Things to do in Elin Pelin

Activities, attractions and tours

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Top places to visit

1. Alexander Nevski Cathedral

The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is one of Sofia’s most emblematic buildings; a Russian Orthodox cathedral of incomparable architectural splendor and captivating religious art. Admire its Neo-Byzantine façade, opulent décor, mosaics and murals. Built in the early 1900s, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral honors the 200,000 soldiers who lost their lives in the Russo-Turkish War, fighting for the liberation of Bulgaria from Ottoman rule in 1878.
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Gaze in awe at this magnificent cathedral and step inside to see a fascinating collection of mosaics, murals and religious icons.

2. National Palace of Culture

The National Palace of Culture is one of Sofia’s most recognizable landmarks and an excellent cultural and entertainment center. Here, you can admire modern fortress-like architecture, visit art exhibitions and enjoy live music events. The National Palace of Culture opened in 1981 to commemorate the 1,300th anniversary of the Bulgarian state.
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This impressive castle-like monument is a multipurpose cultural center that hosts art exhibitions, a film festival and concerts by well-known performers.

3. Bulgarian Parliament

Visit the Bulgarian Parliament to experience the life of Bulgaria’s National Assembly. Marvel at the impressive 19th-century architecture and then get a glimpse of parliamentary activities during a sitting. The Bulgarian Parliament dates back to 1884, when it was constructed by a builder from the German state of Saxony.
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Admire the architecture of Bulgaria’s national assembly building and attend a parliamentary session at this elegant government building in Sofia’s city center.

4. Ivan Vazov National Theatre

Visit the magnificent Ivan Vazov National Theatre to admire opulent early-20th-century architecture and attend opera, ballet and theater performances. Enjoy people-watching from the terrace of nearby cafés or relax in the peaceful Gradska Gradina (City Garden). The Ivan Vazov National Theatre has three stages, with a combined capacity of over 1,000, and welcomes some of Bulgaria’s most revered theatrical performers.
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Sofia’s largest theater combines a fascinating array of art and architecture with a busy schedule of performances by some of Bulgaria’s finest actors.

5. Vitoshka Boulevard

The broad street of Vitosha Boulevard is Sofia’s main thoroughfare for shopping and dining in the city, stretching from St. Nedelya Square to South Park. Walk down the partly pedestrianized strip to see café awnings jutting out from heritage buildings and splashes of color in the potted plants that line the avenue. Refresh your wardrobe with high-end label names or check out some of the side streets and shopping malls that branch out from the boulevard. Visit some of the street’s notable buildings and palaces. Take a seat in a restaurant with tables spilling out into the street and people-watch or gaze at the views of Mount Vitosha, which soars above the southern end of the street.
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Stroll along the spacious main shopping street of Sofia and enjoy the mix of heritage façades, renowned retailers, leafy trees and lively cafés.

What to do in Elin Pelin

Popular places to visit

Alexander Nevski Cathedral

Alexander Nevski Cathedral

Gaze in awe at this magnificent cathedral and step inside to see a fascinating collection of mosaics, murals and religious icons.

Alexander Nevski Cathedral
National Palace of Culture

National Palace of Culture

This impressive castle-like monument is a multipurpose cultural center that hosts art exhibitions, a film festival and concerts by well-known performers.

National Palace of Culture
Sofia Central Mineral Baths

Sofia Central Mineral Baths

You can find out about the history of Sofia with a stop at Sofia Central Mineral Baths. While in this culturally rich area, find time to visit its shops.

Sofia Central Mineral Baths
Bulgarian Parliament

Bulgarian Parliament

Admire the architecture of Bulgaria’s national assembly building and attend a parliamentary session at this elegant government building in Sofia’s city center.

Bulgarian Parliament
Ivan Vazov National Theatre

Ivan Vazov National Theatre

Sofia’s largest theater combines a fascinating array of art and architecture with a busy schedule of performances by some of Bulgaria’s finest actors.

Ivan Vazov National Theatre
Vitoshka Boulevard

Vitoshka Boulevard

Stroll along the spacious main shopping street of Sofia and enjoy the mix of heritage façades, renowned retailers, leafy trees and lively cafés.

Vitoshka Boulevard
Mount Vitosha

Mount Vitosha

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Mount Vitosha during your travels in Sofia. While in this walkable area, find time to visit its spas.

Mount Vitosha
Sofia University

Sofia University

Take a campus tour or just explore the area of Sofia University, during your trip to Sofia. Discover the museums and cathedral in this culturally rich area.

Sofia University
Boyana Church

Boyana Church

See an incredible collection of perfectly preserved Eastern European Medieval art at this tranquil 10th-century Bulgarian Orthodox church.

Boyana Church
Photo by Мария Карагеоргиева

Ihtiman

Frequently asked questions

Is Elin Pelin worth visiting?
From retail therapy to outdoor pursuits and history, there are loads of great things to do in Elin Pelin. Make sure to discover the area's mix of awesome sights, culture and local charm.
How do I spend a day in Elin Pelin?
Kick-start your day with a visit to Ivan Vazov National Theater. Then, check out different parts of Elin Pelin for tasty eats and some retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Elin Pelin?
Don't go home without visiting Ivan Vazov National Theater, rated the top tourist attraction in Elin Pelin.
Is three days enough to stay in Elin Pelin?
Book a vacation in Elin Pelin for three days and you'll have enough time to tick off its major sights and get a feel for the local way of life. For the chance to visit highlights in nearby areas and get off the beaten path, consider sticking around for a week or more.
What are some activities to do in Elin Pelin with kids?
Whether you're vacationing with young explorers or adventure-seeking teens, a fun-filled itinerary takes your trip to the next level. Take a look at our ideas for what to do in Elin Pelin with kids.

What to do in Elin Pelin for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, avid foodie or thrill seeker, there's no shortage of things to do in Elin Pelin for adults.
Are there free things to do in Elin Pelin?
You don't need to splurge to have a fantastic vacation here. There are loads of fun things to do in Elin Pelin for the budget-conscious visitor. Unwind in the parks, catch free shows and events or ask a local tour guide for ideas.