I love, love this mall! Coffee shops, bookstores, fancy underwear...all that you wish for!Or you can pay your bills, get food, order your prescription glasses! You can spend hours and hours here! The only one thing that surprise me badly are the washrooms🚻! Yes, the girls washrooms usually don't have toilet paper or the smell is so bad you have to hold your breath!So, please don't go! :))) Everything else is excellent!

Huge shopping center, fancy design and prestige brands stores makes it a great attraction. There are many comfortable seats and some corners to relax, lots of restaurants, food stalls and a parking lot.

Very nice place for shopping in Sofia , and you can eat in Happy restaurant or Borata !

One, if not the best mall in Sofia. The shops and restaurants are clean, different and there is always something to do or see. You can get good coffee, lunch or just take a walk. The parking is wide and easy to access.

Absolutely horrible infrastructure. DO NOT visit this place on a weekend, especially when the weather is bad because the exits of the parking have not been designed with actual traffic in mind. No employee was seen at any of the exits to even try to navigate traffic. More than forty minutes to exit their parking, which on level -3 also results in slow CO2 poisoning.

The atmosphere is pleasant and welcoming to visitors of all ages. Exploring the various stores and enjoying the different food options makes for an enjoyable experience. It is a place where I can easily spend a few hours without realizing how much time has passed. Overall, it's a destination I frequently visit and appreciate.

Big building, so you can really find all what you want. Amazing view💫

Over all the layout of the zoo is easy enough to navigate, even with almost everything strictly being in Bulgarian. The gate I picked to go in, said they don't take card, despite a visa/master card logo near by. Some of the attractions were down for maintenance and cleaning. Overall a good experience and would make a great outing for families or dates.

Truly great zoo, but also very empty and neglected. I understand that some animals didn't wanted to show themselves because I visited while weather were not quite pleasant, however many buildings, enclosures or cages were just empty (and unfortunately dirty) and some of the infrastructure was falling off. It's really intresting place in which you can stay for many hours, but for sure needs renovation.

Overall a pretty classic zoo experience. The park itself feels a bit dated — some shops were closed and the whole place has a slight 80s/90s vibe (which makes sense, given its age). Still, I found the atmosphere quite pleasant, especially on a cool autumn day (around 20°C and cloudy). The enclosures for the smaller animals — monkeys (they were chill AF!) and the animals kept in groups or herds — looked surprisingly good and well maintained. Just the bigger animals like the panthers or tigers looked a little sad, but I think that’s a common zoo issue and probably depends on the day. Overall, a nice visit at a fair price.

Thought we'd do something to past time whilst in sofia so decided to go to the zoo. Was easy ti get to via quick bus trip and very cheap compared to England zoo prices. however, it is clearly chesp because no money goes into the zoo just by observing the animals and their behaviours. All animals looked very trapped and miserable to be in their very tight spaces and some almost looked half death as sad as ut sounds. I do not regret going as it opened up my eyes to how awful zoos can be when the animals are not looked after. You can get very close to the animals for pictures but at the cost of them being mistreated and manipulated to act in such a way. The woman selling the tickets was also very rude. Would recommend for those blind to how animals can be treated in zoos and the effects it has

Great variety of animals, and you can see them closely. Plenty of places to visit and walk around. Selection of snacks and drinks available. And the cost is amazing for a zoo park.

Some of the animals are well cared for, but the larger fish are kept in tanks that seem too small for their size, and the food prices are surprisingly high - even by Sofia’s standards. Overall, though, we were pleasantly surprised by the zoo. It’s thoughtfully designed, and our visit was enjoyable.

We had a little bit of mixed feelings about this place. while it's got a lot of potential, it's somewhere stuck in the last century. it's got a lot of space but it's poorly maintained, the lack of investment is pretty visible. Some of the animals were clearly stressed, specially the elephants there: they were kept outside in the sun, I suppose for us visitors to see, but the poor animals kept banging the door to go inside in the shade. I'm afraid the lack of any contactless or card at the entrance makes me want to drop another star... All in all the kids had fun and that's the reason why I gave it a three star.

Sofia has such amazing parks. This one is great. There’s places to exercise, hiking trails, areas for kids, open areas, heavily wooded areas, a small stream, amusement park like attractions for small children, food stands. Actually Bulgaria in general has great parks , especially for the Balkans

green paradise is perfect for relaxing walks. It’s full of diverse wildlife — you’ll spot everything from bugs and birds to ducks by the ponds. The park’s size and vibrant greenery make it a wonderful place to unwind and enjoy nature without leaving the city.

South Park in Sofia is a beautiful green escape right in the heart of the city. It’s spacious, well-maintained, and perfect for a relaxing walk, a morning run, or simply enjoying nature. The park offers a mix of open lawns, shaded paths lined with tall trees, and small lakes with ducks and swans that make it even more charming. There are plenty of benches to sit and unwind, children’s play areas, and a few cafés and kiosks where you can grab a snack or a coffee. On weekends, it’s lively with families, couples, and street musicians, creating a warm and friendly atmosphere. It’s an ideal spot for both locals and visitors who want a break from the busy city streets. Whether you’re exercising, having a picnic, or just strolling around, South Park is one of Sofia’s gems.

A must visit park for mental recovery, fresh air, and decent physical exercise. Food and drink is served at certain points. A paradise for bikers, joggers, runners, skaters and for other sportsmen.

It is a very large park. I went there birding, but it was so popular that there were lots of visitors, though not crowded, it does not have as many birds as Borisova Gradina Park. The Island with the Reeds has some waterbirds. I enjoyed my hike of the place from the south end to its north end.

A truly beautiful park with stunning views of Vitosha Mountain. The scenery makes it a perfect spot for both a peaceful stroll and simply enjoying nature. There are small cafés scattered around, which makes it easy to take a relaxing break with a coffee or snack while still soaking in the atmosphere. The park is very well maintained - clean, tidy, and inviting. A great place to unwind and spend time outdoors.

Best park in Sofia. It is really good place to go with your dog and family, has several dog parks, kid parks, lakes and lots of green area. It also has a nice river to flow along the park. It’s center of the city, easy to access. Really good maintained, clean and safe. It is possible to spot many squirrels, you can feed them :) we usually do the morning runs in there. Each season has its own beauty and you can see it in this park.

We couldn’t go inside, but the building is absolutely stunning from the outside! The architecture and the surrounding garden make it one of the most beautiful spots in Sofia.

National Museum in Sofia – A Fascinating Stop in the Heart of the City We visited the National Museum in Sofia, right in the middle of the city, and it was such a fascinating experience. I even heard that parts of the collection are made from gold, which was incredible to see up close. I’m so glad we made the trip here. The museum really helps you understand the depth of Bulgaria’s history and culture, and the city itself is beautiful to explore on foot. ✨ Final thought: If you’re in Sofia, take the time to walk around and don’t miss the museum. It’s both educational and awe-inspiring.

Even just visiting the exterior, the Ivan Vazov National Theatre is one of the city’s most charming landmarks. Built in a neoclassical style, it’s an architectural gem and considered one of the most important and beautiful buildings in Sofia. The façade, with six sturdy columns supporting the triangular pediment where Apollo and the Muses of the Arts are depicted, is truly magnificent. The theatre sits across from a lovely park with fountains, making it the perfect spot for photos or a relaxing break.

The Ivan Vazov National Theatre is one of Sofia’s most beautiful landmarks and the oldest theatre in Bulgaria. Built in 1906 by Austrian architects Helmer & Fellner, it stands proudly in the City Garden with its elegant neoclassical façade and golden details. Named after the great Bulgarian writer Ivan Vazov, it has survived fire and war, remaining a true symbol of art and national spirit. A must-see spot for anyone visiting Sofia.

This is the Ivan Vazov National Theatre, the oldest and most prestigious theatre in Bulgaria, founded in 1904. Its elegant neoclassical façade with the iconic twin towers makes it one of Sofia’s most photographed landmarks. The theatre is home to Bulgaria’s top actors and offers world-class drama performances, while the surrounding City Garden is a favorite spot for locals to relax.

Bulgaria's national theater and the oldest in the country. A landmark worth the visit while having a stroll in the City Garden and enjoying the dancing ballerina fountain.

Gorgeous theatre right in the center of Sofia. I couldn’t go inside this time, but I walked around the park next to it.

Service was nice! Although they didn't speak in english, they served me with a big smile :) Come here to eat banitsa with ayran

Best banitsa I had on my entire trip to Bulgaria. Served directly from a baking tray, warm and delicious. It is priced by weight, at a very reasonable rate. The lady behind the counter was also very nice, and keen to help us as much as she could, when she noticed that we clearly don't understand much Bulgarian (most of the clients were locals and she spoke none English, which made the whole situation even kinder:) )

The banitsa was fresh and tasty. Boza drink was good too. Not a lot choice though it was either spinach or cheese when we visited. Seemed popular with the locals. No frills place. Cash only. Affordable.

first breakfast in bulgaria and i’m left completely satisfied. we had the spinach bansita and the cheese one and both were amazing. yoghurt drink to wash it all down. if this is what I can expect from bulgarian food i’ll be leaving heavier than I arrived. NOTE: it’s cash only (lev only) but there’s a bank right next door that we went to because we were not prepared to miss out on this food

Great banitsa in a very local place, not aimed at tourists. But for some reason, two days in a row, they only had banitsa with cheese and nothing else.

Great place for a quick lunch with a banitsa. Very good prices and lovely taste. Definitely worth a visit.

We came here for breakfast to try the highly recommended Banitsa! They did not disappoint!! Delicious! We had cheese and also tried the pumpkin banitsa! Very friendly service - thank you! It's a small place with limited seating at the sides. The aryan drink goes well with the banitsa! See you again soon!

Niko’las 0/360 – A Truly Exceptional Dining Experience Niko’las 0/360 is an outstanding restaurant that delivers a unique and unforgettable experience from start to finish. The service is absolutely top-notch—professional, attentive, and making you feel special throughout your meal. The food is phenomenal, offering incredible flavors and beautiful presentation with every dish. Each plate feels like a work of art, carefully crafted with attention to every detail. A special touch that sets Niko’las 0/360 apart is the warm welcome with an amuse-bouche and the thoughtful gesture of a dessert at the end of your meal, leaving a wonderful final impression. If you’re looking for a memorable fine dining experience in Sofia, Niko’las 0/360 is a must-visit. Highly recommended!

Loved every minute of my time here. The tasting menu is creative as well as traditional, a nice blend of Bulgarian flavours with a modern twist. The wine pairing of exclusively Bulgarian wines was carefully selected by the team. My waitress Daniela was very attentive, professional and very friendly and even Nikolas came by to say hi. The team treats their guests as if they are family. Highly recommended!

The restaurant offers a refined yet welcoming atmosphere that creates a genuine sense of comfort. The food was exceptional - from the seemingly simple salad to the exquisite dessert. Each main course was expertly seasoned, carefully prepared, and beautifully presented, demonstrating great attention to detail. It is undoubtedly one of the few places in Sofia, within this price range, that truly merits a visit.

ATTENTION TOURISTS: BE CAREFUL We sent an email on June 10th trying to book a table, but we didn't get any answer. On June 12th we sent a DM on Instagram but we just got an automatic reply. Since we were travelling from a different country we decided to go to the restaurant on our first day in Sofia to finally book a table for June 17th, for dinner. We were 2 people celebrating our birthdays. We absolutely regret the decision of booking our table here instead of other Sofia restaurants that we had considered. Apart from what I'll explain below, the service in general was quite poor. Definitely our worst service experience from all the restaurants we've visited in Bulgaria in 7 days. We sat at the terrace and we decided to have the 6-course menu (it includes 2 starters, 1 main course, 2 desserts and 1 cheese board at the end) + the wine pairing. If you're used to Mediterranean standards, you will for sure think that this menu is overpriced (about 70€/person, with elaborations that were not aligned with the price at all). But on top of it, the wine pairing is about 20€/person, for 4 glasses of wine. The pairing didn't make any sense (for example, red wine to be paired with shrimps or with sea bass). The order was: rosé wine, red wine, another red wine and Mavrud red wine. The 2 desserts are frozen and they brought the second one when we hadn't finished the first one. We were not very happy with the experience overall, but everything what happened around the bill was definitely the last straw. At 10:45 pm (not being the last table, since next to us there was a table with 4 people still eating) the waitress said that she would bring the bill. The brunette waitress with glasses brought us the bill (a total of 408 BGN). After we paid with card, she left the credit card ticket and took the bill. That felt weird since we always like to double check the bill just in case, and it felt like the total amount was higher than what we were expecting after seeing the prices in the menu. So I asked them to bring the bill again, and it took them some minutes to do so (it looked like they were chattering in a strange way). When the other waitress brought the bill, she said that the actual price was 371 BGN, and when I asked about the (approximately) 40 BGN difference, she got nervous and said "maybe my colleague made a mistake". She asked if it was okay to give us the difference in cash despite having paid with card, and we said that it was fine. They brought us the 40 BGN to our table. And again, I had to ask them to bring me the bill (again, they had taken it away). While we understand that making mistakes is human and it could happen to anyone, the way they managed the whole situation made everything even worse. The brunette waitress with glasses, who supposedly "made the mistake" never came to our table to apologize or give us an explanation. Her colleague was really nervous when trying to deal with us after what happened, and when we asked for an explanation all she said was "maybe my colleague made a mistake" all over again. When we were leaving, after this whole bitter experience, the brunette waitress with glasses came to us and apologized. She offered us a bottle of wine to compensate us, but we didn't accept it and just left. The overall experience before paying the bill deserved 3/5 stars, but after what happened it just deserves 0 stars. Such a shame for a restaurant that looks quite good. PS: after translating the bill, it looks like she manually entered 37 BGN as tips (which would be around 10% of the total), without even asking or letting us know. PS2: just to mention 2 good things - the violette dessert was really good. And they gave us some sweet red wine at the end of the menu as a compliment.

Without hesitation, this is the finest place to visit, no matter the occasion. Whether it’s for brunch, lunch, or dinner, every moment feels thoughtfully curated. The food is consistently delicious, the wine selection is exceptional, and the staff’s warmth and attentiveness make every visit feel personal and memorable.

We had the wine tasting meal which was an excellent choice. We ate in the terrace in the back. Which was nice but since they smoke both inside and outside in Bulgaria you have to be prepared for that. Our service was excellent. It's not cheap so we were quite frankly surpised to be given rather cheap paper napkins to use throughout the meal. Inside they had cloth napkins. I know it seems a bit snobbish to mention this but remember this is an expensive place. Our waitress was great.

We celebrated our 10th anniversary at Niko'las 0/360, and it was an unforgettable experience! Every single dish we tried was delicious, showcasing incredible flavors and creativity, but the cod was truly spectacular—an absolute must-try. The non-alcoholic cocktails were a perfect choice to pair with the dishes, enhancing the dining experience without overshadowing the food. The restaurant beautifully combines traditional Bulgarian cuisine with Asian-inspired touches, creating a unique and exciting fusion of flavors. The result is a menu perfect for anyone seeking an elevated culinary experience. The staff were incredibly kind and attentive, making us feel welcomed and ensuring everything was perfect throughout the evening. The warm and intimate ambiance added to the charm, making it the ideal spot for a special occasion. Highly recommend this gem in Bulgaria for anyone looking for exceptional food, thoughtful service, and an unforgettable dining experience!

Amazing food and excellent service! One pizza had to be replaced because of a missing ingredient, but they handled it perfectly and even added a tiramisu on the house. Delivery was impressively fast too!

Pizza is really Neapolitan style. The dough is just perfect, cheese and other ingredients are top quality. Arrives very fast. One of the best pizzas in the area, that is for sure. Staff speaks English.

As people who have been in Napoli, we truly value the taste of a delicious authentic pizza. This place is really worth it if you want to enjoy an Italian pizza. The staff is always nice and friendly.

Pizza is above average, but there is only one size (about 500 gr.), service is slow, at least for the pizza (probably due to delivery orders priority), there are seats inside and outside and free parking.

Like in Naples! The only place I've found in Sofia that offers real Neapoletan pizza. Tastes great and the crust is soft and chewy. Just as it should be. Definitely recommend it!

This place deserves a better spot in the city. We are Italians and the pizza here is amazing. Real pizza for once! We recommend.

Really delicious Italian style pizza. Tried 3 types - margherita, pepperoni, and one with arugula/veggies. All amazing. They know how to do the dough and sauce right, which are the fundamentals of an amazing pizza. Yummmmm!

There is only one word for this park - "Wow"! Those fountains are so breathtaking in combination with colorful flowers and the adjacent park that you simply have to stop for a moment and enjoy the view. Taking a coffee in hand in the summer and walking through this park always fills me with good, positive energy. It is a top tourist spot and it is obvious why. This is an attraction in itself, but just look at my photo. Pure promo for Sofia. Don't hesitate to visit!

The most central park in Sofia surrounding the NDK structure and accessible via the Metro, it has lots of monuments and places to sit, beautiful fountains and statues. This is a cool place for walking around peacefully and taking some good pictures or just relax.

Stunning building and landscape. An absolute must see when visiting Sofia.

Great park, conference centre and place to meet and relax. Beautiful fountains and gardens, a nice place to relax.

Probably nice place for locals to stroll over the weekend around otherwise nothing special

Best place in central Sofia for a long walk to Vitouaha BLVD and evening vives

The park and the NDK are easily accessible via public transportation, with the NDK Metro Station located directly beneath the complex, connecting visitors to various parts of Sofia. It is the end of Vitosha Boulevard, the National Palace of Culture (NDK) and its surrounding park form a perfect grand finale (or starting point) to the street. It’s a popular photo spot, with the NDK in the background and landscaped fountains in the foreground. One of the best spot in Sofia!!!

Beautiful and impressive landmark in the heart of Sofia! The architecture is stunning, and the surrounding park is perfect for a relaxing walk. Often hosts concerts, exhibitions, and cultural events — a must-see if you’re visiting the city

Hey, we are Vicky 🇵🇪 and Malte 🇩🇪 from the travel blog Traveling Is Our Passion. For our full one-day Sofia itinerary, check out our blog! The National Palace of Culture is an impressive building in the heart of Sofia. While it mainly hosts events and conferences, its central location makes it a convenient stop on a walking route through the city. Worth a quick look if you’re exploring nearby sights.

Beautiful well manicured Park with cultural centre and fountains. Very busy when we visited on a Saturday but there was adequate seating and it felt very safe. Close to Metro stop. We stopped there for a picnic and although it was very busy it had a decent vibe.

Love this place. Day and night it's full with people(locals and tourists). The fountains are super nice and light up at dark. You can find people doing tricks, spinning fire, playing music, etc. great place.

A special place for a special occasion. We arrived, and it appeared to be chaotic, but once inside, it was simple to find our way to our alloted seats ... the seat number is on the seat back if you don't see it ;) We didn't attempt to get refreshment, either at the start or at the interval, so can't really comment, but that too looked to be a bit chaotic and not in the least bit clear where the 'bar' was. We had a great time because of the show, which was extremely well presented, and a delight. The palace is spectacular from outside, most particularly in the dark.

Better to visit in the evening as the lighting makes the experience far better (but no entrance inside). Also there’s another sight underneath the place.

A stunning and imposing building, it is one of the largest multifunctional conference and cultural centers in the world! One of the must see landmarks of Sofia that you shouldn’t miss out on!

The Central Market Hall of Sofia is a fascinating blend of history and modern retail that you won't find anywhere else! This beautifully preserved historic building now houses a Kaufland supermarket, but they've maintained the original atmosphere so well that it feels like shopping in a museum. The architecture is stunning and the space is impressively clean throughout. What makes this place unique is how they've transformed each level. The ground floor Kaufland offers an excellent selection of products at standard prices, while the mezzanine level features several restaurants with great views over the main hall. But the real surprise is downstairs - there's a fascinating free museum area showcasing Roman-era ruins, plus additional shops and a comfortable seating area. The location in central Sofia couldn't be better, though parking is limited (typical for the city center). The excellent public transport connections make it easily accessible by metro, bus, or tram. One practical tip: the clean restrooms in the basement require scanning your receipt for entry. This is definitely more than just a shopping trip - it's a cultural experience that combines practical needs with Sofia's rich history. Whether you're grabbing groceries, exploring ancient ruins, or enjoying a meal on the upper level, allow extra time to fully appreciate this unique space that successfully marries preservation with modern functionality.

Hey, we are Vicky 🇵🇪 and Malte 🇩🇪 from the travel blog Traveling Is Our Passion. For our full one-day Sofia itinerary, check out our blog! The Central Market Hall wasn’t exactly what we expected—it feels more like a standard supermarket than a lively market hall. That said, it can be handy if you’re hungry early in the day, since there are a few food stalls and small restaurants upstairs. Not a must-see in Sofia, but a practical stop if you’re nearby and want a quick bite or a local shopping experience.

I’ve been to 31 countries and find going to a central market to be such a great way to feel a city. This one in Sofia wasn’t what I expected and if you’re looking for the hustle and bustle, with a more historic feel you’ll like the Women’s Market instead but don’t discount it yet because it has some lovely Bulgarian souvenirs! If you like a beautiful, high ceiling building with a modern supermarket inside and food vendors upstairs you’ll love this. Plus there’s something really cool downstairs if you’re up for seeing it. Aaaaand there’s some really lovely Bulgarian rose products there that I didn’t see elsewhere in the city. Beautifully packaged tea blends, beauty products, and chocolates. So a beautifully preserved building near a mosque and a synagogue with historic pieces inside and modernity too. Not a bad mixture and super convenient.

Very disappointing experience. We stayed right next to it for a week. And first day came shopping there and dropped newborns baby next to the counter. Considering it was in the evening, we have returned following morning to collect it. When asked at information desk about lost property, the lady working there (Emiliya Slavcheva) as soon as she heard English language, pretended i wasnt even there and after looked absolutely discussed at me. Hence got her name, absolutely terrible experience. To the Management you have an absolutely amazing store with great assortment and good quality but having people who treat other people this way is totally unacceptable.... Obviously we haven't returned shopping there anymore as other people wouldn't. Please consider that, treating tourists this way.....

The historic market hall in Sofia now houses a large Kaufland on the ground floor, offering a surprisingly wide selection of local and international products. Downstairs, in the basement level, you’ll find small shops and a few cafés.

I loved how the historic hall was transformed by integrating a modern Kaufland inside it. Such a cool mix of old architecture and everyday life. A nice little experience overall, and you can even do some quick grocery shopping while you are there. Super convenient and worth a stop if you are in Sofia.

The Central Market Hall in Sofia is a really nice place to visit, lively, full of local products, and traditional Bulgarian flavors. The building itself has beautiful architecture, and a really nice fountain and clock

We only walked through it but there is a good Costa Coffee right at the side of it. There are better parks in Sofia to hang out in and this is not really the place to hang out but a nice break from going to the National Art Gallery, the Ethnographic Museum, and the Sofia Art Museum, all of which are adjacent to the park.

The City Garden is one of my favorite parks in Sofia. It's also a typical city park, but thanks to the great fountains it's on a completely different level. There are benches and trees everywhere. During the summer it was a great place to grab a coffee and go here to relax, just look at the fountains and observe life around. I like it here, it has a good atmosphere. I think that during the season tourists will also appreciate it, since it's close to the center and at the same time it's very pleasant.

Nice garden with a little book store that would be wonderful to sit and have a read in, found some classics!!! (shame if you can’t speak Bulgarian tho, lucky for me I can!)

Beautiful evenings! There are some people singing also. The sound from the fountains is so appealing.

A nice place to make stop while you are walking in the nice city of Sofia to set and look the Fontaine and enjoy the sound of the water and enjoying the garage of the famous Ivan Vazov theater

Landmark in Sofia, especially in the evening. Lights , fountains and heavy hanging around by locals in the summer !

A wonderful day spent at The City Garden at Oktoberfest Sofia with wonderful people and friends.

It is an interesting place. It is calm, comfortable. You can read some book, take internet, drink a couple nice coffee. You can arrange meetings.

That waaas.. a weird experience. I actually never expected there to be a bar. It expensive, very, but the drinks are good, and the place is so strange, you can just sit there and imagine things. There are like...5 doors to enter. 3 types of tables to sit on. Lots of strange people. :)) And it is inside the NPC(/NDK), right from the side of it. I probably wouldn't visit again, but I liked the atmosphere and werd taste this place gives off :)))

Nice place, great atmosphere, but not enough working outlets are available. The prices for drinks are actually great!

Not that bad but too overrated. The atmosphere is good - it’s quiet, and there are books around. And it’s open 24/7, which is great. But the services are terrible - they don’t have food, so if you’re planning on spending the whole day there, bring something to eat. There is a Starbucks close by, so you can buy something from there. I once did that and they were not happy - the waitress was a little rude. Then the whole summer they didn’t have fruit, so you couldn’t order fresh juices or lemonades. Now that it’s a bit colder, I took hot chocolate - such a disappointment. They have two types and I took the one that was supposed to be Italian. Not only was it not Italian, it was almost as bad as the crappy hot chocolate powers of the 90s - it gave me a stomachache. So if you want to read a book for an hour, it’s a great place. If you want to work/study (spend several hours), there are better places to go to.

A little haven for book lovers. Calm atmosphere, great literature events, polite staff. One of my favorite places in Sofia

Really cool music lives. One can bring a laptop and work there, enjoy a nice cup of tea or coffee or listen to a book presentation or reading. Service is usually good, there's room for improvement.

Great place. You can read. You can chat. You can write a poem today and pay with it for your coffee.

Self service soups and lunch menu joint Don’t expect wow quality food , but it’s fairly good. For lunch is packed

No frills, local soup bar. Interesting choice of soups. 5.50 Levs for each. 0.35 for a piece of bread.

All their daily soup options are simply fantastic - great variety to choose from - not just 3 soups like all other restaurants and some main course options as well. Their cream soups taste like heaven especially when you are consuming them for lunch and with slightly grilled bread. Also, their packaging is almost always good - only once part of the soup was spilled, but we could live with it. What I also like is that they always include croutons. What dislike however is the inclusion of plastic cutlery and salt and pepper in paper little bags - there should be an option to choose whether the client needs those. Otherwise - not very eco-friendly..

Yummy Bulgarian soups!!

I visited Supa Bar and was impressed by the soup of the day. It was delicious, fresh, and at a very affordable price. They only have 4 options, but all of them are great. An economical and delightful culinary experience!

5 stars because price and quality are perfectly balance. Each day you can find 6 different soups and one main dish. You can also garnish your soup/dish with lemon, garlic, chilli, parsley, croutons for free. Perfect for take out and dine in. I mainly go for a quick lunch. Definitely recommend the lentil soup and all the vegetable cream soups.

Amazing place where you can enjoy a really great soup. The menu is only in Bulgarian but the waiters were nice and they show me the different soups before order. Also is a cheap place around 3-4lev per soup. recommended!!

Stopped by for dinner during my visit to Sofia and it was great. There were a lot of options which made it difficult to choose. I ordered the spicy grilled cheese sandwich option which was delicious - the perfect amount of spicy. I also got a glass of wine which was perfectly fine. The staff was friendly and the food came out quick. I’d definitely return and order the same thing or perhaps try something new.

Probably the best place to have a smash burger in Sofia. Service is great, place looks clean and tidy and the prices are very decent for the quality of food you are getting. Totally recommend it!!!

The grilled cheese sandwiches are dope, the fries are simple but crispy and delicious. Overall great experience. The desserts from Sladkish are also yummy and stand out from most places for sweets here.

2025.06.15: the staff was not especially nice, seemed to be a bit moody and the cuban style sandwich I ordered had a really low quality ham in it. The pulled pork and the overall taste was still good, but this ham was a bit disappointing, rather just leave that out or use something better.

Probably the best “meat” spot in Sofia. They also have veggie options. Been here few times already. The burger is amazing, the smash burger sends you to another dimension, the Philly steak is the best I’ve had in Europe so far, and the patty melt literally melts in your mouth. Service is good and quick, very friendly, and the place is very clean. On Friday and Saturday evenings usually quite packed, but with enough patience you’ll get a spot ;) Update 18.08.2025: One year after writing my first review, I am back again to the same spot. Consistency is important and sure enough, everything was as perfect as ever.

The burger was ok. Not amazing, not bad. Just decent enough, meat could have done with more seasoning. Chips were disappointingly limp. Music was banging.

Great place, we've been coming consistently for years. The new service personnel is more interested in their phone rather than coming to get our order. Good food, pretty expensive for what you're getting but still one of the best burgers in Sofia.

Loved the location of the restaurant and the atmosphere. The staff was kind. The wait was a bit long, we had the tasting menu with non alcoholic drinks and it took more than 2 hours. Loved the chocolate cake dessert and the presentation of it, so majestic. Also liked the snails with caviar. Really light and tasty. Salad was also quite refreshing, the paired zucchini was delicious. Hated the duck confi with strawberries, the strawberries were tart and sweet which was okay but the duck with it… the harmony was not there and the huge chunks of pepper were not nice. The spinach purée with elda was okay. The main course which was some kind of fish was not bad, I found a bone in there which was not the best but the sauce was AMAZING. They also served us a platter of cheeses and the truffle honey was to die for, would swim in that honey. The chocolate assortments were also okay. The non alcoholic drinks were good but I didn’t like the non alcoholic rum and wine. They were really watery and weird tasting but the mocktails were really nice. I feel like most of the dishes were okay but the harmony was kind of off. But tbh definitely not bad and the server was really kind. The chef even introduced himself towards the end of dinner and he was really lovely, had a bit of chat with us which was cute. Would recommend if you want more of a fine dining experience but definitely didn’t get the French aspect of it, it was more so well polished Bulgarian cuisine with French influenced dish presentation

It’s hard to describe. It’s really incredible, it’s all about taste. I’ll put it in the simplest way: it’s highly likely you’ll have one of the best tasting experience in your life.

Had a wonderful experience. It was cold outside, but warm and lovely inside. Excellent service, the presentation was unique, and tastes were amazing.

A very interesting interpretation of Bulgarian dishes, mixed with modern cooking methods and ingredients. The presentation was always on point and the dishes looked great. If you are lucky enough, chief Andre will personally come and serve you or flambe your desert. The only complaint that I had was that they actually ran out of vodka 😂

Excellent! We had the tasting menu and the food was great. But I feel the portion was a bit too much, and I feel a little bloated after eating all the courses. The service was impeccable. It was so done with one person when We were there. That was pretty impressive.

It was amazing! We had the special menu plus a la carte, the special menu was quite generous in portion and it was present like art from modern museum. We can feel the heart & efforts from the presentation to the ingredients & the name they use. A little bit surprised that chef Andre present our first course by himself--what a treat! And we had an amazing server Georgi who's also maître d & bartender & server, he's superb. The wine Georgi recommend us is amazing and inexpensive. I love every bit of ANDRe, it's perfect. Thanks Google recommend us here.

The atmosphere is calm, intimate, and cool. The staff is also super friendly and helpful. They know what they’re doing and what they’re talking about, and you can tell making the customers happy is their main priority. This fact was proven once again when the chief himself came to our table to ask about experience with the restaurant and the food. We were explained about what was brought to us, the origins of the food and they way it was cooked. We ate various dishes, from which I mostly liked the beetroot salad. I am not a fan of beetroot at all, although I know it is healthy, but this salad was yummy.

Today we experienced something beautiful. 🌳 A park with many attractions, a punk concert that made us remember the past 🎶, and many stands with tasty food 🍩🍺. I really envy Sofia. We liked it a lot ❤️.

amazing park! my friend and I set up camp under a pavilion and sat there for like 6 hours just chatting and then subsequently reading our books. i’m impressed by how many people bought their own hammocks with them and strung them up between the trees. pretty cool idea. there’s also a water fountain with ice cold water in the middle of the park past the playground and also bathrooms however they were closed when we went

A nice place for walk. It's quiet with a lot of trees and different paths you can take. It's suitable for a walk with friends, with your dog and there are paths suitable for strollers. After working hours or during the weekends, there are parts of Borisiva garden that can be really crowded.

Great spacious park with a nice forested area. There's play areas for kids, pleasant walking trails, and for those in need of a pitstop... a few cafe/bars to grab a beer or sandwich

Beautiful and iconic park in the heart of Sofia. It’s spacious, green, and full of history. You’ll find wide tree-lined paths, flower gardens (especially the Rosarium), and peaceful spots like the lily pond and the Japanese corner. Great for walking, jogging, or just relaxing on a bench. There are playgrounds for kids, sports areas, and even cafés around if you want a drink or snack. Easy to reach by metro (Stadium Vasil Levski station is right next to it). Some parts are a bit less maintained, but overall it’s one of the best places to enjoy nature and unwind in the city. A must-visit if you’re in Sofia!

Hey, we are Vicky 🇵🇪 and Malte 🇩🇪 from the travel blog Traveling Is Our Passion. For our full one-day Sofia itinerary, check out our blog! Borisova Gradina Park is Sofia’s oldest and most loved green space. It’s perfect for a relaxing walk, people-watching, or enjoying the fresh air like the locals do. The park also features the National Stadium and several statues of notable Bulgarian figures, making it both scenic and culturally interesting.

It was the perfect park. Great for kids , pets , old people. Very peaceful.

I attended the Guns'n'Roses concert taking place at the stadium. Access was very easy but the state of the seats and the toilets was not good. There weren't labels on some of the seats on some rows which led to confusion for some of the visitors.

Great place for concerts, the organisation is easy and you can move fast around the stadium.

we were there to watch the bulgaria-spain football match,the stadium is nice,could be better,the walls are kinda ruined at some places,the toilets are nice though,there was toilet paper,but i would have been better if there was soap for washing hands

I recently attended a concert at this stadium, and I was truly impressed from start to finish. The organisation was outstanding — everything ran so smoothly, from entry and seating to crowd management and exiting after the show. The staff were friendly, helpful, and kept things well-coordinated, which made the whole experience stress-free and enjoyable. I was also very impressed by how clean and well-maintained the stadium. Overall, a fantastic venue for live events — I’ll definitely be coming back for future concerts!

here for GunsnRoses concert easy quick access ; good space outside vlose to the city center.

The stadium needs a massive renovation. The walls are crumbling,rhe toilets were super dirty as well as the seats . Otherwise the entrances are very nicely spread out also the track and field are very good

was here for Enrique Iglesias’ performance, it was great, and everything was organized, tidy, and safe… the concert was amazing.

Our family absolutely loved Muzeiko in Sofia! This children's science center is amazing, with many floors packed with hands-on exhibits on topics from archaeology to animals. We easily spent hours there; the kids were so engaged, they didn't want to leave! Highly recommended for a fun and educational.

Very interesting place for all ages. My kid love it. We spend more than 3 hours in it. The cafe shop has very resonable prices.

Fantastic place to learn how the things that we use or live works. Actually for small and big. We loved it and our small daughter was amazed. It’s a perfect place for kids. This should be every city as part of education. Mandatory.

My kids loved the museum. It's set up that bottom level is past (that was our favorite), middle floor was present and top floor was future.

It's a great place, can be little bit big. The outside area was so hot

Nice little museum for kids. Not too big and not too small. About two hours of wondering. Planetarium is good, but no what we expected. Food in cafeteria was ok.

A great experience for kids. There are 3 floors reflecting ; past, present and future. There is also a play area for kids and a small cafe on the first floor. It’s free for kids under 2. You can spend hours there. We as adults also enjoyed our well spent time there.

The place is amazing right at the heart of Sofia. The garden is beautiful and welcoming. The inside part of the restaurant is inside the house and the atmosphere there is cozy and cute. The food is a little bit on the pricier side, however, it is delicious and in good portion. The service is great. If you are a foreigner I would definitely recommend you to try this place at least once during your stay in Sofia.

Not sure they want tourists (all locals there), but this is the best restaurant we visited in Sofia. Prices suit the food: it's fresh and tastes amazing, served in a very appealing composition. Lovely outside seating under grape vines with cats roaming about. We had a lovely server and paid around 85€ for two starters, two main dishes, a dessert and a bottle of wine - all of great quality.

Really good atmosphere and delicious food! I recommend to try the fried chicken with blue cheese dip. It was delicious!! The waiter was friendly but he was keep forgetting our orders and it was a bit slow. That is the only reason that I can not give 5 stars. Overall, it was a nice experience.

First, the courtyard is a lovely little oasis and perfect for a lazy summer day. Second, the food is suburb. Third - and most important of all - this restaurant labels their allergens (in English!). As someone with a deathly nut allergy, this was such a pleasant surprise (and relief). I usually subsist on beef jerky brought from the states (or grocery runs) when I solo travel, and it was so so nice to eat delicious, flavorful fresh food. Honestly for this reason alone, Made in Blue deserves a 10/10! 🙏

A hidden gem in the very heart of Sofia. Great garden and very cosy interior. The food is absolutely delicious and super fresh. I can highly recommend Made in Blue to those who prefer high quality of food and service and those who need to escape from the busy life.

The pita was so dry it could cut your gums. No one mentioned it was spicy, and it was covered in hot seasoning. The main courses were much better. The meat was tasty, though the mashed potatoes had lumps. The salmon patties were good too, and the sauce was nice. But honestly, compared to other places we’ve been to in Sofia, nothing really impressed me. Especially in terms of taste and quality it wasn’t a “wow” or a strong reason to come back.

I really enjoyed the vibe in this place; the interiors are cozy, quaint, and comfortably lit. However, I was seated in a room alone, the only company was generic radio music. Fair enough, probably not the best timing – most people sat outdoors, with no vacant tables left. At first they forgot my drink order, then they forgot about me. Being hungry, I wanted to order another dish, but when the staff repeatedly walked past my without taking notice (I was trying to signal them) I figured it was best to pay up and leave. I solo travel a lot and I'm used to eating by myself, but I've never felt this stupid sitting in an empty room staring into the abyss. I had the fried chicken, which was a bit dry, but tasty enough. See you never :)

One my most favourite (if not the most) place in Sofia, delicious products and super nice staff. An hispter's place maybe for some people but ... a great one! I know two Hle Bar: one in Shishman's street (very homy atmospher) an other one in Oborichte's street, more trendy, so it's up to you!

I came here two years ago and found my favorite Banitsa. It’s definitely a new school style. I’ve thought of that Banitsa probably monthly ever since. I finally got to go back today and it lived up to the memory! Really delicious offerings with some fun local honey and jam as well.

Awesome food - breads, breakfast options (eggs, salmon sandwich with Philadelphia cheese), The Banitsa - Queen of all - try all the varieties, you won't regret it and it's made with cheese, eggs, olive oil, extremely delicious. The sweet options and thousands of varieties of cakes are absolutely worth it. A bonus - they're so tasty, the calories don't count :D. Don't forget that Ayriyan is Banitsa's best friend and HleBar offer an extremely delicious one which is not dilluted with water. If you feel adventurous, check out the bio Boza, which is worth the price. I read people here complaining about the prices, but the prices are actually normal for the quality of the products this bakery uses to bring the best on the counter. You also have the option to grab a cup of warm coffee or buy some of the bio products they offer - flour, milk, youghourt, chocolate etc. Absolutely recommended!

Great food starts with great ingredients, but the magic happens when people make great food with not so great ingredients or exceptional food with great i gredients. Here you will find great ingredients, but not exceptional food. The bread is very good indeed, but prices for lunch menu and banitsa are a bit too high for what you get (especially charging 1.80 lv for a tiny baklava). Food is good, quality ingredients are used, but it lacks a character. There is a lot of potential here, still a couple steps away.

If there is one diner spot in Sofia, which has consistently kept its food, interior and service quality high - this would be HleBar. For years now it has provided daily menus for breakfast and lunch with locally sourced ingredients and a basic 5-6 meals’ menu super tasty and wonderful. Parallel to the meals you can always find freshly baked sourdough bread.

Delicious banitsa (local savory pastry) with mushrooms and potatoes. It’s not oily like in many places and super fresh even if you buy in the evening. The only minus was a coffee - too cold.

Loved the food, the service is fast, the more crowded hours are a bit tough because there aren't a lot of tables available, most of them are outside and it's cold, but overall I liked it

Imagine dining in a tranquil garden tucked away from the hustle—a cozy house with both indoor charm and a leafy terrace, where the vibe is polished yet undeniably personal. Aubergine feels like home, but infused with intentional creativity and care. The menu is thoughtfully compact, spotlighting Bulgarian soul food, Mediterranean flair, and imaginative twists on classics. Every dish I tasted—from the aubergine bruschetta with cow’s cheese and caramelized walnuts to the rich, tender pork ribs—was unmistakably elevated comfort food done right. Portions are generous, quality ingredients shine, and there’s a clear dedication to thoughtful presentation that never outshines the flavor. What truly sets Aubergine apart is its pairing of each plate with Bulgarian craft beer—one of the only places doing this with focus and finesse in Sofia. There’s a sense that food and drink were designed to complement each other, creating a balanced, memorable meal. The team offers warm hospitality: welcoming, professional, and genuinely invested without fuss. From menu guidance to service rhythm, everything felt seamless. had only one meal left in Sofia, it would be here. Aubergine hits hard everytime

The food was incredibly good, and we went at a very quiet time, with the whole terrace for ourselves. The grilled goat cheese dish was our favourite. There was also a friendly cat there that jumped on top of me and stayed there napping on my lap during the whole time, which I loved.

The ceaser with duck was not very exciting to eat, the vegan tikka masala was good, but the bread basket gets soggy. The side of rice was exceptional. The white chocolate cheese cake was the best out of the tree things we had. The waitresses were very kind. The wine selection was just ok. I would say it is a bit overpriced for what they offer, I would go there again but I won't be the one initiating it.

Really liked this place. Very calm atmosphere, great service, and delicious food. The green salad was so good. Craft beers are great, too.

We found this restaurant in a guru guide and liked the menu so booked and did not regret it. Very fresh tasty food with some unusual ingredients which were very tasty and well prepared. Lots of choice and great atmosphere. I was inspired by the menu so I'm going to try some new combinations at home

Great food with a lot of vegetarian options and amazing flavours. Everything we had was delicious, including the locally crafted beers. We got 2 apps and a main to share which turned out perfectly - don’t skip dessert! We got the hummus, eggplant bruschetta (crazy good w walnut on top), and the stuffed aubergine w lentils; the goat cheesecake w honey was divine for a finish.

It is something like a hidden jam on a small quiet street. Menu is small but enough with interesting choices for vegetarians as well as for the meat lovers. As their focus is beer, there are many different types of it, few draft and more in cans and bottles. There is indoor and outdoor seating and if you are a bigger company, call in advance. The waitress was extremely nice and handling everyone alone.

Pretty big for an urban mall. Some places were under construction/repurpocing. The interior is more modern than the exterior that is a little aged. The prices are typical, following each brand's policy and pricing. That means, it is not a discount mall or an outlet. It is very well connected to public transport. One thing I didn't like at all is that the toilets were not so clean or at least there was a disturbing odour.

The best place for shopping in the city. There are many shops, a large selection, average prices, good restaurants. I highly recommend to shopping enthusiasts

Very clean city …a lot of tourists…very impressive and emblematic monuments…i strongly recommend it as a city break…

I overall like how this mall is designed, it has many useful stores, a couple of libraries, most (if not all) major banks, a few glasses stores and a couple of restaurants, in addition to a food court. Another big plus is the location: it's in a relatively safe area and it's very well connected to a few major lines of public transport. As a downside, the toilets are poorly ventilated and rarely cleaned, I avoid them and the surrounding area if I can. There is no cinema in this mall, but this never bothered me; this mall is likely built for/by the green office building in its middle (that one is not well designed at all, the smoking space is practically a "space platform" and it is a nightmare to access the office building before the mall opens). There used to be TV screens in the food court mostly playing music videos, but they have been turned off or stopped working.

Modern shopping mall with a wide variety of stores, from international brands to local shops. It’s clean, well-organized, and has plenty of places to eat. A good spot for shopping or just spending a few hours indoors.

Decent shopping mall with ample stores and great shopping experience. Food options at the top floor was plentiful with a good range of healthy options as well as fast food restaurants. Toilet was clean and nice with beautiful greens. Available huge supermarket billa at the basement was nice, as well as a very good money exchange shop just opposite it. Even on weekends the mall is rather quiet and peaceful so that is nice. Brands such as zara and h&m are there. Excellent lounge spaces for people to rest, available paid massages chairs are all over the place, nice sofas with nice cushions availavle for families, also presence of large number of lockers which you can put your belongings. Excellent mall indeed! Even a children's play area so it's definitely family friendly! Overall a good shopping mall in sofia, comparatively. Its conveniently located with parking and you can easily get a taxi at the taxi stand right in front of the main entrance of the shopping mall. .

Quiet mall, comfortable for shopping with many international and local brands, as well as a floor for restaurants. Clean toilets, free personal storage lockers, electronic and human inquiries I do not forget that there is a Turkish cafe in the basement behind the escalator. It serves Turkish tea and Turkish coffee. It has many Turkish sweets. In addition to sweets. Turkish ice cream

This place is stunning. The cathedral looks amazing, the entrance is free, but donations can be made, there are special boxes inside. Also, there is a small shop at the entrance, there you can buy souvenirs and candles. The place is not very crowded, we arrived in a Sunday evening and there were no issues. Definitely worth visiting when in Sofia.

Breathtaking 🙏😳🥰 I had tears in my eyes by just entering the door. We were walking outside the building, 2 police officers and security waved at us, showed us the door. The building outside is stunning already, but when you stepped inside, it's just take your breath away. Serene, quiet, no tourists We took a lot of pictures, searching for a little corner and pray🙏 I love it.

Sofia’s most iconic and grand cathedral, and its size combined with its stunning architecture gives it a truly commanding presence. Construction: Built between 1882 and 1912 to honor Russian soldiers who died during the Russo-Turkish War (1877–1878), which liberated Bulgaria from Ottoman rule. Architectural Style: Neo-Byzantine, with striking gold-plated domes and intricate frescoes inside. Capacity: Can accommodate up to 5,000 people, making it one of the largest Eastern Orthodox cathedrals in the world. Features: Lavish interior with marble columns, mosaics, icons, and a massive iconostasis. Significance: Serves as the patriarchal cathedral of Bulgaria, a national symbol of faith, history, and Bulgarian liberation.

The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is absolutely stunning and definitely a must see in Sofia. The architecture is breathtaking, from the golden domes to the beautifully detailed interior. What really impressed me is the feeling this place gives you. It truly evokes emotion, reflection and a quiet sense of presence. Inside, the frescoes are exceptional, full of depth and beauty, and they make the whole experience even more meaningful. Even if you have seen many cathedrals before, this one really stands out. Iconic, impressive and full of history, it adds something special to your time in Sofia.

Such a wonderful cathedral and the largest in the Balkans. It's Neo-Byzantine style is glamorous and admirable. The artwork and chandeliers were such an eyesight. The cathedral is a symbol of Sofia and must visit. There was no wait time during the week and no tickets. A small donation to light up a candle is a nice idea. The crowd was very low.

I was lucky enough to walk in during service and it was magical. There was a beautiful choir singing and the sound was spectacular. I was in tears. The building and the energy almost commands you to be present. The visitors were very respectful. A must visit. I would assume Saturday afternoon is when they have a service.

Free entry. You can either pray or visit or both. One of the most iconic landmarks in Sofia with pure golden roof finish donated by Russia long time ago. Inside, all those riches and hand painted pictures of all Bulgarian saints. Regardless of your faith, it must been seen while visited Sofia.

We were so pleased with Raketa Rakia Bar. We popped there without reservation and got a table in the bar. We got some food and wine. Food was decent size, not overly big, but well presented and super tasty. The wine was gorgeous and the dessert lovely. Service was superb and we got to try some rakish. We thoroughly enjoyed it all. Thank you

A fun place to enjoy a meal with a cool ode to the Soviet area. The restaurant does get quite busy, so a reservation is a good idea. The food was good, but nothing to write home about. We enjoyed a classic salad, fried cheese and tomatoes dish, and the meatballs and sausage. We definitely left feeling very full! The waiter offered us some “complementary” liquor, only to charge us at the end, which wasn’t the best experience. We also waited a long time for our main dish, so we weren’t blown away by the service. Still worth a visit while you’re in Sofia.

The restaurant atmosphere is pretty good and staff were friendly and responsive, but the price is just too high for the quality of food compared to other restaurants. To be clear, the food IS good, but when you have a noticeably higher price tag, just "good" is not enough for a high rating. The high price also applies to soft drinks - I can get having more expensive alcoholic ones (I mean it's in the name so you'd expect more specialised stuff to have higher markups) but the normal store-bough stuff you find everywhere could be cheaper for sure.

Very cool bar if you want to sample local rakia and local Bulgarian food. It’s styled like USSR Bulgaria. Very good servers. Tasty food. Nice drinks. Can get a bit loud later in the evening. But the atmosphere is pretty awesome. They will carefully pack your unfinished food to take home with you, which is great.

Absolutely in awe... This place is so tightly conceptualized and then the food is also this good and the place so pleasant to eat at and the prices so decent. I can't recommend this place enough for great Bulgarian food - much of it inspired by the period of socialism.

Great staff, got mezzes and rakija here. Very willing to share their recommendations and explain what you’re eating/drinking. A bit on the pricier side. Bread is amazing.

Appetizers and beer were good, however I tried to avoid dill, which was not listed in the menu in the food that I ordered. The most food came covered in dill and there went my apetite. Otherwise good atmosphere, the wait time could get better but was not bad. A prior reservation is recommended. You cannot split the bill, which made it quite inconvenient.

A nice park. It's not too big but it's not small either. There are cafes and restaurants in the park and various shops around it. A lot of benches to sit. Tram line next to the park

One of the very popular parks in the city. There are playgrounds for little children, fountains and lots of benches. There are tennis courts and places to eat. There are a lot of sculptures all over the park. Unfortunately you see a lot of graffiti and parts of the park that are not well maintained.

Small, but very neat and well kept park, which is almost in the very center of the city. Well equipped with abundant benches. Inside the park are 3 restaurants, and immediately next to it another one on the local street off to the side.

a great walk in a Saturday raining afternoon 😊😊

Very nice park, I stayed in an airbnb locally at the place was very nice to sit with a picnic in the evening when the weather was nice. Pleasant and safe atmosphere with families, couples and dog walkers enjoying the space. Saxophone musician also playing one evening.

Great park to spend time during the heats

Small park surrounded by ugly looking communist buildings. On the weekend there are a lot of people here which is an opportunity to see how the locals are enjoying themselves. There are a few good fast-food and grill pubs here with a good and cheap offer of food and beer

The atmosphere was so vibey,the staff were so friendly as well as the bar and restaurant itself were 100% up to standards would recommend this place especially if you want a friendly,worthy and an experience itself

We have been coming here for the past years every time we arrive in Sofia and we have never been disappointed. The cocktails are absolutely fantastic and the staff incredibly friendly. Emil was extremely helpful in advising us in our choice and make our stay very pleasant. The service is the fastest we have seen so far. Thank you for everything and hopefully see you very soon!

10/10 original cocktails. fig rakija cocktail is amazing, sljivovica is insane (first sljivovica i tried that actually tasted of plums). northern lights is a must try cocktail. shoutout to Abi, great guy, every bartender/cocktail master should aspire to be like him!

A great atmosphere reminiscent of space and the Soviet era. The cocktails are unique and well-balanced, although they use unusual ingredients. You should definitely try them. The only downside was being charged an extra 5 euros for nuts just because we were foreigners. Despite that, it was very good; just be cautious if you're Greek or a tourist, so they don't overcharge you unless nuts are priced strangely. Also, watch out for the street behind the bar - we saw someone trying to steal a car when we took a taxi home 😂

TOURIST TIP: Great service and great drinks. Place is great but when I went alone - the pay terminal had an entry for tipping which felt odd but I did anyway. But when I went with a Bulgarian friend, it didn’t have such option. So be aware, they don’t ask for tips for locals, just tourists it seems. 😕 otherwise great bar.

Sputnik – Top Cocktails and Delicious Food in One Great Spot Sputnik is easily one of the best cocktail bars in Sofia! Their cocktails are outstanding—creative, well-balanced, and beautifully served. What makes the place even more special is that it shares the same space with Rakia Raketa Bar. This means you can enjoy world-class cocktails and order delicious food without having to move an inch. The atmosphere is trendy yet relaxed, with great music, cool décor, and an overall vibe that makes it perfect for a night out. If you’re looking for a place where you can sip top-notch cocktails and enjoy amazing food under one roof, Sputnik is the place to be. Highly recommended!

Truly innovative and delicious cocktails, top-of-the-line mixology! We loved the recommendations from the very welcoming and helpful staff. And the interior is very cool. Definitely go!

We came here based on recommendations. The restaurant was quite empty, and we were seated easily. The service was excellent, and the food tasted good, but the prices are very high for the portion sizes, especially compared to other places in Sofia. It was also odd that they charge extra for ketchup and mayonnaise. The menu is nice, the place is very clean and well-organized. We ordered a burger, chicken strips, and fries – everything came hot and fairly quickly. The restrooms were also clean. Overall, decent experience, but I don’t plan to return due to the high prices.

The place offers one of the most delicious burgers in Sofia. Highly recommend it. The sizes are a bit small for the money but they are delicious and the service is very nice. The waiters are very polite and make you feel welcome. This is why I am not removing one star for the size. You can park on a paid parking nearby and walk to the restaurant. Overall if you want to spoil yourself with a bit more expensive and very tasty meal - this is a very nice option. At least for locals. For tourists, it might not be that expensive rather normal price range. Enjoy!

Very lovely food. Had the milkshake, beyond burger and fries and they were AMAZING. Cannot recommend enough, reasonable prices too.

The waitress was really kind and helpful! She speaks English well! My burger was nice and the portion of French fries is HUGE!! A bit expensive for Sofia but still so far so good. I totally recommend it.

Awesome burgers, fries, and coleslaw! Highly recommend when in Sofia for your burger-fix. Be sure to order medium-well done if you want a more pink burger. Go well for more cooked.

As non meat eaters, it's always nice to be able to enjoy a proper burger with vegan ingredients and this was up there with the best! Burgers done right!...and with delicious fries and coleslaw too! Really impressed and terrific value and served with a smile

Great little burger place. I love the atmosphere. You can enjoy some wonderful rap hits from the 2000s and creative artwork. The burgers are pretty good but the buns can be improved. the bread to filling ratio can be increased. Also the buns can be a little more spongy, they are a bit dry currently. I appreciate that everything is freshly made right here. Staff is suuuper polite and friendly. Also appreciating that they follow all of the covid requirements.

I recently visited a charming restaurant in the heart of Sofia, and overall, it was a delightful experience. The food was absolutely delicious, however, there was not something that stood out and left me craving more. Moreover, I did find the prices a bit on the higher side, especially given the menu. Still, the portion sizes of the dishes made it somewhat justified. The service, on the other hand, was top-notch. The staff were attentive, friendly, and went above and beyond to ensure that everything was perfect throughout the meal. Their professionalism really enhanced the overall experience. The atmosphere of the restaurant was cozy and inviting, making it a great place to unwind and enjoy a meal. Whether you’re dining with friends or having a romantic evening, the setting makes it feel special. But the real star of the show was the dessert. I had the cottage cheesecake, and honestly, it was the best I’ve ever had. The texture was flawless, rich yet light, and the flavor was perfectly balanced. It was clear that a lot of care and expertise went into making it. I’d return just for that cheesecake alone! In summary, a great spot for a special night out, though expect to pay a little extra for the experience. Highly recommended a dinner there, especially if you are a foreigner!

Nice restaurant in one of the best neighbourhoods in Sofia - Oborishte! The atmosphere was cozy and the service was on point. The food was delicious and I particularly enjoyed the dessert which was fried bananas with some caramel sauce. Overall I had a good time and a nice experience.

Really good restaurant with very professional service and👌high quality food. The #food I could say is gastronomic but not too pretentious. Tasty and homemade. In same time in the menu you could find very interesting choice of 🥗 salads and dishes that you will not easily find in another restaurant in #Sofia as roasted quail. ❤ Highly recommended place to go!

I've been to this restaurant based on a colleague's recommendation. Out of the 10 things they have on the menu, only 2 or 3 were available. Same for beer, only 2 available out of a huge list. Like literally two bottles. Starters were ok and tasted I'd say decent, nothing extraordinary, I ate way better in other places in Sofia. The ribs were one of the worst I've tasted in my entire life, and I eat ribs everywhere I can. Meat was dry, you could barely pull it from the bone. I would definitely not recommend this to anyone, expensive, and for nothing. Maybe it was once great, but not it's a shadow of that past only. The only reason I'm rating the service and atmosphere to a 3 is all the laughs we had every time we were ordering something and the waiter had to tell us they don't have it. Also it was cold inside, we had to wait ALOT for the food, and while I was there I only saw one person from staff, I guess the guy was a jack of all trades. Terrible experience.

Small insude so it easily gets noisy. Outside is okay. The food is good but the prices are excessive. I lowered my evaluation of the service as I noted them to insist on a tip.

I was seared on the street in front. Small table, narrow distance between tables. Food is OK. Nothing special, a bit extravagant combinations, but not bed. Service and food quality can be a bit better. More expensive than average.

The service was amazing, with a great location and a nice atmosphere. The food was not as great as the prices would suggest. Some things from the menu were missing. Either way, I would recommend it for some special occasion but definitely not an everyday restaurant.

For more than a decade this is the place to eat Bulgarian grill in Sofia. Home-made kyufteta, kebapcheta, real French fries, mackerel, fresh salads, acceptable beer and wines. Top garden. And most of all - reasonably priced which in 2025 is hard to find in Sofia.

The first reastautant in Bulgaria with a real concept, without the eagerness to sound posh or to be offering something with a modern twist. Proper Bulgarian BBQ, I highly recommend the kebapche, kiufte, or pork chops, like everything on the menu they come with side fries and salad. If you ever wondered how all restaurants in the 70s in Bulgaria looked, you have the answer. Simple, delicious, and you always get the best attitude.

Love the place. The food is delicious. The staff is nice. If you are barbecue lover, definitely check it out! I also loves the "shkembe chorba"!!! I love how one can order a normal portion, but also 1 kg from the barbecued meat part of the menu. The location is great - near the center, yet in the nice quieter park... perfect for the summer.

This is the best place I've been to in Sofia. Beautiful location, wonderful staff, delicious food, desert and drinks. If you visit Sofia you should more than definitely make sure to eat here.

Overall review - excellent • Customer service - great, staff makes you feel welcome and service is fast. - the fast service and the fact that it's located below a theater makes this a great place to eat before a play. • Atmosphere - the Establishment is clean and organized, it has a cozy and light mood, great for casual gatherings with friends or significant other. - I would also recommend it as a place for a small party. - there is music but it's not too loud and it doesn't interfere with conversation - great place for families. • Food - The food is tasty, well seasoned and the portion sizes are good - From the dishes I tried * The beef burger was juicy. The bun was perfect * The beef patty is similar to the burger but without the bread. It was also well made. *Chicken fillet very tender and juicy, unlike any other I've eaten. * The desert - chocolate brownie with ice cream was nice, it was a bit on the dry side but it wasn't too bad, with the ice cream it was good. • Other - Location it's in a great location and it's easy to find - Price as it is in the center of Sofia it is more expensive than other places but I'm my opinion it's worth it. - Hygiene facilities, something that I find very important for a restaurant and I'm happy to say that the facilities that this restaurant offers are great. • Conclusion This is a great restaurant for casual gatherings, it's family friendly and the food is excellent. I would come again

Small restaurant with excellent grilled food. Place where locals and families go to (no tourists). I went during the winter season and during the warm weather they do have a really nice outdoor seating. The staff was not too friendly and sometimes I felt rushed. Aside from that it is definitely a place I'd go back to for the delicious food and beer.

Excellent food, but they could make a bit more out of their terrace. It's a strict table by table sitting and not a relaxed Biergarten feeling where tables are scattered chaotically. They have the chance to change the atmosphere a bit.

It's great to be available early on Sunday morning. A mall with plenty of dining options and a variety of other shops. The parking was free for the first two hours last time I checked. It’s clean but can get crowded on weekends. It is located in a very central area and is quite well-maintained.

Toilets can be improved and slightly cleaner. In general alright but not many various shops for actual shopping. Still enjoyed time there even though the heaters are turned on very high and very hot

Large indoor shopping centre with good selection of shops spread over 3 floors. Close to town centre and very convenient connected to public transport. Good mix of international and local brands provide good shopping experience. Prices are pretty much depending on the brand profile. Few coffee shops and mid size food court (visited Sunday and there was plenty of space). Great cinema with IMAX and few smaller arcades. Perfectly fine to get away from poor weather and get you credit card an exercise.

Beautiful mall, lovely stores, Clean and tidy, clean toilets, could do with a few more food options, we went to Happy in the end.

A great place in the heart of Sofia! Mall of Sofia is one of those places where you can always find something to do — whether you want to shop, eat, watch a movie, or just relax with friends. There’s a nice variety of stores, cafés, and restaurants, and the atmosphere is modern and welcoming. You can find many popular international and local brands here — even though not every store you might look for is available, the selection is still very good. The cinema is a big plus, and the location makes it super convenient to reach from anywhere in the city. Overall, Mall of Sofia is a lovely spot to spend a few hours, grab something delicious, and enjoy some quality time. Definitely one of Sofia’s best places to visit!

Always very good and fresh meals. Highly recommended to book in advance if you don't want to wait to be seated. Nice , polite, friendly and smiles waiters. Very good quality food.

Very central location, meters away walking distance from the subway. Clean and well-maintained! Diverse shopping options, entertainment facilities and dining choices. There is a nice mix between international and local brands. There are definitely better shopping malls in Sofia than this one but Mall of Sofia is not too shabby either. The cinema is a very modern and up-to-date IMAX.

A beautifully well-constructed bridge with 4 lion statues which has zero thing to do with any real lion story! Educational facts:1)It’s a stone arch bridge. 2)it was built from 1889 till 1891 by Czech architect ,his brother and cousins. 3)Why is it called lions bridge? It’s a bridge with 4 lion statues. It is a bridge over the Vladaya River(no river at the moment) and it connects you to the Central Railway Station, Marie Louise Boulevard and Slivnitsa Boulevard. (you can find all of the above facts also on Wikipedia) Practical facts:1) On this bridge,you have free benches to sit. 2) Around this bridge and depending on which side you are looking at ,you have supermarkets,open market called women’s market , different kinds of shops like coffee shops of which some can be expensive but a few block walk,you will have cheaper and good quality ones. The immigration office isn’t far from this bridge. Transportation: Metro station M2 is right there(you have to cross the road and go under) and many different Tram numbers and buses. If you want to take a bus to visit other cities in Bulgarian or other countries,you are not far from the bus station from this bridge((it’s called central railway station). 4)Be careful because sometimes,some misbehaving or drunk people can be found around this bridge. So on this bridge that has nothing to do with real lions and nearby,you will find almost everything you need.

Lions’ Bridge is a small but iconic landmark in Sofia, known for the four impressive lion statues that guard each corner. Built in the late 19th century, it has both historical and architectural value. The area around the bridge has been renovated, making it a pleasant place to walk through, with cafes and shops nearby. While it’s not a major attraction you’d spend hours at, it’s worth seeing if you’re exploring the city

The Metro station is beautiful. Very impressed with the Sofia public transport service. It's come a long way over recent decades. As a visitor you can use you credit/debit card to travel all day for a maximum of 4 leva (2 Euros). That includes underground, trams, busses and trolley-busses.

It is more than a simple bridge. It is like small park.

Only a good place to pass by with a tram, not much of a place to sit around or have a coffee or pictures. The area doesn't allow it... Edit 2022: After the renovation the bridge deserves more attention and could be ok to spend a few minutes. Still lacking in social and attraction ways, but getting better

One of the best squares in Sofia! It's one of the most historical parts of the city and in the past it was the main entrance to the center. The lions are made I Austria and the architects were from the Czech Republic. It's really beautiful place at the day and especially in the evening.The metro station under the bridge is also really impressive! There are great restaurants too and non stop shops.

If you walk from the beginning down of the Vitosha Boulevard from the beautiful South Park to this bridge where you reach Central Bus station, you would see most of Sofia, especially the centre. It takes around 50 minutes with no stopping. They say Lion's Bridge is the least safe area, but I didn't see anything during the daylight.

The staff told me to start the tour on the second floor. At the beginning it was not very interesting but it got better as I walked through the different exhibits. One of the best museums in the city for sure.

The building now housing the Sofia History Museum was originally designed in the early 20th century as the “Central Mineral Baths”, in Vienna Secession style combined with Bulgarian-Byzantine elements. Its façade decorated with majolica mosaics, elegant domes and ornate detail gives the structure a grand charm. Behind the building the thermal spring water still flows and is used by locals — you’ll even find public taps where people fill bottles. A visit allows you to appreciate the contrast between the fine modernist architecture and the city’s historic wellness tradition.

Nice but small museum The Regional History Museum in Sofia is housed in a beautiful building and has some interesting exhibits, but the collection is quite limited — I explored everything in about 30 minutes. Still, it’s worth a quick visit to learn a bit about the city’s past.

More about everyday life in the past (clothes, furniture, transport) than about historical events. The Ottoman period is barely covered, and the communist period is completely missing. Since these were long and important periods, the museum feels incomplete. Could be skipped if short on time.

The building is beautiful, designed in the Bulgarian style. The museum entrance fee is cheap, and I recommend visiting it — there are wonderful pieces from the royal era.

Interesting museum if you are into the history of what people wore and the history of Sofia. There are also some royal items displayed which I loved since I'm a big fan of royals

museum located in a beautifully restored historic building. The exhibits cover Sofia’s rich past, from ancient times to the modern era, and are well-presented in both Bulgarian and English. A must-visit for history lovers

Whether it’s an opera, musical, or ballet, whether at the Opera House on Vrubcha Street or one of the summer stages, Sofia Opera always delivers a memorable experience. Every performance is unique, the artists are top professionals, and I’ve never been disappointed. The photos are from Les Misérables – Opera on the Square, summer 2025.

There are many places in Sofia that I adore, but this one is my absolute fave; The interior of the building and the people I had an unbelievable chance to meet there astounded me. Bulgarians are so artistic, extraordinarily skilled, and the opera never disappoints with presenting their exceptional talents and performances. Every visit brings with it a lot of joy, excitement, and khatarsis.

Wonderful Sleeping beauty ballet, excellent dansers. Had a great evening. Several drinks stands and clean restrooms.

What an experience, l love music and have never been to a ballet , a friend who is a opera singer in Sofia invited me ....wow ! ,thank you Silvana xx

We happened to visit Sofia on weekend and used the opportunity to visit the local opera. The building is not as impressive as some of the European operas and feels very old school but the production quality is excellent. We read reviews about restricted side seating. So coming last minute, we picked higher middle seat. Price is super attractive (speaking Londoners) and considering the size it was fantastic value and great experience. Sleeping beauty ballet was beautifully performed and we highly recommend to check what's on and book in advance

I attended Les Misérables at Sofia Opera on 26 July 2025, and I am extremely disappointed. The tickets were advertised as “Bulgarian with English subtitles,” which was the main reason we purchased them. However, no English subtitles were provided during the performance. As non-Bulgarian speakers, we could not follow the show at all and had to leave at the interval. This was a complete misrepresentation of the service and a waste of money. I expected much more from such a reputable venue. And no reply to a formal complaint and requested a refund. I hope the Opera addresses this issue so that future visitors are not misled in the same way.

It was a incredible experience! Baroque music from Handel Beautiful modern backdrops.The location, musicians and the singers were excellent. Must see! Thank you!

If you are interested in a better angle for photos, head over to the back of the church by the park. It is less busy and more chances of you getting a solo shot. This is the more humble and smaller church in the old city of Sofia. The architecture itself is reflective of most Orthodox Christian churches with the orb cupolas which are glistening and gleaming of gold. Still a cool stop to make during your walks!

This little Russian Revival style church is so cute and worth the visit. The golden domes are so unique of Russian churches and very attractive from afar. No wait or tickets and very little crowd during the week. Definitely worth a visit to receive blessings of St.Nicholas the Wonder-Maker 🙏🏼

I was truly impressed seeing this church, even if only from the outside. It looks like it came straight out of a fairy tale! The Muscovite-style architecture is very rich, full of details and vibrant colors. What stands out the most, without a doubt, are its golden, onion-shaped domes, which shine brightly and stand out in the city center. It is a unique building, different from everything around it, and perfect for taking some memorable photos.

Hey, we are Vicky 🇵🇪 and Malte 🇩🇪 from the travel blog Traveling Is Our Passion. For our full one-day Sofia itinerary, check out our blog! The Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker is a tiny hidden gem dating back to the 13th century. It’s easy to pass by on the way to Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, but worth a short stop if you enjoy history.

Free entry. I was so impressed by this Russian Orthodox church, well maintained and looks just amazing inside. Plenty of people who only come to visit and plenty of people came to pray. Please respect both set of humans.

Beautiful orthodox church. Inside is very simple but prayerful.

The Church of St. Nicholas the Miraclemaker (Църква „Свети Николай Мирликийски“) is a hidden gem in Sofia that captivates visitors with its charm and spiritual ambiance. This small yet elegant church, dedicated to St. Nicholas, boasts beautifully preserved frescoes and intricate wooden carvings that reflect traditional Bulgarian Orthodox art. The peaceful atmosphere invites quiet reflection, making it a wonderful spot to pause amidst the city’s bustle. Its historical significance and timeless beauty make it a must-visit for anyone exploring Sofia’s cultural heritage.