Welcome to the heart of Sofia
Food scene
The Chef has revisited the traditional Bulgarian food with modernity & creativity. You must try their famous Bulgarian rose dessert!
60 íbúar mæla með
Cosmos Restaurant / Космос
19 ul. "Laveleye"The Chef has revisited the traditional Bulgarian food with modernity & creativity. You must try their famous Bulgarian rose dessert!
Moma Bulgarian Food and Wine
28 ul. "Solunska"Food and decoration are great
A great place to have fresh homemade food, one of our favorite places in town
102 íbúar mæla með
Made in Home
30 ul. "Angel Kanchev"A great place to have fresh homemade food, one of our favorite places in town
Crazy Diamond
9А ul. "Oborishte"Small hidden gen. Great local cuisine
Pod Lipite /Under the linden trees/ is one of the best places to try authentic Bulgarian cuisine in Sofia, especially if you are not in the mood to watch an elaborate folklore show.
It may be a bit pricier than other restaurants in this category, but a tourist trap it is not. The large number of locals celebrating special occasions is there to prove it.
Don't miss out on the vast selection of home-cooked staples. You can try the large number of vegetarian options or go straight for the open fire grilled meat.
49 íbúar mæla með
Pod Lipite
1 ulitsa "Elin Pelin"Pod Lipite /Under the linden trees/ is one of the best places to try authentic Bulgarian cuisine in Sofia, especially if you are not in the mood to watch an elaborate folklore show.
It may be a bit pricier than other restaurants in this category, but a tourist trap it is not. The large number of locals celebrating special occasions is there to prove it.
Don't miss out on the vast selection of home-cooked staples. You can try the large number of vegetarian options or go straight for the open fire grilled meat.
2-3 minutes walking distance from the apartment, this place offers bulgarian tradional kitchen in a modern way. It is best to book a reservation, because it is fully booked especially weekends
92 íbúar mæla með
Shtastlivetsa
27 bul. "Vitosha"2-3 minutes walking distance from the apartment, this place offers bulgarian tradional kitchen in a modern way. It is best to book a reservation, because it is fully booked especially weekends
Фабрика ДЪГА / Rainbow Factory
10 ul. "Veslets"Great place for brunch
Enter a nondescript residential building and head up a flight of stairs to discover a colorful restaurant dedicated to kiufteta, the Bulgarian version of meatballs. Accompanied by homestyle fries with lyutenitsa (rather than ketchup), traditional pork and beef kiufteta abound on Q-ftetaria's menu alongside vegetarian and vegan options which are delicious. Combination of traditional Bulgarian food and modern presentation. Can be busy in the evenings so reservations recommended.
24 íbúar mæla með
Q-ftetaria
1 ul. "Angel Kanchev"Enter a nondescript residential building and head up a flight of stairs to discover a colorful restaurant dedicated to kiufteta, the Bulgarian version of meatballs. Accompanied by homestyle fries with lyutenitsa (rather than ketchup), traditional pork and beef kiufteta abound on Q-ftetaria's menu alongside vegetarian and vegan options which are delicious. Combination of traditional Bulgarian food and modern presentation. Can be busy in the evenings so reservations recommended.
Sightseeing
The famous Sofia Free tour is one of the things you should not miss even if you are for a day only. The tour is guided by enthusiastic young people who will not only show you the major points of interest in the center and talk to you about their history but will also show you some hidden gems in the city.
75 íbúar mæla með
Free Sofia Tour
2 bul. "Vitosha"The famous Sofia Free tour is one of the things you should not miss even if you are for a day only. The tour is guided by enthusiastic young people who will not only show you the major points of interest in the center and talk to you about their history but will also show you some hidden gems in the city.
The Church of St George (or Ротонда „Свети Георги“ – Rotonda ‘Sveti Georgi’ in Bulgarian) is a red brick rotunda that is thought to be the oldest building in Sofia. The Early Christian church stands among the ruins of Roman buildings, including public buildings with hypocaust floors and a basilica, as well as a street.
Besides the excellent architectural preservation, the church is particularly well-known for the magnificent frescoes inside the central dome. In all there are five layers of frescoes, the earliest dating back to the 6th century – the latest as old as the 14th century. These frescoes were painted over during the Ottoman period when the church was converted into a mosque.
Church of St George Rotunda in the courtyard of the Presidency.
Initially built during the 4th century, on what is believed to have been the site of a pagan temple, the history of the church reflects the changing politics of the Balkan peninsular. Around 313 AD the Rotunda became a baptistery to handle the mass conversions to Christianity following the Edict of Milan and the legal status then afforded Christians in the Roman Empire. During the 6th century the baptistery was converted into a church, and it was then that the first frescoes were painted.
Sometime in the 16th century the church was converted into a Mosque, during Ottoman rule in Bulgaria. After Ottomans the building was all but ignored until the death of Alexander of Battenberg in 1893 when it was used as his temporary mausoleum. The first restoration work started in 1915: the minaret was destroyed, the interior plaster used to cover the Medieval frescoes was removed and the paintings cleaned. Weekday services were then resumed and are still performed today.
Entrance to the Bulgarian Presidency in central Sofia.
Today the church and the Roman ruins are in a large courtyard that is made up by the Bulgarian Presidency, the Ministry of Education, the luxury Sofia Hotel Balkan and other offices and businesses. Despite the high-level government presence, the courtyard is open to the public and you can take photographs. Enter the courtyard either through the alley between the Presidency and the Ministry of Education, or the entrance on Saborna Street.
Looking at the Rotunda through the alley next to the Presidency.
Walking through the alley between the Presidency and the Ministry of Education, the arches of the more modern building frame the Early Christian church that stands at the other end of the courtyard.
The red-bricked rotunda amidst Roman ruins of Serdica.
A road runs around the edge of the courtyard, the church and the Roman ruins are in the centre. As you approach the ruins from the alley you will immediately see the apse of an ancient basilica.
Roman ruins of public buildings with hypocaust floors next to the Church of St George, Sofia.
The ruins behind the Church of St George were once part of Serdica, Roman Sofia. Here in the courtyard you can see the remains of a basilica, various public buildings – one of which had a typical hypocaust floor.
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St. George Rotunda kirkja
2 bul. Kniaz Aleksandar DondukovThe Church of St George (or Ротонда „Свети Георги“ – Rotonda ‘Sveti Georgi’ in Bulgarian) is a red brick rotunda that is thought to be the oldest building in Sofia. The Early Christian church stands among the ruins of Roman buildings, including public buildings with hypocaust floors and a basilica, as well as a street.
Besides the excellent architectural preservation, the church is particularly well-known for the magnificent frescoes inside the central dome. In all there are five layers of frescoes, the earliest dating back to the 6th century – the latest as old as the 14th century. These frescoes were painted over during the Ottoman period when the church was converted into a mosque.
Church of St George Rotunda in the courtyard of the Presidency.
Initially built during the 4th century, on what is believed to have been the site of a pagan temple, the history of the church reflects the changing politics of the Balkan peninsular. Around 313 AD the Rotunda became a baptistery to handle the mass conversions to Christianity following the Edict of Milan and the legal status then afforded Christians in the Roman Empire. During the 6th century the baptistery was converted into a church, and it was then that the first frescoes were painted.
Sometime in the 16th century the church was converted into a Mosque, during Ottoman rule in Bulgaria. After Ottomans the building was all but ignored until the death of Alexander of Battenberg in 1893 when it was used as his temporary mausoleum. The first restoration work started in 1915: the minaret was destroyed, the interior plaster used to cover the Medieval frescoes was removed and the paintings cleaned. Weekday services were then resumed and are still performed today.
Entrance to the Bulgarian Presidency in central Sofia.
Today the church and the Roman ruins are in a large courtyard that is made up by the Bulgarian Presidency, the Ministry of Education, the luxury Sofia Hotel Balkan and other offices and businesses. Despite the high-level government presence, the courtyard is open to the public and you can take photographs. Enter the courtyard either through the alley between the Presidency and the Ministry of Education, or the entrance on Saborna Street.
Looking at the Rotunda through the alley next to the Presidency.
Walking through the alley between the Presidency and the Ministry of Education, the arches of the more modern building frame the Early Christian church that stands at the other end of the courtyard.
The red-bricked rotunda amidst Roman ruins of Serdica.
A road runs around the edge of the courtyard, the church and the Roman ruins are in the centre. As you approach the ruins from the alley you will immediately see the apse of an ancient basilica.
Roman ruins of public buildings with hypocaust floors next to the Church of St George, Sofia.
The ruins behind the Church of St George were once part of Serdica, Roman Sofia. Here in the courtyard you can see the remains of a basilica, various public buildings – one of which had a typical hypocaust floor.
The St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral (Bulgarian: Храм-паметник "Свети Александър Невски", Hram-pametnik "Sveti Aleksandar Nevski") is a Bulgarian Orthodox cathedral in Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria. Built in Neo-Byzantine style, it serves as the cathedral church of the Patriarch of Bulgaria and it is believed to be one of the top 500 largest Christian church buildings. It is one of Sofia's symbols and primary tourist attractions.[3] The St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Sofia occupies an area of 3,170 square metres (34,100 sq ft) and can hold 5,000 people inside.[3][1] It is believed to be one of the 50 largest Eastern Orthodox Cathedrals and ranks in the top 500 largest church buildings in the world, third-largest Orthodox Cathedral located in Southeast Europe, being surpassed only by two new and not yet fully completed Cathedrals - the Romanian People's Salvation Cathedral in Bucharest and the Church of Saint Sava in Belgrade.[4] Some people believe that from 1931 until 1992 it was the largest finished Orthodox Church in the world, and until year 2000 was the largest finished Orthodox Cathedral.
369 íbúar mæla með
Dómkirkjan Alexander Nevski
ploshtad "Sveti Aleksandar Nevski"The St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral (Bulgarian: Храм-паметник "Свети Александър Невски", Hram-pametnik "Sveti Aleksandar Nevski") is a Bulgarian Orthodox cathedral in Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria. Built in Neo-Byzantine style, it serves as the cathedral church of the Patriarch of Bulgaria and it is believed to be one of the top 500 largest Christian church buildings. It is one of Sofia's symbols and primary tourist attractions.[3] The St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Sofia occupies an area of 3,170 square metres (34,100 sq ft) and can hold 5,000 people inside.[3][1] It is believed to be one of the 50 largest Eastern Orthodox Cathedrals and ranks in the top 500 largest church buildings in the world, third-largest Orthodox Cathedral located in Southeast Europe, being surpassed only by two new and not yet fully completed Cathedrals - the Romanian People's Salvation Cathedral in Bucharest and the Church of Saint Sava in Belgrade.[4] Some people believe that from 1931 until 1992 it was the largest finished Orthodox Church in the world, and until year 2000 was the largest finished Orthodox Cathedral.
One of the biggest communist build buildings - thought and still functioning as a palace of culture - with different stages for theater, concerts and cinema. From the terrace on the last floor you can have a beautiful view over Sofia.
34 íbúar mæla með
NDK station
One of the biggest communist build buildings - thought and still functioning as a palace of culture - with different stages for theater, concerts and cinema. From the terrace on the last floor you can have a beautiful view over Sofia.
The Largo, a colossal complex of Stalinist buildings, has been at the center of much of Bulgaria’s recent history.
It is located in front of the apartment!
Erected in the 1950s, on top of the very heart of the ancient city of Serdica, the large ensemble was part of a master plan to change the face of Sofia after the Communist party’s ascend to power.
The building at the center of the complex served as the administrative headquarters of the Communist Party for over 40 years. Its 40 000 sq m and 3 km of corridors used to hold many of the Party’s secrets.
In 1990, several months after the fall of the Berlin wall, the big ruby red star that used to crown the building was taken down by helicopter. Interestingly, the star has since completely vanished.
Its smaller predecessor, however, is on display at the Museum of Socialist Art in Sofia.
The building is now used by the Parliament and a big Bulgarian flag sits in place of the red star.
The other buildings in the complex are also of interest.
The Central Universal Store, TZUM, envisioned as a showcase of Communist Bulgaria’s affluence, can be seen on the left.
Do not miss the small St. George rotunda, considered the oldest building in Sofia, now tucked between the Sheraton and Presidency.
8 íbúar mæla með
Largo Tourist Information Centre
The Largo, a colossal complex of Stalinist buildings, has been at the center of much of Bulgaria’s recent history.
It is located in front of the apartment!
Erected in the 1950s, on top of the very heart of the ancient city of Serdica, the large ensemble was part of a master plan to change the face of Sofia after the Communist party’s ascend to power.
The building at the center of the complex served as the administrative headquarters of the Communist Party for over 40 years. Its 40 000 sq m and 3 km of corridors used to hold many of the Party’s secrets.
In 1990, several months after the fall of the Berlin wall, the big ruby red star that used to crown the building was taken down by helicopter. Interestingly, the star has since completely vanished.
Its smaller predecessor, however, is on display at the Museum of Socialist Art in Sofia.
The building is now used by the Parliament and a big Bulgarian flag sits in place of the red star.
The other buildings in the complex are also of interest.
The Central Universal Store, TZUM, envisioned as a showcase of Communist Bulgaria’s affluence, can be seen on the left.
Do not miss the small St. George rotunda, considered the oldest building in Sofia, now tucked between the Sheraton and Presidency.
Erected in 2000, this is another symbol of Sofia, still sparking arguments because it was designed to represent the saint but actually features many attributes of the ancient goddess Sophia (the goddess of wisdom). Fun fact: in its place used to be a statue of Lenin.
Located right in front of the apartment
30 íbúar mæla með
Heilög Sofia minnismerki
Erected in 2000, this is another symbol of Sofia, still sparking arguments because it was designed to represent the saint but actually features many attributes of the ancient goddess Sophia (the goddess of wisdom). Fun fact: in its place used to be a statue of Lenin.
Located right in front of the apartment
Neighborhoods
Oborishte
Vitosha street is the main pedestrian street in Sofia. Probably the best place to start exploring the city. It has a lot of shops, restaurants and cafes and is only a few minutes walk from the apartment
21 íbúar mæla með
bulevard "Vitosha"
bulevard "Vitosha"Vitosha street is the main pedestrian street in Sofia. Probably the best place to start exploring the city. It has a lot of shops, restaurants and cafes and is only a few minutes walk from the apartment
Neighborhood groceries
Great selection of High End European brands and products only 200 meters from the apartment.
Parkmart Супермаркет ЦУМ
2 bulevard "Knyaginya Maria Luiza"Great selection of High End European brands and products only 200 meters from the apartment.
Grocery store with good selection of items and also a deli section with freshly made food daily
Working hours Mon-Sun 7:30 am-9 pm:
Address
ul. "Pirotska" 9, 1000 Sofia Center, Sofia, Bulgaria
Only 150 meters (500 feet) from the Apartment
67 íbúar mæla með
BILLA
№22 bul. "Tsar Osvoboditel"Grocery store with good selection of items and also a deli section with freshly made food daily
Working hours Mon-Sun 7:30 am-9 pm:
Address
ul. "Pirotska" 9, 1000 Sofia Center, Sofia, Bulgaria
Only 150 meters (500 feet) from the Apartment
German discount supermarket chain with good grocery selection.
Working Hours: Mon-Sat 7:30-10 pm Sun 8:30am-9 pm;
Address: ul. "Ekzarh Yosif" 37, 1000 Sofia Center
Only 450 meters (1400 feet) from the apartment
Lidl
37 ulitsa "Ekzarh Yosif"German discount supermarket chain with good grocery selection.
Working Hours: Mon-Sat 7:30-10 pm Sun 8:30am-9 pm;
Address: ul. "Ekzarh Yosif" 37, 1000 Sofia Center
Only 450 meters (1400 feet) from the apartment
Largest open food market in Sofia. You can find everything on a budget
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Zhenski Pazar Station
Largest open food market in Sofia. You can find everything on a budget
" Halite" or Central Market Hall is the oldest closed market in Sofia. It was opened back in 1911. Local products, souvenirs, food to take away, nice bakeries, olives stall, cheese, deli etc. Make sure to bring cash with you as many places do not accept EURO or card payments
It is only 250 meters (800 feet) away from the apartment
73 íbúar mæla með
Miðborgarmarkaðurinn í Sófíu
25 булевард „кн. Мария Луиза“" Halite" or Central Market Hall is the oldest closed market in Sofia. It was opened back in 1911. Local products, souvenirs, food to take away, nice bakeries, olives stall, cheese, deli etc. Make sure to bring cash with you as many places do not accept EURO or card payments
It is only 250 meters (800 feet) away from the apartment
Parks and Recreation Activities around Sofia
Borisova gradina or Knyaz-Borisova gradina is the oldest and best known park in Sofia. It is certainly well worth visiting to escape from the busy city life for a short while.
It was landscaped in the 1880s right after the Bulgarian Revival, making it the oldest one in the city. It was developed over the next 50 years by three different designers: the Swiss Daniel Neff, the Alsatian Joseph Frei and then the Bulgarian Georgi Dutev (when the park’s Soviet monuments were installed). But what’s impressive is that all the landscapers worked within the original plan, and the upshot is a pleasing sense of coherence for such a big project. It all makes for a refreshing afternoon amble, and if you’re here on a summer evening there are free concerts to catch. After the communist regime took power in 1944, the park was renamed “Freedom Park”, until its fall in 1989, when it reverted to its original name.
120 íbúar mæla með
Borisova Gradina
Borisova gradina or Knyaz-Borisova gradina is the oldest and best known park in Sofia. It is certainly well worth visiting to escape from the busy city life for a short while.
It was landscaped in the 1880s right after the Bulgarian Revival, making it the oldest one in the city. It was developed over the next 50 years by three different designers: the Swiss Daniel Neff, the Alsatian Joseph Frei and then the Bulgarian Georgi Dutev (when the park’s Soviet monuments were installed). But what’s impressive is that all the landscapers worked within the original plan, and the upshot is a pleasing sense of coherence for such a big project. It all makes for a refreshing afternoon amble, and if you’re here on a summer evening there are free concerts to catch. After the communist regime took power in 1944, the park was renamed “Freedom Park”, until its fall in 1989, when it reverted to its original name.
Vitosha mountain is the forth tallest mountain in the country, the oldest nature park in the Balkans and one of the symbols of Sofia with its closest site for hiking, alpinism and skiing. Convenient bus lines and rope ways render the mountain easily accessible
Vitosha mountain is the real treasure of Sofia. A hike to the Black Peak ("Tscherni Wrah") is an absolutely stunning experience. You will enjoy the real wild nature and a view not only over whole Sofia but also over Serbia, Macedonia and the Rila mountain
105 íbúar mæla með
Vitosha
ulitsa "Detski mir"Vitosha mountain is the forth tallest mountain in the country, the oldest nature park in the Balkans and one of the symbols of Sofia with its closest site for hiking, alpinism and skiing. Convenient bus lines and rope ways render the mountain easily accessible
Vitosha mountain is the real treasure of Sofia. A hike to the Black Peak ("Tscherni Wrah") is an absolutely stunning experience. You will enjoy the real wild nature and a view not only over whole Sofia but also over Serbia, Macedonia and the Rila mountain
At the centre of this neat garden there is a monument, dedicated to the medics, who gave their life in the Russo-Turkish War (1877-1878). Hence the name. The garden’s lawns are always well trimmed, with beautiful hedges, many benches, plenty of lights, and even ancient ruins. Favorite place for parents and children during the day and a cool spot for beer or two at night.
6 íbúar mæla með
Doctor's Garden
At the centre of this neat garden there is a monument, dedicated to the medics, who gave their life in the Russo-Turkish War (1877-1878). Hence the name. The garden’s lawns are always well trimmed, with beautiful hedges, many benches, plenty of lights, and even ancient ruins. Favorite place for parents and children during the day and a cool spot for beer or two at night.
Coffee Places, Bars and Night Life
It is a combination of a chocolatery , a wine bar, a casual apartment , an art scene, a co-working place. A very artsy place with vegan food, homemade cakes and drinks. Himalayan tea and raspberry wine are the specials.
For sure it is a must place you need to visiting while in Sofia
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THE APARTMENT
68 ul. "Neofit Rilski"It is a combination of a chocolatery , a wine bar, a casual apartment , an art scene, a co-working place. A very artsy place with vegan food, homemade cakes and drinks. Himalayan tea and raspberry wine are the specials.
For sure it is a must place you need to visiting while in Sofia
One More Bar
3-5 ul. "Tsar Ivan Shishman"One of the greatest casual bars in town.
A great rooftop bar with a fantastic view over the St . Alexander Nevski Cathedral and a large part of the center.
It is located in a 5 star hotel Sense so drinks can be pricy but the view worth it
45 íbúar mæla með
Sense Hotel Rooftop Bar
blvd bul. "Tsar Osvoboditel"A great rooftop bar with a fantastic view over the St . Alexander Nevski Cathedral and a large part of the center.
It is located in a 5 star hotel Sense so drinks can be pricy but the view worth it
One of my favorite bars in Sofia with many live events and incredible cocktails!
18 íbúar mæla með
Tobacco Garden Bar
6A ul. "Moskovska"One of my favorite bars in Sofia with many live events and incredible cocktails!
Located in the the tiny garden hidden between Solunska and Angel Kanchev "The Cocktail Bar" provides a lovely setting for sitting back and sipping a delicious cocktail – especially during the summertime. One of the favorite local place can be very busy on a nice summer night,. Great drinks
88 íbúar mæla með
The Cocktail Bar
9 ul. "Angel Kanchev"Located in the the tiny garden hidden between Solunska and Angel Kanchev "The Cocktail Bar" provides a lovely setting for sitting back and sipping a delicious cocktail – especially during the summertime. One of the favorite local place can be very busy on a nice summer night,. Great drinks
Shopping
Large selection of shops, restaurants and IMAX cinema only 15 minutes walk or 1 metro station away from the apartment
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Mall of Sofia verslunarmiðstöð
101 A bul. "Aleksandar Stamboliyski"Large selection of shops, restaurants and IMAX cinema only 15 minutes walk or 1 metro station away from the apartment