The new kid on the block is here to display the best of modern Bulgarian product design. Looking for a souvenir to take back home with you can be a nightmare anywhere in the world nowadays. Everything is usually made in the same place (Asia, mostly) and looks fairly similar. When it comes to souvenirs, Bulgaria has another problem - most of the products on offer have been here for generations. If you ask a Bulgarian about a typical souvenir it would most probably be something with roses or something handmade, usually wood. Or both (wooden rose oil souvenir vial). Don't get me wrong - I have given away plenty of those but we need something fresh.
I really believe (and hope) Gifted is here to change that. By doing so, the new 'urban culture hub' wants to give the stage to some of the most talented Bulgarian artists. And actually there's been quite a few of them recently. The owner himself is one of these talented young Bulgarians - an architect, born and raised in Sofia. He has created a cozy place where you can browse through a selection of books, comics, vinyls, shirts and small objects, or just grab a drink and enjoy the current exhibition. The latest one showed a Bulgarian "graffiti" alphabet, for example.
Two more things:
- there is a place to store your baggage while sightseeing - luggage lockers
- you can rent a bike from Gifted, or a half one if you feel adventurous
Find your way with 127 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
A Belgian bakery with an Italian name in the heart of the Bulgarian capital. Yet another example of how Sofia is getting more and more cosmopolitan.
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Honestly, the shop looks more like a lab. Clean, minimalist, and luxurious. You can order whole cakes for special occasions or choose a treat from the beautifully-arranged showcase.
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"Skaptoburger" is located in the heart of Sofia and won the King of Burgers award for 2016. This restaurant, its monthly offers, some ale... what more?
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"Antep Baklava" in Sofia is a small pastry shop that makes the best baklava and other Turkish desserts in the city! You have to try the Shobiet...
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"Boyana Church" in Sofia is one of my favorite temples in the city. It's a UNESCO heritage gem of a site from the 11th century, next to giant sequoias...
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"Chucky's" is the place for you if you know the differences between your macchiato, flat white and chemex. I like their two 'gossip chairs'...
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"PhotoSynthesis" has grown into one of the biggest photography hubs in Sofia. They have a great gallery and I love their glass-roof bar and the quiet cafe.
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"65 Svetulki" in central Sofia is a bar rapidly becoming a favorite destination for locals. What I love is its terrace and alternative bohemian design...
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"The Little Things" in Sofia hits the spot for me: this homey restaurant with delicious food really pays attention to the details in every small element...
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"Daflorn probiotics" Sofia is one of the few companies in the world that sell probiotic-functioning food directly, not in capsules. This shop can help...
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"Franco's Pizza" has definitely the best pizza I have tasted in Sofia so far. The menu here is short and consists of authentic Italian pizzas...
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127 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
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