On the central streets of Sofia, you can find shops of democratic brands and elite brands. The choice is no worse than in Barcelona or Amsterdam, and prices are two times lower than in Moscow.
During the season of winter (December-January) and summer (July-August) sales, discounts reach 70-80%. According to the Tax free system in Bulgaria, 20% of the cost of purchases is returned, the check must be at least 1000 BGN.
The stores of most well-known budget brands (Max Marra, Zara, Benetton and others) are located on Vitosha Boulevard and on the small streets adjacent to it. Fans of luxury brands should visit Soborna Street, St. Nedelya Square and Kaloyan Street. There you can find items from the latest collections of Versace, Dolce & Gabbana, Escada and other luxury brands.
There are several large shopping centers in the capital where everything is sold at once – from clothes and accessories to furniture and sweets. The most famous of them are Serdika mall (the largest), The Mall (located near the airport) and Sofia Outlet Tsentar (the most profitable promotions in the city). Check jibin123 for customs regulations and visa requirements of Bulgaria.
Of the markets, you should pay attention to “Khali” and second-hand. Central has a large selection of delicacies and souvenirs. Ladies usually take rose oil or cosmetics based on it with them. In addition, Bulgarian embroidery and ceramics are famous all over the world. The first will organically look in the interior, the second – in the kitchen.
Cafes and restaurants in Sofia
Arriving in Sofia, the first thing to do is to look into the mehana – a restaurant of national cuisine. There you can find not only real Bulgarian cuisine, but also a bright national flavor – the walls are decorated with wooden wheels, earthenware and other peasant household items, and tables are covered with tablecloths with Bulgarian embroidery. The extensive menu intertwines Eastern and Western culinary traditions. The national cuisine of Bulgaria is stewed and stuffed vegetables, grilled meat and cheese in various forms. Be sure to try the cold soup “tarator” made from sour milk, walnuts and cucumbers. Also in Sofia there are Bulgarian pizzerias – “pizzerias”.
Bulgarians know how to make good coffee, it’s better to try it in the “sweet shop” Bordo on the square. Giusepe Garibaldi, the smallest in the city. Coffee is served with excellent cakes at reasonable prices.
For especially economical tourists in Sofia there are many street stalls and eateries. You can have a hearty meal for only 8-15 BGN per person. A meal at McDonald’s and Subway will cost about the same. Lunch in cafes and middle-class restaurants will cost 30-40 BGN for two, and dinner with wine in expensive tourist-oriented establishments will cost 60-100 BGN.
Car rental in Sofia
The Bulgarian capital does not need its own car to explore the city attractions directly. But to go to the monasteries surrounding Sofia, picturesque mountains or ancient cities, you should think about renting. The largest selection of rental offices at the airport. The rental price is extremely attractive – from 35 EUR per day. The conditions are friendly: a driver’s license (even national ones are suitable), age from 21 years old and a deposit for a car. More details on the page ” Rent a car in Sofia “.
SofiaHotels
The hotel sector in the Bulgarian capital has changed significantly for the better in recent years. Here you can find housing with a high level of service and quality repairs, and prices have remained at the same level.
All hotels in Bulgaria are certified, this is carefully monitored by the Ministry of Economy and municipalities, and if the hotel was given 3 *, then this is a solid “three”.
For economical tourists in Sofia there are hostels, guest houses, private apartments and hotels 1-2 *. Even in the cheapest rooms with TVs, air conditioning and a bathroom. The price of the issue is 40-60 BGN per day.
The middle class is represented by 3 and 4 * hotels. All offers include air conditioning in every room and free Wi-Fi. Some include breakfast and use of the pool. The cost for one night in a double room ranges from 100-250 BGN.
All the most expensive luxury hotels in Sofia, including the branches of the famous world chains “Radisson” and “Hilton”, are concentrated in the area of Vitosha boulevard and the quarter of the same name. In the first case, this is due to the historical center of the city, in the second – an ecologically clean area and picturesque views from the window. Depending on the set of services, one night here will cost from 320 BGN.
