Discover our locals' 124 hidden gems in Sofia

Да тръгваме! Discover Sofia's hidden gems with Spotted by Locals! From quaint cafes and vibrant local markets to modern concept stores and wine bars, our Spotters share the city’s best-kept secrets. Experience Sofia like a true local.

Search *

City guides by those who know Sofia best!

Knowing Sofia in and out!

Our Sofia Cityguide - Made by Locals

Know your way in Sofia like a local!

Spotted by Locals

✓ Discover Sofia through the eyes of a local!

✓ Hidden gems that can’t be found in traditional guidebooks

✓ Our locals share their personal favorite spots in Sofia

Download our app

Check out our latest hidden gems in Sofia

Things to do in Sofia

Pura Vita

Best croissants in town

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.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Boyko

Blagoev

Apr 13, 2025

Marashlian Pastry

The true pâtisserie

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.

024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Boyko

Blagoev

Apr 13, 2025

Skaptoburger

King of burgers

"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?

024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Simo

Stefanov

Apr 11, 2025

Antep Baklava

Bites of heaven!

"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...

024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Yana

Alexieva

Apr 11, 2025

Gifted

Talents and presents

"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!

002-building
Art & culture
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Boyko

Blagoev

Apr 11, 2025

Boyana church

A UNESCO world heritage site

"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...

002-building
Art & culture
017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Yana

Alexieva

Apr 11, 2025

Beer Shop

in the world of beers

"Beer Shop" in Sofia is a place to enjoy Bulgarian craft beers and related items. I like going there in summer and having my beer in the street in front!

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Yana

Alexieva

Apr 11, 2025

Chucky's

Coffee culture

"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'...

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea

by

Boyko

Blagoev

Apr 11, 2025

65 Svetulki

Trendy place for a drink

"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...

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Yana

Alexieva

Apr 11, 2025

The Little Things

As tasty as homemade

"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...

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Yana

Alexieva

Apr 11, 2025

Franco's Pizza

The best pizza in Sofia!

"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...

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Yana

Alexieva

Apr 11, 2025

PhotoSynthesis

A place for ideas... and coffee

"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.

002-building
Art & culture
020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Yana

Alexieva

Apr 11, 2025

Heading to Sofia?

124 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

Going to Sofia?

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

App Download Download our app

What to expect?

Authentic & Unbiased Content

Our local Spotters share personal tips and secrets about their city. Nothing sponsored! These unique insights can’t be found in traditional guidebooks. Discover the city through the eyes of a local!

Go off the Beaten Path Gems

We focus on hidden gems and unique places that aren’t crowded with tourists. Our Spotters’ tips help you avoid the crowds and have truly special experiences, far from the tourist masses.

Responsible Travel

By visiting our locals’ favorites and lesser-known places, you contribute to a more sustainable way of traveling. You support the local economy and reduce the pressure on popular tourist spots. And in the end, those are the best places right?

Hi! Nice to meet you.

We are Spotted by Locals. An online travel community publishing city guides in 80+ cities. Our hand-picked local writers and photographers create all the content.

Our 488 Spotters (and counting) live in the cities they write about, speak the local language, and regularly update their tips. Their insights help around 1.4 million travelers each year discover the hidden gems of cities.

With insider advice from locals, we offer a unique, sustainable travel experience, allowing travelers to slow down and immerse themselves in the local culture, beyond the tourist hotspots.

As featured on:

New-York-Times
the-guardian
mashable
the-sunday-times
Filters
Price
Price