30min–2h. The itinerary has 13 stops.
How much does Sofia’s Roots: A Self-Guided Audio Tour cost?
Prices start at $15 per person for this Sofia experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
What days does Sofia’s Roots: A Self-Guided Audio Tour run?
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs every day.
Can I cancel Sofia’s Roots: A Self-Guided Audio Tour for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is The tour starts outside the National Palace of Culture (NDK). Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading. Hotel pickup is not part of this experience.
What languages is Sofia’s Roots: A Self-Guided Audio Tour offered in?
The experience is available in EN, EN.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a private experience: only your party takes part. Up to 15 travellers can book together.
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Compare similar tours in Sofia
- Lowest price: Rila Monastery: Monastery Self-Guided Audio Tour 7 lang — $6
- Best rated: Rila Monastery and 7 Rila Lakes Self-Guided Shared Trip from Sofia — 4.8 (336 reviews)
- Shortest: Rila Monastery: Monastery Self-Guided Audio Tour 7 lang — 1h 30min
| Tour | Duration | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sofia’s Roots: A Self-Guided Audio Tour | 1h 30min–2h | — | $15 | |
 Road Trip Bulgaria™: Self-Drive Audio Guided Tour to the North Coast of BG | 11 hours | 5.0 (1) | $206 | View |
 Plovdiv Old Town Self-Guided Audio Tour | 2–3 hours | 4.5 (6) | $8 | View |
 Rila Monastery: Monastery Self-Guided Audio Tour 7 lang | 1h 30min | — | $6 | View |
 Rila Monastery and 7 Rila Lakes Self-Guided Shared Trip from Sofia | 13 hours | 4.8 (336) | $54 | View |
 Secrets of Sofia Self-Guided | 3–5 hours | 5.0 (1) | $33 | View |
 Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Self-Guided | 1–2 hours | 5.0 (2) | $9 | View |
from$15
Free cancellation