Iva’s guidebook to Sofia
Sightseeing
The National Palace of Culture (Национален дворец на културата, Natsionalen dvorets na kulturata; abbreviated as НДК, NDK), located in Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, is the largest, multifunctional conference and exhibition centre in south-eastern Europe. It was opened in 1981 in celebration of Bulgaria's 1300th anniversary.
42 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Ndk
The National Palace of Culture (Национален дворец на културата, Natsionalen dvorets na kulturata; abbreviated as НДК, NDK), located in Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, is the largest, multifunctional conference and exhibition centre in south-eastern Europe. It was opened in 1981 in celebration of Bulgaria's 1300th anniversary.
Sweet little local park with kids playground spots and plenty of benches to enjoy a cup of coffee or read a book.
Градина "Буката"
Sweet little local park with kids playground spots and plenty of benches to enjoy a cup of coffee or read a book.
St. George church is a small local orthodox church surrounded by a little park, which is well used by the families in the neighbourhood.
Temple Sveti Vmchk. Georgi Pobedonosets
90 bul. "Patriarh Evtimiy"St. George church is a small local orthodox church surrounded by a little park, which is well used by the families in the neighbourhood.
Hidden away in a courtyard of the Presidency and the dainty Sheraton Hotel, amid remains of the ancient town of Serdica, rises the famous Roman Rotunda, a red-brick building transformed into the present day St. George Church. The Roman Rotunda /the church “St. George”/ is the oldest preserved structure which still serves its original purpose in the Sofia city. To the east lie excavated foundations of the Roman settlement of Serdica. Nowadays the church is a museum protectied by UNESCO. Today St. George church is the oldest Eastern European Orthodox church, as well as it is the second oldest building in the entire city with really dramatic history.
74 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Iglesia de la Rotonda de San Jorge
2 bul. Kniaz Aleksandar DondukovHidden away in a courtyard of the Presidency and the dainty Sheraton Hotel, amid remains of the ancient town of Serdica, rises the famous Roman Rotunda, a red-brick building transformed into the present day St. George Church. The Roman Rotunda /the church “St. George”/ is the oldest preserved structure which still serves its original purpose in the Sofia city. To the east lie excavated foundations of the Roman settlement of Serdica. Nowadays the church is a museum protectied by UNESCO. Today St. George church is the oldest Eastern European Orthodox church, as well as it is the second oldest building in the entire city with really dramatic history.
Sofia University, "St. Kliment Ohridski" at the University of Sofia, (Bulgarian: Софийски университет „Св. Климент Охридски“, Sofijski universitet „Sv. Kliment Ohridski“) is the oldest higher education institution in Bulgaria.
Founded on 1 October 1888, the edifice of the university was constructed between 1924 and 1934 with the financial support of the brothers Evlogi Georgiev and Hristo Georgiev (whose sculptures are now featured on its façade) and has an area of 18,624 m2 and a total of 324 premises. The university has 16 faculties and three departments, where over 21,000 students receive their education. The current rector is Anastas Gerdzhikov.
99 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski
15 bul. "Tsar Osvoboditel"Sofia University, "St. Kliment Ohridski" at the University of Sofia, (Bulgarian: Софийски университет „Св. Климент Охридски“, Sofijski universitet „Sv. Kliment Ohridski“) is the oldest higher education institution in Bulgaria.
Founded on 1 October 1888, the edifice of the university was constructed between 1924 and 1934 with the financial support of the brothers Evlogi Georgiev and Hristo Georgiev (whose sculptures are now featured on its façade) and has an area of 18,624 m2 and a total of 324 premises. The university has 16 faculties and three departments, where over 21,000 students receive their education. The current rector is Anastas Gerdzhikov.
Sveta Nedelya Church is an Eastern Orthodox church in Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, a cathedral of the Sofia bishopric of the Bulgarian Patriarchate. Sveta Nedelya is a medieval church that has suffered destruction through the ages and has been reconstructed many times. The present building of the temple is among the landmarks of Sofia. It was designed by the famous Bulgarian architectural team Vasilyov-Tsolov
108 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Iglesia Catedral de Santa Kyriaki
20 pl. "Sveta Nedelya"Sveta Nedelya Church is an Eastern Orthodox church in Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, a cathedral of the Sofia bishopric of the Bulgarian Patriarchate. Sveta Nedelya is a medieval church that has suffered destruction through the ages and has been reconstructed many times. The present building of the temple is among the landmarks of Sofia. It was designed by the famous Bulgarian architectural team Vasilyov-Tsolov
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 one of the 50 largest Christian church buildings by volume in the world. It is one of Sofia's symbols and primary tourist attractions.[3] 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 among the 10 largest Eastern Orthodox church buildings. It is the largest cathedral in the Balkans. It is believed that up until the year 2000 it was the largest finished Orthodox cathedral.
369 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Catedral de San Alejandro Nevski
ploshtad "Sveti Aleksandar Nevski"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 one of the 50 largest Christian church buildings by volume in the world. It is one of Sofia's symbols and primary tourist attractions.[3] 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 among the 10 largest Eastern Orthodox church buildings. It is the largest cathedral in the Balkans. It is believed that up until the year 2000 it was the largest finished Orthodox cathedral.
The Saint Sofia Church (Bulgarian: църква „Света София“, tsarkva „Sveta Sofia“) is the oldest church in the Bulgarian capital Sofia, dating to the 4th century. In the predecessor building took place the Council of Serdica held most probably in 343 and attended by 316 bishops. In the 14th century, the church gave its name to the city, previously known as Serdika (Сердика)
80 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Iglesia de Santa Sofía
2 ul. "Paris"The Saint Sofia Church (Bulgarian: църква „Света София“, tsarkva „Sveta Sofia“) is the oldest church in the Bulgarian capital Sofia, dating to the 4th century. In the predecessor building took place the Council of Serdica held most probably in 343 and attended by 316 bishops. In the 14th century, the church gave its name to the city, previously known as Serdika (Сердика)
The ground floor of the St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral which was earlier planned to be the tomb for the Bulgarian kings has been converted into this national art gallery which was devoted to the orthodox art.
Alexander Nevsky Crypt Icon museum
ploshtad "Sveti Aleksandar Nevski"The ground floor of the St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral which was earlier planned to be the tomb for the Bulgarian kings has been converted into this national art gallery which was devoted to the orthodox art.
The National Art Gallery (Bulgarian: Национална художествена галерия, Natsionalna hudozhestvena galeriya) is Bulgaria's national gallery, and houses over 50,000 pieces of Bulgarian art which is located in the former royal palace of Bulgaria
178 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
National Art Gallery
1 пл. „Княз Александър I“The National Art Gallery (Bulgarian: Национална художествена галерия, Natsionalna hudozhestvena galeriya) is Bulgaria's national gallery, and houses over 50,000 pieces of Bulgarian art which is located in the former royal palace of Bulgaria
The Ivan Vazov National Theatre is Bulgaria's national theatre, as well as the oldest and most authoritative theatre in the country and one of the important landmarks of Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria. It is located in the centre of the city, with the facade facing the City Garden.
276 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Teatro Nacional Ivan Vazov
5 ul. "Dyakon Ignatiy"The Ivan Vazov National Theatre is Bulgaria's national theatre, as well as the oldest and most authoritative theatre in the country and one of the important landmarks of Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria. It is located in the centre of the city, with the facade facing the City Garden.
The SS. Cyril and Methodius National Library (Национална библиотека „Свети Свети Кирил и Методий“) is the national library of Bulgaria, situated in the capital city of Sofia. Founded on 4 April 1878, the library received the status of Bulgarian National Library three years later and the Bulgarian National Revival Archive was merged into it in 1924.
It is named after "SS. Cyril and Methodius"; Saints Cyril and Methodius. They are the creators of the Glagolitic alphabet. The Cyrillic alphabet is named after Cyril.
The present building of the library is among the landmarks of Sofia. It was designed by the famous Bulgarian architectural team Vasilyov-Dimitur Tsolov and completed in the period 1940-1953.
42 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Sts. Cyril and Methodius National Library
bulevard "Vasil Levski"The SS. Cyril and Methodius National Library (Национална библиотека „Свети Свети Кирил и Методий“) is the national library of Bulgaria, situated in the capital city of Sofia. Founded on 4 April 1878, the library received the status of Bulgarian National Library three years later and the Bulgarian National Revival Archive was merged into it in 1924.
It is named after "SS. Cyril and Methodius"; Saints Cyril and Methodius. They are the creators of the Glagolitic alphabet. The Cyrillic alphabet is named after Cyril.
The present building of the library is among the landmarks of Sofia. It was designed by the famous Bulgarian architectural team Vasilyov-Dimitur Tsolov and completed in the period 1940-1953.
Food scene
A famous restaurant chain in Bulgaria with a extensive menu which includes some traditional dishes as well as some other cuisines such as Mexican food, sushi etc.
8 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Happy Bar & Grill Victoria
14 bul. "Pencho Slaveykov"A famous restaurant chain in Bulgaria with a extensive menu which includes some traditional dishes as well as some other cuisines such as Mexican food, sushi etc.
One of my favourite spots in Sofia! Amazing garden, great food and very polite staff. Always a pleasure going there. Some of my favourite dishes there: taramasalata, selyodka (marinated fish), the pork with lemon sauce, Schnitzel and the fish with walnuts. There's also a little bar adjacent to the restaurant so you can have a drink after your meal in a nice relaxed atmosphere. Bon Appétit!
19 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Architect's Club Restaurant, Klub na Arhitecta
11 ul. "Krakra"One of my favourite spots in Sofia! Amazing garden, great food and very polite staff. Always a pleasure going there. Some of my favourite dishes there: taramasalata, selyodka (marinated fish), the pork with lemon sauce, Schnitzel and the fish with walnuts. There's also a little bar adjacent to the restaurant so you can have a drink after your meal in a nice relaxed atmosphere. Bon Appétit!
A little hidden gem in the heart of Sofia! Family ran place with a great and authentic menu full of options from amazing bbq, to fish and veggie dishes. Its garden outside is a real find in the warm summer evenings. The place is small so call for a booking if you wanna secure a spot, as its incredibly popular in the area.
14 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Thirsty Dragon Inn
2 ul. "13-ti Mart"A little hidden gem in the heart of Sofia! Family ran place with a great and authentic menu full of options from amazing bbq, to fish and veggie dishes. Its garden outside is a real find in the warm summer evenings. The place is small so call for a booking if you wanna secure a spot, as its incredibly popular in the area.
A great spot for really good cocktails and drinks with a little plaza atmosphere in the heart of Sofia.
88 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Cocktail Bar
9 ul. "Angel Kanchev"A great spot for really good cocktails and drinks with a little plaza atmosphere in the heart of Sofia.
Raketa is full of memorabilia from the socialist era. It's main pride is the extensive list of Rakia (the local brandy) on offer, accompanied by an excellent and varied menu of hearty local dishes. The terrace is shared with the adjacent cocktail bar 'Sputnik' which is run by the same group and sometimes offers an overflow from the restaurant on busy days. Definitely both offer a novel and original experience in Sofia.
105 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Ракия Ракета Бар
17 bul. "Yanko Sakazov"Raketa is full of memorabilia from the socialist era. It's main pride is the extensive list of Rakia (the local brandy) on offer, accompanied by an excellent and varied menu of hearty local dishes. The terrace is shared with the adjacent cocktail bar 'Sputnik' which is run by the same group and sometimes offers an overflow from the restaurant on busy days. Definitely both offer a novel and original experience in Sofia.
Originally famous for its icecream but this has officialy become my top spot for croasans in town! Great coffee and small selection of food treats too.
Savini Gelato South Park
63 ul. "Yaroslav Veshin"Originally famous for its icecream but this has officialy become my top spot for croasans in town! Great coffee and small selection of food treats too.
Shops
Fantastico
50 ul. "Buzludzha"Well stocked local shop (chain).
Magazina 345
1 ulitsa "Viktor Grigorovich"Well stocked local food shop. (It's a chain)
BILLA
116 ulitsa „Georgi S. Rakovski“Well stocked grocery shop (chain).
Small and independantly ran little shop with Bio & Organic products. Very good quiality selection of food with focus on local and seasonable produce.
Krion
129 bulevard "Vitosha"Small and independantly ran little shop with Bio & Organic products. Very good quiality selection of food with focus on local and seasonable produce.
Consejos para la ciudad
Facilidad para moverse por la casa
Transport
Subway is the fastest way to get around.
Cabs are also super popular and pretty affordable, just be mindful of scammers. There are also a number of community car-share services, scooters, bikes etc. You can find more information on those under 'Getting Around' section of our listings.