Sophia may not have an abundance of attractions, but it has enough interesting highlights to fill a couple of days. Its parks, museums, churches and street life are all excellent and easily explored on foot. In particular, the city’s Eastern Orthodox churches such as Boyana, St Sofia and Alexander Nevsky should not be missed.

Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and Icon Museum
This unmistakable church is the largest in the Balkans and a symbol of Sophia. The scale of this structure is immense. Its interior, which is ornately decorated, can hold 7,000 worshippers. Visit during a service to witness the scale of this church. Even more engaging is the Icon Museum located in the crypt. The evolution of Bulgarian iconography is traced from the 300s to the 1800s, offering some spectacular pieces or art. Its icon collection is superior to anything in Bulgaria and should not be missed. Phone: +359 2 981 5775.

Alexander Nevsky Square Flea Market
One of the most fascinating and fun things to do in Sophia is browse this huge arts and crafts market in front of the cathedral. Some truly interesting things are offered for sale, such as antiques from the communist era, handmade toys and embroideries, and myriad carved items. This is also an excellent place to search for an authentic icon at a decent price. Be ready to haggle unless you want to pay more than you need to.

Banya Bashi Mosque
This eye-catching structure is the capital’s only functioning mosque. Built in 1576 by the famous architect Kodja Mimar Sinan, this mosque is an excellent complement to the churches in Sophia. At the rear is an ancient bathhouse that has been excavated and restored. Visitors are welcome to visit outside of prayer time as long as they are dressed conservatively.

Boyana Church
It’s the artwork of this unassuming 11th-century church that continues to amaze and baffle art historians. The 13th-century frescoes covering the interior portray three-dimensional aspects and expressions that don’t appear elsewhere until the Italian Renaissance more than 100 years later. So intriguing is this mystery that UNESCO has named Boyana a World Heritage Site. English-speaking guides helpfully explain the finer points of the frescoes. Phone: +359 2 959 0939.

National History Museum
This strikingly brooding “palace” at the foot of Vitosha Mountain creates quite an impression. No expense was spared by Todor Zhivkov, the communist dictator who built the museum in 1973, in his effort to awe visitors. Its collection of Bulgarian history is equally impressive, covering the region’s prehistory to the 1800s. More than 650,000 exhibits present some real gems, especially the Thracian armoury, rhytons and jewellery. Phone: +359 2 955 7604; www.historymuseum.org

St Sofia Church
The city’s oldest Eastern Orthodox church was built in the fifth century, and became the namesake of the capital in the 15th-century. Over the centuries it has undergone several transitions, but a number of original parts remain. The Roman mosaic floor is particularly impressive, and its austere interior is lovely. Stop by on a weekend, when it’s likely you can catch a local wedding in action.