Sofia Weekend: Balkan Bites & Hidden Heritage

Welcome to Sofia! After settling into our central hotel, we head straight to the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, one of the largest Eastern Orthodox cathedrals in the world, to marvel at its stunning gold-plated domes. We’ll spend our first evening at a traditional Mehana, immersing ourselves in Bulgarian hospitality with a group dinner featuring local specialties like Banitsa and Shopska salad, paired with a toast of fiery Rakia. It is the perfect introduction to the soulful spirit of the Balkans and a great way to bond with our new group of WeRoaders.

Today, we step back in time as we explore the ancient Roman ruins of Serdica, which are uniquely integrated into the city’s modern metro system. We’ll walk through the Square of Religious Tolerance, seeing a church, mosque, synagogue, and cathedral all within a few hundred meters. In the afternoon, we’ll dive into the local vibe of Shishman Street, browsing independent galleries and bookstores. As night falls, we’ll uncover Sofia’s legendary "secret bars"—unmarked spots with incredible atmospheres—and enjoy the vibrant, young energy of the city's craft beer scene.

Our final morning is spent exploring the authentic side of the city at the Central Market Hall and the historic Ladies' Market, where we can browse for local crafts and Bulgarian rose oil. We’ll take one last stroll to admire the city's urban street art and grab a final coffee at a hidden courtyard cafe. We’ll swap photos and contact info over a final quick lunch of local street food before catching the metro or a taxi to the airport for our flights home, leaving Sofia with a full heart and a new perspective on the Balkans.