The National Palace of Culture (NDK) was built in the beginning of the 80s. It is a huge building in the center of Sofia and there is no chance you could miss it if you visit Sofia. It is located in the middle of Vitosha boulevard.
NDK is the largest congress center on the Balkans and it has 12 halls in total. Each of the halls is a different size and they are used for concerts, theatre and cinema festivals. The largest hall is Hall No. 1 which is very modern for the time when it was decorated and furnished. Today it has a bit of a retro look but it is still very nice and spacious.
I really like the long square with beautiful fountains in front of the main entrance of NDK ending with a waterfall. Currently the square in front of NDK is being fully renovated and is expected to return to its previous glory in 2015. There are also many cafes, bars, nightclubs, restaurants and entertainment places in and around NDK, including a bowling hall, a cinema (Lumiere cinema), a live concert stage and even one of the largest TV stations in Bulgaria - bTV. The live stage even has stand-up comedian shows. I think of NDK and its surroundings as a mini city that has the most essential things you would expect to find in a city center.
Find your way with 129 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
"Slanchogled" is probably the oldest craft and art supplies store I know and still one of the best in Sofia. Going there is a favourite ritual of mine...
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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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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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At "Zona Urbana" Sofia you can buy a fabulous, unique bag or wallet made from old newspapers or paper maps. It's a shop perfect for recycle freaks!
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"Sofia City Art Gallery" has exhibition halls with a huge collection, free entrance. Before the war it was a huge casino, but also hosted political meetings.
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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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"Made in Blue" is a popular, unique restaurant for meetings and good food in Sofia. You can't miss it - the whole house is painted in blue...
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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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