Free things to do in Sofia

The ruins of Serdica around the Largo are free to see; some are literally inside the underpass of Serdika metro station. Nearby is the Rotunda of St George in the courtyard behind the Presidency, and in front of the Presidency the guards in ceremonial uniform put on a small show that many people watch by accident while passing.

Entry to Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is free. Next to the Central Mineral Baths there are taps with warm mineral water, so bring a bottle. The Doctors’ Garden is a small park with ancient stone fragments between the trees.

Free Sofia Tour leaves daily from in front of the Palace of Justice. It is in English, and at the end everyone pays what they think it was worth. It is a good first day in a new city and a good way to meet other people who just arrived.

The schedule changes with the season, so check the times on their website before you go.

Borisova Garden, South Park, West Park and North Park are free and huge. So is Vitosha: the trails to Boyana Waterfall, the Golden Bridges or Kopitoto cost nothing beyond a bus ticket.

If you want water, Pancharevo Lake has a path along the shore that suits a walk or a bike ride.

Sofia City Library on Slaveykov Square is a calm place for an afternoon. More interesting are the chitalishta, the neighbourhood community centres: they host choirs, dance groups, clubs and performances, often free or for a small fee. They are one of the easiest ways to meet people who live near you.

Some museums have a free or reduced-price day. The rules differ and change, so check the individual museum’s website, usually on its ticket page.

Walks, games in the park, morning runs, language exchanges, volunteer actions: many of these cost nothing and bring people together around a shared task. Haide lists small events like these in Sofia. Where there is a cost, such as a coffee or a ticket, check the event description.