Rossen’s guidebook

Rossen
Rossen’s guidebook

Bars

This is very funky local bars, suitable for a quick beer of a cocktail.
41 locals recommend
FlipFlop
61 ul. "Oborishte"
41 locals recommend
This is very funky local bars, suitable for a quick beer of a cocktail.
One of the best rooftop bar in Sofia. A bit posh, but a great view.
45 locals recommend
Sense Hotel Rooftop Bar
blvd bul. "Tsar Osvoboditel"
45 locals recommend
One of the best rooftop bar in Sofia. A bit posh, but a great view.
One of the most popular places right now. A hipster bar for a crazy night out.
75 locals recommend
Bar Friday
21 ul. "General Yosif V. Gourko"
75 locals recommend
One of the most popular places right now. A hipster bar for a crazy night out.
When KANAAL opened in 2012 it practically opened the world of Belgian craft beers to the local audiences. The beers might be Belgian, but the design and branding of the bar area fine example of Dutch minimalism. You’ll find plenty of classic brews here (Chimay, Westmalle, Vedett) plus a fine selection of local, Serbian, Danish and whatnot other beers. The people behind the bar are pleasant and well-informed, with knowledge on alcoholic beverages, which goes well beyond beer.
25 locals recommend
KANAAL - craft beer bar
2 bul. "Madrid"
25 locals recommend
When KANAAL opened in 2012 it practically opened the world of Belgian craft beers to the local audiences. The beers might be Belgian, but the design and branding of the bar area fine example of Dutch minimalism. You’ll find plenty of classic brews here (Chimay, Westmalle, Vedett) plus a fine selection of local, Serbian, Danish and whatnot other beers. The people behind the bar are pleasant and well-informed, with knowledge on alcoholic beverages, which goes well beyond beer.
Located in a house, a cultural monument of the city, One More is one of Sofia’s most beloved and visited bars. In spring and summer the garden awaits you with refreshing plant life and light cocktails. In the cold months the stylish interior, mix of history and adventurous contemporary design, provides various hot drinks and fine tunes. Also: the taste and quality of the appetizers and sandwiches here would make most restaurants envious.
104 locals recommend
One More Bar
3-5 ul. "Tsar Ivan Shishman"
104 locals recommend
Located in a house, a cultural monument of the city, One More is one of Sofia’s most beloved and visited bars. In spring and summer the garden awaits you with refreshing plant life and light cocktails. In the cold months the stylish interior, mix of history and adventurous contemporary design, provides various hot drinks and fine tunes. Also: the taste and quality of the appetizers and sandwiches here would make most restaurants envious.

Food scene

Old Lady breakfast and brunch.
17 locals recommend
Старата Госпожа (Starata Gospoja)
18 ul. "Oborishte"
17 locals recommend
Old Lady breakfast and brunch.
Great selections of coffees and amazing breakfast
106 locals recommend
Фабрика ДЪГА / Rainbow Factory
10 ul. "Veslets"
106 locals recommend
Great selections of coffees and amazing breakfast
Local cuisine just 3 min from here.
105 locals recommend
Ракия Ракета Бар
17 bul. "Yanko Sakazov"
105 locals recommend
Local cuisine just 3 min from here.
Small hidden gen. Great local cuisine
10 locals recommend
Crazy Diamond
9А ul. "Oborishte"
10 locals recommend
Small hidden gen. Great local cuisine
Oborishte str. and the streets around it slowly emerge as the gastro district in town with Atelier expertly leading the way. Retro, beautiful and very delicious. Just try the French pate with blueberries. The selection of wines covers Spain, France, Chili, Australia and more.
25 locals recommend
Atelier
16 ul. "Professor Asen Zlatarov"
25 locals recommend
Oborishte str. and the streets around it slowly emerge as the gastro district in town with Atelier expertly leading the way. Retro, beautiful and very delicious. Just try the French pate with blueberries. The selection of wines covers Spain, France, Chili, Australia and more.
The Little Things actually spreads itself across two floors and a shared yard of an old house. As promised, here you’ll find plenty of details, antiques, old books and furniture. Thankfully, the same principles are applied to the varied and tasty menu. The food bares homely and provencal feel with a careful balance between vegetarian and meat recipes.
79 locals recommend
The Little Things
37 ul. "Tsar Ivan Shishman"
79 locals recommend
The Little Things actually spreads itself across two floors and a shared yard of an old house. As promised, here you’ll find plenty of details, antiques, old books and furniture. Thankfully, the same principles are applied to the varied and tasty menu. The food bares homely and provencal feel with a careful balance between vegetarian and meat recipes.
Sun Moon is a vegetarian restaurant, part of the Slow Food movement, supporting fair and local foods and produce. The diverse menu will satisfy every vegetarian or vegan’s demand but the quality of the food makes it a must for all food lovers. In the spring and summer season the tables in front of the restaurant provide perfect atmosphere for dinner or lunch with friends.
34 locals recommend
Vegetarian restaurant and bakery "Sun Moon"
39 ulitsa "6-ti septemvri"
34 locals recommend
Sun Moon is a vegetarian restaurant, part of the Slow Food movement, supporting fair and local foods and produce. The diverse menu will satisfy every vegetarian or vegan’s demand but the quality of the food makes it a must for all food lovers. In the spring and summer season the tables in front of the restaurant provide perfect atmosphere for dinner or lunch with friends.
This spacious and beautiful restaurant is pleasing both for the eye and the tongue. After you’re done gazing at the stylish interior design, you will find a menu that balances both Italian pasta classics and juicy burgers and grill. With tables right on the street, Spaghetti Kitchen is suitable both for a romantic dinner and a light lunch with friends.
27 locals recommend
Spaghetti Kitchen
9 ul. "6-ti septemvri"
27 locals recommend
This spacious and beautiful restaurant is pleasing both for the eye and the tongue. After you’re done gazing at the stylish interior design, you will find a menu that balances both Italian pasta classics and juicy burgers and grill. With tables right on the street, Spaghetti Kitchen is suitable both for a romantic dinner and a light lunch with friends.
This artistic restaurant has been a local’s favourite since its inception. Expect a variety of foods and tastes and intricate interior, meticulously created by the owners themselves. The daily menu provides fresh and original recipes for every lunch while the tables directly on the street overlook one of the prettiest neighborhoods in Sofia.
102 locals recommend
Made in Home
30 ul. "Angel Kanchev"
102 locals recommend
This artistic restaurant has been a local’s favourite since its inception. Expect a variety of foods and tastes and intricate interior, meticulously created by the owners themselves. The daily menu provides fresh and original recipes for every lunch while the tables directly on the street overlook one of the prettiest neighborhoods in Sofia.
Opened in 2013, HleBar is a bakery specializing in different types of hand-kneaded bread. Be it with olives or sun-dried tomatoes, bread is the king here. But unlike other bakeries here you can also sit and enjoy a delicious sandwich, an adventurous take on banitza (a traditional pastry delicacy) or simply enjoy a coffee or a Belgian beer.
41 locals recommend
HleBar
Str ul. "Tsar Ivan Shishman"
41 locals recommend
Opened in 2013, HleBar is a bakery specializing in different types of hand-kneaded bread. Be it with olives or sun-dried tomatoes, bread is the king here. But unlike other bakeries here you can also sit and enjoy a delicious sandwich, an adventurous take on banitza (a traditional pastry delicacy) or simply enjoy a coffee or a Belgian beer.
As the name suggests (“daga” means rainbow) is rich with tastes, be it for coffee or delicious breakfasts and desserts. Situated below Dondukov boulevard, this place is perfect for energizing before a long day or a walk around one of Sofia’s quietest and most charming neighborhoods.
106 locals recommend
Фабрика ДЪГА / Rainbow Factory
10 ul. "Veslets"
106 locals recommend
As the name suggests (“daga” means rainbow) is rich with tastes, be it for coffee or delicious breakfasts and desserts. Situated below Dondukov boulevard, this place is perfect for energizing before a long day or a walk around one of Sofia’s quietest and most charming neighborhoods.
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. Dinner for 2 with drinks: 80 lv /40 euro/
49 locals recommend
Pod Lipite
1 ulitsa "Elin Pelin"
49 locals recommend
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. Dinner for 2 with drinks: 80 lv /40 euro/
7 locals recommend
Ресторант "Стария Чинар"
71 bul. Kniaz Aleksandar Dondukov
7 locals recommend
Izzy's Coffee and Brunch

Neighborhoods

A trendy neighborhood right by the center of Sofia. It is home of Sofia University and the National Library. The area has a couple of beautiful parks and its streets are filled with lots of interesting bars, restaurants and shops you can visit.
15 locals recommend
Oborishte
15 locals recommend
A trendy neighborhood right by the center of Sofia. It is home of Sofia University and the National Library. The area has a couple of beautiful parks and its streets are filled with lots of interesting bars, restaurants and shops you can visit.

Sightseeing

Great place for families with kids. Zaimov is another one of Sofia’s numerous gardens. The fountain and the buildings around it bear a nice nostalgic feeling towards the middle of the 20th century. It is a pleasant urban oasis in the middle of the city offering plenty of entertainment — table tennis, actual tennis and vast lawns on which you can crash with a cheap local beer in hand.
81 locals recommend
Zaimov Park
81 locals recommend
Great place for families with kids. Zaimov is another one of Sofia’s numerous gardens. The fountain and the buildings around it bear a nice nostalgic feeling towards the middle of the 20th century. It is a pleasant urban oasis in the middle of the city offering plenty of entertainment — table tennis, actual tennis and vast lawns on which you can crash with a cheap local beer in hand.
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. We predict that the Doctor’s garden will be a trending spot in 2016.
60 locals recommend
Doctors' Garden
60 locals recommend
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. We predict that the Doctor’s garden will be a trending spot in 2016.
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 locals recommend
St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral
ploshtad "Sveti Aleksandar Nevski"
369 locals recommend
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.
This cozy bookstore turned into one of Sofia’s main places when looking for a personal gift. Carefully selected books with focus on contemporary classics, vintage magazines and comics, vinyls, moomin memorabilia and all sorts of tiny gadgets fill its racks and make picking just one thing basically impossible.
18 locals recommend
Elephant Bookstore
31 ul. "Tsar Ivan Shishman"
18 locals recommend
This cozy bookstore turned into one of Sofia’s main places when looking for a personal gift. Carefully selected books with focus on contemporary classics, vintage magazines and comics, vinyls, moomin memorabilia and all sorts of tiny gadgets fill its racks and make picking just one thing basically impossible.
The Crystal cafe-bar after which the garden is named no longer exists but the spirit of its clients (dissident writers, poets and artists) still lives on. In the last few years the garden, overseen by a monument of notorious politician Stefan Stambolov, established itself as the favourite place for the free-minded youths of the city. With two bars and several 24h liquor stores nearby, Crystal is definitely the place to be during a summer night.
45 locals recommend
Crystal Garden
45 locals recommend
The Crystal cafe-bar after which the garden is named no longer exists but the spirit of its clients (dissident writers, poets and artists) still lives on. In the last few years the garden, overseen by a monument of notorious politician Stefan Stambolov, established itself as the favourite place for the free-minded youths of the city. With two bars and several 24h liquor stores nearby, Crystal is definitely the place to be during a summer night.
NATIONAL THEATRE SOFIA The National Theatre “Ivan Vazov” in Sofia is the largest and most influential theatre in Bulgaria and the small park in front is a favourite hang-out spot for Sofia residents and tourists alike. THE BUILDING Save Unlike similar buildings in many other European capitals, “The National” is brick-red in color, which makes it particularly photo-friendly. The building was completed in 1907 in the Classical architectural style typical of the times. It has been the permanent home to the National Theatre company ever since. The theatre is named after the Bulgarian literary patriarch, Ivan Vazov, but residents refer to it simply as “the National”. The theatre’s opening ceremony in 1907 did not go uneventful. Envisioned as a celebration for the masses, it turned political when angry university students booed the King upon arrival. In retribution, the King, and his government, closed down Sofia University for six months. THE AREA Save The small park in front of the National Theater is a favorite late-night hangout spot for the young crowds. In the warm summer months, this is a great place to stop by for a drink at one of the several open-air cafés. Save Backgammon players in front of the National Theatre During the day, the area turns into a chess and backgammon battlefield, attracting slightly older visitors.
276 locals recommend
Ivan Vazov National Theater
5 ul. "Dyakon Ignatiy"
276 locals recommend
NATIONAL THEATRE SOFIA The National Theatre “Ivan Vazov” in Sofia is the largest and most influential theatre in Bulgaria and the small park in front is a favourite hang-out spot for Sofia residents and tourists alike. THE BUILDING Save Unlike similar buildings in many other European capitals, “The National” is brick-red in color, which makes it particularly photo-friendly. The building was completed in 1907 in the Classical architectural style typical of the times. It has been the permanent home to the National Theatre company ever since. The theatre is named after the Bulgarian literary patriarch, Ivan Vazov, but residents refer to it simply as “the National”. The theatre’s opening ceremony in 1907 did not go uneventful. Envisioned as a celebration for the masses, it turned political when angry university students booed the King upon arrival. In retribution, the King, and his government, closed down Sofia University for six months. THE AREA Save The small park in front of the National Theater is a favorite late-night hangout spot for the young crowds. In the warm summer months, this is a great place to stop by for a drink at one of the several open-air cafés. Save Backgammon players in front of the National Theatre During the day, the area turns into a chess and backgammon battlefield, attracting slightly older visitors.
The heart of ancient Serdica and the oldest building in modern Sofia, this red brick church was built all the way back in 300s. It’s a wonder that this building has survived unscathed for such an amount of time, and all around are interesting little details that hit home the great age of the site and civilisations that have passed though. Step inside to view the detailed medieval frescoes that had been painted over by the Ottomans when the church was converted to a mosque in the 1600s. These were only rediscovered and restored in the 1990s. Outside you can see the flagstones of a Roman street and other remnants of Ancient Serdica.
74 locals recommend
The Rotunda Church of St George
2 bul. Kniaz Aleksandar Dondukov
74 locals recommend
The heart of ancient Serdica and the oldest building in modern Sofia, this red brick church was built all the way back in 300s. It’s a wonder that this building has survived unscathed for such an amount of time, and all around are interesting little details that hit home the great age of the site and civilisations that have passed though. Step inside to view the detailed medieval frescoes that had been painted over by the Ottomans when the church was converted to a mosque in the 1600s. These were only rediscovered and restored in the 1990s. Outside you can see the flagstones of a Roman street and other remnants of Ancient Serdica.

Co-working places

+tova is a multifunctional place where you can work, enjoy a coffee or a quiche/cake, attend a screening or exhibition, plus many more. It is located on one of the most aristocratic streets in Sofia and is perfect for some quiet afternoon time on a weekday.
11 locals recommend
+ Tova
30 ul. "Marin Drinov"
11 locals recommend
+tova is a multifunctional place where you can work, enjoy a coffee or a quiche/cake, attend a screening or exhibition, plus many more. It is located on one of the most aristocratic streets in Sofia and is perfect for some quiet afternoon time on a weekday.
The latest coworking space to open in town easily scoops the award for best building. The house which used to hold the Writer’s Union is situated on Angel Kanchev str. and has two floors, plenty of rooms with great atmosphere and several amazing murals. Be sure to check it out as there’s usually some interesting activity — be it a design bazaar or an exhibition.
COSMOS Coworking Camp
12 ul. "George Washington"
The latest coworking space to open in town easily scoops the award for best building. The house which used to hold the Writer’s Union is situated on Angel Kanchev str. and has two floors, plenty of rooms with great atmosphere and several amazing murals. Be sure to check it out as there’s usually some interesting activity — be it a design bazaar or an exhibition.

Local coffee shops

Ma Baker is a stylish neighborhood bakery taking pride in its traditional bread prepared “the old way”. It is named after a legendary 1930-s outlaw (or the Boney M’s song with the same name) and also offers a variety of cookies, baked goods, croissants and quality caffeinated drinks. Ma Baker’s sandwiches could do you for a light lunch as well - prepared with the bread of the day.
17 locals recommend
Cafe Ma Baker
163 ulitsa „Georgi S. Rakovski“
17 locals recommend
Ma Baker is a stylish neighborhood bakery taking pride in its traditional bread prepared “the old way”. It is named after a legendary 1930-s outlaw (or the Boney M’s song with the same name) and also offers a variety of cookies, baked goods, croissants and quality caffeinated drinks. Ma Baker’s sandwiches could do you for a light lunch as well - prepared with the bread of the day.
If you are really demanding about your coffee, Chucky’s is the place. You’ll hardly find better baristas in town and the quality of the coffee — carefully selected from finest manufacturers and regions from around the world — makes each visit a little caffeinated celebration.
Chucky's Coffee House
29 ulitsa "Hristo Belchev"
If you are really demanding about your coffee, Chucky’s is the place. You’ll hardly find better baristas in town and the quality of the coffee — carefully selected from finest manufacturers and regions from around the world — makes each visit a little caffeinated celebration.

Traveler advice

Getting around

For short car rides - Spark

The best option for short rides around the city center is the shared electric cars. SPARK is a new generation service that allows you to find and rent an electric vehicle through your mobile phone, no matter if you want to use the service for 15 minutes or a few days. After you use the service, you may leave the vehicle in a "blue" or "green" area (free of charge for electric vehicles) or in designated areas outside the city center. Download the mobile app and sign up to receive access to our electric vehicles just with a few clicks on your phone. https://spark.bg/en/
Don't miss

Private tour guide with my friend tour guide

Hi, I am Ivan! I'm 32, born and raised in Sofia, a licensed tour guide. Interests:Nature, skiing, tennis, history, geography, archeology. In my free time I go hiking, camping, and playing tennis. In the winter I am a ski instructor. Contact me if interested in: - Sofia city walking tour - Full day Sofia tour (includes Boyana Church - UNESCO World heritage site, Archeology museum and a panoramic view point of entire city) - Rila Monastery - UNESCO World heritage site - Plovdiv/Koprivshtitsa - Buzludzha monument/ Rose valley / Valley of the Thracian Kings -and more Contact Rossen for details