130 x Sofia Insider Tips
by real locals.

Nothing sponsored, No AI.
Trust our locals' favourites in Sofia.

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The Sofia City Guide
made by Locals.

Да тръгваме! Discover Sofia's hidden gems with Spotted by Locals! From quaint cafes and vibrant local markets to modern concept stores and wine bars, our Spotters share the city’s best-kept secrets. Experience Sofia like a true local.

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130 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

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Heading to Sofia?

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Check out our latest hidden gems in Sofia

Our latest Spots in Sofia

Western Serdica Gate

Hidden Archaeological Park

Need a peaceful break in central Sofia? Discover the quiet charm of the hidden Archaeological Park Western Gate of Serdica with its rich in history.

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Art & culture

by

Tsvetomira

Filipova

Apr 15, 2025

Greenwich

A Book Centre

Greenwich is a social place where new book releases and presentations take place, as well as children’s events, puppet theatres, and meet-ups with authors.

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Bars
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Coffee & tea
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Shopping
Sep 23, 2024

Bilkova Bar

The Last Bar to Close!

The prices are reasonable, the music is good and the restrooms are covered in stickers. A great spot for foreigners to feel the vibe of night-time Sofia.

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Bars
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Music
Sep 23, 2024

Giraffe Café

Ground Your Soul

The interior is done mostly in greens and yellows, the walls are full of books: most of them children’s books, spiritual texts, and parenting literature.

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Coffee & tea
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Restaurants
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Snacks
Sep 23, 2024

Veda House

Vegetarian Restaurant & Tea House

Their menu describes the origins and medicinal properties of each blend, sometimes with more than 15 ingredients that you would never think of combining.

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Coffee & tea
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Relaxing
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Restaurants
Sep 23, 2024

HleBar

Yummy banitsa!

Two big shining stars on their menu are the potato-mushroom-leek banitsa, and a rather more traditional banitsa with pumpkin, walnut, and honey filling.

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Coffee & tea
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Snacks
Sep 23, 2024

BalevBio

Organic Café

Balev Organic Café serves delicious vegetarian & vegan pastries, energy bars, and cakes. The taste is always rich, and the receipts – original, yet homey.

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Coffee & tea
Sep 23, 2024

Vita Rama

Health Centre

Their effort to use solely natural materials is noticeable as soon as you step into the restaurant and frankly, it evokes both respect and curiosity.

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Restaurants
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Snacks
Sep 23, 2024

Gaya Gelato

Local and Authentic Sofia Gelato

You can't miss Gaya Gelato in Sofia if you are a gelato lover! Try the unique Boza & coffee flavor! Local, seasonal, and seriously delicious!

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Coffee & tea
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Snacks

by

Tsvetomira

Filipova

Dec 10, 2025

Q-ftetaria

Food classic not to be missed!

The meatballs are usually served with cabbage salad, lyutenitsa dip & fries. As a Bulgarian, I find kyufte to be a comforting dish that never disappoints.

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Bars
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Restaurants
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Snacks

by

Tsvetomira

Filipova

Nov 3, 2025

Vishneva tram stop

Hidden forest stop in Sofia

Here is a hidden gem - a cute tram stop: Vishneva (which means sour cherry in Bulgarian), a small, charming wooden house in the forest.

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Relaxing

by

Tsvetomira

Filipova

Oct 30, 2025

&bread

Fantastic pastries in Sofia

Specializing in bread, sandwiches, and croissants, what sets them apart is their commitment to locally sourced ingredients and their acclaimed canelé!

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Snacks

by

Tsvetomira

Filipova

Nov 16, 2025

Heading to Sofia?

130 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

Sofia app Home
Sofia app Map
Sofia app Home

Going to Sofia?

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

What to expect?

Authentic & Unbiased Content

Our local Spotters share personal tips and secrets about their city. No AI and nothing sponsored! These unique insights can’t be found in traditional guidebooks. Discover the city through the eyes of a local!

Go off the Beaten Path Gems

We focus on hidden gems and unique places that aren’t crowded with tourists. Our Spotters’ tips help you avoid the crowds and have truly special experiences, far from the tourist masses.

Responsible Travel

By visiting our locals’ favorites and lesser-known places, you contribute to a more sustainable way of traveling. You support the local economy and reduce the pressure on popular tourist spots. And in the end, those are the best places right?

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We are Spotted by Locals. An online travel community publishing city guides in 80+ cities. Our hand-picked local writers and photographers create all the content.

Our 488 Spotters (and counting) live in the cities they write about, speak the local language, and regularly update their tips. Their insights help around 1.4 million travelers each year discover the hidden gems of cities.

With insider advice from locals, we offer a unique, sustainable travel experience, allowing travelers to slow down and immerse themselves in the local culture, beyond the tourist hotspots.

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