Discover Prince's Garden
Welcome to Prince's Garden, widely recognized as the beautiful central park of Sofia and locally known as Княжеската градина (Knyazheska gradina). Located in the heart of Sofia, Sofia City Province, Bulgaria, this historic destination serves as a primary green hub for travelers visiting the region.
Prince's Garden (Княжеска градина) is one of the most beautiful and historic parks in Sofia. Located in the heart of the city, it offers a peaceful environment for walking, relaxation, and enjoying nature. The park is known for its rich vegetation, beautiful alleys, and historical significance.
Visit Tips
- Best time to visit is spring and autumn.
- Wear comfortable shoes for walking.
- The park is perfect for picnics and relaxation.
- Don't miss the beautiful flower alleys.
Highlights
- Historical heritage
- Rich vegetation
- Central location
- Peaceful atmosphere
About Prince's Garden
Basic Information
Official Name
Prince's Garden (Княжеска градина)
Attraction Type
Park / Garden
Google Rating
4.5 (7,901)
Contact Phone
+359 2 491 8344
Accessibility
Fully accessible
Plus Code
M8RM+3G
Address
Sofia Center, Evlogi i Hristo Georgiev Blvd 99A, 1000 Sofia, Bulgaria
Weather & Today's Tips
Current conditions, practical suggestions and a 7-day outlook for Prince's Garden.
Today at a glance
Feels like
23°
Humidity
27%
Wind
4 km/h
Light air
Rain chance
0%
UV
Strong
Daily tips for visitors
Generated from live weather — suggestions that do not apply are hidden automaticallyWhat to wear
- Day and night temperatures differ a lot – an extra layer is handy.
What to do
- Fine weather – ideal for strolling, picnics and photographs in the garden.
Pack these
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, sun hat
- Light jacket or cardigan
7-Day Forecast
Today
Sunny
27° 14°
Tomorrow
Sunny
28° 14°
Wed
Partly cloudy
29° 15°
Thu
Cloudy
31° 17°
Fri
Cloudy
32° 18°
💧 3%
Sat
Cloudy
30° 18°
💧 35%
Sun
Rain
27° 18°
💧 38%
Visiting Hours
Park Access
Open every day, year-round
Best Time to Visit
Spring: Blooming flowers and pleasant weather
Summer: Shade from trees, cool atmosphere
Best Time to Visit
Autumn: Beautiful autumn colors
Winter: Peaceful atmosphere
Daytime visits are recommended. The park is perfect for walking and relaxation.
The Winter Ice Rink in Prince's Garden
From the holiday season until late winter, the garden turns into one of Sofia's favourite outdoor playgrounds: a large seasonal ice-skating rink, known locally as Ice Park Sofia, opens in the park and welcomes skaters of every level.
Season
Usually runs from early December to the end of February, depending on temperatures and the schedule announced by the organizer.
Daily hours
During the season the rink operates every day, typically in timed sessions from about 10:00 to 21:30–22:00. Exact times change yearly and may be adjusted because of the weather.
Entry & skates
Access is ticket-based, sold per session. Skates can be rented on site, usually for an extra fee and with a deposit. Family-friendly and children's sessions are announced by the organizer.
Before you go
- 1Dress warmly – the rink is outdoors: gloves, a hat, warm socks and a windproof outer layer make skating much more enjoyable.
- 2Arrive at the start of a session to skip the queue; weekends and holiday evenings get busy quickly.
- 3Check the weather and the latest announcements first – the rink may close during mild weather or rain.
- 4First time on ice? Beginners' aids and children-friendly sessions are usually available on site; start slowly near the edge.
Important: the seasonal dates, timetable, prices and activities are announced by the organizer every year and depend on the weather. The information above is general guidance – always confirm the current season's details from official city announcements before you visit.
Admission Information
Park Entry
Free
Parking
Street parking available in the area
Guided Tours
No official guided tours
How to Get There
From Sofia City Center
Prince's Garden is located in the heart of Sofia, adjacent to Sofia University, making it extremely accessible.
By Bus & Tram
Multiple bus and tram lines stop around the park. You can take buses 9, 72, 76, 84, 94, 204, 604, or trams 10, 12, 15, 18 and get off at the nearby stops.
By Metro
Take Metro Line 1 (Red Line) or Line 4 (Yellow Line) and get off at 'Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski' station. The park entrance is a 1-2 minute walk from the station.
From the Airport
From Sofia International Airport (SOF), you can take Metro Line 4 directly to 'Sofia University' station. The journey takes about 30 minutes.
Walking & Cycling
If you are staying in the city center (e.g., near Alexander Nevsky Cathedral), it's an easy 5-10 minute walk. Shared bicycle parking spots are also available nearby.
Driving & Parking
Paid street parking is available around the park (usually Blue or Green zones, requiring payment via SMS or ticket machines). Given city center traffic, public transport is highly recommended.
Practical Services Nearby
Type-level guidance only, kept neutral and objective – no particular business is recommended. Walking times are approximate.
Public toilets
Public toilets are usually available in the city centre, for example near metro stations, municipal and cultural buildings, and larger shopping facilities. Count on about a 5–10 minute walk from the garden; opening hours and availability vary.
Drinking water
Drinking fountains are not guaranteed inside the park. Bring your own bottle – you can buy water at nearby shops or cafés, or refill at your accommodation before you leave.
Parking
The garden sits in a pedestrian-friendly area. Paid on-street parking (Sofia's blue and green paid zones) operates on surrounding streets, with payment by SMS or parking machine. Spaces fill quickly on weekdays, so public transport is the easiest option. Look for designated disabled bays where provided.
Where to eat
Restaurants, cafés, bakeries and take-away places line the nearby boulevards and the area around Sofia University, mostly within a 5–10 minute walk. There is something for every budget; check current opening hours before visiting.
Shops & supermarkets
Convenience stores, minimarkets and larger supermarkets are common in the city centre, usually within a 5–10 minute walk of the garden – handy for drinks, snacks and picnic supplies.
Pharmacy & first aid
Pharmacies are widespread in central Sofia, with the nearest usually about 5–10 minutes away on foot. Pharmacies keep a rotating night-duty roster, so check which one is open outside regular hours. For emergencies, dial 112.
Where to stay
Hotels, hostels and holiday apartments are plentiful in the city centre, many within a short walk of the garden. Staying centrally also lets you reach Sofia University, the cathedral and the old town on foot.
Fuel & EV charging
The garden is in the pedestrian centre, so there are no filling stations directly beside it. Fuel stations can be found on the main ring roads a short drive away. Electric-vehicle chargers are spread across Sofia – check your navigation or charging app for the nearest working unit and its live status.
Note: opening hours, prices and availability change frequently. Please check the latest details on a map or navigation app before you set off.
The Story of Prince's Garden
A name fit for a prince
The Bulgarian name Княжеска градина literally means 'the Prince's Garden'. Княз (Knyaz) was the title of Bulgaria's ruler after liberation – today's Bulgaria is a republic, but the title lives on in this old green corner of Sofia. The garden shares the central axis of the old princely palace quarter, which is why it carries such a regal name. Locals still affectionately call it Княжеската градина, and city archives preserve photographs of it from over a century ago.
Born with the modern capital
After 1878 Sofia began its rapid change from a small Ottoman town into the capital of the new Bulgarian state. Wide boulevards, public squares and European-style parks appeared one after another. The green layout of Prince's Garden took shape towards the end of the 19th century as part of this city-beautification drive, growing up together with the young Sofia University district beside it. The garden is therefore one of the earliest public green spaces of modern Sofia – a living piece of the capital's founding story.
Fond memories of old Sofia
Long before electric street lights and cars, the garden was the evening meeting point of the city: gentlemen and ladies strolled along its alleys, carriages waited at the edge of the park, and students and friends gathered to talk. Old photographs show the garden as a true 'urban salon'. Such memories are hard to verify one by one, but they explain why Sofians still speak of this small park as their own – a sentimental landmark of everyday city life.
Small in size, rich in detail
The garden is compact but carefully composed. Geometric flower beds, straight tree-lined alleys and stately old trees frame each other, while neo-classical landmarks – the university's main building and the National Assembly – close the view. Dozens of tree species, including limes, maples and plane trees, give deep shade in summer and golden colours in autumn. Flower beds change with the seasons, making the garden worth a visit at almost any time of year.
Through the seasons
Spring and autumn are the most rewarding: in spring the flower beds bloom in fresh colours, while autumn turns the avenues gold. In summer the old trees keep the paths pleasantly cool, best enjoyed in the morning or late afternoon. Winter brings quiet and peace – after a snowfall the garden looks like a classical postcard in the very heart of Sofia.
A green heart, cared for together
Sitting at 99A Evlogi i Hristo Georgiev Blvd, between the university and the parliament, the garden remains a protected green space managed by Sofia Municipality. Old town, churches, galleries and shopping streets all radiate from here, making it a natural starting point for exploring Sofia on foot. Please help keep it beautiful: keep to the paths, do not pick flowers, and place rubbish in the bins.
The Soviet Army Monument – a page of 20th-century history
Few visitors realise that Prince's Garden once carried a piece of 20th-century political history. In its eastern section, towards Tsar Osvoboditel Boulevard and the Eagles' Bridge, the Monument to the Soviet Army was erected in 1954 – a composition of bronze figures and a high relief created to mark the tenth anniversary of the Red Army's entry into Bulgaria in 1944. For decades the monument was at once an official symbol and a source of controversy. In 2011 its statues were famously painted overnight in bright 'comic-book' colours as a statement of street art and protest. In 2023–2024, following a decision by Sofia's municipal council, the sculptural group was removed. Memories of the monument remain divided, yet the green space around its former site continues to be part of everyday life in the centre of Sofia.
Landmarks & Attractions Around Prince's Garden
When visiting Prince's Garden, visitors can easily explore surrounding historical landmarks and points of interest, including Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski and Alexander Nevsky Cathedral.
Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski
Bulgaria's oldest and largest university, located directly beside the garden.
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
One of Sofia's most iconic landmarks and among the largest Eastern Orthodox cathedrals in the world.
National Assembly
The seat of the Bulgarian parliament, standing on Tsar Osvoboditel Boulevard facing the park.
Sofia University Botanical Garden
A compact botanical garden of Sofia University at 49 Moskovska St, just a few minutes' walk away – its visiting schedule is set by the university and may be limited.
Photo Gallery
The Beauty of Prince's Garden
Main park entrance
Flower alleys
Green spaces
Historical monuments
Trees and vegetation
Walking alleys
Relaxing in nature
Architectural details
Spring beauty
Autumn colors
Winter atmosphere
Summer green landscape
Monuments in the park
Flower beds
Visitor Reviews
Reviews can be viewed via Google Maps.
Wonderful park in the heart of Sofia! Perfect place for a walk and relaxation.
Very beautiful park with rich vegetation. Favorite place for walks.
Nice park, well maintained. Recommended for families with children.
One of the best places for a walk in Sofia. Peaceful and beautiful!
Historic park with unique atmosphere. A must-visit in Sofia.
Beautiful park in the center of Sofia. Perfect for rest and walks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:What are the opening hours of the park?
The park is open to visitors every day, year-round. Daytime visits are recommended.
Q:Is there an entrance fee?
No, entrance to the park is free for all visitors.
Q:Are pets allowed?
Yes, pets are welcome but must be on a leash and under control.
Q:Is the park accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, the alleys are flat and accessible for wheelchair users and people with reduced mobility.
Q:What are the best times to visit Prince's Garden?
Spring and autumn are ideal, when the flower alleys bloom and the colors are at their best. Summer offers shade from the trees, while winter visits are quiet and peaceful.
Q:How do I get to Prince's Garden?
Prince's Garden is located in Sofia Center at Evlogi i Hristo Georgiev Blvd 99A, adjacent to Sofia University. Take Metro Line 1 or Line 4 to Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski station, or use buses 9, 72, 76, 84, 94, 204, 604 and trams 10, 12, 15, 18.
Q:What can I see around Prince's Garden?
Nearby landmarks include Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the National Assembly, and the National Gallery, all within easy walking distance.
Q:Are there public toilets near the garden?
Yes, public toilets are usually available in the city centre, for example near metro stations, municipal and cultural buildings, and larger shopping facilities – typically a 5–10 minute walk away. Opening hours vary.
Q:Where can I park if I drive to Prince's Garden?
Parking in the immediate area is limited. Surrounding streets are mostly paid zones (Sofia's blue and green parking zones), paid by SMS or parking machine. Public transport or a taxi is often easier than driving into the centre.
Q:Are there places to eat near the garden?
Yes. The boulevards around the garden and the Sofia University area are full of cafés, restaurants, bakeries and take-away places, most within a 5–10 minute walk and suiting a range of budgets.
Q:Is there a supermarket or convenience store nearby?
Yes, minimarkets and larger supermarkets are common in central Sofia and can usually be found within a 5–10 minute walk of the park – convenient for drinks, snacks and picnic supplies.
Q:Where should I stay to visit the park easily?
Anywhere in the city centre works well. Hotels, hostels and apartments within walking distance of the garden let you also reach Sofia University, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and the old town on foot.
Q:Is there an ice skating rink in Prince's Garden in winter?
Yes. During the winter season Prince's Garden usually hosts a large seasonal open-air ice rink (known locally as Ice Park Sofia), typically running from early December to the end of February with daily timed sessions. The rink is ticket-based and skates can be rented on site. The schedule is announced every year and depends on the weather, so check the current season's announcements before you go.
Q:Are there monuments in Prince's Garden?
Historically, the Monument to the Soviet Army stood in the eastern part of the garden towards Tsar Osvoboditel Boulevard. Erected in 1954, its sculptural group was removed in 2023–2024 after a decision by Sofia's municipal council; the green space around the former site remains part of the park. Its history is still a subject of public debate.
Q:Is there a botanical garden near Prince's Garden?
Yes. Sofia University's compact central Botanical Garden at 49 Moskovska St is just a few minutes' walk from the park. Its opening schedule and visiting arrangements are announced by the university and can be limited, so check the current details before planning a visit.
Sources & References
Official and authoritative references used for this visitor guide.
Map Location
Evlogi i Hristo Georgiev Blvd 99А · M8RM+3G, Sofia, Bulgaria
For official updates and regional tourism information, visit the Sofia City Tourism Portal (Visit Sofia)