Guidebook for Sofia
Food Scene
Tea house & Ayurveda cuisine. Hundreds of teas, home atmosphere & delicious food.
22 locals recommend
Veda House
2 ul. "William Gladstone"Tea house & Ayurveda cuisine. Hundreds of teas, home atmosphere & delicious food.
Unique interior! The cuisine is also very good - they have some traditional Bulgarian specialties, but recreated with innovative techniques.
60 locals recommend
Cosmos Restaurant / Космос
19 ul. "Laveleye"Unique interior! The cuisine is also very good - they have some traditional Bulgarian specialties, but recreated with innovative techniques.
If you want to taste a really delicious Bulgarian cuisine go there! They have a huge selection of rakia - the traditional Bulgarian alcohol drink. And here the whole selection rakia is great - high quality and tasty! The difficult part is to choose which one to try, but the waiters will help you with the choice :) The interior may also be of your interest - with a lot of details reminding of the communist times.
105 locals recommend
Ракия Ракета Бар
17 bul. "Yanko Sakazov"If you want to taste a really delicious Bulgarian cuisine go there! They have a huge selection of rakia - the traditional Bulgarian alcohol drink. And here the whole selection rakia is great - high quality and tasty! The difficult part is to choose which one to try, but the waiters will help you with the choice :) The interior may also be of your interest - with a lot of details reminding of the communist times.
I really like this place, mainly because of its magical garden and delicious food. However I go there only during summer, when you can sit in the garden. The restaurant is located on a quiet street in a small house, all covered with ivy, which make the great atmosphere.
14 locals recommend
The Thirsty Dragon Inn
2 ul. "13-ti Mart"I really like this place, mainly because of its magical garden and delicious food. However I go there only during summer, when you can sit in the garden. The restaurant is located on a quiet street in a small house, all covered with ivy, which make the great atmosphere.
The best artisan ice-cream in town. Made with all natural ingredients, lot of love and various flavor combinations - a truly magical experience for your taste buds. Who said ice-cream is only for summertime? ;)
8 locals recommend
Gelateria Naturale
12A ul. "Tsar Ivan Shishman"The best artisan ice-cream in town. Made with all natural ingredients, lot of love and various flavor combinations - a truly magical experience for your taste buds. Who said ice-cream is only for summertime? ;)
Sun Moon - Vegetarian restaurant & organic bakery. Yummy meals & sourdough bread, authentic atmosphere
7 locals recommend
ul. "6-ti septemvri" 39
39 ulitsa "6-ti septemvri"Sun Moon - Vegetarian restaurant & organic bakery. Yummy meals & sourdough bread, authentic atmosphere
Very nice place, atmosphere, cuisine - I will totally recommend. Located in an old house, which is renovated, but the authentic spirit of the old times and the architecture details are kept. Interior is mix of modern designer & old refurbished furniture. The garden is spacious and beautiful. All the food is vegan but I guarantee that even meat eaters will enjoy the food.
31 locals recommend
Soul Kitchen
13 ul. "Kokiche"Very nice place, atmosphere, cuisine - I will totally recommend. Located in an old house, which is renovated, but the authentic spirit of the old times and the architecture details are kept. Interior is mix of modern designer & old refurbished furniture. The garden is spacious and beautiful. All the food is vegan but I guarantee that even meat eaters will enjoy the food.
Located in an old house, the interior is very artistic with a lot of small details that make a unique atmosphere. Meat lovers should try the meat balls. Plenty of options for vegetarians as well.
79 locals recommend
The Little Things
37 ul. "Tsar Ivan Shishman"Located in an old house, the interior is very artistic with a lot of small details that make a unique atmosphere. Meat lovers should try the meat balls. Plenty of options for vegetarians as well.
Sooo delicious food, international cuisine, options for all taste. Summertime the garden is a small paradise in the city center - quiet, sunny and just lovely. Located in an old house with a lot of old refurbished furniture, very artistic atmosphere. The attic is also very cozy and accessible for customers.
99 locals recommend
Made in Blue
6 ul. "Yuri Venelin"Sooo delicious food, international cuisine, options for all taste. Summertime the garden is a small paradise in the city center - quiet, sunny and just lovely. Located in an old house with a lot of old refurbished furniture, very artistic atmosphere. The attic is also very cozy and accessible for customers.
As the name suggest it - meals prepared with fresh ingredients and cooked with lot of love as in home.
102 locals recommend
Made in Home
30 ul. "Angel Kanchev"As the name suggest it - meals prepared with fresh ingredients and cooked with lot of love as in home.
Very good burgers which are made in a classic vintage American Airstream trailer. In other words - classy gourmet street food.
43 locals recommend
Street Chefs Foodtruck | fine burgers & steaks
22 ul. "Angel Kanchev"Very good burgers which are made in a classic vintage American Airstream trailer. In other words - classy gourmet street food.
Boom! Burgers
12 bul. "Tsar Osvoboditel"Known as the best burgers in town
Very good bakery - sourdough artisan bread, delicious banitza (typical Bulgarian breakfast) and other baked treats. Also some organic products.
41 locals recommend
HleBar
Str ul. "Tsar Ivan Shishman"Very good bakery - sourdough artisan bread, delicious banitza (typical Bulgarian breakfast) and other baked treats. Also some organic products.
Very good bakery - sourdough artisan bread, delicious banitza (typical Bulgarian breakfast). They also have a daily menu with soups, stews, etc. Spacious industrial interior.
41 locals recommend
HleBar
Str ul. "Tsar Ivan Shishman"Very good bakery - sourdough artisan bread, delicious banitza (typical Bulgarian breakfast). They also have a daily menu with soups, stews, etc. Spacious industrial interior.
Very sympathetic place in a very quiet neighborhood. In the coffee shop there is also displayed a selection of jewelry, prints, etc. of contemporary Bulgarian artists. You can enjoy a coffee or glass of wine and browse through the many books that are on the shelves in the space. Some workshops, exhibitions and events are organized as well. Kids friendly.
11 locals recommend
+ Tova
30 ul. "Marin Drinov"Very sympathetic place in a very quiet neighborhood. In the coffee shop there is also displayed a selection of jewelry, prints, etc. of contemporary Bulgarian artists. You can enjoy a coffee or glass of wine and browse through the many books that are on the shelves in the space. Some workshops, exhibitions and events are organized as well. Kids friendly.
Supa Star is a soup bar - every day they have several varieties of soups - all of them super delicious!! They offer also small salads and sandwiches, but the soups are a must :) It is very cozy place - if you go on the second floor you can watch toward the street and observe the locals.
33 locals recommend
Supa Star
8 ul. "Tsar Ivan Shishman"Supa Star is a soup bar - every day they have several varieties of soups - all of them super delicious!! They offer also small salads and sandwiches, but the soups are a must :) It is very cozy place - if you go on the second floor you can watch toward the street and observe the locals.
Vegetarian restaurant & organic bakery. Yummy meals & sourdough bread, authentic atmosphere
33 locals recommend
DaOrganic restaurant
22 ул. „Алабин И. Вл.“Vegetarian restaurant & organic bakery. Yummy meals & sourdough bread, authentic atmosphere
great garden, authentic atmosphere, delicious food. A whole house + garden is turned into an amazing restaurant!
10 locals recommend
Crazy Diamond
9А ul. "Oborishte"great garden, authentic atmosphere, delicious food. A whole house + garden is turned into an amazing restaurant!
Drinks & Nightlife
They call it that way because in the evening it is covered with lights in any shapes and it becomes magical but during the day its charm is not smaller. Part of the yard is inaccessible and the eyes become filled with green flowers and plants - there are elder, willow, hollyhock, lilac and a huge bush of jasmine. Nice bar to have a drink, the music is not loud so you can have a conversation with friends.
23 locals recommend
65 Fireflies Bar Aperitivo
65 ul. "Solunska"They call it that way because in the evening it is covered with lights in any shapes and it becomes magical but during the day its charm is not smaller. Part of the yard is inaccessible and the eyes become filled with green flowers and plants - there are elder, willow, hollyhock, lilac and a huge bush of jasmine. Nice bar to have a drink, the music is not loud so you can have a conversation with friends.
Literally translated the name of the bar is "Friday". Very popular place recently. Crowded with young people especially weekends. Parties there sometimes end at 8am. They organize DJ parties & live music with Bulgarian artists - hip-hop, funky beats, drumnbass, reggae, etc. There is also foosball inside. Recently a lot of foreigners visit the place. Funny fact: the disco ball is in the shape of a duck; also look behind the bar - thay have a huge collection of bath ducks.
12 locals recommend
Cocktail Bar "Petuk"
21 Ulitsa "General Gurko"Literally translated the name of the bar is "Friday". Very popular place recently. Crowded with young people especially weekends. Parties there sometimes end at 8am. They organize DJ parties & live music with Bulgarian artists - hip-hop, funky beats, drumnbass, reggae, etc. There is also foosball inside. Recently a lot of foreigners visit the place. Funny fact: the disco ball is in the shape of a duck; also look behind the bar - thay have a huge collection of bath ducks.
Definitely recommend if you are into cocktails - the bartenders there are magicians and really put their soul into the mixing of high quality ingredients with a lot of creativity! Everything is made perfect to the details. Unique cocktails, representation, music, eclectic interior - truly a whole experience!
40 locals recommend
Sputnik Cocktail Bar
17 bul. "Yanko Sakazov"Definitely recommend if you are into cocktails - the bartenders there are magicians and really put their soul into the mixing of high quality ingredients with a lot of creativity! Everything is made perfect to the details. Unique cocktails, representation, music, eclectic interior - truly a whole experience!
Very nice place, I often go there. DJ parties in the weekend - hip-hop, funky music, etc. There is a big open-air garden, which is perfect in the summer. Owners are really into the board sports, you will see this reflected in the interior :)) Summertime they organize BBQ day parties in the garden. Wintertime screening snowboard movies inside.
17 locals recommend
Switch Bar
Very nice place, I often go there. DJ parties in the weekend - hip-hop, funky music, etc. There is a big open-air garden, which is perfect in the summer. Owners are really into the board sports, you will see this reflected in the interior :)) Summertime they organize BBQ day parties in the garden. Wintertime screening snowboard movies inside.
DJ parties & live performances - check their program what is the party for the day. Music can be hip-hop, soul, reggae, drumnbass, alternative, hardcore, etc.
40 locals recommend
Club Mixtape 5
Boulevard "Cherni vrah"DJ parties & live performances - check their program what is the party for the day. Music can be hip-hop, soul, reggae, drumnbass, alternative, hardcore, etc.
Very nice bar, really laid back atmosphere. Great place to catch up with friends, chat & drink craft beer on the street in front.
41 locals recommend
FlipFlop
61 ul. "Oborishte"Very nice bar, really laid back atmosphere. Great place to catch up with friends, chat & drink craft beer on the street in front.
DJ parties & live performances, check the program what is the event that day.
78 locals recommend
Club Terminal 1
1 ul. "Angel Kanchev"DJ parties & live performances, check the program what is the event that day.
Drumnbass, hip-hop, trap parties. Very small place, but sometimes the parties are till the morning.
Bar Backyard
22 ul. "Tsar Ivan Shishman"Drumnbass, hip-hop, trap parties. Very small place, but sometimes the parties are till the morning.
Not the typical bar. Its a really old apartment turned into a venue. You feel like being in someones apartment, even in one of the bathrooms there is still a bath. Truly unique atmosphere, a little bit eclectic, a little bit tranquil. They serve craft beers, raspberry wine, other liquors and alcoholic drinks, homemade lemonade and cakes, sweets, etc.
21 locals recommend
THE APARTMENT
68 ul. "Neofit Rilski"Not the typical bar. Its a really old apartment turned into a venue. You feel like being in someones apartment, even in one of the bathrooms there is still a bath. Truly unique atmosphere, a little bit eclectic, a little bit tranquil. They serve craft beers, raspberry wine, other liquors and alcoholic drinks, homemade lemonade and cakes, sweets, etc.
No electricity, just candles. The name literally translates to "The Barn". Very intimate atmosphere, sometimes live performances. When you go inside you transfer to different world.
48 locals recommend
Hambara Bar
22 ul. "6-ti septemvri"No electricity, just candles. The name literally translates to "The Barn". Very intimate atmosphere, sometimes live performances. When you go inside you transfer to different world.
One of the best places for cocktails (maybe after Sputnik) with a huge garden which is full of people in the summer.
88 locals recommend
The Cocktail Bar
9 ul. "Angel Kanchev"One of the best places for cocktails (maybe after Sputnik) with a huge garden which is full of people in the summer.
Carrusel Club - eclectic, with a unique blend of conceptual parties like Shame, Social time, All Eyez On You Hip-hop parties, Soul train, weekends with electronic sound - disco, house, funk and groove patterns, Fashion parties and comedy shows. Check their program to see what is the party of the day.
68 locals recommend
Carrusel club
108 ulitsa „Georgi S. Rakovski“Carrusel Club - eclectic, with a unique blend of conceptual parties like Shame, Social time, All Eyez On You Hip-hop parties, Soul train, weekends with electronic sound - disco, house, funk and groove patterns, Fashion parties and comedy shows. Check their program to see what is the party of the day.
Open air bar inspired by the seaside vibes. Easy going music, good cocktails, small decorative pool. Open only during the summer season.
32 locals recommend
Beach Bar
106 ulitsa „Georgi S. Rakovski“Open air bar inspired by the seaside vibes. Easy going music, good cocktails, small decorative pool. Open only during the summer season.
Parks & Nature
The garden in front of the National Theater. When the weather is fine it is crowded with young people hanging out, chatting, drinking beer. Especially during weekends and after work.
276 locals recommend
Ivan Vazov National Theater
5 ul. "Dyakon Ignatiy"The garden in front of the National Theater. When the weather is fine it is crowded with young people hanging out, chatting, drinking beer. Especially during weekends and after work.
Full with young people in the evening. Usually I go there very often when the weather is fine. Very popular place to go to catch up with friends, have a drink and socialize. During summer its overcrowded with people even till 2-3am at night.
45 locals recommend
Crystal Garden
Full with young people in the evening. Usually I go there very often when the weather is fine. Very popular place to go to catch up with friends, have a drink and socialize. During summer its overcrowded with people even till 2-3am at night.
The biggest park in Sofia. It starts from the "Eagles bridge" and Ariana lake. In the summer you can rent a small boat and row in the lake. In the winter you can go ice-skating. The park itself is big, many people go for a walk with their dogs, families with their kids, friends having picnic in the weekend. The park is also perfect for longer running sessions or just spending the afternoon outside.
Inside the park there is a small round waterlily lake - popular spot for hanging out. Close to the lake is situated a big open air club - "Maimunarnika" (literally translated Monkey house"). The club operates from May till September.
202 locals recommend
Borisova Gradina
The biggest park in Sofia. It starts from the "Eagles bridge" and Ariana lake. In the summer you can rent a small boat and row in the lake. In the winter you can go ice-skating. The park itself is big, many people go for a walk with their dogs, families with their kids, friends having picnic in the weekend. The park is also perfect for longer running sessions or just spending the afternoon outside.
Inside the park there is a small round waterlily lake - popular spot for hanging out. Close to the lake is situated a big open air club - "Maimunarnika" (literally translated Monkey house"). The club operates from May till September.
One of my favourite gardens :) "Tsarska Gradina" or "The King`s garden" is situated behind the National Art Gallery (which used to be King`s Palace till 1946). The garden is small, but it is very green and quiet. Sitting on a bench you can enjoy a view toward the beautiful architecture of the Palace and also the surrounding old buildings. From there you can walk down the stairs connecting the garden to "Budapeshta" street. At the end of the stairs you will reach hotel Arena di Serdica - look inside, in the basement of the hotel there are old remaining from the Roman empire. You can also go inside the hotel and ask to look them closer if you want.
Tsarska Gradina
1 ul. BudapeshtaOne of my favourite gardens :) "Tsarska Gradina" or "The King`s garden" is situated behind the National Art Gallery (which used to be King`s Palace till 1946). The garden is small, but it is very green and quiet. Sitting on a bench you can enjoy a view toward the beautiful architecture of the Palace and also the surrounding old buildings. From there you can walk down the stairs connecting the garden to "Budapeshta" street. At the end of the stairs you will reach hotel Arena di Serdica - look inside, in the basement of the hotel there are old remaining from the Roman empire. You can also go inside the hotel and ask to look them closer if you want.
Also one of my favorite places to have a walk. Very quiet area, the neighborhood is full with embassies, properties there are one of the most expensive in Sofia. You can also walk down the "Oborishte" street, where there are really good bakeries and restaurants.
10 locals recommend
Doktorska Gradina
Also one of my favorite places to have a walk. Very quiet area, the neighborhood is full with embassies, properties there are one of the most expensive in Sofia. You can also walk down the "Oborishte" street, where there are really good bakeries and restaurants.
Park „Vazrazhdane“
Suitable park for jogging.
"Yuzhen" or the "South Park" is lovely park for walking, running, cycling. Crowded on weekends when the weather is fine.
Yuzhen
"Yuzhen" or the "South Park" is lovely park for walking, running, cycling. Crowded on weekends when the weather is fine.
Knyazheska Garden
99А бул. „Евлоги и Христо Георгиеви“Popular spot for skating, BMX, rollerblading
Shopping
Not the traditional souvenir shop. All items that are sold are designed and produced in Bulgaria by contemporary artists or small local companies. You can find various stuff - screen-printed shirts and bags, natural soaps, books, postcards, etc. GIFTED urban culture hub is the place you should visit once in Sofia if you are interested into urban culture, contemporary graphic and product design. In the basement they have temporary exhibitions.
12 locals recommend
Gifted Sofia
24 ul. "Ivan Denkoglu"Not the traditional souvenir shop. All items that are sold are designed and produced in Bulgaria by contemporary artists or small local companies. You can find various stuff - screen-printed shirts and bags, natural soaps, books, postcards, etc. GIFTED urban culture hub is the place you should visit once in Sofia if you are interested into urban culture, contemporary graphic and product design. In the basement they have temporary exhibitions.
Gallery "Lale" - a truly charming place, a small shop with paintings, jewelries, ceramics, cups, decorations, etc. all handmade by Bulgarian authors. The best place to buy a gift for someone you love or just for yourself :)
ul. "Neofit Rilski" 74
74 ulitsa "Neofit Rilski"Gallery "Lale" - a truly charming place, a small shop with paintings, jewelries, ceramics, cups, decorations, etc. all handmade by Bulgarian authors. The best place to buy a gift for someone you love or just for yourself :)
Organic cosmetics and a huge choice of organic oils and ingredients for a homemade cosmetics.
Zoya BG - Herbs, oils, cosmetics
12 ul. "Dobrudzha"Organic cosmetics and a huge choice of organic oils and ingredients for a homemade cosmetics.
A big wine shop with selected wines from around the world, also big selection of good Bulgarian wines.
CASAVINO
59Б bul. "General Mihail D. Skobelev"A big wine shop with selected wines from around the world, also big selection of good Bulgarian wines.
Quirky bookstore for new and old books, all in English. They also sell various small weird stuff suitable for gifts.
18 locals recommend
Elephant Bookstore
31 ul. "Tsar Ivan Shishman"Quirky bookstore for new and old books, all in English. They also sell various small weird stuff suitable for gifts.
Greenwich Book Center
37 bul. "Vitosha"One of the biggest bookstores in the city.
Gallery "Ela" - a truly charming place, a small gift shop with paintings, jewelries, ceramics, cups, decorations, etc. all handmade by Bulgarian authors. The best place to buy a gift for someone you love or just for yourself :)
ul. "William Gladstone" 46
46 ulitsa "William Gladstone"Gallery "Ela" - a truly charming place, a small gift shop with paintings, jewelries, ceramics, cups, decorations, etc. all handmade by Bulgarian authors. The best place to buy a gift for someone you love or just for yourself :)
Every object here is handmade and created with a lot of imagination, attention to the detail and much love! definitely worth visit it if you want to have something unique and beautiful
here the choice of porcelain and ceramics is huge! especially the cups which are in all forms and with beautiful artistic decorations - you will want them all! :)) luckily the owners are super friendly and will help you to choose the best present - for you or your loved ones!
ul. "Veslets" 17
17 ulitsa "Veslets"Every object here is handmade and created with a lot of imagination, attention to the detail and much love! definitely worth visit it if you want to have something unique and beautiful
here the choice of porcelain and ceramics is huge! especially the cups which are in all forms and with beautiful artistic decorations - you will want them all! :)) luckily the owners are super friendly and will help you to choose the best present - for you or your loved ones!
Essentials
One of the biggest organic shops in Sofia - grocery stuff and all kind of bulk products, super foods, teas, cosmetics, homemade cakes, etc. All products are bio/organic certified. You can more or less find everything you need.
9 locals recommend
Zoya Shop 2
63Б ul. "Neofit Rilski"One of the biggest organic shops in Sofia - grocery stuff and all kind of bulk products, super foods, teas, cosmetics, homemade cakes, etc. All products are bio/organic certified. You can more or less find everything you need.
Lidl Магазин Лидъл
126 ulitsa „Georgi S. Rakovski“Lidl supermarket
BILLA
116 ulitsa „Georgi S. Rakovski“BILLA supermarket
Billa
38A ul. "Cherkovna"BILLA supermarket
ul. "Buzludzha" 50
50 ulitsa "Buzludzha"supermarket Fantastiko
bul. "Hristo Botev" 30
30 Hristo Botev Boulevardsmall supermarket with fresh fruits & vegetables. open 8:30 - 21:30h
bul. "General Mihail D. Skobelev" 69
69 bulevard "General Mihail D. Skobelev"grocery store - open till 22h.
bul. "Makedonia" 24
24 bulevard "Makedonia"ProMarket supermarket. Open 8:00 - 22:00h
bul. "Hristo Botev" 6
6 Hristo Botev BoulevardAlcohol & Tabakoff - 24/7 non stop shop for snacks, alcohol, tobacco.
Alcohol & Tabakoff - 24/7 non stop shop for snacks, alcohol, tobacco.
bul. "General Mihail D. Skobelev" 59Г
59Г bulevard "General Mihail D. Skobelev"Alcohol & Tabakoff - 24/7 non stop shop for snacks, alcohol, tobacco.
Huge shop for all kind of personal care products, cosmetics, pharmacy, medicines. Open 8:00 - 21:00h.
Remedium 4
34 ul. "Ivan Denkoglu"Huge shop for all kind of personal care products, cosmetics, pharmacy, medicines. Open 8:00 - 21:00h.
Mandarin
8 ul. "Hristo Belchev"supermarket Mandarin - 24/7 non stop open supermarket
Getting Around
From this place you can rent a bike. There are not that many bike lanes in the city, but a lot of people commute by bike in the city (including me, I use my bike most of the time). Keep in mind that the infrastructure is not the best for a bike - most of the cases you have to ride on the road together with cars or on the sidewalk where there are pedestrians.
14 locals recommend
Sofia Bike Rental
From this place you can rent a bike. There are not that many bike lanes in the city, but a lot of people commute by bike in the city (including me, I use my bike most of the time). Keep in mind that the infrastructure is not the best for a bike - most of the cases you have to ride on the road together with cars or on the sidewalk where there are pedestrians.
Here is located a stop of the public transportation. From here you can take tram number 7 to the Central Railway or Bus Station (they are located next to each other)
bul. "Hristo Botev" 42
42 Hristo Botev BoulevardHere is located a stop of the public transportation. From here you can take tram number 7 to the Central Railway or Bus Station (they are located next to each other)
Here is located a stop of the public transportation. If you come from the Central Railway or Bus Station, take tram 7 and get off here.
bul. "Hristo Botev" 41
41 Hristo Botev BoulevardHere is located a stop of the public transportation. If you come from the Central Railway or Bus Station, take tram 7 and get off here.
NDK station
Metro station NDK
Serdika station
Metro station Serdika
Everything Else
Betahaus - co-working space, great one! Classified by Forbes in TOP 10 Best Coworking Spaces On Earth
8 locals recommend
betahaus
6 Shipka StreetBetahaus - co-working space, great one! Classified by Forbes in TOP 10 Best Coworking Spaces On Earth
SOHO - small coworking space, cozy with a lot of homey atmosphere
7 locals recommend
SOHO - Sofia Holistic Coworking Company
4 ul. "Iskar"SOHO - small coworking space, cozy with a lot of homey atmosphere