Guidebook for Sofia
Sightseeing
Established in 1981 as part of the state of Bulgaria’s 1300th birthday celebrations, the National Palace of Culture in the heart of the city center is a striking sight to behold in itself. The sprawling hexagonal building is made primarily of grass and concrete, and was designed by eminent Bulgarian architect Alexander Georgiev Barov, an artist whose work was prolific during communist-era Bulgaria. Nowadays the building and the surrounding gardens act as an interesting example of the socialist architecture of the past, with its sleek and minimalistic aesthetic, harsh geometric lines and imposing size all contributing to its historical artistic significance. As Europe’s largest conference cen
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Park Nationalpalast der Kultur
Bulevard "Bulgaria"Established in 1981 as part of the state of Bulgaria’s 1300th birthday celebrations, the National Palace of Culture in the heart of the city center is a striking sight to behold in itself. The sprawling hexagonal building is made primarily of grass and concrete, and was designed by eminent Bulgarian architect Alexander Georgiev Barov, an artist whose work was prolific during communist-era Bulgaria. Nowadays the building and the surrounding gardens act as an interesting example of the socialist architecture of the past, with its sleek and minimalistic aesthetic, harsh geometric lines and imposing size all contributing to its historical artistic significance. As Europe’s largest conference cen
Once one of the largest Eastern Orthodox churches in the world, the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is constructed in a beautiful and intricate Neo-Byzantine style, and is one of Sofia’s most visited landmarks. Built in honor of St Alexander Nevsky, the prince famed for 13th century military victories over Germany and Sweden, the cathedral is seeped in history and is an important symbol of Bulgaria’s past. Today it is the official Church of the Neophyte of Bulgaria, Simeon Nikolov Dimitrov, the head of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church. It is a peaceful and magnificent place in which to spend a few quiet moments in the city. Spacious, tranquil and luxuriously ornamented on the inside.
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Kathedrale des Heiligen Alexander Newski
ploshtad "Sveti Aleksandar Nevski"Once one of the largest Eastern Orthodox churches in the world, the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is constructed in a beautiful and intricate Neo-Byzantine style, and is one of Sofia’s most visited landmarks. Built in honor of St Alexander Nevsky, the prince famed for 13th century military victories over Germany and Sweden, the cathedral is seeped in history and is an important symbol of Bulgaria’s past. Today it is the official Church of the Neophyte of Bulgaria, Simeon Nikolov Dimitrov, the head of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church. It is a peaceful and magnificent place in which to spend a few quiet moments in the city. Spacious, tranquil and luxuriously ornamented on the inside.
Parks & Nature
The bright lights, tall buildings and bustling streets of Sofia can occasionally make it seem like a concrete jungle; take a trip to Borislova Gradina Park for some fresh air and tranquility in the city center. Constructed in 1884 and named after Boris III of Bulgaria, the park is divided into three parts. Each section was designed by a different successful and accomplished gardener: Joseph Frei, Georgi Duhtev and Daniel Neff. Including a number of peaceful green spaces and tree nurseries, as well as its famously alluring water lily lake, the park is a charming place in which to experience Bulgaria’s natural beauty. For history and architecture lovers, the park is also home to the Borisova G
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Borisova Gradina
The bright lights, tall buildings and bustling streets of Sofia can occasionally make it seem like a concrete jungle; take a trip to Borislova Gradina Park for some fresh air and tranquility in the city center. Constructed in 1884 and named after Boris III of Bulgaria, the park is divided into three parts. Each section was designed by a different successful and accomplished gardener: Joseph Frei, Georgi Duhtev and Daniel Neff. Including a number of peaceful green spaces and tree nurseries, as well as its famously alluring water lily lake, the park is a charming place in which to experience Bulgaria’s natural beauty. For history and architecture lovers, the park is also home to the Borisova G
Food Scene
One of the oldest restaurants and bars in Sofia, the Pod Lipite Tavern is a rustic pub dating back to 1926, once the favorite haunt of such notable Bulgarian figures as actress Elena Snezhina and writer Angel Karaliychev. Creating hearty, home made Bulgarian dishes with ingredients sourced from the restaurant’s own meat and dairy farm, Pod Lipite is a real taste of authentic Bulgarian cuisine, and uses traditional recipes and cooking methods. Entering into the restaurant itself feels like stepping back into the past, with the stone walls, brick fireplace and wooden beams evoking a homely, countryside charm which erases all traces of busy modernity. Truly a top spot in Sofia, a meal at Pod Li
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Pod Lipite
1 ulitsa "Elin Pelin"One of the oldest restaurants and bars in Sofia, the Pod Lipite Tavern is a rustic pub dating back to 1926, once the favorite haunt of such notable Bulgarian figures as actress Elena Snezhina and writer Angel Karaliychev. Creating hearty, home made Bulgarian dishes with ingredients sourced from the restaurant’s own meat and dairy farm, Pod Lipite is a real taste of authentic Bulgarian cuisine, and uses traditional recipes and cooking methods. Entering into the restaurant itself feels like stepping back into the past, with the stone walls, brick fireplace and wooden beams evoking a homely, countryside charm which erases all traces of busy modernity. Truly a top spot in Sofia, a meal at Pod Li
Best service. Area is not so pleasant but the food is very fresh and delicious.
12 Einheimische empfehlen
Niagara Restaurant Pizza&BBQ
str ул. „Цар Симеон“Best service. Area is not so pleasant but the food is very fresh and delicious.
Rakia is the celebrated national beverage of Bulgaria, with homemade bottles often being proudly presented after every evening meal. A national treasure, this strong, smooth liquor is a must taste whilst in the country, and there is no better place to take a sip than in the thriving capital city. Centrally located Raketa Rakia Bar is not only a popular restaurant serving a variety of local and international cuisines, but is also a lively bar offering the best collection of rakias in the city. With its quirky decoration and assorted memorabilia dotted around on shelves, Raketa has a quirky, trendy vibe, whilst being bright, airy and decidedly laid back.
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Ракия Ракета Бар
17 bul. "Yanko Sakazov"Rakia is the celebrated national beverage of Bulgaria, with homemade bottles often being proudly presented after every evening meal. A national treasure, this strong, smooth liquor is a must taste whilst in the country, and there is no better place to take a sip than in the thriving capital city. Centrally located Raketa Rakia Bar is not only a popular restaurant serving a variety of local and international cuisines, but is also a lively bar offering the best collection of rakias in the city. With its quirky decoration and assorted memorabilia dotted around on shelves, Raketa has a quirky, trendy vibe, whilst being bright, airy and decidedly laid back.
They cook meatballs from donkey :). The food is delicious - you will love it. Reservations are needed because the space is not so huge.
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Merak
14 bul. “ Samokov”They cook meatballs from donkey :). The food is delicious - you will love it. Reservations are needed because the space is not so huge.
Mezze
12 ul. "Nikolay Haytov"Great food and atmosphere.
Drinks & Nightlife
Carrusel club
108 ulitsa „Georgi S. Rakovski“Great music and atmosphere. Nice and intelligent people.
Beach Bar
106 ulitsa „Georgi S. Rakovski“Great atmosphere!
Memento Vitosha
32 bul. "Vitosha"Great drinks and worm atmosphere.
Piano bar "Iztok"
5a ul. "Taras Shevchenko"If you like piano bars you should check this one.
Arts & Culture
The Largo
This fairly new museum aims to showcase the artwork created in Bulgaria’s socialist period, presenting pieces by some of the most notable painters and sculptors of the time. Featuring an indoor gallery and an outdoor sculpture park, The Museum of Socialist Art contains a number of engaging exhibits, including the red star that once adorned the Socialist Party headquarters in Sofia. There are also a number of sculptures depicting famous leaders, most notably Joseph Stalin, figures which previously lined the streets of the city.
29 Einheimische empfehlen
Museum für sozialistische Kunst
7 ul. "Lachezar Stanchev"This fairly new museum aims to showcase the artwork created in Bulgaria’s socialist period, presenting pieces by some of the most notable painters and sculptors of the time. Featuring an indoor gallery and an outdoor sculpture park, The Museum of Socialist Art contains a number of engaging exhibits, including the red star that once adorned the Socialist Party headquarters in Sofia. There are also a number of sculptures depicting famous leaders, most notably Joseph Stalin, figures which previously lined the streets of the city.
Shopping
Das Einkaufszentrum
115з Boulevard "Tsarigradsko shose"Serdika Center
48 bul. "Sitnyakovo"Sofia Ring Mall
214 ul. "Okolovrasten pat"Essentials
Lidl
28 blvd. "Todor Kableshkov"5àSec
2Д ul. "Nikolay Haytov"Billa
38A ul. "Cherkovna"Este Fitness & Spa
3Б ul. "Nikolay Haytov"High end fitness. Bit expensive.
Athletic Fitness
Blvd bul. "Yanko Sakazov"