Things to Do in National Art Gallery

Sofia, Bulgaria's capital, sits in a valley surrounded by mountains, where Roman ruins share sidewalks with Soviet-era monuments and gleaming new shopping centers. The city has this fascinating layered quality - you might walk past a 4th-century church, then duck into a communist-era metro station decorated with socialist realist mosaics, all while heading to a trendy rooftop bar. National Art Gallery anchors the cultural scene from its home in the former royal palace, housing the country's most significant collection of Bulgarian art spanning centuries. The city feels genuinely lived-in rather than polished for tourists, which gives it an authentic charm that's increasingly rare in European capitals.

Sofia's food scene mixes traditional Bulgarian cuisine with modern European influences and an emerging craft beer culture. Traditional mehanas serve hearty dishes like kavarma and shopska salad, while newer restaurants experiment with local ingredients in contemporary ways. The area around Vitosha Boulevard and the streets near National Art Gallery have the highest concentration of good restaurants. Bulgarian wine is surprisingly excellent and affordable - local varieties like Mavrud and Melnik offer something you won't find elsewhere. Street food includes banitsa (cheese-filled pastry) and grilled meats, typically very affordable at 3-8 leva per item.

May through September offers the warmest weather and longest days, though July and August can get quite hot. Spring (April-May) and early fall (September-October) might be ideal - comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, and good weather for walking around the city. Winter can be cold and gray, but it's also when you'll see Sofia at its most authentic, plus hotel prices drop significantly. The city stays lively year-round since it's not primarily a tourist destination, so you'll find restaurants and attractions open regardless of season.