The National Palace of Culture is the heart of the city, where many urban stories begin and end. Skateboarding, cycling, parkour and K-Pop, all in one place alongside pop music, classical music, theatres, books and the city’s biggest concerts, conferences and film festivals! The monument brings together different cultures and subcultures, and right next to the entrance to the NDK are the Pillars. They are the symbol of the square and are most often used as a meeting place.  

Aside from the building itself, which evokes memories of the bygone communist era, a favourite spot for gathering and holding various activities is in the central part of the underpass, around the large and striking fountain featuring several metal globes of varying sizes, which mimic a miniature universe with celestial bodies. That is why this beautiful fountain-composition is called “Cosmos”, although today it is better known as “The Balls”. Urban folklore also remembers it as “The Brains”, due to the joke about its round, smooth shapes. Geometric shapes were a hallmark of socialist art prior to 1989, and today they embody the spirit of Sofia’s younger generation. 

Near the National Palace of Culture stands the iconic bridge known as the Bridge of Lovers, which connects the Palace of Culture with the second section of South Park. Today it is better known as the ‘Dog Park’, as it is a favourite spot for walks for four-legged friends and their two-legged companions. You can always spot couples in love on the bridge, and a particularly romantic atmosphere descends at sunset. Open-air exhibitions are often held there, whether of photography, poetry or architecture. The steps connecting the bridge to the old McDonald’s, which arrived there as one of the first symbols of capitalism, were designed by architect Stanislav Konstantinov, who also designed the pylons of the National Palace of Culture.  

If you head north from the fountains in the square, not only will you get some great photos, but you’ll also reach the heart of the city – Vitosha Boulevard, which is a pedestrianised street. You’ll find all sorts of restaurants and little shops. Although it’s quite crowded there, you can stroll amongst plenty of food and fashion lovers, and the view of Vitosha Mountain from the boulevard is a lovely bonus.