The City Garden in Sofia is the capital’s oldest public park, dating back to 1872. Nestled between the Ivan Vazov National Theatre and the former Royal Palace, it has long been a cultural and social hub. Originally laid out during the final years of Ottoman rule, the garden was transformed after Bulgaria’s liberation in 1878, evolving into a refined urban space under the guidance of architect Antonín Kolář. Over the decades, it has seen numerous redesigns, yet it retains its charm with elegant pathways, fountains, and seasonal flowerbeds. The garden is a favourite gathering spot for locals—chess players, artists, and performers often animate its shaded corners. A central fountain and open-air events lend it a lively atmosphere, while its proximity to major cultural institutions makes it a natural meeting point. Whether for a quiet stroll or a spontaneous concert, the City Garden remains a timeless retreat in Sofia’s historic heart.
Sofia Bulgaria
The City Garden, known locally as Gradska gradina, is the oldest and most central public park in Sofia, Bulgaria. It is located right in the heart of the city, directly in front of the Ivan Vazov National Theatre and surrounded by some of Sofia’s most significant landmarks and institutions. The park is bordered by the National Gallery, the Sofia City Art Gallery, and Bulgaria Hall, making it an ideal starting point for tourists interested in culture and history. Nearby, you’ll find Alexander I Square, the Bulgarian National Bank, the Ministry of Defense, the Grand Hotel Sofia, and the Presidency building. The pedestrian street Vitoshka, known for its shopping and dining, is also just a short walk away, as are the Rotunda and St. Nedelya churches, two of Sofia’s most notable religious sites. The City Garden’s central location places you within easy reach of the National Assembly and Sofia University, as well as the former royal palace, which now houses the National Art Gallery and the Ethnographic Museum.
Museum
National Museum of Natural History
Museum
National Archeological Museum of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences
Museum
National Museum of Military History
Museum
Earth and Man National Museum
Museum
Sofia History Museum
Museum
Museum of Socialist Art
Museum
National Polytechnic Museum
Museum
National Ethnographic Museum
Museum
Vrana Palace
Palace
National Art Gallery
Gallery
Ivan Vazov National Theatre
Theatre
Sofia Theatre
Theatre
Satirical Theatre
Theatre
Sofia Puppet Theatre
Theatre
Theatre 199
Theatre
National Opera and Ballet
Opera House
Borisova Gradina
Park
Doktorska Gradina
Park
Zaimov Park
Park
Zapaden Park
Park
North Park
Park
National Art Gallery
Gallery
Sofia City Art Gallery
Gallery
Gallery of Foreign Art
Gallery
Shipka 6 Art Gallery
Gallery
Rayko Aleksiev Gallery
Gallery
Alexander Nevsky Square
Square
Slaveykov Square
Square
National Assembly Square
Square
Saint Sophia Church
Church
Rotunda of St. George
Church
Lions' Bridge
Bridge
Largo Archaeological Complex
Historical landmark
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
Cathedral
Boyana Church
Church
Sofia Zoo
Zoo
PALITRA Gallery
Gallery
Asen VASSILEV Gallery
Theatre
SERDICA Gallery
Gallery
ETUD Gallery
Gallery
NUANCE Gallery
Gallery
INTRO Gallery
Gallery
Little Bird Place
Gallery
MAESTRO Gallery
Gallery
ONE Gallery
Gallery
San Stefano Gallery
Gallery
Gallery Credo Bonum
Gallery
Minerva Gallery
Gallery
Depoo Gallery
Gallery
Loran Gallery
Gallery
Rakursi
Gallery
Gallery Paris
Gallery
Puppet Museum
Museum
Astry Gallery
Gallery
Galeriya Gaya
Gallery
OBORISHTE5 Gallery and Hall
Gallery
Stubel Gallery
Gallery