Sofia can offer you some surprisingly interesting retail therapy - both of the designer and traditional kind. Several luxury brands and shops have cropped up and the gleaming window dressing can compete with that of any other European city. Most of them specialise in shoes, cosmetics, clothes and electronic gizmos and prices are comparable to the rest of Europe. But for a shopping expedition with rich local flavour, go looking for Bulgarian products such as ceramic, lace and leather. They offer excellent value for money but may require more digging around.

Exciting buys taking back home could be Rakia (the schnapps) sealed in ceramic urns, icons, carpets, rugs and Troyan pottery in bright hues that will smarten up any meal.  

You will be sure to have a blast while shopping in Sofia. Read on and we will tell you all you need to know to get the best deals and best places to shop in Sofia. If you get hungry during your shopping spree, stop for some finger food or relax in one of Sofias Restaurants along the shopping streets. For more information, check out our Bulgaria Shopping Guide.

Sofia Shopping Guide

It's tempting to amble along quaint cobbled streets checking out all the stalls, but you then risk losing a real bargain to somebody else. But if it is one of the mass produced touristy items that you set your heart on, you will come across several duplicates again.

Ivan Assen II is a popular place to start. Between Eagles Bridge "Orlov Most" up to "Sitnyakovo" and the "Rumanian Embassy," the stretch is the fulcrum of the streets of the nearby residential area. Brightly lit boutiques, cafés, grocery and cosmetic stores stretch along the street. In some of these shops you will find a mix of genuine brands and cheap local imitations, so in some ways you are safer sticking to small amount purchases. The flop side is the traffic along this street which can be totally exasperating with limited parking facilities and chaotic traffic lines. On a good day though, you may find a parking space in one of the adjoining streets. At Ivan Assen, there are several chic shops selling everything from elaborate floral displays to summer sports goods, especially for mountain biking.

At Sitnyakovo, is the 'Art Club', a cozy bar and cafe and a favourite hangout for the locals. Look out for the pharmacy with an incredibly stylish doorway - contemporary art nouveau! A string of curiosity shops await you down the street including watchmakers, upholsterers, jewellery menders and more. The upholsterers at Sofia are known for doing quality work for very reasonable prices. Pity you cannot lug your sofa down for some repairs! On the opposite side of the street is a furniture shop that doesn't yet believe in Ikea style displays. Most of Sofia's furniture shops don't - the nearby pavement is stacked with beautifully designed, locally made and fairly priced pine furniture. The controversial poetess Severina lived hereabouts between 1930 and 1953.  

Take a break to rest your feet and grab some appetising Bulgarian fast food from the 'Banicharnitsa' Lyulin at no. 30 - Banitsa and Boza! For continental fare, Mr. Bibo next door has a delectable choice of cakes, or you could sit down for at BBQ restaurant which has a pretty roof garden. Cross the street to my favourite clothes shop which has locally produced clothes for western fashion houses such as C&A. For Mommy's shopping lists, "Everything for Baby" on the corner of Ivan Assen and Avitsena St has a variety of gift and utility items, and a little shop at 46 could be perfect to pick up baby woolens.

The shops continue in this meandering pattern for a couple more blocks, and then dwindle only to lead onto more food again! Pizzerias like the famous Victoria and cafes are perfect to relax after your shopping. The remnants of tram rails remind us of the crowds that must have once strolled and shopped here in a bygone era.     

Souvenirs from Sofia

Some lovely souvenir items from your trip to Sofia could be Russian dolls, ceramics, embroidered table napkins, lace and handmade toys for little ones. The market around the Nevsky Cathedral is perfect to go trawling for touristy kitsch. A lot of real antiques are stacked side by side with more dubious stuff, so if you are serious about antiques, make sure you verify origins and also collect your export certificate.

Having a whirlwind trip and only want to stop to pick up a memento? Try these shops - 14 Vitosha Blvd or 11 Knyaz Al or the shops at the city centre.

Specialised Shopping Areas

Arts and Crafts: The Bulgarian Union of Artists, 6 Shipka St offers a good hunting ground for exclusive arts and craft at fair prices.

Books: Slaveikov Square is a must visit for any bibliophile, the variety is endless - history of Bulgaria, culture, architecture, political movements, the arts, translated fiction - they are all there and the square is a perfect place to both browse and buy.  

When to Shop

Grocery stores are often open for 24 hours, and some pharmacies  are also open late, but most other shops only work between around 10 am and 6 pm. Some tend to be open for a part of the weekend. Local markets tend to be closed one day in the week, so do check with the locals or your hotel and then plan your visit.  ]

How to Pay

Cash still rules in most shops in Sofia and it's best to carry some especially in the markets. The system is changing though, with newer shops accepting major cards such as Visa, MasterCard and American Express. 

Customer Rights

Bulgaria still needs to really develop its customers' rights policy and the returns and exchange policy, if existent, varies from store to store. If you are unsure, just check with the sales staff before you make a purchase. And don't be disappointed if you are greeted by less than a smile, as Sofia is not famous for its customer service either!