Central Market Hall of Sofia в София

Huge indoor market selling all sorts of traditional and commercial food. Fruit and vegetables looked amazing, fresh and colourful. A range of cafes on the mezz floor with a great view over the market. Good place to people watch with a cracking coffee.

I’ve been to 31 countries and find going to a central market to be such a great way to feel a city. This one in Sofia wasn’t what I expected and if you’re looking for the hustle and bustle, with a more historic feel you’ll like the Women’s Market instead but don’t discount it yet because it has some lovely Bulgarian souvenirs! If you like a beautiful, high ceiling building with a modern supermarket inside and food vendors upstairs you’ll love this. Plus there’s something really cool downstairs if you’re up for seeing it. Aaaaand there’s some really lovely Bulgarian rose products there that I didn’t see elsewhere in the city. Beautifully packaged tea blends, beauty products, and chocolates. So a beautifully preserved building near a mosque and a synagogue with historic pieces inside and modernity too. Not a bad mixture and super convenient.

I loved how the historic hall was transformed by integrating a modern Kaufland inside it. Such a cool mix of old architecture and everyday life. A nice little experience overall, and you can even do some quick grocery shopping while you are there. Super convenient and worth a stop if you are in Sofia.

The Central Sofia Market Hall, or “Halite,” is still a landmark but these days it is more like a modern supermarket than a traditional market. I have been there recently and while the building is beautiful and the restoration is impressive, it is now a Kaufland supermarket with a few cafés and specialty shops around the edges. It is practical for picking up groceries or Bulgarian souvenirs and the prices are good, but don’t expect the lively, bustling market vibe - it is much quieter and more orderly. Still, it is worth a visit just to see the historic architecture and the Roman ruins on display in the basement.

It's a lovely looking building but now it's just a Supermarket and more like Lidl than Harrods! Good coffee shop upstairs with Carrot cake!