This article may contain links to products and services we use and recommend. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. For more information, see our Disclosure Policy.
They say the best way to experience a destination is through its food. And it’s true—food isn’t just something we eat; it’s a reflection of a place’s history, its culture and its people. Every bite tells a story.
But here’s the challenge: Being new to a destination, it’s easy to play it safe and stick to dishes we already know or take the risk and go to a well-reviewed restaurant only to realise it’s not that great at all. And while food tours promise a deep dive into the local culinary scene, many come with a hefty price tag, putting them out of reach for budget-conscious travellers.
What if there was a way to taste authentic Bulgarian cuisine, learn about its traditions, and do it all without spending a fortune or sifting through endless restaurant reviews? That’s precisely what Sofia’s Free Food Tour offers.
Who or what is Sofia’s Free Food Tour?
Run by Balkan Bites, this tip-based tour is more than just about sampling traditional food. It’s about discovering the (hi)story behind Bulgaria’s most iconic dishes. It’s an experience that goes beyond the plate, giving you a true taste of Bulgarian culture in the most authentic way possible.
Unlike traditional food tours with a fixed price, Balkan Bites’ tour is based on the idea that food should be accessible to everyone. Since its launch in 2013, the company has welcomed thousands of visitors, helping them experience authentic Bulgarian flavours without financial barriers. There are no upfront costs – you tip your guide at the end based on what you think the experience is worth.
While participating eateries provide small food and beverage samples, they do not get paid (from your tips). The idea is that participants of the tour might come back later for a proper meal. As such, don’t expect to be full at the end of the tour – it’s more like an afternoon stroll with snacks.
Tours are run daily from 14:00 (and ours finished at 16:30). The meeting point is the big head statue of Stefan Stambolov [Google Maps location] at Park Crystal.
Experience authentic Bulgarian flavours with taste samples on Balkan Bites' Free Food Tour - then return to your favourite eatery for a proper meal
What to expect on the Free Food Tour Sofia?
Who will be leading you?
Each tour is led by passionate local guides who bring their perspectives and knowledge to the experience.
On our tour, we were led by Daniela, a knowledgeable and personable guide with a fascinating background: a 30+ year old and originally from Bulgaria, Daniela had lived in South Africa for 18 years before returning home in 2021. Working part-time for Balkan Bites, Daniela is also a vocalist and an Argentine tango dancer—a woman of many talents!
Daniela’s enthusiasm was contagious, and she made every stop feel like a window into Bulgarian life. We didn’t just try different dishes – we learned why certain ingredients are staples, how regional influences have shaped the cuisine and what makes Bulgarian food unique.
Each food tour is led by passionate local guides who bring their unique perspectives and knowledge to the experience
Who will you be touring with?
To ensure a quality tour, group sizes are limited to about 15. But demand often exceeds supply (significantly). On the day we joined, 36 people showed up, so the organisers separated us into two smaller groups of 18, with each group walking a different route. On this occasion, our two guides were able to accommodate everyone. However, only those with a booking have a guaranteed spot. So make sure to book in advance.
One of the fun aspects of any tour is the diverse mix of people you meet. Our group consisted of three women (and a toddler) from the Netherlands, a young Danish-British couple, an older South African couple, and a few other travellers from different parts of Europe.
With participants from all over the world, tours are held in English - Group sizes are limited, so make sure to book your spot in advance
What about dietary considerations?
As a type 1 diabetic herself, our guide Daniela was very attuned to the dietary needs of our group. Before setting off, she asked about dietary restrictions. With two diabetics, a person allergic to nuts, raw carrots and apples, and a vegetarian, she then contacted the restaurants to get the samples tailored accordingly.
Only travellers who are gluten- or dairy-intolerant (or strict vegans) may find this tour challenging, as many traditional Bulgarian dishes contain gluten, dairy, or animal-based ingredients, and substitutes are not always available.
While the food tour can cater to dietary requirements, gluten- or dairy-intolerant people may struggle as there is a lot of it in Bulgarian cuisine
What will you learn and taste?
At each stop, small food and drink samples are provided, allowing you to taste traditional Bulgarian cuisine in bite-sized portions.
What makes this tour stand out, though, is the storytelling. The guide doesn’t just hand you food but provides the historical and cultural context of each dish. You’ll also meet the people who founded and run each eatery, and learn a bit about them, making every bite more meaningful.
Our tour included stops at the following establishments:
1. Mlekarnitsa Geran (Млекарница Геран)
This dairy shop specialises in traditional Bulgarian banitsa, a flaky pastry filled with cheese and butter. The version served here is made with yoghurt, which adds a delicious fluffiness to the texture. The samples were served with айрян (ayran), a popular Bulgarian yoghurt-based drink, in small paper cups.
Made with yogurt, the banitsa at Mlekarnitsa Geran is extra fluffy
Retro Pamid is a Bulgarian red variety with rosé-like features
2. BeWiner
For wine lovers, this stop is a treat. Bulgaria has a long history of winemaking, and this shop specialises in local grape varieties, such as Pamid and Mavrud. During our visit, we tasted Retro Pamid, a delicate red wine that resembled rosé in both appearance and flavour.
3. rCurry
This stop introduced us to Sri Lankan flavours (with a Bulgarian twist). We sampled a fried vegetable patty, served with a garlic yoghurt dip. Alongside it, we were given flower honey, scooped straight from the jar using wooden spoons.
On the Balkan Bites food tour, you also get to meet the eateries' owners
Gelato doesn't need to contain a ton of sugar (or dairy) to taste delicious
Hungry for more street food adventures?
Take your tastebuds to Marrakech, where an expert-led food tour dives into the city’s rich culinary traditions — from souk snacks to rooftop dining.
4. Atelier del Gelato Baci
Even desserts are part of the journey! This gelato shop is known for its high-quality, sugar-free options. We got to try raspberry sorbet and a unique yoghurt gelato infused with sour cherry, honey and chocolate.
5. Mekitsa i Kafe (Мекица и Кафе)
If you haven’t tried mekitsa before, you’re in for a treat here. This fried dough pastry is similar to a doughnut – soft inside and crispy on the outside. Traditionally dusted with powdered sugar, mekitsa is a beloved breakfast item in Bulgaria. Portions were smaller than those typically served in a café, but perfect as a tasting sample.
Mekitsa is a beloved breakfast item in Bulgaria - we got to taste small bites
Lutenitsa, Katak and Kyopolou are popular Bulgarian spreads
6. Hadjidraganov’s Cellars (Хаджидрагановите изби)
Named after Hadji Draganov, who once made the Orthodox pilgrimage to Jerusalem, this stop is a historic Bulgarian restaurant that offers local spreads and wines. Here, we sampled:
- Lutenitsa – A tomato and red pepper spread, often enjoyed with bread.
- Katak – A dip made from sheep cheese and buffalo yoghurt, topped with a sprinkle of Sharena sol (Rainbow salt).
- Kyopolou – A smoky eggplant and red pepper dip, another staple in Bulgarian cuisine.
To finish off, we were served a taste of Pelin (wormwood wine) in tiny traditional pottery bowls. This herbal wine contains Artemisia absinthium, the same key ingredient found in absinthe.
Pelin (wormwood wine) at Hadjidraganov’s Cellars concluded our free food tour with Balkan Bites
And here are just a few insights we learned along the way:
- Bulgarian yoghurt is renowned worldwide, thanks to its bacterial strain, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, which lends it its distinctive flavour and health benefits.
- Unlike the sweetened versions standard in many countries, Bulgarian yoghurt is always plain. Flavoured yoghurt is seen as a sacrilege, in much the same way as Germans view their beer purity laws.
- Garlic is everywhere in Bulgarian cuisine, except in dessert.
- Thracians, an ancient civilisation of the region, introduced winemaking to Bulgaria centuries ago.
- The weight and ingredients listings you find on restaurant menus were introduced during Socialist times.
At the end of the tour, participants receive a leaflet (and map) listing all the eateries that Balkan Bites’ tours frequent, including any places not visited on your particular tour. This is an excellent resource for those who want to continue exploring on their own. We ended up having dinner at Simple Food Punkt [Google Maps location], an eatery that wasn’t part of our tour route but was included in the leaflet, and Hadjidraganov’s Houses/Хаджидрагановите къщи [Google Maps location], the sister restaurant of the last eatery on our tour.
Participants receive a brochure with all the eateries included on Balkan Bites' tours
Would we recommend the tour?
Absolutely. From learning about Bulgarian food culture to tasting some of the country’s best bites, the Free Food Tour Sofia is an engaging and budget-friendly way to experience Sofia beyond the usual tourist spots.
While the tour is fantastic, there is always room for minor improvements to make it even better. In our case, these opportunities relate to sustainability: Some of the establishments on our tour served the samples using plastic containers and scoops. While they may be recyclable, home-compostable solutions could be a better option.
Balkan Bites' Free Food Tour Sofia is great - we just hope the use of plastic utensils can be addressed
Map of Accommodation, Points of Interest, Eateries and Transport
Below is a map of the recommended accommodations, points of interest, eateries, and transport terminals or stops mentioned in this article.
Explore the ruins of Ancient Serdica
For history enthusiasts, the Ancient Serdica complex provides a glimpse into Sofia's Roman heritage. Fun fact: Sofia was initially known as Serdica, named after the Thracian Serdi tribe that inhabited the area before the Romans. The site contains well-preserved ruins of Roman streets, houses, and a fortress wall, dating back to the second century AD. Located between the Banya Bashi Mosque and Serdika Metro Station [Google Maps location], the ruins are free to explore at any time.
Travel back in time to the 2nd century AD and visit the ruins of the ancient Roman settlement of Serdica | Image courtesy of David Stanley on Wikimedia Commons
Drink from Sofia's natural mineral springs
Sofia is one of the few capitals in the world where you can drink naturally heated mineral water straight from public fountains. The best place to try it is at the site of the city's former Central Baths, where the public drinking water fountains are located across the road from and near the walls of the Regional History Museum. The water temperature is 46 °C (115°F), so let it cool down before drinking. Locals have utilised these thermal waters for centuries due to their purported health benefits.
Collect heated mineral water (like the locals) from the public water fountains around the former Central Baths | Immage courtesy of Apostoloff on Wikimedia Commons
Watch the Changing of the Guard
Every hour, on the hour, you can witness the Changing of the National Guard in front of Bulgaria's Presidential Palace, located across the road from the Serdica Complex [Google Maps location].
Watch the Changing of the Guards outside Bulgaria's Presidential Palace | Image courtesy of Apostoloff on Wikimedia Commons
Visit Sofia's iconic houses of worship
Sofia has some of Bulgaria's most impressive religious landmarks, many of which are free to enter, including:
- Alexander Nevsky Cathedral [Google Maps location] – Completed in 1912, this impressive Byzantine edifice is one of the World's largest Eastern Orthodox cathedrals.
- Church of St. Nicholas the Miracle-Maker [Google Maps location] – This Russian Orthodox church has golden domes, colourful frescoes and bells donated by none other than the last Czar (Nicholas II).
- Banya Bashi Mosque [Google Maps location] – Built in the 16th century above the city's thermal springs, it's a serene place to visit. Non-muslims are welcome, and coverings for women are available.
Several of Sofia’s iconic houses of worship are free to enter, including Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
Relax in Sofia's green spaces
Sofia is one of Europe's greenest capitals. Here are some of the many parks and gardens worth checking out:
- Borisova Gradina Park [Google Maps location] – Dating back to 1884 and named after Czar Boris III, this is one of Sofia's oldest and largest parks. It's home to many of Sofia's sports facilities, including the Vasil Levski National Stadium.
- South Park [Google Maps location] – Located to the south-west of Borisova Gradina, and connected to it via tree-lined Boulevard Nikola Vaptsarov, South Park is a popular spot for markets, concerts and other social activities.
- City Garden of Sofia [Google Maps location] – Established in 1872, this small park is the oldest in Sofia's green spaces and a tranquil oasis in the city centre. Come here if you like to play chess with locals.
If you have extra time, consider taking a day trip from Sofia. Public transport is affordable, making it easy to explore beyond the city boundaries.
Hiking in Vitosha Nature Park
Located just 10 km from Sofia and established in 1934, Vitosha Nature Park is Bulgaria's oldest Nature Park. With breathtaking views, fresh mountain air and scenic trails suitable for all fitness levels, Vitosha is a favourite destination for hiking and wildlife spotting.
For a day trip to Vitosha National Park, take Bus #61 from Bul. Tcherni Vrah [Google Maps location] or #63 from Bul. Tsar Boris III [Google Maps location] to Zlatni Mostove/Златни Mостове [Google Maps location]. You pay by tapping a debit card on the card reader upon boarding the bus. You're never charged more than the cost of a day pass (BGN4).
Vitosha Nature Park (with its stunning Boyana Waterfall) makes for a great day hike close to the city | Image courtesy of Ivano Giambattista on Wikimedia Commons
From Zlatni Mostove:
- Take the 8km trail past Boyana Waterfall and Boyana Church. With 190m of elevation gain and 790m of elevation loss, it's suitable for any fitness level and takes approximately 3 hours to complete.
- For a more challenging route, first head up to Kamen Del Peak for panoramic views over Sofia, and then down to Boyana Waterfall and Boyana Church. At 13km, with a 470m elevation gain and 1,080m elevation loss, this route takes about 6 1/2 hours (plus rest stops).
The UNESCO-listed Boyana Church is renowned for its 13th-century frescoes – be sure to stop and take your time admiring them. The entrance fee is BGN10.
Make sure to visit the UNESCO-listed Boyana Church, famous for its 13th-century frescoes | Image courtesy of Ann Wuyts on Wikimedia Commons
Visiting Koprivshtitsa
Koprivshtitsa is one of Bulgaria's most charming historic towns, thanks to its well-preserved Bulgarian Revival-style buildings and cobblestone streets.
For a day trip to Koprivshtitsa, take the direct morning train from Sofia. The train ride takes about 2 1/2 hours. Koprivshtitsa railway station [Google Maps location] is approximately 8 km outside the town, but a shuttle service is available to bring visitors into the town centre. There are several trains departing in the afternoon for Sofia. Depending on which train you take, you can spend about 3 1/2 hours (or more) exploring this little gem.
To check the train schedule, go to the Bulgarian Railway website. For the shuttle timetable, check the Facebook page of Koprivshtitsa Railway Station. Same-day return tickets for the train cost BGN12.30. You can book your ticket online or in person at the train station. The shuttle costs BGN3 one-way (to be paid in cash to the driver).
Once in Koprivshtitsa, head first to the Tourist Information Centre [Google Maps location] to pick up a map. If you plan to visit three or more of the six public museums in town, it's also worth buying a combined ticket (BGN 15); otherwise, the price is BGN 6 per museum. Then start your self-guided tour.
Lyutov House is one of many stunning examples of Bulgarian Revival architecture in Koprivshtitsa | Image courtesy of Esther Westerveld on Wikimedia Commons
Our favourites among the Bulgarian Revival-style houses (turned museums) are (in the order of walking):
- Oslekov House/Ослекова Къща [Google Maps location] – This privately owned museum is not included in the combined ticket. The entry fee is BGN5.
- Debelyanov House/Дебеляновa Къща [Google Maps location] (closed Mondays)
- Kableshkov House/Каблешковa Къща [Google Maps location] (closed Mondays)
- Lyutov House/Лютова Къща [Google Maps location] (closed Mondays)
- Benkovski House/Бенковски Къща [Google Maps location] (closed Tuesdays)
Walking from Kableshkov House to Lyutov House takes you over the historic Kalachev Bridge/Калъчевия мост [Google Maps location]. In this place, the first shots of the April Uprising against the Ottomans were fired on 20 April 1876.
After visiting the Benkovski House, walk the few steps up the hill to the monument [Google Maps location]. It commemorates the role Georgi Benkovski played in the uprising and offers beautiful panoramic views. Another great little museum, included in the combined ticket, is located right in front of the Benkovski House: the Museum of Education [Google Maps location].
Gorgeous Koprivshtitsa is easy to visit on a day trip (by public transport) from Sofia | Image courtesy of Eola on Wikimedia Commons
By the way, if a DIY day trip is too hard, you can also join the Koprivshtitsa eco tour from Sofia.
How much time should I spend in Sofia?
We recommend a minimum of three nights (two full days) in Sofia. This allows you to
- explore the city’s main attractions, and enjoy a walking tour on day 1, and
- take a day trip to Vitosha Nature Park or Koprivshtitsa on day 2.
If you have more time, you could see more of Sofia and consider a day trip to the Rila Mountains or join a wine-tasting experience:
Where to stay in Sofia?
While there are hotels in Sofia (obviously), we found apartments to be of much better value for money. Here are our recommendations for centrally located yet quiet apartments – all in easy reach of the main sights:
| Name | Property Features | Book Now |
|---|---|---|
| Apart Hotels Sofia | Modern apartments with kitchenette, balcony or terrace with city views and washing machine | Book Now |
| Central Sofia Condo | Modern one-bedroom apartment with a well-equipped kitchen and washing machine | Book Now |
| Contemporary Charm in Old Sofia | Modern two-bedroom apartment with a well-equipped kitchen, washing machine as well as a terrace and balcony with city views | Book Now |
| Fantastic Central Apartment | Stylish one-bedroom apartment with a well-equipped kitchen and washing machine | Book Now |
| Este Apart Historical Center | Modern one-bedroom apartment with a well-equipped kitchen, washing machine and balcony with courtyard views | Book Now |
Help us keep our content accurate and relevant
We've gone through a lot of effort to create helpful articles. While we do our best to keep them up-to-date, things change all the time. If you spot outdated information or have helpful updates, we’d love to hear from you.
Before you go, if you liked our article and found it helpful, we would appreciate it if you could share it with your friends and family via the Share buttons below. Even better: Leave a short review on Trustpilot or Google, which would help us further build our online reputation as a (trustworthy and helpful) travel and lifestyle blog.
