What To Do in Sofia in Winter - 5 ideas
What is your first association when you hear “winter”? Snow, ice, frost? In fact, winter is not only cold and frost. It is comfort, warmth, adventure. Winter is about games on the ski slopes, cheerful smiles on faces, hot drinks in the hands. Next time you think of winter, recall not just the cold, but also all the warm moments we enjoy during those months.
If you happen to visit Sofia in, January, or February or early March, you may be wondering what to do in Sofia during the winter. What types of entertainment are available throughout the winter months? We will look for the answers to these questions together today. We’re going to share with you some ideas on how you can have a good time even when it’s snowing outside.
1. Visit museums
If you are a lover of culture and history, you should definitely make time to visit museums. Here are 3 of them worth visiting.
- The National History Museum (40 min. away) is the largest museum in Bulgaria. Its collections include over 650,000 cultural monuments and a vast archaeological and historical archive. If you want to learn more about the history of the country, there is no better place than this.
- We hasten to share with you about another interesting place – the “Dolls” art house and museum (9 min. away by tram or 15 min. away on foot). This museum, unique in its nature, has over 3,000 dolls, including porcelain, antique, ritual, contemporary, marionettes, and souvenirs from Bulgaria, as well as near and far countries. The museum is located in the center of Sofia in a 100-year-old aristocratic house which is an architectural monument.
- Another super fun place to visit is the Museum of Illusions in Sofia (just opposite Introvert Maria Luisa Hotel, you just have to cross the street). It spans over an area of 400 square meters and is divided into several sections, including a historical hall with various paintings, a hall with optical illusions, a room with phosphor wallpaper where you can paint with light or leave an imprint of your shadow on the wall, and even an inverted room.
2. Go to a ballet performance
Elegance, grace, plasticity – it is challenging to describe ballet with just one word. Dance becomes a language that tells stories, that excites, that conveys emotions. Ballet productions are always exciting. Therefore, if you’re wondering what to do in Sofia in winter when it’s freezing outside, you have already got an idea.
3. Hit the slopes at Vitosha Mountain
Vitosha is a wonderful choice for snow adventures. Sledding, skiing, snowboarding fun… doesn’t the idea of it all make you want to pack your bags and head to the mountains right now? The total length of the Vitosha ski slopes is 29 km. The terrains are of different difficulty levels. Some are suitable for complete beginner skiers and snowboarders. Others are suitable for experienced skiers or snowboarders only, but in any case, fun is guaranteed! Both ski lovers and those looking to take their first steps on the slopes – everyone is welcome.
4. Try ice skating in the city
If you want to indulge in snow games in the city, try ice skating. There are quite a few places in the city where you can skate. The Yunak Ice Rink is only 10-15 minutes away from the Introvert Maria Luisa Hotel by metro or bus. The Ice Rink awaits skating enthusiasts every day during the winter season. Are you one of them?
5. Enjoy a day out on the tourist Vitosha Street
A walk on Vitosha street is a must-do experience for everyone, visiting Sofia! It is lined with numerous trendy thematic restaurants and coffee shops, bookshops, souvenir shops and last, but not least – scenic views towards either (snow-covered) Vitosha Mountain or St. Nedelya Church (5 min. walking distance from Introvert Maria Luisa Hotel).
Should you have other interests or ideas, feel free to contact us pre-arrival or on spot, our friendly hosts will guide you to visit places as per your personal interests.
We hope we have given you some ideas on how to spend the winter months in Sofia. Follow our blog – every month we publish useful information for travelers who want to visit and learn more about Sofia.
