Taste See Feel Enjoy Sofia

Here you will discover a selection of stories, places, and souvenirs carefully curated by Mastercard and #soSofia.

To Sofia,
with love

“To Sofia, with Love” is not just a film about Sofia, but a love letter to the city. Created by directors Martin Grahovski and Petar Tuhchiev with the support of Mastercard, it is part of a wider mission to tell and digitise the stories of Sofia’s iconic places, brands, and people.

Recommended
by Mastercard

Discover Sofia through food and lifestyle, or through art and culture, with authentic experiences recommended by Mastercard.

Sofia
for Foodies

In Sofia, a premium lifestyle is a delight. If you are a foodie, a wine connoisseur, or an arts enthusiast, you have a long list to fulfil. Try some of the most authentic places in the city where all the sophisticated local people go to enjoy life. In your personalised #soSofia route you will find culinary, social, cultural, artistic, shopping, urban and natural experiences, recommended by Mastercard.

1. Unica by priceless

For an unforgettable journey into the heart of the city, look no further than Unica by Priceless. Experience the charm of the iconic yellow paving stones from a cozy, premium atmosphere that feels both exclusive and welcoming. Chef Nickolay Popov, one of only four JRE-Jeunes Restaurateurs talents in Bulgaria, invites you to discover his masterful à la carte menu. Each dish offers a creative interpretation of Bulgarian tradition, blending farm-to-table local products with modern spices to elevate your dining experience. Select your own culinary path through a menu designed to surprise and delight with every bite.

2. Restaurant Cosmos

For a premium culinary experience, remember the name “Cosmos” which means “space”, and it matches the feeling when you try the exquisite food with local bioproducts, the fine selection of wines, and fusion versions of the most authentic Bulgarian recipes. Don’t forget to leave some space for a dessert that can be combined with a specially designed cocktail that will further boost your senses.

3. Bar Sense

Rooftop, view and delight – this is the entrance password for Sense Rooftop Bar Sofia. Enjoy a relaxing atmosphere, a unique spacious terrace and a sense of endless sky and stars, combined with premium cocktails and a selection of wines. Sense is the perfect place for a memorable evening in the heart of the city.

4. Doctor’s Garden

We invite you to take a stroll through the centre of Sofia, combining the city’s character with our cultural heritage and exceptionally delicious local cuisine. Start along Oborishte Street, where you can enjoy the wonderful flavours of restaurants, brunch spots and wine bars. Continue to Doctor’s Garden to mingle with the few true Sofia locals and discover the origin of the park’s name.

5. Marashlian pastry

Much like a hidden gem in the heart of the city, it offers an exquisite escape through authentic flavours, artisanal craftsmanship and the finest natural ingredients. Don’t forget to pair your favourite pastry with a cup of aromatic coffee or tea to perfectly balance the rich, delicate textures that are sure to delight your senses.

6. The Rainbow Factory

For late risers, Sofia’s brunch culture is a godsend and the first thing to do at the weekend. Be sure to try the local “mekitsy”, “buhty” or “banitsa” with a fresh yoghurt drink or a nice cup of cappuccino. One of the oldest and pioneering brunch spots in Sofia is the “Rainbow Factory”. The place is usually packed, but the staff are super quick and will always welcome you with a smile. The only problem is deciding what to try when you want to try everything!

7. Bar K.E.V.A.

Get ready for the perfect combination of a great location, bohemian charm, fantastic drinks, unique bartenders and alternative music at the “Artist’s Aesthetic Education Club”, or K.E.V.A. for short. The bar is situated in the courtyard of the National Academy of Theatre and Film Arts and is characterised by a mix of people who speak an “urban” language and embrace diverse, interesting and niche events.

8. Vitosha Boulevard

The main shopping street, which is closed to traffic and open to pedestrians only, offers a variety of cafés and restaurants, with views of Mount Vitosha and a lively atmosphere that makes it a popular spot for both locals and visitors, day and night.

9. Robin Lab

For a vibrant start to your day, discover “Robin Lab”, a hidden gem just a stone’s throw from bustling Vitosha Street. This is where the city’s heart beats faster, offering a perfect fusion of world-class speciality coffee and a kitchen that celebrates bold, joyful flavours. It’s the ultimate starting point for your urban exploration – a place that’s cheerful, lively and utterly delicious. Whether you’re popping in for a brioche Benedict or an irresistible, buttery croissant, the atmosphere is always welcoming. Bring the whole family along, as children and dogs are more than welcome to join in the fun.

10. Wine Generator

Welcome to the hub of the finest Bulgarian wines, selected and ranked by the country’s leading sommeliers – DiVino. If you want to discover what Bulgaria has to offer in terms of wines, this is the place for you. The friendly hosts will be delighted to serve you a tasting selection from our extensive range of over 150 Bulgarian wines. A platter of artisan cheeses and charcuterie will round off this truly gourmet experience.

What else is there to do in Sofia?

Ask your local AI guide and create a personalised itinerary for your stay in Sofia. Experience the city just the way you like it!

Sofia for Art and Culture Enthusiast

In Sofia, you can never get bored. If you are a history lover, modern art junky, a passionate dancer, or a music enthusiast, you have a long list to fulfil. Also, we consider culinary a culture in itself and will lead to eateries that embody traditions, unique local flavours and creativity. Find the most authentic social, cultural, artistic and urban experiences, recommended by Mastercard.

1. Gifted Sofia

If you want to experience Sofia’s character and identity through the eyes of contemporary Bulgarian designers and artists, we have the perfect place for you – Gifted Sofia. It is both a shop and a gallery and has been developing as a hub for contemporary urban culture for years. Gifted is home to local artists, collectives and brands, and is the ideal place to find a unique souvenir of Sofia.

2. Raketa Rakia Bar

First things first, so let’s start with the food! “Raketa Rakia Bar” is actually a restaurant serving traditional Bulgarian dishes with a modern twist, served by friendly staff in a nostalgic, socialist-inspired setting. There, you’ll find the most delicious meatballs and kebabs, classic “snezhanka” and “shopska” salads, gypsy banitsa, and hundreds of varieties of rakia.

3. The Largo in Sofia

Also known as “Independence Square”, Sofia’s Largo is the heart of the city, where you find yourself at the crossroads of several thousand years of history. Look around you, and you’ll see an Orthodox and a Catholic church, a synagogue and a mosque, and the Central Department Store with its monumental socialist architecture, right next to the excavations of the ancient Roman fortress of Serdica.

4. Square 500

Sofia has not one, but two National Art Gallery buildings within walking distance – The Palace and Square 500. Square 500 is the newest and largest building, with 28 galleries spread over four floors. The exhibition features over 17,000 iconic works of Bulgarian art from the mid-19th and 20th centuries, European art from the 15th to the 20th centuries, and examples from Asia, Africa and the Americas.

5. Elephant Bookstore

From Harry Potter licensed products to vintage issues of The New Yorker – Elephant Bookstore is an extraordinary place where you can find unique items for yourself and your family and spend an unforgettable time together. The shop is like a parallel vintage universe, filled with intriguing games, cards, magazines, books and unusual gifts.

6. Borisova Garden

Also known as “The Lungs of Sofia”, it is the largest park in the capital. Spending a day there is like taking a journey through a variety of plant species, sporting activities, vast playgrounds and monuments to prominent Bulgarians. The Japanese Garden, the Astronomical Observatory and the sacred Peter Dunov Garden are delightful surprises waiting to be discovered.

7. Vitosha Mountain

Few capital cities can boast of having a major mountain that is practically on their doorstep, just 30 minutes from the city centre. Vitosha Mountain awaits you with unique sights, nature trails, waterfalls and mountain huts in a quiet, peaceful and exceptionally beautiful setting. Visit the new generation of mountain huts – September, The Composers and Balkanity – which offer the perfect blend of work and leisure, alongside stunning views and delicious home-cooked food.

8. Vrana Palace

Vrana Park-Museum will delight you with a magnificent collection of 821 species of trees, shrubs and grasses spread across an area of less than 100 hectares. It was established by Tsar Ferdinand for the royal family as a summer residence outside the city. Today, the park is open to visitors and, in autumn, hosts the Sofia Lights Festival, creating a magical visual spectacle within the park.

9. Toplocentrala

From an old heating plant to a modern centre for contemporary art and culture. Toplocentrala was founded by a group of artists from the independent scene and is now one of the most popular venues for contemporary performing arts, festivals, exhibitions, concerts, seminars and urban events. You’re guaranteed unforgettable memories, especially if you visit the beautiful terrace bar.

10. KvARTal

One of the most colourful places in Sofia is the old Jewish quarter, situated in the city centre and known as the “kvARTal district”. It is home to many modern shops, restaurants and cafés, set amidst beautiful houses and streets in the Venetian Secession style. The district is also famous for having been home to many intellectuals and poets, and today attracts modern artisans, contemporary galleries and Bulgarian design artists.

Find more places you'll love!

Ask your local AI guide what else there is to do in Sofia. Create a personalised itinerary and explore the city your way!

Multisensory
collection

The collection is developed by Mastercard and #soSofia as a prudently curated selection of the best Sofia city has to offer to its citizens and guests.