Vitosha Street

Sofia's main shopping street. The retail outlets of many western brand names are concentrated on the stretch between Patriarch Eftimii Blvd. and St. Nedelya Square (Sheraton Hotel). This is in general an expensive shopping area.

Central Department Store (TSUM)

"TSUM" is an abbreviated version of the Bulgarian "Tsentralen Universalen Magazin", which literally translated means "central universal store". This is the original name of Sofia's department store which now is a modern shopping mall with a stylish café and clean toilet facilities.

Slaveikov Square/Graf Ignatiev Street

The square is best known as Sofia’s book market. A large variety of shops and goods can be found in the various streets leading to and from the square.

Shishman Street

Starting just behind the Radisson hotel, this street has a wealth of smaller privately owned shops and is definitely worth wandering down. This shopping area is suitable for both high quality claiming consumers and consumers on a budget.

Shipka/San Stefano/Krakra

The small streets around the "Doctor's Garden" are another pleasant area for shopping although most shops tend to be on the small side.

Pirotska Street

Just across from TSUM, Pirotska St. is the first pedestrian shopping street in Sofia, and for that reason alone it is worth a visit. "Halite" the former food market at the beginning of this street also has a variety of small shops on the upper level, in addition to the predominantly food oriented stalls on the ground floor.

Alexander Nevski Square

The area in front of the church hosts a flea market aimed directly at tourists. Here you will find everything from antique cameras, coins and medals to hand knitted socks and Russian lacquered dolls and boxes. Well worth a browse, but remember haggling is essential!

The neighbouring pedestrianised part of 6th September St. is exposition area for Bulgarian artists. To the side of the cathedral you will see the older ladies with their linen stalls where you will easily be overwhelmed by the choice of hand crafted tablecloths and mats. Some stalls also offer hand knitted cotton and silk jumpers and cardigans at very reasonable prices.

Ilientsi Market

This is the largest market in Sofia for clothes, shoes and other stuff at low prices. Most of the products are imported from Turkey, but there are also goods imported from China, Greece as well as some local goods. This place is suitable if you look for cheap stuff, but you should always stay alert when being in such overcrowded places, because you can become an easy pickpockets’ victim.