City Info

Sofia has the buzz of a capital city and the convenience of a compact center where all the main sights can be visited on foot. The area of interest to visitors is basically that bounded by Vitosha, Patriarch Evtimii, Vasil Levski and Knez Dondukov Boulevards and Sveta Nedelia Square. The main sights are concentrated on Aleksander Batenberg Square, Narodno Sabranie Square and Tsar Osvoboditel Boulevard - the area paved with yellow bricks.

The best shops are on Vitosha and Stamboliski Boulevards and in the underpass of the National Palace of Culture ( the NDK). The biggest department store is TSUM, just north of Sveta Nedelia Square.

New galleries for icons, contemporary art, ceramics and sculptures are opening up all the time. Small street markets, such as the Rimskata Stena Market, are a picturesque sight in summer, as piles of colorful vegetables, fruits, flowers and herbs are sold.

The area surrounding Sofia is rich in natural beauty. The tranquillity and charm of Mount Vitosha offers ideal spots for picnics or walking in the summer and superb skiing in the winter. The picturesque villages at its foothills are just a short tram or bus ride away from the bustling capital.