“Sofia is trapped between getting glossy and still being dodgy and rough, which is what I like about it. It’s a combination between Athens, Istanbul, and Berlin,” Bulgarian-born Berlin-based fashion and lifestyle expert Julian Daynov says, highlighting that the city’s creative crowd has expanded in recent years.
The city is indeed a creative hub for independent artists, jewelry designers, and fashion designers, and its streets are lined with small ateliers, galleries, and art spaces. While Vitosha Boulevard, the capital’s main commercial destination, seems to attract the most tourists, we suggest you explore lesser-known areas for a more authentic window into the city’s shopping offerings.
Shishman Street, in the heart of downtown, stretches less than 10 city blocks, but it is home to a large concentration of creative businesses. Testa Gallery displays jewelry and objets d’art by Bulgarian and international artists and designers, while next door is No8 Design Shop, a concept store for exquisite homeware goods and gifts from all over Europe. I always find time for The Beautecary, an elegant marketplace for upscale, clean beauty brands.
And if you must have your Balenciaga or Celine fix, stop by ALL U RE, an iconic concept store with a top-notch selection of clothing and accessories. And if that’s not enough, Brunello Cucinelli and Emporio Armani’s stores are across the street.
But where I’ve spent the most hours roaming is Kvartal, Sofia’s arts district, located between Maria Luiza Boulevard, Slivnitza, Knyaz Aleksandar Dondukov Boulevard, and Rakosvki Street, with dozens of art studios, independent stores of all kind, bars, and coffee shops.
Viktor Pavlov, a jewelry designer and Sofia native with degrees in drawing and metalwork works out of a small atelier on Veslets Street. His jewelry, inspired by the natural world, has a delicate ruggedness that he infuses with contemporary aesthetics for a modern look.
Further down the street is Art.E, a cozy boutique for handmade porcelain and ceramic goods, and steps away is Sito Studio, which is dedicated to printmaking with a store and educational space for workshops and classes. And book lovers should not miss Mahala Bookstore, with a superb selection of hard-to-find English-language books and magazines.
