Mild weather, vibrant cultural events, and the chance to immerse yourself in local traditions — just some of the reasons why autumn is the perfect time to visit Sofia, according to siviaggia.it, Italy’s premier online travel portal, which recently devoted an extensive feature to the Bulgarian capital.

Sofia is one of those cities that knows how to surprise without shouting for attention. It’s not your typical postcard destination — and that’s precisely its charm. Here, eclectic architecture mingles with streets steeped in history and an atmosphere that dances between Central European elegance and subtle Oriental influences.

But it is in autumn that Sofia reveals its most captivating side. From September to November, the light turns softer and warmer, parks blaze in golden tones and pleasant weather invites you to wander on foot through winding streets and lively squares. You might pause in a retro café to watch life slow to an unhurried rhythm, as described by journalist Flavia Cantini.

Another part of Sofia’s seasonal allure? The absence of the frenzied tourist buzz that summer brings. September days hover between 17°C and 25°C, and the crystal-clear light gives photographs an almost painterly quality. It’s the perfect moment to pair cultural sightseeing with nature escapes, taking advantage of Vitosha Mountain’s proximity — just a few kilometres from the city centre.

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Pleasant Temperatures and More Time to Stroll

Autumn in Sofia invites you to slow your pace. Until mid-October, the weather is mild, and the city's tree-lined boulevards, hidden courtyards and golden-domed Orthodox churches offer a feast for the eyes. Now is the perfect time to explore museums, galleries and historical landmarks without the usual queues and crowds.

By late October, the air turns cooler and fresher. Mornings are often veiled in a light mist, lending the city a romantic, almost fairy-tale quality. November brings the first real chill – and sometimes the season's first snowfall – transforming Sofia into a more intimate and cosy destination.

The perfect season for cultural and culinary delights!

Autumn in Sofia isn’t just for outdoor walks — it’s also when the Bulgarian capital comes alive with a rich calendar of cultural and gastronomic events of international calibre. November, in particular, brims with culinary temptations and festivals celebrating food and tradition.

Events such as the Wine Salon bring together winemakers from across the region for tastings and discussions with experts. Alongside it, The Milk Route showcases dairy products — a proud hallmark of Bulgarian cuisine — while Interfood & Drink presents the latest gastronomic trends with themed stalls, demonstration kitchens, and hands-on workshops.

The article notes that these celebrations provide a wonderful opportunity to sample Bulgarian specialities such as banitsa, a savoury pastry with layers of dough and cheese, and tarator, a chilled soup made with yoghurt and cucumber, alongside local wines which are rarely found outside Bulgaria.

A new connection from Turin to Sofia

Italian travellers now have another reason to choose Sofia this autumn: a new direct route from Turin operated by a well-known low-cost airline. Starting on 28 October 2025, there will be three flights per week — on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays — offering travellers a fresh and convenient gateway to a capital city that had previously remained off their tourist radar, according to reports from the Italian platform.

Editor: Desislava Semkovska

Posted in English by E. Radkova

Photos: Facebook/ Sketches of Sofia, food-exhibitions.bg