Much of the diverse plant life of the Balkans can be found in the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences’ Botanical Garden. Over the years, it has been relocated several times. It was originally situated in the Royal Garden in the centre of Sofia, then moved to the Hladilnika district, and in the late 1960s settled in its current location – at the foot of Vitosha Mountain. 

We recommend you pop into the Botanical Gardens if you’d like to see some rare plant species and, of course, take some great photos. The place is usually quiet, and you’ll have plenty of time to explore over 4,500 species of higher plants, which accounts for 1% of the world’s total diversity. There is also a Rescue Centre for confiscated plants. 

If you’re lucky during your visit to Sofia, you might catch one of the themed exhibitions, the most famous of which is the rose exhibition during the summer season. In the spring, there’s a collection of trees and shrubs from Asia, whilst in the winter, live Christmas trees are on sale.

The garden is also used for educational purposes. The collections serve as a resource for students from Sofia University, the University of Forestry, New Bulgarian University and Trakia University in their courses in Botany, Ecology, Dendrology and Floriculture, with separate practical sessions being held. 

Whether you visit for educational purposes or simply to enjoy the beauty of Sofia’s green spaces, it doesn’t matter – the garden will impress you with its variety of plants and its peaceful atmosphere.