Central Market Hall of Sofia

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 Market Hall in Sofia is a really nice place to visit, lively, full of local products, and traditional Bulgarian flavors. The building itself has beautiful architecture, and a really nice fountain and clock

The historic market hall in Sofia now houses a large Kaufland on the ground floor, offering a surprisingly wide selection of local and international products. Downstairs, in the basement level, you’ll find small shops and a few cafés.

Very disappointing experience. We stayed right next to it for a week. And first day came shopping there and dropped newborns baby next to the counter. Considering it was in the evening, we have returned following morning to collect it. When asked at information desk about lost property, the lady working there (Emiliya Slavcheva) as soon as she heard English language, pretended i wasnt even there and after looked absolutely discussed at me. Hence got her name, absolutely terrible experience. To the Management you have an absolutely amazing store with great assortment and good quality but having people who treat other people this way is totally unacceptable.... Obviously we haven't returned shopping there anymore as other people wouldn't. Please consider that, treating tourists this way.....

Hey, we are Vicky 🇵🇪 and Malte 🇩🇪 from the travel blog Traveling Is Our Passion. For our full one-day Sofia itinerary, check out our blog! The Central Market Hall wasn’t exactly what we expected—it feels more like a standard supermarket than a lively market hall. That said, it can be handy if you’re hungry early in the day, since there are a few food stalls and small restaurants upstairs. Not a must-see in Sofia, but a practical stop if you’re nearby and want a quick bite or a local shopping experience.

The Central Market Hall of Sofia is a fascinating blend of history and modern retail that you won't find anywhere else! This beautifully preserved historic building now houses a Kaufland supermarket, but they've maintained the original atmosphere so well that it feels like shopping in a museum. The architecture is stunning and the space is impressively clean throughout. What makes this place unique is how they've transformed each level. The ground floor Kaufland offers an excellent selection of products at standard prices, while the mezzanine level features several restaurants with great views over the main hall. But the real surprise is downstairs - there's a fascinating free museum area showcasing Roman-era ruins, plus additional shops and a comfortable seating area. The location in central Sofia couldn't be better, though parking is limited (typical for the city center). The excellent public transport connections make it easily accessible by metro, bus, or tram. One practical tip: the clean restrooms in the basement require scanning your receipt for entry. This is definitely more than just a shopping trip - it's a cultural experience that combines practical needs with Sofia's rich history. Whether you're grabbing groceries, exploring ancient ruins, or enjoying a meal on the upper level, allow extra time to fully appreciate this unique space that successfully marries preservation with modern functionality.

The market has been transformed into a Kaufland supermarket. They kept the beautiful interior architecture, which is really nice, but unfortunately, they removed the local products section. I was expecting a more traditional market, so it was a bit surprising but it’s still good.