I was never a huge beer fan but after five months in Belgium and a year in the Netherlands, I grew very fond of it... Every time someone would visit me in Brussels, I would take them out to try at least 4 different kinds. In Tilburg we were regulars in a bar called Kandinsky.
So, coming back to Bulgaria there was definitely something missing. My friends and I were thinking that it would be great if we could have a bar that offers a wider variety of the famous Bière belge. Et voilà...
Kanaal is a family-run business - this guarantees the hospitality that's a must for such a place. In the future, they plan on opening a hostel, an art gallery and a restaurant so the whole house will be used. By the way, it's not a coincidence that this Dutch-influenced bar is located right at Sofia's gracht.
Their nice garden (there's a covered section as well) is open for a visit so the place is great for an afternoon visit as well. You may combine it with a walk in one of the hidden gems of the city - Military Academy Park.
Moreover, I am definitely looking forward to the promised stroopwafels they plan to include in the menu. Perfect dessert after a hearty meal at the nearby Skara bar in the park. There are also regular special events, focused on various types of beers, often new additions to the menu, for example 'days of Bulgarian craft beer'.
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It's been the same spot for 13 years now. Palace of Justice, next to the lion on the corner. Rain or shine, tour guides are there, you just have to show up.
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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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"Gifted" in Sofia is a shop that aims to bring together artists and offer unique souvenirs and gifts that go beyond the ordinary. It keeps surprising me!
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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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"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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"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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123 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the crowd & travel slow 🐌
✓ 123 Insider Tips from our local Spotters