In the Soviet Union, getting into Bulgaria and buying something in local stores was considered a great and rare success. Today, Russians are available for purchases around the world. But, despite this, shopping in Bulgaria is a very interesting activity, and all thanks to the Balkan flavor of local markets and the European abundance of shopping centers and malls. In general, in these parts there is something to spend money on, and you can buy in both large cities and resorts. It is also encouraging that the entry into the European Union, although forced to raise prices for goods in Bulgaria, they still remained very attractive, especially if you buy local products.
What to buy
First of all, you should know in advance what is worth buying and what is not. This applies to any country, including Bulgaria. If we talk about souvenirs and other trinkets for the soul, then the best that you can buy here is local products and alcohol. For example, only in resort towns you can find honey in small clay pots, in the markets there is simply a huge selection of local sweets and spices. A great gift is Sujuk. This is a local veal sausage that is sold well-packed in all supermarkets. The main alcoholic drink is raki, a huge selection of which is offered by the markets and shops of Bulgaria. Another specialty is mastic. This is a strong herbal tincture. From lighter drinks you can buy wine - from homemade to vintage, which, by the way, is no worse than French.
Inexpensive and locally made clothes, especially from linen. Shopping in Bulgaria is good for those who are concerned about buying shoes: it is inexpensive, and the quality is excellent. Moreover, the products are made mainly of leather. The same thing with clothes: local production is very high quality, and on the outskirts of any major city there are huge outlets where you can replenish the wardrobe for the whole family for little money.
Local cosmetics based on rose water and oil also deserve attention. It is sold in shops, pharmacies, supermarkets and in all shopping centers. And this is not only nursing, but also medical and decorative cosmetics.
Where to buy: markets or shopping centers?
In Bulgaria, there are a lot of shopping centers, markets, small shops and small shops. You can buy almost any goods in them. Shops with clothes and shoes of local production are quite cheap, especially outlets in big cities, but you should not expect special discounts from world brands. Prices in Bulgaria for brands sold in company departments (for example, Zara or Mango) are the same as in Russia. Although there are sales, it is then that you can buy something worthy for little money.
The dignity of markets is not only in their color, but also in the ability to bargain. Sometimes you can throw up to 20 percent of the original price. But in small shops and shops to bargain inappropriately, the prices are fixed. However, be sure to look into these when shopping in Bulgaria. Sunny Beach, Golden Sands and other resorts can not boast of large malls, but just in these shops all the most interesting is for sale.
Sofia
The capital of Bulgaria is a large city, in which, of course, there are many shops and markets. Large shopping centers, popular among tourists, are located on Vitosha Boulevard. This is the central pedestrian street along which there are many shops, restaurants and shops. Also noteworthy is the shopping gallery near the Palace of Culture. All at once you can buy in the largest Sofia mall Paradise Center Sofia. Here are clothes from world and Bulgarian brands, and furniture, and books, and children's products, and entertainment, and even the only rooftop amusement park in the city. It is possible to spend the whole day here.
In Sofia there is also such a feature as shopping streets, all the shops on which specialize in one kind of product. This is very convenient if you want to buy something specific. For example, Exarch Joseph Street specializes in selling shoes.
Outlets, which we have already mentioned, are scattered throughout the city, but the largest choice is at the Sofia Outlet Center on Tsaregradskoye Shosse. There are a huge number of international clothing brands - Convers, MEXX, Kenzo, S. Oliver and many others. All the collections of past years, and the prices are very attractive.
Speaking about the markets in Sofia, one cannot fail to mention the oldest - Feminine Pazar. They say that this market has been operating since the time of the Ottoman yoke. Be that as it may, today it is located in the very center of the city, restored and offers its visitors local products and souvenirs.
Another interesting market is located near the Women's Pazar, on Maria Louise Boulevard - this is Hali, which has been operating for two centuries. This is not only a place where you can buy souvenirs and products, but also a historical and architectural landmark of the capital.
Varna
This is a large city in which, like in Sofia, there are many places where shopping in Bulgaria is possible. Look for the largest stores between the Drama Theater and the Black Sea Hotel. In the old part of the city there are expensive shops and boutiques, and on Varenenchik Boulevard the prices are more reasonable. The following points for shopaholics are Independence Square and Prince Boris Street. The large mall is located directly behind the bus station, this is the "Varna Grand Mall".
If, being in Varna, you want to walk around the bazaar, go to Drin street, there is a market here, where, by the way, they accept not only the Bulgarian lev, but also the currency - dollars and euros.
Golden Sands
Golden Sands resort is located near Varna, so large shopping centers and markets are located there. But in the resort area there is where to spend money.
First of all, this resort place is famous for its silver jewelry. Look for them in the shops scattered along the coast. As for clothes, brands will have to go to Varna, but the production of local factories is represented in abundance and inexpensively.
Shopping in Burgas, Bulgaria
This is a major port city that many tour operators tout as the mecca of cheap shopping. Please note that shops in Burgas are only open from 10 in the morning.
Mostly all interesting shops are concentrated on Aleksandrovskaya Street and Bogorodi Street crossing it. Be careful: sellers who know about the glory of their city and how popular shopping in Burgas (Bulgaria) are trying to cash in on gullible tourists and pass Turkish and Chinese things for locally produced goods, and even at high prices. Nevertheless, we advise you to visit the shopping center Burgas Plaza, however, it is located at the opposite end of the city.
Nessebar
Despite the very modest size of the city, very successful shopping in Bulgaria is possible here. Sunny Beach is very close, so while relaxing in this resort, visit Nessebar. Many European and local brands, clothes, shoes, souvenirs - the choice is very large. Sales, as elsewhere in Europe, are in July and January, but discounts can actually reach 70 percent.
In the old part of the city (landmark - Father Paisiy Street) pay attention to souvenir shops with local crafts. Prices for silver, ceramics, leather are lower than in Sofia or Burgas. But it is better to watch clothes in stores in the new part of Nessebar. There are fewer tourists, and prices are lower.
Useful Tips
- On the pages of information resources devoted to the topic we are considering (shopping in Bulgaria), reviews unanimously insist on the simply indecent cheapness of goods. In fact, many of these reviews are out of date. Of course, the prices here are lower than in Europe, however, buying good things for nothing will not work, do not even hope.
- Most shops and markets open around 9 a.m. and fold at 6 p.m. Shops in Bulgaria often close for lunch, but, of course, not in large malls.
- It is appropriate to bargain in the market, but you can pay with levs, dollars and euros.
- The advice is not so much about trade, but it is very useful in communicating with the seller: remember that the Bulgarians express their denial with a nod of our heads, as we agree, and vice versa.
- And if shopping in Bulgaria did not suit you with something, then you can take a bus to neighboring Istanbul.