A:part:mental Sofia
Choose your room
A:part:mental, one of the places I have a love/hate relationship with, yet I still frequent. It's literally a second floor flat in a historic building in the city center. A building with a turbulent history - it was nationalized during communist rule in Bulgaria. After 1989 it changed its purpose a couple of times (including a brief period as embassy of Sudan) before turning into a cultural centre.
A:part:mental has a number of colourfully decorated rooms with really cozy couches. In some parts, even sitting on the floor is also an option. There are board games or books you can borrow, chill music is played on a number of Mac computers. However, before you choose your room, you should stop by the kitchen. Himalayan tea, smoothies, homemade cakes, cookies or salty quiches - everything is just delicious and fresh.
As far as I know, the place is registered as an NGO and its main idea is to be a cultural centre - they organize exhibitions, movie nights, book readings, etc. Also perfect to hang out with friends or do some freelance work. All good, right?
Here's what you should keep in mind, though:
- it's a bit pricier than average
- Wi-Fi is available only for... Apple users (WTF!)
- owner and staff might be a bit weird, rude and posh
- they don't take reservations
Have to say that even if you cannot live with all the above-mentioned bullet points, you should at least stop by and take a look at the place as a tourist attraction!
Find your way with 126 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Sofia
Mekitsa & Kafe
Best local breakfast in Sofia
"Mekitsa & Kafe" is a cozy little place in Sofia for a fast snack of Mekitsa, a type of traditional Bulgarian pastry. My favourite is honey and walnuts!
by
Tsvetomira
Filipova
Magazinche.com
Local handcrafted goods
"Magazinche.com" in Sofia is a popular shop for local handcrafted stuff, such as cosmetics & accessories. I recommend visiting their shop in Lozenets...
by
Tsvetomira
Filipova
Testa Gallery
Contemporary & conceptual art
"Testa Gallery" in Sofia is one of the city's really good contemporary conceptual galleries. It's stylish, high-class and you can buy anything you like!
by
Tsvetomira
Filipova
Dar Bozhiy Graffiti
A facade not to be missed
"Dar Bozhiy Graffiti" Sofia is one of the most instagrammable facades in the city, made by popular Bulgarian street artist Nasimo! It's impressive, right?
by
Tsvetomira
Filipova
Swimming Pool
Art space with a view in Sofia
"Swimming Pool" in Sofia is one of the art galleries I really enjoy visiting - people often go there more for the view and vibe than the art itself!
by
Tsvetomira
Filipova
Piece of Berlin Wall
A small piece of big history
Did you know that there is a piece of the Berlin Wall in Sofia, in the NDK park? Even many locals don't know about this piece of historical memory...
by
Tsvetomira
Filipova
&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!
by
Tsvetomira
Filipova
Raw and More
Desserts and smoothie bowls
With over 35 recipes, I believe most of them are original recipes, let me help you choose—my all-time favorite is the chocolate fudge with raspberries!
by
Tsvetomira
Filipova
Farmers market Roman Wall
Saturday stop
Buy fresh, local breakfast items such as banitsa, cookies, and other baked goods. Everything is locally produced, which in most cases means organic and sustainable.
by
Tsvetomira
Filipova
Mangia Van
Mexican Street food
At Mangia Van you will find authentic Mexican street food: delicious burgers, burritos, tortillas, and quesadillas. There are also options for vegetarians!
by
Tsvetomira
Filipova
Handmade by Art.E
Better buy a mug from here
"Handmade by Art.E" in Sofia is an amazing atelier for pocelain goods! But this place is also good for more traditional gifts...
by
Tsvetomira
Filipova
Heading to Sofia?
126 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 126 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Bars
Our team loves Sofia
Get to know our other Spotters from Sofia
As featured on:
