| Places to go Shopping in Sofia, Bulgaria | |
|---|---|
| Shopping Malls | Paradise Center, Serdika Center, Mall of Sofia, Bulgaria Mall, The Mall, Sofia Ring Mall |
| Shopping Streets | Vitosha Boulevard, Graf Ignatiev Street, Pirotska Street |
| Outlets | Sofia Outlet Center, Princess Outlet Center |
| Luxury/High-End Areas | Vitosha Boulevard |
| Vintage Stores | Trash Clothing, Vintage Sofia |
Shopping Malls
Sofia’s shopping malls are modern hubs offering a mix of global brands, dining, and entertainment, often accessible via the city’s efficient metro system.
Paradise Center
- 🚇 Metro: Vitosha station (M2 line)
- 🚋 Tram: Lines 7, 27 nearby
- 🛍️ Key Brands: Zara, H&M, Boss, Nike, local Bulgarian fashion
- ⏰ Opening Times: 10:00-22:00 daily
More About Paradise Center
Located in the Hladilnika neighborhood in southern Sofia, Paradise Center is the city’s largest shopping mall, spanning approximately 80,000 square meters with over 300 stores. Opened in 2013, it features a contemporary design with spacious walkways and a diverse retail mix, from fast fashion like Zara and H&M to electronics, beauty, and home goods.
Serdika Center
- 🚇 Metro: Serdika station (M1 and M4 lines)
- 🚋 Tram: Lines 5, 12
- 🛍️ Key Brands: H&M, Mango, Adidas, local brands.
- ⏰ Opening Times: 10:00-22:00 daily
More About Serdika Center
Situated in the heart of Sofia near the ancient Serdika ruins, this mall covers about 50,000 square meters and houses over 200 stores. Launched in 2010, it combines shopping with cultural elements, as parts of the mall overlook archaeological sites visible through glass floors.
Mall of Sofia
- 🚇 Metro: Opalchenska station (M1 line)
- 🚋 Tram: Lines 3, 4, 11
- 🛍️ Key Brands: Zara, Bershka, Pull & Bear, local electronics and fashion.
- ⏰ Opening Times: 10:00-22:00 daily
More About Mall of Sofia
Positioned in central Sofia near the National Palace of Culture, this mall spans around 35,000 square meters with approximately 130 stores. Opened in 2006 as one of the city’s first modern malls, it offers a compact yet comprehensive shopping experience focused on mid-range fashion and services.
Bulgaria Mall
- 🚇 Metro: Bulgaria station (M4 line, under construction as of 2025)
- 🚋 Tram: Lines 7, 27
- 🛍️ Key Brands: Nike, local toy and fashion stores
- ⏰ Opening Times: 10:00-21:00 daily
More About Bulgaria Mall
Located in the Lozenets district with views of Vitosha Mountain, this mall covers about 30,000 square meters and features over 100 stores. Opened in 2012, it’s known for its balanced size-not too overwhelming-and focus on everyday shopping.
Standout features include a cinema with comfortable seating, a laser tag arena for entertainment, and a dedicated food floor with Bulgarian and international options.
The Mall
- 🚇 Metro: Tsarigradsko Shose area (bus connections)
- 🚋 Tram: Not directly, bus lines 67, 111
- 🛍️ Key Brands: H&M, Zara, Apple resellers, local homeware
- ⏰ Opening Times: 10:00-22:00 daily
More About The Mall
In the business district along Tsarigradsko Shose, this mall spans approximately 66,000 square meters with over 180 stores. Opened in 2010, it caters to professionals with a mix of fashion, tech, and lifestyle shops.
Sofia Ring Mall
- 🚇 Metro: Business Park station (M1 line)
- 🚋 Tram: Bus connections
- 🛍️ Key Brands: IKEA (adjacent), Decathlon, local sports and fashion
- ⏰ Opening Times: 10:00-22:00 daily
More About Sofia Ring Mall
On the outskirts near the ring road, this mall covers about 70,000 square meters with over 200 stores.
Opened in 2014, it’s integrated with IKEA for home shopping.
Shopping Streets
| Street Name | Shopping Highlights |
|---|---|
| Vitosha Boulevard | Luxury boutiques, high-street brands like Zara and Mango, souvenir shops, and local designers. |
| Graf Ignatiev Street | Shoe stores, bakeries, high-street fashion, and local crafts. |
| Pirotska Street | Local shops, vintage stores, markets for souvenirs and clothing. |
More about Sofia’s shopping streets
Vitosha Boulevard: Sofia’s main pedestrian street, stretching from the National Palace of Culture to Sveta Nedelya Square, with a lively, cosmopolitan atmosphere enhanced by street performers and historic buildings.
It’s home to fashion stores, and gift shops. Nearby attractions include cafes, galleries, and landmarks like the Sofia History Museum.
Graf Ignatiev Street: Known as “Grafa,” this street in central Sofia has a historic charm with trams running through it, creating a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly vibe. Shops range from affordable fashion to bookstores and ice-cream parlors.
Pirotska Street: Sofia’s first pedestrian street connects the Central Market Hall to the Women’s Market, offering a mix of old-world charm and modern boutiques in a relaxed atmosphere. Types of shops include fashion, souvenirs, and vintage spots.
Tips for Shopping in Sofia
- Best Times to Shop: Weekdays mornings (10:00-13:00) to avoid crowds. Weekends are busier, especially in malls. Visit markets early for fresh picks.
- Payment Methods: Cards and contactless payments are widely accepted in malls and streets. Carry cash (Leva) for markets and small shops, as some prefer it.
- Tax-Free Shopping: Tourists can claim VAT refunds (up to 20%) on purchases over 50 Leva; get forms at stores and process at the airport with receipts.
- Seasonal Events: Black Friday in November brings deep discounts (30-70%). Christmas markets in December offer festive crafts and mulled wine.
What to Buy in Sofia
Other than international brands, shop for authentic, iconic, and culturally significant Bulgarian products, which serve as unique souvenirs and experiences tied to the country’s heritage.
- International Chain Clothing: Affordable fashion from Zara, H&M, and similar brands. Prices are typically 10-20% lower than in Western Europe.
- Rose Oil Products: Iconic Bulgarian essential oils, lotions, and cosmetics. Buy at specialty shops on Vitosha-symbolizes Bulgaria’s role as the world’s top rose producer.
- Traditional Pottery: Earthenware pots and plates with Balkan designs; find at markets like Women’s Pazar-reflects ancient Thracian craftsmanship for authentic home use.
- Rakia and Glasses: Fruit brandy and decorative shot glasses; roadside stalls or malls-central to Bulgarian hospitality and celebrations.
- Bulgarian Wine: Affordable reds from Thracian Valley. Wine shops in central Sofia-highlights the country’s ancient winemaking heritage.
- Martenitsi Bracelets: Red-and-white threads for good luck. Souvenir stores-tied to Baba Marta spring tradition, worn until seeing a stork.
