Guidebook for Sofia
Food Scene
A typical Bulgarian restaurant with nice atmosphere and good food. Choose meat dishes (pork, chicken, lamb, beef) from the menu. The portions are big - one portion is enough for two persons.
47 locals recommend
Hadjidraganovite Kashti
75 ul. "Kozloduy"A typical Bulgarian restaurant with nice atmosphere and good food. Choose meat dishes (pork, chicken, lamb, beef) from the menu. The portions are big - one portion is enough for two persons.
Great Italian ice cream and Italian pizza. It is always very crowdy. Try to find a place outside in the garden.
34 locals recommend
Confetti
4 ul. "Graf Ignatiev"Great Italian ice cream and Italian pizza. It is always very crowdy. Try to find a place outside in the garden.
Ice cream shop on the main commercial street of Sofia. A great variety of flavors. Fruit flavors, especially mango, are great.
Afreddo
12 bul. "Vitosha"Ice cream shop on the main commercial street of Sofia. A great variety of flavors. Fruit flavors, especially mango, are great.
Restaurant located in an old renovated house. Three floors, no lift. Home made dishes. Preferred by young people.
79 locals recommend
The Little Things
37 ul. "Tsar Ivan Shishman"Restaurant located in an old renovated house. Three floors, no lift. Home made dishes. Preferred by young people.
Great small restaurant for meat lovers. Very simple and short menu with typical Bulgarian meat specialties.
86 locals recommend
SkaraBar
2 ul. "Dimitar Grekov"Great small restaurant for meat lovers. Very simple and short menu with typical Bulgarian meat specialties.
Covered market, local producers of food, cosmetics, bed linen and souvenirs
73 locals recommend
Sofia's Central Market Hall
25 булевард „кн. Мария Луиза“Covered market, local producers of food, cosmetics, bed linen and souvenirs
Wok to Walk
8 bul. "Vitosha"Tasty Asian fast food on the main pedestrian street.
A beautiful old house in a small inner yard. Homemade cakes and drinks.
29 locals recommend
Villa Rosiche
26 ul. "Neofit Rilski"A beautiful old house in a small inner yard. Homemade cakes and drinks.
French bakery in one of the beautiful central areas of Sofia near the so called Doctors' garden (behind the National Library). Very tasty cakes and good coffee.
7 locals recommend
Le Salon Aux Fleurs
33 ulitsa "Edison"French bakery in one of the beautiful central areas of Sofia near the so called Doctors' garden (behind the National Library). Very tasty cakes and good coffee.
Tea house - great variety of teas and handmade cakes, sweets and ice cream. Vegetarian/vegan food.
22 locals recommend
Veda House
2 ul. "William Gladstone"Tea house - great variety of teas and handmade cakes, sweets and ice cream. Vegetarian/vegan food.
Tea house + restaurant + venue for various concerts, exhibitions etc. Located in an old factory.
17 locals recommend
Tea House
62 ul. "Petar Parchevich"Tea house + restaurant + venue for various concerts, exhibitions etc. Located in an old factory.
Italian bakery on Dondukov Bulevard. Fresh and tasty italian cakes and various sweets. The kitchen is separated by glass wall so you could see the process of making and baking. The bakery has often special offers which you can see at their facebook page.
Orsetti Pasticceria
19 bul. Kniaz Aleksandar DondukovItalian bakery on Dondukov Bulevard. Fresh and tasty italian cakes and various sweets. The kitchen is separated by glass wall so you could see the process of making and baking. The bakery has often special offers which you can see at their facebook page.
Italian Pizzeria - a very small restaurant managed by a Bulgarian cook who lived and worked many years in Italy. Tasty food, quiet ambiance, very good service. Highly recommended - our favorite Italian restaurant in Sofia !
La Campanella
2 ulitsa "Baba Nedelya"Italian Pizzeria - a very small restaurant managed by a Bulgarian cook who lived and worked many years in Italy. Tasty food, quiet ambiance, very good service. Highly recommended - our favorite Italian restaurant in Sofia !
Burger bar - very tasty burgers, interesting recipes. In my opinion the burgers are quite small and the prices a little bit high, but the place is always full of people and this means a lot :)
37 locals recommend
Boom! Burgers
12 bul. "Tsar Osvoboditel"Burger bar - very tasty burgers, interesting recipes. In my opinion the burgers are quite small and the prices a little bit high, but the place is always full of people and this means a lot :)
One of the most successful Bulgarian chains of restaurants. The food is good, the prices are reasonable. It is full of people all day long, especially in the evenings so probably you will have to wait for a table 10-15 min.
14 locals recommend
Happy Grill
4 pl. "Sveta Nedelya"One of the most successful Bulgarian chains of restaurants. The food is good, the prices are reasonable. It is full of people all day long, especially in the evenings so probably you will have to wait for a table 10-15 min.
Very popular restaurant in the area. Close to Jolio Curie metro station (line 1). Interesting menu, tasty food, live piano music.
7 locals recommend
Brick Café bar & dinner
11 ul. "Konstantin Shtarkelov"Very popular restaurant in the area. Close to Jolio Curie metro station (line 1). Interesting menu, tasty food, live piano music.
bar Abordage
22 ul. "Veslets"Board games bar. Craft beers.
Morrocan food. Lovely small outdoor space behind the house with several tables.
8 locals recommend
Annette
27 ul. "Angel Kanchev"Morrocan food. Lovely small outdoor space behind the house with several tables.
Italian sandwiches, salami and cheese. Fresh and tasty for quick snack. There are several Ciccione Bars in Sofia.
15 locals recommend
Ciccione Panini Bar Gurko
Italian sandwiches, salami and cheese. Fresh and tasty for quick snack. There are several Ciccione Bars in Sofia.
Another successful Bulgarian chain of restaurants. International cuisine. Food is tasty, prices are reasonable.
Godzilla restaurant Sofia
52 2 ul. "General Yosif V. Gourko"Another successful Bulgarian chain of restaurants. International cuisine. Food is tasty, prices are reasonable.
Casa De Cuba
1 ul. "Tsvetna Gradina"Latin food, nice atmosphere, live music.
Drinks & Nightlife
Good food and drinks. Great live music on the second floor. It is always busy, but the food is very tasty.
73 locals recommend
Raffy Bar & Gelato
18 bul. "Vitosha"Good food and drinks. Great live music on the second floor. It is always busy, but the food is very tasty.
Bar after 22.00h and restaurant before that. A huge variety of rakia, Bulgarian alcohol, nice atmosphere, close to a park, interesting menu.
105 locals recommend
Ракия Ракета Бар
17 bul. "Yanko Sakazov"Bar after 22.00h and restaurant before that. A huge variety of rakia, Bulgarian alcohol, nice atmosphere, close to a park, interesting menu.
Cabaret
Old and well known nightclub with decent prices.
Great venue for live music - lots of Bulgarian bands perform each week.
78 locals recommend
Club Terminal 1
1 ul. "Angel Kanchev" Great venue for live music - lots of Bulgarian bands perform each week.
Great venue for live music.
For more information check their website - http://www.sofialiveclub.com/.
English version available.
36 locals recommend
Sofia Live Club
Great venue for live music.
For more information check their website - http://www.sofialiveclub.com/.
English version available.
STIX Bar & Billiards
Billiard, darts etc.
Sens Hotel Roof Top Bar - great location in the heart of Sofia just several steps from the Parliament. Enter the hotel and take the lift to the last floor. You will enjoy a lovely panoramic view, very good service and interesting and quality drinks, especially coctails. The place is expensive !
45 locals recommend
Sense Hotel Sofia
16 bul. "Tsar Osvoboditel"Sens Hotel Roof Top Bar - great location in the heart of Sofia just several steps from the Parliament. Enter the hotel and take the lift to the last floor. You will enjoy a lovely panoramic view, very good service and interesting and quality drinks, especially coctails. The place is expensive !
Piano Bar Sinatra
5 bul. "Arsenalski"Piano bar with a long history. Preferred by people of all ages.
Bedroom Premium Club
2 ul. LegeCaldo
Rock’n Rolla Bar & Club
1 ul. "Graf Ignatiev"Bar Crystal
7Б ul. AksakovBehind the royal palace. I would recommend there the cocktails in summer and the tasty hot chocolate in winter.
18 locals recommend
Tobacco Garden Bar
6A ul. "Moskovska" Behind the royal palace. I would recommend there the cocktails in summer and the tasty hot chocolate in winter.
Stroeja
116 ul. LegeThe Wrong Bar
18 ul. "Sheynovo"Tiffany Club
12 ul. "Ivan Denkoglu"FlipFlop
61 ul. "Oborishte"Great variety of foreign and local beers for beer lovers. Full of people in the evenings, especially Friday and Saturday. Close to the so called Zaimov garden (a small public park).
25 locals recommend
KANAAL - craft beer bar
2 bul. "Madrid"Great variety of foreign and local beers for beer lovers. Full of people in the evenings, especially Friday and Saturday. Close to the so called Zaimov garden (a small public park).
Essentials
Small grocey store, cheap prices, fresh vegetables and fruits, close to the apartment (100 m after crossing Maria Louisa Blvd.). You can pay only in cash. Open every day.
17 locals recommend
Promarket
48 ul. "Tsar Samuil"Small grocey store, cheap prices, fresh vegetables and fruits, close to the apartment (100 m after crossing Maria Louisa Blvd.). You can pay only in cash. Open every day.
There are three BILLA shops in the area - one on the Lions' bridge, another - in the open market nearby (Genski pazar) and the last one on the pedestrian Pirotska street. The one at Lions' bridge is very comfortable because you get out of the metro and the entry is in front of you. Open till 22h (Sunday till 21h)
67 locals recommend
BILLA
№22 bul. "Tsar Osvoboditel"There are three BILLA shops in the area - one on the Lions' bridge, another - in the open market nearby (Genski pazar) and the last one on the pedestrian Pirotska street. The one at Lions' bridge is very comfortable because you get out of the metro and the entry is in front of you. Open till 22h (Sunday till 21h)
Located in Ramada Sofia hotel - 100 m from the apartment. There is a swimming pool and a welness centre (sauna, massages, aqua aerobics etc.)
Victoria SPA Sofia
131 булевард „кн. Мария Луиза“Located in Ramada Sofia hotel - 100 m from the apartment. There is a swimming pool and a welness centre (sauna, massages, aqua aerobics etc.)
Parks & Nature
The oldest park in Sofia created by king Boris in the beginning of XX century. It is under renovation and each year it looks better and better - alleys, fountains, monuments, lakes etc. Easy access by metro - Sofia University metro station.
202 locals recommend
Borisova Gradina
The oldest park in Sofia created by king Boris in the beginning of XX century. It is under renovation and each year it looks better and better - alleys, fountains, monuments, lakes etc. Easy access by metro - Sofia University metro station.
South Park
A beautiful park preferred by the citizens of Sofia.
Vitosha mountain can be reached by public transport - bus or by a taxi. There are many hiking trails but they are not well marked. If you are not experienced in hiking, pay attention
Vitosha Park
ulitsa "197-ma"Vitosha mountain can be reached by public transport - bus or by a taxi. There are many hiking trails but they are not well marked. If you are not experienced in hiking, pay attention
There are two botanical gardens - one near the Vasil Levski square in the city centre and one after the ring road of Sofia. Both have green houses.
12 locals recommend
Botanical Garden
№ 22 ul. "Reka Yagulya"There are two botanical gardens - one near the Vasil Levski square in the city centre and one after the ring road of Sofia. Both have green houses.
Former royal residence with a park. The park is now open for public (ticket at the entrance) only Saturdays and Sundays. In the other days the park and the building are used mostly for shooting movies, TV series and music videos. There is a public bus to the park from Eagles' Bridge.
6 locals recommend
Vrana Palace
Former royal residence with a park. The park is now open for public (ticket at the entrance) only Saturdays and Sundays. In the other days the park and the building are used mostly for shooting movies, TV series and music videos. There is a public bus to the park from Eagles' Bridge.
Small public garden/park near the monument of Vasil Levski.
You can find there Raketa Rakia Bar, SkaraBar, Dobro Restaurant and other smaller local restaurants. Alleys, fountains and children pleygrounds.
81 locals recommend
Park Zaimov
Small public garden/park near the monument of Vasil Levski.
You can find there Raketa Rakia Bar, SkaraBar, Dobro Restaurant and other smaller local restaurants. Alleys, fountains and children pleygrounds.
A recently renovated big park in the north end of Sofia. You can reach it by car, tram or metro. Suitable for sport activities, lots of playgrounds for children.
North Park
A recently renovated big park in the north end of Sofia. You can reach it by car, tram or metro. Suitable for sport activities, lots of playgrounds for children.
Another option for hiking in Vitosha Mountain for a day.
Get to the gondola lift of Simeonovo, then follow the hiking trail and after 2-3 hours you will be on the top of the mountain. Prepare in advance - the weather on Cherni vrah is almost always windy and cold !
12 locals recommend
Cherni Vrah
Another option for hiking in Vitosha Mountain for a day.
Get to the gondola lift of Simeonovo, then follow the hiking trail and after 2-3 hours you will be on the top of the mountain. Prepare in advance - the weather on Cherni vrah is almost always windy and cold !
Vitosha mountain.
The Golden Birdges (Zlatnite mostove) aren’t actual bridges. It is actually a stone river that “flows” at an altitude of 1500 to 1350m. Zlatnite mostove are large stone blocks, covered by gold lichens, which gave them their name. Vitosha mountain is just minutes away from Sofia and the Golden Bridges are perfect for a day hike and a picnic at the end.
24 locals recommend
Golden Bridges
Vitosha mountain.
The Golden Birdges (Zlatnite mostove) aren’t actual bridges. It is actually a stone river that “flows” at an altitude of 1500 to 1350m. Zlatnite mostove are large stone blocks, covered by gold lichens, which gave them their name. Vitosha mountain is just minutes away from Sofia and the Golden Bridges are perfect for a day hike and a picnic at the end.
Sightseeing
Historical and archaeological reserve "Serdika - Sredets"
4Б ul. "Saborna"The Rotunda Church of St George
2 bul. Kniaz Aleksandar DondukovThe largest Sephardic (Spanish – Jewish) synagogue in Europe is situated in Sofia on the corner of the streets Ekzarh Yosif and G. Washington.
The capacity of the hall is 1,170 seats. The interior is decorated by articles of the applied art. The facades are richly decorated with architectural elements, plastic ornaments and stone carvings.
A Jewish History Museum of the Organization of the Bulgarian Jews “Shalom” has been operating in the Sofia Synagogue since 1992.A general emphasis of the museum is the rescue of many Bulgarian Jews during the Second World War.
54 locals recommend
Sofia Synagogue
16 Exarch Joseph Street The largest Sephardic (Spanish – Jewish) synagogue in Europe is situated in Sofia on the corner of the streets Ekzarh Yosif and G. Washington.
The capacity of the hall is 1,170 seats. The interior is decorated by articles of the applied art. The facades are richly decorated with architectural elements, plastic ornaments and stone carvings.
A Jewish History Museum of the Organization of the Bulgarian Jews “Shalom” has been operating in the Sofia Synagogue since 1992.A general emphasis of the museum is the rescue of many Bulgarian Jews during the Second World War.
NDK station
The church “St. Sofia” was built on the place of the necropolis of the city of Serdika (the old name of Sofia) and other older churches from the 4th century and dozens of masonry tombs.
During the period of the 11th – 14th century it was a metropolitan church and its glory was so great that in the 14th century it gave its name to the city.
Currently the appearance of the temple is as close as possible to its authentic look from the late antiquity and the early Middle Ages.
80 locals recommend
St. Sophia Church
2 ul. "Paris" The church “St. Sofia” was built on the place of the necropolis of the city of Serdika (the old name of Sofia) and other older churches from the 4th century and dozens of masonry tombs.
During the period of the 11th – 14th century it was a metropolitan church and its glory was so great that in the 14th century it gave its name to the city.
Currently the appearance of the temple is as close as possible to its authentic look from the late antiquity and the early Middle Ages.
St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral
ploshtad "Sveti Aleksandar Nevski"Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski
15 bul. "Tsar Osvoboditel"Russian Church "Sveti Nikolay Mirlikiiski"
3 bul. "Tsar Osvoboditel"Beautiful building painted in red with many sculptures.
276 locals recommend
Ivan Vazov National Theater
5 ul. "Dyakon Ignatiy" Beautiful building painted in red with many sculptures.
Lion's Bridge Station
Eagle Bridge
33 bul. "Tsar Osvoboditel"There are three information points in Sofia for tourists. This one is the main one and is situated in the subway of Saint Kliment Ohridski University. You can find there maps, poscards, books etc. The staff speaks English and could provide information about transport, sightseeing, restaurants, cultural events etc.
There is also a tourist information centre at Saint Sofia street, close to Serdika metro station and Saint Nedelya Church.
Sofia Tourist Information Centre
There are three information points in Sofia for tourists. This one is the main one and is situated in the subway of Saint Kliment Ohridski University. You can find there maps, poscards, books etc. The staff speaks English and could provide information about transport, sightseeing, restaurants, cultural events etc.
There is also a tourist information centre at Saint Sofia street, close to Serdika metro station and Saint Nedelya Church.
UNESCO cultural heritage.
The easiest way to get there is by taxi as it is after the ring road of Sofia. The place is amazing for lovers of history and culture. The guides provide lots of information.
102 locals recommend
Boyana Church Museum
3 ul. "Boyansko ezero"UNESCO cultural heritage.
The easiest way to get there is by taxi as it is after the ring road of Sofia. The place is amazing for lovers of history and culture. The guides provide lots of information.
The mosque Banya Bashi is situated in the center of Sofia, on Maria Luisa boulevard. The mosque was built in accordance with the trends in architecture in the 16th century. It was made of stone and bricks. Nowadays, a public worship with about 500, and during Bayram – with nearly 1,000 believers, is carried out every Friday in the mosque.
45 locals recommend
Banya Bashi Mosque
18 булевард „кн. Мария Луиза“The mosque Banya Bashi is situated in the center of Sofia, on Maria Luisa boulevard. The mosque was built in accordance with the trends in architecture in the 16th century. It was made of stone and bricks. Nowadays, a public worship with about 500, and during Bayram – with nearly 1,000 believers, is carried out every Friday in the mosque.
Catholic Chapel Of The Annunciation
5 ul. "Oborishte"Entertainment & Activities
Cinema City
101 bul. "Aleksandar Stamboliyski"Dance academy for professional contemporary dancers.
In the evenings the dancers give various classes to anyone who would like to join (pilates, ballet, zumba, swing, folklore dances , irish dances etc.) Often there are contemporary events.
Derida Dance Center
32 ulitsa "Tsar Samuil"Dance academy for professional contemporary dancers.
In the evenings the dancers give various classes to anyone who would like to join (pilates, ballet, zumba, swing, folklore dances , irish dances etc.) Often there are contemporary events.
An artificial lake outside Sofia (there is public transport however). A hiking trail around the lake, swimming pool with warm mineral water Corali (close to the bus stop).
Pancharevo
An artificial lake outside Sofia (there is public transport however). A hiking trail around the lake, swimming pool with warm mineral water Corali (close to the bus stop).
Spirka Kino Odeon
bulevard "Patriarh Evtimiy"Climbing NSA
Indoor climbing
Ariana Lake
In summer - rent a boat or a paddle boat
In winter - go ice skating
It is the oldest and largest Zoo on the Balkan Peninsula. It covers an area of more than 360 decares and was established in 1888 by Prince Ferdinand, and initially it was situated near the former royal palace. It is divided into several sections – herbivores, primates, carnivores, birds, aquarium and terrarium.
45 locals recommend
Zoo Sofia
37-11 ul. "Srebarna"It is the oldest and largest Zoo on the Balkan Peninsula. It covers an area of more than 360 decares and was established in 1888 by Prince Ferdinand, and initially it was situated near the former royal palace. It is divided into several sections – herbivores, primates, carnivores, birds, aquarium and terrarium.
Shopping
Big, modern and still cosy bookstore with a cafeteria. Books in different languages, lots of books, games and toys for children.
Greenwich Book Center
37 bul. "Vitosha"Big, modern and still cosy bookstore with a cafeteria. Books in different languages, lots of books, games and toys for children.
Boogie Exchange
23 ul. "Damyan Gruev"Vynil shop
Refan
26 bul. "Vitosha"Hand made soaps and cosmetics. Made in Bulgaria
Зоя БГ - Смесен Магазин
22 ul. AksakovOrganic cosmetics and food.
Orange Center
10 ul. "Graf Ignatiev"Vino Orenda Wine Shop
50А Пл. „Руски паметник“Quality Bulgarian wine from all regions of Bulgaria
One of the several shopping malls in Sofia. You can reach it by tram and bus. Variety of shops, reasonable prices.
151 locals recommend
Serdika Center
48 bul. "Sitnyakovo"One of the several shopping malls in Sofia. You can reach it by tram and bus. Variety of shops, reasonable prices.
Paradise Center
100 bulevard "Cherni vrah"You can reach it by metro - line 2. It is close to Yugen park.
Bulgaria Mall
69 бул. „България“Shopping mall on the ring road of Sofia close to Ikea. You need a car to get there.
54 locals recommend
Sofia Ring Mall
214 ul. "Okolovrasten pat"Shopping mall on the ring road of Sofia close to Ikea. You need a car to get there.