Are you planning shopping in Bulgaria while vacationing on the Black Sea? Thinking about what to bring home with you as a souvenir? We will tell you about the most popular shops in Bulgaria, as well as markets, outlets, goods and souvenirs.
Shopping centers and shops
Prices in Sofia, Burgas, Varna, Pomorie and Ravda are lower than in Golden Sands, Sunny Beach, Sozopol and Nessebar. The cost of goods at resorts is higher because there are more tourists, which means more demand.
In Bulgaria, shopping centers are open from Monday to Friday. Open from 9 am to 10 pm (except weekends). Entertainment facilities until 24:00.
In summer, shops are open longer, some open 24 hours a day. There are not many exclusive goods in Bulgarian stores, but you can buy fashionable items at affordable prices.
Sofia
The capital, the heart of Bulgaria, is home to the country's best boutiques. In the narrow streets adjacent to the wide boulevards, you can find many unique souvenirs that tell about the rich Bulgarian history and culture.
Vitosha Boulevard is the pulsating center of fashion in Sofia. Here you can find boutiques of the most famous brands and you can buy clothes from famous designers. This pedestrian street is where fashionistas' dreams come true. On Soborna Street, lovers of luxury boutiques can purchase exquisite items. The outlets on Pirotska Street sell clothes, shoes and jewelry for different styles and preferences.
In the city center on Arsenalsky Boulevard there is City Center Sofia - 44 thousand m² of retail space. The selection of products is simply huge.
Mall of Sofia is one of the most popular shopping complexes on Alexander Stamboliyski Boulevard. There are shops of famous brands, restaurants, and an IMAX cinema here.
Paradise Center on Cherni-Vrah Boulevard is an excellent place for shopping and entertainment. Here you can find anything: from clothes and perfumes to cinemas and restaurants. You won't be bored spending the whole day in this shopping center.
The Serdika Center on Sitnyakovo Boulevard presents models from both the latest and past collections of clothing and shoes. The shopping center is suitable for those who want to update their wardrobe, but do not want to spend a lot of time on entertainment.
TSUM on Princess Maria-Louise Boulevard is a shopping palace. On the second floor there is an entire floor dedicated to souvenirs, where you can buy traditional Bulgarian handicrafts. And in small shops around TSUM you can buy souvenirs from local craftsmen.
The Mall on Tsarigradskoe Shosse Boulevard - on 66 thousand m² there are 178 stores with goods of international brands, a Carrefour hypermarket with an area of 9 thousand m², an Arena Cinema cinema with 10 screens.
Plovdiv
Mall Plovdiv is a large shopping mall located on Peruschitsa Street. It features stores of electronics, shoes, household goods, and clothing.
The Plovdiv Center district and Prince Alexander the First Street are a concentration of fashion boutiques and souvenir shops, where everyone will find a lot of interesting things.
Varna
A city on the Black Sea coast, where shopping around becomes a pleasure. In two shopping and entertainment centers you can spend time usefully by visiting cinemas, cafes, children's centers, bowling, and fitness. Varna stores have a smaller selection than Sofia stores, but there are often sales.
Grand Mall Varna . In the shopping complex near the bus station on Academician A. Sakharov Street there are more than 200 stores where you can find clothes from world and Bulgarian manufacturers: Adidas, Bershka, Dafne, Esprit, Guess, H&M, Zara. There are constantly sales of discounted products from your favorite brands.
Mall Varna on V. Varnenchika is inferior in selection of goods to the Grand Mall. However, here you can find clothes from popular European brands, as well as sports, casual and business clothes made in Bulgaria (Fetish, New Yorker, Puma “Blaga Blagoeva”). The complex also houses the giant supermarket Carrefour, a cinema and restaurants.
Boulevard of Prince Boris I is a street in the resort town with many entertainment venues, shops and restaurants. In the boutiques you can find goods from world and Bulgarian clothing brands (Dika, Terranova, Max Danieli, Capasca, Mango, Escada, Benetton, Miro), and souvenir shops. The retail outlets offer marine-themed crafts and swimwear.
Burgas
In Burgas, a pleasant pastime with shopping is Alek Bogorod and Aleksandrovska Street. There is everything there: from expensive boutiques to large stores with goods from world brands (cosmetics, shoes, accessories, clothing). As well as small shops with Bulgarian goods and souvenirs.
The modern Mall Burgas Plaza has spacious shops, ample parking and plenty of entertainment for adults and children. On the ground floor of the Mall Burgas Plaza shopping center there is a Carrefour hypermarket, which sells food, household appliances and electronics. On the second floor there are Refan cosmetics, inexpensive textiles, clothing, men's and women's shoes, and household goods. Entertainment area with Sega Rally, Ferrari, Nintendo slot machines and food outlets - on the 3rd floor.
Three-storey shopping center Mall Galleria Burgas . Under the roof of the popular shopping center on Y. Komitov Street, high-quality goods of world and Bulgarian brands are sold. Buyers can enjoy the taste of Bulgarian cuisine without interrupting their shopping. Mall Gallery sells outlet goods.
Tria City Center next to the main square on Serdica Street is a four-story building with shops and boutiques of underwear, clothing, watches, shoes and jewelry from the world brands Triumph, Dolce and Gabbana, Versace, Calvin Klein. The center is aimed at tourists and wealthy citizens who value fashionable, high-quality clothing. Prices here are higher than the city average. But all products are original and high quality. Periodically, sales and promotions are held with discounts of up to 70%.
Nessebar
This city on the Black Sea coast is interesting for art lovers. In the old district of the city you can find rare handicrafts: from paintings and ethnic antiques to ceramic, clay, glass, leather and bronze masterpieces. There is something to choose as a memorable gift. On the streets H. Krum and Father Paisiy in the new district of the city there are high fashion stores.
sunny Beach
Royal Beach Mall is a large shopping center in the resort city. The building of unusual architecture sells clothing, shoes, perfumes, sporting goods, electronics and household appliances. At Janet, at the entrance to Nessebar, there is a wide variety of products, although prices are not the lowest for cheeses, vegetables, and seafood. The sellers speak Russian. On two floors of the Mladost supermarket there are shelves with food and numerous household goods.
Golden Sands
The shops of this resort town are like a treasure box - you can find a lot of interesting things in them. Shoppers can find items for more than just the beach in local stores. The central part of the city is full of souvenir shops, branded stores with goods from Zara, Terranova, Colin's at an average price.
Markets in Bulgaria
Every Bulgarian city has a market with fresh products from farmers: vegetables, fruits, cheeses and spices. And if you want to find something unusual, then look at a flea market or a souvenir shop.
Flea market in Sofia - a market of old things next to the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. On the shelves you can find handicrafts, embroidery, icons, antique silver, kitchen utensils, and musical instruments. At the market you can find military uniforms, helmets, coins, documents and photos. Open seven days a week from early morning until late evening. The minimum cost of things on the market is 10 leva.
The central indoor market in the capital of Bulgaria has existed since 1911. Its peculiarity is the facade with the coat of arms of the city of Sofia and a small clock tower on the roof. On three floors of the market you can find a variety of products: handmade products and for lovers of fashion trends.
The Women's Bazaar is an interesting opportunity to spend time in the authentic atmosphere of the old Sofia Market. This part of Blvd. Stefana Stambolová was founded in 1878, where initially women sellers traded. Offers include fresh farm products, natural cosmetics, handmade products, auto parts, textiles and jewelry. Popular items on the market include traditional Bulgarian cheese and bottles of rose oil. True, the choice of clothes and shoes here is not very large.
The Sofia Second-hand Book Market is a real treasury for connoisseurs of rare books. Book lovers will be able to spend hours in an exciting search for real treasures among the counters full of dusty tomes, rare and antique publications.
The Blue Pazar market in Varna (next to the Cathedral) is loved for the opportunity to save money on everyday purchases and for the flavor of traditional trade. At this trading platform you can find fresh vegetables/fruits, casual clothing, and jewelry from local craftsmen. Nearby there is a small pavilion with fish straight from the sea. This is also the best place in Bulgaria to buy embroidery and lace.
Chataldzha in Varna is a mecca for lovers of antiques. The range of items is incredibly wide - from branded designer finds to second-hand and vintage. Works around the clock.
Market Krasnodar in Burgas. A visit to this authentic market will be a real gastronomic journey and will help you get to know the local food. It will be appreciated by lovers of fresh farm products and seafood delicacies. Here you can buy famous Bulgarian delicacies - feta cheese, sheep cheese, dried meat pastarma. And in the fish department they bring shrimp, mussels, and squid from all over the Black Sea. Prices are lower than in markets aimed at tourists.
The Hali grocery market in Plovdiv has been operating since 1908. Operates six days a week from 07:00 to 18:00. The market is closed on Sunday. This is a pleasant place for early morning shopping. On the ground floor they sell food, and on the second floor there are clothing and shoe stores.
“Bazart na Grafa” (“Market on Grafa” or “Ignatiev Market”) on the boulevard of the same name in Plovdiv is a place for selling used books and counterfeit music audio media.
Raicho is a daily market in Plovdiv on the south side of the Central Square, offering cheap knock-offs of all fashionable clothing brands.
Outlets
The Outlet Mall is a favorite place for bargain hunters. These malls sell products from past collections, as well as models with minor defects at pleasantly low prices. What brands' products can be found in outlets: Hugo Boss, Escada, Calvin Klein, MaxMara, Ermenegildo Zegna, Lacoste, Adidas, Puma, Mango. In addition to Sofia, there are similar centers in Plovdiv, Varna, and Burgas.
Sofia Outlet Center is an outlet center in Bulgaria, located in the suburbs of Sofia on Tsarigradsko Shose Boulevard next to the metro station. The large shopping center has over 80 stores. Those who like clothes, shoes, bags and accessories from world brands such as Nike, Adidas, Puma, Levi's, Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein can purchase them with discounts of up to 70%. The outlet has a supermarket with children's goods, household items for housewives, and the wine library has excellent Bulgarian wines.
Tips for tourists
In Bulgaria you can find goods and services for everyone, regardless of budget, which is why many tourists love to shop here.
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Do you want to save money on purchasing goods in Bulgaria? Don't buy in tourist places! The prices there are significantly higher.
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Souvenirs in Pomorie are cheaper than in Nessebar.
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When purchasing textile goods (tablecloths, towels, blankets), make sure that the fabric is of high quality, the seams are even, and the fittings are strong. We recommend that you carefully examine and touch the product from all sides to ensure its quality.
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“Seasonally defaced” and “total liquidation” are signs in stores indicating the opportunity to save on the purchase of clothes and shoes. At the end of autumn and beginning of winter, stores often have sales with discounts of up to 50%.
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Don't miss the fairs - this is a great way to save money on buying goods from local producers.
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Buy beachwear and winter equipment manufactured under license by the end of the season.
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If you purchased goods worth at least 500 euros, you can return 20% VAT. To take advantage of this, ask the store for a Tax Free receipt. At customs they will stamp your check. After this, return the check to the Tax Free return point.
What to bring from Bulgaria
Bulgaria cannot help but leave a mark on our hearts. To preserve memories of her, take something with you as a keepsake.
Cosmetics and perfume
Bulgaria produces high-quality cosmetics with rose extract. Local cosmetic brands are famous not only in the country. Take a closer look at Refan skincare products, Lema perfumes, creams and rose water from Rose of Bulgaria and Karlovskaya Rose. These national products are sold in large stores and private shops throughout the country.
Signature perfume is a Bulgarian perfume brand from the 1970s based on 100% natural rose oil. Men's, women's and unisex fragrances are known for their bright and rich scents that create a feeling of freshness and femininity. Perfume in Bulgaria can be found everywhere, from specialized stores to supermarkets. Prices from 10 to 20 euros.
Clothes and shoes
Clothing in Bulgaria is available in various price segments. Along with cheap things, there are clothes and accessories from expensive European brands. However, not all things on the market are worthy of attention.
Handmade . If you like something exclusive, pay attention to the products of Bulgarian craftswomen. They knit tablecloths, shawls, aprons, socks, blouses and mittens. The products are made by hand from natural materials and of excellent quality. Women understand and communicate freely in Russian. In most cases, they are willing to bargain.
National costumes are colorful wide trousers, jackets, vests with embroidery, felt hats and leather boots, white shirts, sundresses, belts, scarves. They have complex patterns and vibrant colors: red, blue, green, yellow and orange. If you or your loved ones love such things, you should look for them in markets or tourist shops. They will be a wonderful gift or souvenir that will remind you of your trip to this country.
You can safely buy leather shoes from Bulgarian manufacturers Gioielli, Gioconda, Bulgaria Shoes, D&D, Margo, Estil, Enzo Nori, Mat Star, Tendenz. You can find it in specialized stores or in the shoe departments of large malls. Look for shoes marked “made in Bulgaria”. Prices start from 50 leva, and on sales you can find great shoes for 25 leva.
Jewelry and souvenirs
Silver jewelry in Bulgaria amazes with its original design, wide range and sophistication. Silver is rarely counterfeited, the choice is very large, they cost 5–25 leva per gram (silver earrings - 20 leva). Gold jewelry and jewelry with precious stones are rarely purchased.
Copper jewelry in the form of earrings, bracelets, necklaces, rings is made by Bulgarian craftsmen in the traditional style by hand. You can find such jewelry in markets and artisan shops. Jewelry stores sell factory-made jewelry from the collections of Bulgarian manufacturers. Beautiful jewelry is often made in a nautical style and with personalized engraving.
Leather products are one of the most popular handmade souvenirs. Local craftsmen know a lot about leather and make beautiful belts, bags, wallets, gloves, bracelets, pendants, hairpins, and boxes. A national-style leather vest is a great way to add a touch of ethnicity to your look. A funny and original gift that will delight anyone are leather coin holders in the shape of fruits, vegetables or animals.
Fridge magnets , badges, figurines, and commemorative copper coins in the form of symbols of Bulgaria are sold in hardware and souvenir stores, and on street benches.
Tableware and textiles
Bulgarian ceramics are famous all over the world for their unique patterns. The ceramics are made using a specific “Troyanska sharka” painting technique. This technique uses stripes and blobs of paint, which are then mixed by hand. Traditional colors for painting are red, green, blue and gray. Handicrafts are sought in Troyan, Berkovitsa and Gabrovo. A beautiful ceramic cup as a souvenir costs only 5 leva.
In Bulgaria, it is recommended to buy copper utensils in the markets. Men will love copper Turks and souvenir ashtrays. A good choice for a woman is a beautiful tray, vase, plate, mug, basin.
Knitted tablecloths are the national treasure of the country. Bedspreads, bed linen, linen towels, napkins, tablecloths, lace are hand-cross-stitched with original “shevici” painting. Tourists find expensive home textiles with high-quality national embroidery in Etura and in retail outlets in Nessebar. However, in Varna along the coast the prices are reasonable and there is more choice.
“Shaggy carpets” made from natural sheep wool are bought in small Bulgarian towns and villages. There is no single national style; each locality has its own traditions and fabric patterns. Considering that a craftswoman makes one such carpet for 2-3 months, this will be an excellent gift for the home.
Food and drink
Bulgarian cuisine is a delicious and varied mix of Turkish, Greek, and Slavic culinary traditions. Food and drinks are sold in most souvenir shops and boutiques in shopping centers. Bring home some delicious piece of Bulgaria!
Deo Perfume Candy is an unusual perfume candy from the Alpi brand with flavors and aromas based on rose oil. They are pleasantly refreshing and leave a pleasant aroma on the skin.
Mursala tea is a unique Bulgarian drink that has a pleasant taste and healing properties (supports the immune system, improves the functioning of the cardiovascular system, cleanses the body of toxins and waste). This traditional herbal tea in Bulgaria is made from the Skard plant.
Lyutenitsa is a sauce made from boiled vegetables. In Bulgaria they love it for its rich taste and aroma. The sauce is added to scrambled eggs, soup, stew, greased on toast, served with meat, fish or vegetables.
Jam is a classic Bulgarian sweet that has been made from Damask rose petals for over 100 years. Jam with the original taste of figs and quince is also popular. It is tasty, aromatic and perfect for a gift.
Honey is an authentic sweetness that Bulgarians add to tea, yogurt, baked goods, marinades, and salads.
A real Bulgarian hit is honey with notes of rose aroma. Prices for acacia, lavender, sunflower, cream honey, mana honey range from 5 to 15 leva per 0.5 liter (you can export up to 5 liters of honey without declaring). Sofia is famous for its regular honey fairs in the city square in front of the Mineral Baths. Bulgarian honey as a souvenir is brought in beautiful souvenir packaging - decorative jars, bottles and wooden boxes.
Spices (“tweaks”) . In Bulgarian cuisine there are kimion, chubritsa, sharena sol, mascherka, smidukh, caramfil, Indian nut, “sherena sol”. Spices are used in almost all dishes as a universal seasoning for meat, fish, vegetable dishes, and baked goods. A beautifully packaged seasoning for up to 10 leva is an original and useful souvenir for chefs.
Bulgarian sweets are often of oriental origin. Perfect as a souvenir for those with a sweet tooth. You can buy tulumbichki, Turkish delight, and marshmallows. Prices up to 5 leva. They last quite a long time and tolerate transportation well.
Cheeses with the traditional names Kashkaval, Sirene, Crema Sirene, Topeno and Signo Sirene are also taken from Bulgaria as gifts. 200–300 grams of cheese cost up to 10 leva.
Popular varieties of sausages are Lukanka, Sushenitsa, Sujuk, Fillet Elena and Pastarma at prices ranging from 10 to 25 leva per kilogram.
Alcoholic drinks are often bought on the road as a gift to try for yourself and treat your family. Wines of any variety can be bought in stores in large cities and resort areas for 150 leva per 0.75 liter, rakia vodka for 20 leva per 0.5 liter, Menta liqueur and mastic for 10–15 leva per 0.5 liter bottle.
We hope that the information provided was useful and informative. Let your purchases and souvenirs remind you of this sunny, hospitable Bulgaria.
