Neighborhood
Ruby Red House is located in the heart of Sofia in the so-called Kvartala district. We love our neighborhood, which best reflects Sofia's soul. Once the city's Christian and Jewish quarter, home to ancient churches, synagogues and a mosque, the neighborhood is a well preserved stretch of Sofia’s old buildings that still harmoniously exist with diverse hip new spaces. The neighborhood is within a walking distance from all major locations within Sofia center and conveniently linked with public transportation (metro lines, trams).
This neighborhood's growing popularity exploded in recent years, creating an area that’s vibrant day and night, with chic coffee shops, small independent art galleries and souvenir shops, restaurants, cocktail bars, a well-preserved and functioning arthouse cinema from the 1970’s and live-music venues.
The St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, one of the largest Eastern Orthodox cathedrals in the world and one of Sofia’s impressive landmarks and primary tourist attractions is also within walking distance from Ruby Red House. Stand outside and marvel at the impressive gold-plated dome. Inside, the interior features iconoclasts made from marble and onyx, while the crypt boasts Bulgaria’s largest collection of religious art. The cathedral is next to St. Sofia Church, from which the city gets its name.
Alexander Nevsky is located right at the beginning of Oborishte Street. Continue down this street and you’ll enter the trendy neighborhood Oborishte. Here you’ll pass elegant homes from the early part of the 20th century. Stare at the beautiful decor of their Art Nouveau façades. Your route will also take you by important administrative buildings, including the French Embassy. Such is the architectural beauty of the street that it is often named among one of the most emblematic streets in the city.
Sightseeing
Our neighborhood has a rich history dating back to the Roman Empire. Easily journey through time by strolling through the remarkable Ancient Serdica Complex, showcasing the remnants of a Roman city from the 4th to the 6th century. In close proximity, you'll find a Mosque, a Catholic cathedral, an Orthodox church, and a Synagogue — all situated together in what is known as the Square of Tolerance, a source of great pride for Sofia. Be sure not to overlook one of the city's most beautiful and emblematic structures — the former Central Mineral Bathhouse, now home to the Sofia History Museum. Adjacent to the former Central Bath, you'll discover mineral springs where you can freely enjoy or take some mineral water with you.
Eat & Drink
The neighborhood boasts a diverse array of restaurants, concept bars, and coffee shops. You don't have to venture far beyond Ruby Red House's street, as it is adorned with some of the best and most varied culinary spots in Sofia. With an abundance of delectable choices, deciding where to go can be challenging. To help you navigate, here's our selection of cozy spots for a coffee and sweet treat, trendy little bars, and modern, stylish restaurants to explore right now.
For the most delicious baked goods and a great coffee experience try and bread, Altruist Urban Coffee or Barista Coffee and More.
For a modern twist on traditional dishes head to Once Bitten Twice Shy with its varied and high-quality cuisine or to the more retro-styled Buffet. Right next door is Sezon, a small gastro shop, which sources regional, seasonal ingredients from all over the country. If you prefer authentic French cuisine, head to Bistrot L'etranger, the oldest French restaurant in Sofia.To provoke all your senses by enjoying the original menu of Chef Peter Mihalchev - the only Bulgarian certified by the government of Japan as "Goodwill Ambassador of Japanese cuisine", visit his restaurant, Miyabi.
In one of the oldest (1879), most authentic architectural gems of Sofia, the Clock House, you’ll find 15 Moskovska Restaurant, that delicately preserves the spirit of the place it inhabits, but offers a new, much more contemporary and refined feel to its guests. Very close to it you could enjoy traditional Armenian cuisine at stylish and cozy Egur Egur restaurant.
If you're looking for some hidden gems and an intimate ambience, where you could have a chat and experience the new-old spirit of the neighborhood, go to Next Page, Ж Jazz Room, Tobacco Garden Bar, one of the best kept secrets of Sofia, hidden just behind the former Royal Palace, or the small, speakeasy-style Bar Me.
Shopping
If you are looking for locally crafted gifts, go to Art.E Gallery. For an excellent selection of books, visit Mahala Independent Bookstore. Contemporary Bulgarian jewelry designers make, display and sell one-of-a-kind pieces at their glass-fronted ateliers like ARTEFAKTI or ALCHIMIA. If you want to soak in an aromatic, colorful and lively street atmosphere, head to the Women’s Market, the oldest market in Sofia, and simply observe life there. The first Central Department Store, designed in 1956, known popularly with its Bulgarian Acronym ЦУМ (TZUM), is also worth a visit, although nowadays only few shops have been kept and the six-storey building houses mostly offices. Vitosha Boulevard, Sofia’s main shopping and pedestrian street with lots of shops, bars, restaurants, cafes, is also within walking distance (8-minute walk from Serdika). The Mall of Sofia with over 130 stores is only one metro stop away from Serdika, where the Sofia IMAX cinema is also located. By metro (M2 line) you can easily reach Paradise Center, a most attractive place for trade and entertainment, comprising impressive contemporary architecture and interior design. Last but not least, the biggest mall in Sofia - Serdika Center - is also easy to reach from Ruby Red House. With over 210 shops that’s the absolute leader you don’t want to miss if you’re a shopaholic.
Wellness
If you’re looking for a city center sanctuary away from the crowds, you could visit Platinum Health Club, offering a well-equipped fitness studio and a spa zone with sauna, steam bath and relaxation room in the heart of Sofia or have a walk in the City Garden, the oldest park in Sofia, which is very close to the district (8 min walk).
A cherished gem for all residents of Sofia is Vitosha Mountain, situated remarkably close to the city center. If you long to escape the urban clamor and immerse yourself in the breathtaking nature amidst pine and fir forests, reaching Vitosha is easily achievable in less than half an hour by car from your hotel. Alternatively, you can take the Metro from Serdika to Vitosha Metro Station and then transfer to bus 64 or 66 for a convenient journey.
Join a Tour
The Free Sofia Tour covers most of the main things to see in Sofia: the St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the National Theatre, the St. George Rotunda, the Bulgarian Presidency and many more. It will also immerse you into the city’s rich Roman heritage.
Make sure to explore the rather controversial 45-year-long communist period of Bulgaria’s history and find out what it was like on the eastern side of the Iron Curtain.
If you’re interested in everyday life in communist countries, visit the Red Flat Museum and travel back in time to Communist Bulgaria of the 1980’s.
Sofia has incredible murals, quirky street art pieces, and stylish graffiti. Sofia Graffiti Tour is the easiest way to dive into the city’s urban art and follow the artists’ paths.
Store Your Luggage
Want to discover Sofia without the burden of luggage? We’ve got you covered. Stop by self-service luggage lockers LockStars, conveniently located within a walking distance from Ruby Red House at Serdika metro station, to drop your stuff off while you explore Sofia on foot, or before joining a tour. LockStars provide secure units tailored to your needs — from small lockers to extra large jumbo size lockers for families and groups. You can leave your bags for a few hours or even a couple of days, and enjoy the city worry-free. The lockers are open 24/7 with no online booking required and flexible hourly rental price. Long-term storage rates available upon request.