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Borisova Gradina

Sofia's oldest and largest central park — 3 square kilometres of forest, lakes, monuments and running paths named after Tsar Boris III.

Where
Izgrev
Time needed
2-3 hr visit
Tickets
Free
Free entry
Yes
Wide tree-lined avenues in Borisova Gradina park Wide tree-lined avenues in Borisova Gradina park

What to expect at Borisova Gradina

Borisova Gradina, laid out from 1884 by a Swiss gardener, is Sofia's Central Park equivalent. 302 hectares of oak, plane, chestnut and cedar spreading east from the city centre toward the Iztok district, with a network of alleys, three artificial lakes, an outdoor pool, a football stadium (Vasil Levski, home of the national team), the Ariana ice rink in winter, tennis courts, and the enormous Communist-era Mound of Brotherhood monument that everyone now uses as a skateboard park. It is where Sofia runs, cycles, walks the dog, has first kisses, and holds every open-air festival.

The main alley runs from the Eagle Bridge entrance southeast through the park for nearly two kilometres. Along it: the Ariana lake (pedalos in summer for $5 an hour, skating in winter for $6), the Astronomical Observatory, the summer stage that hosts the Sofia Jazz Festival, the small chapel of St. Nikolai at the far end, and Sofia's outdoor tennis club. Off the main alley, forested paths run through what feels like real woodland; you can quickly forget you are in a city of 1.3 million. Sunday brings families, cyclists and the ice-cream sellers with their bells.

Come Sunday morning for the atmosphere, weekday morning for the quiet. Combine with a coffee at one of the cafes at the Eagle Bridge entrance or a walk on to the National Stadium. In summer, join Sofians swimming at the Maria Luiza outdoor pool ($5). In winter, the Ariana ice rink is open evenings ($6 including skate rental). For a photo, the Eagle Bridge sculpture at the western entrance is the classic shot. Free wifi in patches near the main alley.

Plan your visit TicketsFree Free entryYes Time needed2-3 hr visit WhereIzgrev Opening hours Open 24 h Lake pedalos 10:00-19:00 in summer Hotels near Borisova Gradina

Questions about Borisova Gradina

Is there an entry fee?

No. The park is free.

Free at all times?

Yes, 24 hours a day.

How long to spend?

2-3 hours for a proper walk. A quick loop takes an hour.

Closed days?

Never.

Booking?

None. Ice rink and pool tickets bought on site.

Nearest metro?

Stadion Vasil Levski on Line M1 (northwest gate) or James Bourchier on M2 (south side).

Where to stay

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