Top Bulgaria Arts & Design

Sofia is rich in colorful street art—if you know where to look. This self-guided tour leads you to the best graffiti, murals, and public art in the city and tells you about the artists and stories behind each work of art. Choose to follow along via Google Maps or a PDF file and set your own pace as you explore the city.

See two of Bulgaria's top attractions in one day on this self-guided tour that allows you to combine the convenience of a tour with flexibility of independent travel. By taking a shared shuttle, you can visit the UNESCO-listed Rila Monastery, in Rila National Park, in the morning and then in the afternoon explore the charming and historic city of Plovdiv, which is considered the cultural capital of Bulgaria.

Learn what life was like in communist-era Bulgaria on a Sofia city walking tour. Meet your informative guide in central Sofia and check out the buildings and monuments that testify to its and Bulgaria’s 45 years on the eastern side of the Iron Curtain. See the Largo complex, former home of Bulgaria’s Communist Party; the Monument to the Soviet Army; the National Palace of Culture and more as your guide explains communist ideology and the everyday lives of Bulgarians during the controversial Cold War period.

Appreciating the diversity of Balkan culture can be difficult, especially with limited time in the region. Explore Macedonian culture on a day tour to Skopje from Sofia, and tick off another Balkan capital in just one day. Travel the distance with ease in a small group, and discover landmarks including the Skopje Fortress, Memorial House of Mother Teresa, and Old Bazaar, with insights provided by your guide.

The Illusions in Museum in Veliko Turnovo turns the notions of reality and shakes the confidence in one's own eyes! A memorable meeting of science and entertainment in 500 square meters awaits you at the most amazing museum in Veliko Tarnovo. We have prepared over 100 illusions, both optical and physical, that will take you to a new world: holograms, 3D paintings, a levitating orb, an inverted room, an Ames room, and more. Only here will we show you interactive Veliko Tarnovo 100 years ago and an artistic copy of the Tsarevets fortress of sand with the audio-visual spectacle "Sound and Light". Only here you have a special Jedi place to take your coolest photos while hovering in the air. The Illusions in Museum in Veliko Turnovo awaits you every day of the week. Come and see how illusions happen!

Discover Sofia's captivating secrets through an immersive audio journey that puts you in complete control of your adventure. Unlike rigid group tours, you'll uncover exclusive historical narratives and hidden stories that most visitors never hear, from ancient Roman ruins to Soviet-era mysteries. Our expertly crafted narration brings each location to life with compelling storytelling and fascinating details, delivered through crystal-clear audio that's both engaging and easy to follow. Choose your own path through Bulgaria's dynamic capital, spending as much time as you wish at each remarkable site while experiencing the city like a knowledgeable local friend sharing their most treasured insights.

Enjoy a lighter side of Sofia when you prebook your ticket to the Museum of Illusions Sofia online, guaranteeing you entry even at busy weekends during the school vacation. You'll gain access to 4,300 square feet (400 square meters) of educational entertainment, packed with riveting illusions, fascinating feats of physics, mysterious artworks, and scientific inventions, many with interactive elements too.

Appreciating Bulgaria’s ancient history can be difficult on the streets of the seaside resort. Take a break from the beach on a visit to Varna Archaeological Museum, and discover Roman remains, Paleolithic tools, as well as some of the world’s oldest gold treasure. Book ahead to avoid disappointment, and benefit from regular opening hours to visit at a time that suits you.

Immerse yourself in one of Bulgaria’s signature sights at the Rila Monastery on this convenient day trip from Sofia. Delve into the history of the medieval landmark and its fresco-coated church, with plenty of free time to explore on your own. There's also time to include a visit to Boyana Church, with its pre-Renaissance frescoes, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

IMPORTANT: Entrance in the monastery is only allowed with covered shoulders and covered knees. So please make sure you have appropriate clothes. Often called the 8th wonder of the world, the Seven Rila lakes are legendary for their beauty and awesomeness. They are one of the most visited natural sites of Bulgaria. We combine them with a visit to the Rila Monastery. The Monastery of Saint Ivan of Rila, better known as the Rila Monastery is the largest and most famous Eastern Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria. The tour starts at 08:00 and finishes around 19:00. The driver will pick you up, will take you to the Monastery and will show you around. After that he will take you to the lift to the 7 Rila Lakes, you will be able to go up to the lakes, the driver will stay down and wait for you there. When you come back, he will pick you from the lift and bring you back to Sofia.

Most tours stop at Buzludzha. We include the Shipka Freedom Monument — the hilltop battleground where Bulgaria's liberation was decided in 1878 — and the only rose museum where you see Bulgarian rose oil made the same way it has been for three centuries. Three iconic experiences, one small group, one passionate local guide. Maximum 8 people means you get real conversations, real stories, and real Bulgaria.

Embark on a quest where you will uncover the secret stories from the communism era of Sofia. Solve clues and unlock stories on your phone, as you discover the National Art Gallery, the Soviet Army Monument, and many more. As you solve challenges, the story unfolds and exact directions on your phone will guide you to the next location. So, are you up for an exciting city game? - Walk along Sofia’s city centre and visit the Temple of Bulgarian Martyrs, the Sofia University, and lesser-known places. - Enjoy a uniquely crafted story brought to you by our talented writers. - Walk along the streets filled with remnants of communist times. - Enjoy the most interesting attractions from the communist past of Sofia. - Try a new type of experience, the perfect mix between a tour, outdoor escape game, and treasure hunt. - Visiting the inside of the attractions you will encounter is not required for the game

Enjoy a delicious meal at Khan's Tent, a restaurant high above the sea level, north of Sunny Beach. Admire the restaurant's unique architecture, which is shaped like an Old Bulgarian tent, and take in the stunning views of Sunny Beach, Nesebar, and Saint Vlas.

Pre-book tickets to Rila Monastery to explore a UNESCO World Heritage Site with more than 1,000 years of history. Booking Rila Monastery tickets online combines the convenience of advance planning with skip-the-line admission and the flexibility to arrive at any time of day—without being limited to a fixed tour schedule. Your tour also includes an e-guide to further enhance your experience.

This day tour of Plovdiv and Koprivshtitsa from Sophia saves you the headache of renting a car and navigating Bulgaria’s roads on your own. Your transportation and itinerary are taken care of, and you'll discover the highlights of both cities. Discover the influences of the Romans, Thracians, and Byzantines as you walk through Plovdiv, and see the homes of some of Koprivshtitsa's most famous residents.

Perhaps Bulgaria’s most important religious sight, the Rila Monastery nestles deep in the Rila Mountains. But, with only one direct bus a day, it’s fiddly to reach by public transport. This small-group tour from central Sofia brings you direct to the monastery, with an audio guide to keep you informed, and includes a stop at another UNESCO World Heritage Site, Boyana Church. Entrance fees are at your own expense.

Sofia is a compact city, but discovering its main landmarks can take time. Skip the hassle of research and get oriented in the city in just a couple of hours on a walking tour that’s tailored to first-time visitors. From onion-domed churches and the main cathedral to mineral springs, a mosque, museums, and galleries, get a sense of the city and its history in a fun, interactive way.

Discover Sofia's vibrant art scene on this engaging tour that takes you through the largest National Gallery in Bulgaria, featuring 1,700 artworks across 28 halls. Explore the Royal Palace, once home to the kings of the Third Bulgarian Kingdom, now showcasing a rich art collection and an ethnographic museum. Conclude your journey at the Sofia City Art Gallery, preserving the city's artistic heritage since 1928. This tour is perfect for art enthusiasts eager to delve into Bulgaria's cultural history. - Visit the newest National Gallery, featuring a diverse art collection - Explore the Formal Royal Palace with its ethnographic exhibits - Discover the Sofia City Art Gallery, highlighting local artistry - Perfect for art lovers interested in Bulgarian and international art history

Sofia has so many museums, that the locals don’t even know for their existence. In this walking tour, the guide will tell what happened here millions of years ago and will lead you through the historical periods, through Аncient times, Мiddle ages, Кingdom era, and Socialistic era. Join the untypical city tour to have a bigger picture of Sofia, that never sleeping beauty.

Sofia is home to incredible murals, quirky street art pieces, and stylish graffiti. But where is the best art in the city? Join our street art and graffiti tour to discover Sofia’s thriving urban art scene. Our team is made up of artists and city guides on a mission to place Sofia on the global street art map while enabling the local street art scene through events, urban art projects, and walls. Throughout the Sofia street art and graffiti tour you will experience a part of the town that is in the exact city center, yet of the beaten paths - all surrounded by artworks on the walls.

Did you know that there are Christian tombs dating back to the 3rd and the 4th century under St. Sophia church? Prepare for a loaded experience as we explore the remains of an early Christian necropolis and stroll through a labyrinth of sarcophagi! Feel like the protagonist of a mystery novel as we tour the underground and explore the tomb pits, stone tombs, stone sarcophagi, the typical late antiquity masonry tombs with semi-cylindrical vaults, as well as the separate Honorius Tomb, I will tell you many thrilling stories from the history of the ancient church of St. Sophia throughout the centuries. Come rain or shine, this is a great experience for all the brave explorers at any time of the year!

Going off-the-beaten path in Bulgaria is really interesting and shows you the stunning beauty of the country. Buzludzha monument is one of the top alternative sights in Bulgaria which makes you say "Wow"! Easy transportation, away from the crowds and the stunning shots you could take are only part of the things that would make you stay on spot for several hours. Our special tour would present you with the most in-depth information and best kept secrets around that spot. Our electronic local guide is truly unique and you would enjoy using the experience we have created.

Knowing the best spots for insight into Bulgaria’s socialist past can be difficult. Visit the Museum of Socialist Art for insight into the People's Republic of Bulgaria, and get an intimate look at examples of socialist realism, political sculptures, and archival footage from the era. Benefit from regular opening hours to visit at a time that suits you.