Sofia city guide

Although the Vitosha Mountain is only 30 minutes driving away from the city, sometimes I can’t find the free time for an outdoor walk up there. But still, to escape for a while the busy daily round I have some favourite places with a view towards the mountain.

One of my favourite places is the Angel Kanchev Street. This small and narrow street is situated in the city centre but it is still a little bit hidden away from the main boulevards. It starts at Garibaldi square and through the limited panorama the street directs your eyes straight to the highest peak of Vitosha – Cherni vrah (The Black Peak).

You can feel the immediate urge to follow the street to the peak. During your journey to the rising ground in the far distance, you’ll pass along nice cafés, some bars, small shops, a gallery for modern art and the Art Hostel. You will also pass by houses (some renovated and some not) from before the Second World War.

Your eyes will lead you further and further until you appear on the main boulevard Patriarh Evtimiy. This is where you should go back to your schedule. The street won’t lead you up to the peak, but will give you a nice dream about a mountain.