Rakovski Stadium Sofia
Free all sorts training ground
What was left as a ghost stadium has now turned into a free urban training ground, since its gates are wide open.
Not too long ago it seemed to remain useless, but recently adopted by Sport Club Levski, Stadium Rakovski is now up and running for youth football, but yet free for random visitors as well.
You can see joggers, sprinters, street-fitness, kangoo-jumpers, massive group runs, taekwondo, high-lander training and much more, all done freely by people who don't like sports halls and gyms. Or someone who's just sunbathing and looking at the magnificent scene of Vitosha mountain in all its beauty revealed in front.
Who knows how a four-floor house facade for firefighters' training was put there, but it was! And it's not the only temptation for trouble for the bold kids, as the old scoreboard offers hard climbing, but a great sight if you make it up there (but still - "Do not try this at home!").
But what I praise it for the most is its other face, the night one. The city lights put a pink balloon over it and somehow you always feel safe there, although the crowd is gone. Think about the fantastic stuff you can think of and probably distinguish your hopes and dreams chasing one another across the forgotten tribunes.
Go during a full moon and you can see your shadow as if it were daytime.
This unexpected big-open-air-coziness is unique and always succeeds to take you away from the city madness.
About this spot
18 Balsha Str.
- 24 hours daily
BGN
free
Find your way with 130 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Sofia
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
&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
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
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
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
Uhaya
Bulgarian boutique cosmetics
Uhaya is a family-run business that sells high-quality natural products and accessories for health and a clean environment. Most of it is made in Bulgaria.
by
Tsvetomira
Filipova
Slanchogled
Arts and crafts supplies
"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...
by
Tsvetomira
Filipova
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.
by
Tsvetomira
Filipova
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.
by
Tsvetomira
Filipova
Sofia City Art Gallery
Two for the price of one
"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.
Zona Urbana
Recycled art
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!
by
Tsvetomira
Filipova
Heading to Sofia?
130 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
✓ 130 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 Relaxing
Our team loves Sofia
Get to know our other Spotters from Sofia
As featured on:
