Women's Market Sofia, known locally as Zhenski Pazar, is a historic market in the city’s Vazrazhdane area, near Lion’s Bridge. You’ll find fresh food and produce among older urban architecture and modern market stalls. It is about 0.4 km from Kniaz Boris, a hotel in central Sofia.
- Location: Stefan Stambolov Boulevard, in Vazrazhdane.
- Market character: Fresh food, vegetables and other foodstuffs, alongside older architecture and modern pavilions.
- Transit: Lavov Most metro station is near the market.
- Hours: Open daily
Finding Zhenski Pazar
Zhenski Pazar sits in central Sofia between Todor Alexandrov Boulevard and Slivnitsa Boulevard, close to Lion’s Bridge. The official tourism listing gives its address as Stefan Stambolov Boulevard, in the Vazrazhdane area. A visit can also fit into a central Sofia itinerary that includes Banya Bashi Mosque Sofia.
The market’s long history is part of its identity. Sofia’s tourism listing says it was established before the 1878 liberation from Ottoman rule and was first called the Wheat Market and Horse Market. The market operator describes it as Sofia’s oldest market, established soon after liberation.
Look for a mix of old urban architecture and newer market buildings. The operator describes modern pavilions and stalls within the site, giving the market a varied streetscape rather than a single uniform design.
What visitors may find at the market
Fresh food, vegetables and other foodstuffs are central to the market’s offering. The operator also describes Serdika Gallery, an art gallery operating in an open-air trading area in Sofia. For a different market setting, Central Market Hall Sofia is another market to include in a city itinerary.
The operator advertises a Weekend Pazar with Bulgarian brands and products at pop-up kiosks every Saturday and Sunday. Its entrance is on Cyril and Methodius Street. If that weekend section is part of your plan, check the operator’s official information before setting out.
Part of Zhenski Pazar was renovated in 2014. The operator says the project was funded by an 8.2 million BGN investment from Vazrazhdane Markets EAD, with 80% of funding coming through the Jessica European initiative.
Opening days, hours and payment details
Check the official site before you go.
Opening hours
- Monday to Sunday: 8:00–19:00
Last checked November 2026. Hours can change on holidays and for special events.
Ask individual stallholders which payment methods they accept before making a purchase. The operator’s description focuses on food stalls, pavilions and the weekend kiosks rather than one central ticket or entrance arrangement.
How do you get to Zhenski Pazar?
Lavov Most is a useful transit reference point: Sofia Metro describes the station as near Women’s Market. It has four entrances and elevators connecting its levels.
Tram information differs between listings. Sofia’s official tourism listing names lines 1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 20 and 22 as serving the market. Sofia Traffic lists the Pl. Lavov Most stop, code 1277, with tram lines 12, 18 and 27 and night bus N2. Check current service information before travelling, as routes and schedules can change.
If you’re approaching on foot, Lion’s Bridge is a nearby landmark identified by the market operator. From there, the market lies in the central area between Todor Alexandrov and Slivnitsa boulevards.
FAQs
What is Zhenski Pazar?
Zhenski Pazar is a Sofia market known in English as Women’s Market. It sells fresh food, vegetables and other foodstuffs.
Why is it called the Wheat Market and Horse Market?
Sofia’s official tourism listing says those were the market’s first names, before it became known as Zhenski Pazar.
Is Zhenski Pazar close to a metro station?
Yes. Lavov Most metro station is near the market, according to Sofia Metro’s station information.