National Palace of Culture Park
National Palace of Culture Park things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
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The centre was initiated at the suggestion of Lyudmila Zhivkova, daughter of the communist leader of the former People's Republic of Bulgaria Todor Zhivkov. The project was designed by a team of Bulgarian and foreign architects led by Alexander Georgiev Barov (1931–1999) along with Ivan Kanazirev. The landscaping of Bulgaria Square in front of the National Palace of Culture was designed by another team of architects and landscape engineers, led by Atanas Agura. Internally, the building exhibits a unified style, employing an octagonal motif and heavy, dark colours. Large bright murals depicting historical figures and events cover the main wall of many of the smaller halls. During the 1990s, immediately following the change of the political model in the country, the NDK lost a significant portion of its property, including infrastructure, commercial areas, and car parks. Since 2011, the NDK has been restructured into a commercial company, but it remains a state property. It is self-sustaining, receiving no subsidies. The first public financial report of the Palace was released in 2012. A substantial part of the revenues are invested annually in new projects and its own cultural events.
Rami Aletaywi (رامي العطيوي)Rami Aletaywi (رامي العطيوي)
30
An absolute titan of the Bulgarian socialist architectural movement, this building is the largest exhibition centre in south-eastern Europe and trust me you can definitely tell by the colossal size and stature of this building. It is built with a brutalist undertone given the sharp angles, use of concrete/glass/metal and the interior is a complete time capsule of an era once passed. We didn't get the chance to go inside as there were no active exhibitions but walking around the palace, climbing on its many stairs and even going down to the underground level is enough of an experience, peaking in through the amber smoked windows will take you back 40 years and we're definitely looking forward to visiting this iconic location when there is an active event. If you have some free time in Sofia or you've been interested in visiting, I strongly recommend going the atmosphere in and around this building is worth the diversion. PS the security guard's desk is an iconic reminder that you're in Bulgaria (last photo)
N AN A
00
A great place for a walk in Sofia. Only one boulevard separates them from the pedestrian street Vitoshka. The space is decorated with lots of greenery and fountains, which enrich the beautiful setting. This park is often used by skaters. I hit here when there was a Guitar Fest and it was a nice party. Next to the stage where the musicians played there were food and drink kiosks. During the weekends, the park in front of the NDK (National Palace of Culture) is often full of visitors, but there is a free bench, because there are many of them. In front of the NDK building is the Memento cafe with nice hot teas and good coffee. If you are in Sofia, don't miss a walk in the park in front of the NDK.
Spase ManevSpase Manev
00
The building is one of the largest Conference Centres in the world and has had many accolades. The architecture externally is very much an example of Communinist Architectural construction and appearance.Not Stalinist or Brutalist but finished in 1981 in the Cummunist era it has unique look and appeal. It is surrounded by fountains and gardens and lovely walks so should not be missed. Lovely restaurants cafes and bars surround the building. One can also go inside on guided tours or just enjoy its ambience for relaxing. Lots of famolus artists have performed here and it is undoubtedly a great asset to the City and should not be missed.
William HarrackWilliam Harrack
00
If you’re in Sofia, the National Palace of Culture Park (NDK) is a spot you can’t miss. It’s a great mix of green space, cool architecture, and people-watching. There’s something really chill about just strolling around the park or sitting down with a coffee while locals skate, walk their dogs, or just hang out. The fountains and sculptures around the park give it a bit of an artsy vibe, and on a sunny day, it’s just perfect to relax and escape the city buzz a bit. Plus, it’s close to loads of cafes and bars if you feel like grabbing a drink after. Definitely worth a visit if you want to get a feel for Sofia!
Athanasios SpachosAthanasios Spachos
00
One of the most beautiful places in Sofia! It's next to the main Street- Vitosha, the metro and tram station are also in front of it. This place has one of the best views to the Vitosha mountain, the park and the surrounding is impressive. It has everything- from children playgrounds, fountains, flowers everywhere, waterfalls, many different walking paths and one big building in the middle, which is NDK(National Palace of culture). Definitely recommend to visit it!
Станислав ГеоргиевСтанислав Георгиев
00
Nearby Attractions Of National Palace of Culture Park
National Palace of Culture (NDK)
National Palace of Culture
Park Center
Church of Sveti Sedmochislenitsi
Earth and People National Museum
The Red Flat - Everyday Life in Communist Bulgaria
bul. "Vitosha"
„Ruski Pametnik“ Shopping Centre
Lovers Bridge
PALMS ROYALE SOFIA CASINO

National Palace of Culture (NDK)
4.5
(6.2K)Click for details

National Palace of Culture
4.5
(5.7K)Click for details

Park Center
4.2
(4.2K)Click for details

Church of Sveti Sedmochislenitsi
4.5
(1.3K)Click for details
Nearby Restaurants Of National Palace of Culture Park
Shtastlivetsa Restaurant - Vitoshka
Happy Bar & Grill Rakovski
Mr. Pizza - bul. Vasil Levski
Hadjidraganov's Cellars
Happy Bar & Grill Victoria
Divaka
Divaka
Moma Bulgarian Food and Wine
The Cocktail Bar
Manastirska Magernitsa Restaurant

Shtastlivetsa Restaurant - Vitoshka
4.5
(4.8K)$$
Click for details

Happy Bar & Grill Rakovski
4.4
(4.5K)$$
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Mr. Pizza - bul. Vasil Levski
4.7
(4.1K)Click for details

Hadjidraganov's Cellars
4.5
(4K)$$
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Basic Info
Address
Ndk, Vitosha Blvd, 1463 Sofia, Bulgaria
Map
Phone
+359 2 916 6300
Call
Website
ndk.bg
Visit
Reviews
Overview
4.6
(11.6K reviews)
Ratings & Description
outdoor
cultural
family friendly
attractions: National Palace of Culture (NDK), National Palace of Culture, Park Center, Church of Sveti Sedmochislenitsi, Earth and People National Museum, The Red Flat - Everyday Life in Communist Bulgaria, bul. "Vitosha", „Ruski Pametnik“ Shopping Centre, Lovers Bridge, PALMS ROYALE SOFIA CASINO, restaurants: Shtastlivetsa Restaurant - Vitoshka, Happy Bar & Grill Rakovski, Mr. Pizza - bul. Vasil Levski, Hadjidraganov's Cellars, Happy Bar & Grill Victoria, Divaka, Divaka, Moma Bulgarian Food and Wine, The Cocktail Bar, Manastirska Magernitsa Restaurant

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