Sofia is full of surprises and one of its most heartwarming ones is how naturally animals fit into the rhythm of city life. From neighborhoods that lovingly care for their local strays to cafés ruled by corgis and peaceful yoga classes shared with puppies, this guide is your passport to Sofia’s animal-friendly side.
Craving a cuddle, a stretch alongside furry friends, or even a trot on horseback within city limits? While the Sofia Zoo is a well-known stop, those looking for something more personal and memorable will find a range of unique experiences waiting to be discovered.
- Gush Animal Corner: Where City Meet Country Charm
- Corgi Café: Coffee, Cuddles, and Cuteness Overload
- Puppy Yoga Bulgaria: Stretch, Smile, Snuggle
- Han Asparuh Equestrian Base: Ride in the Rhythm of the City
- Alis Petting Zoo in Leskovets: A Home Full of Heart
- Sofia Zoo: A Classic Worth the Visit
- Seslavtsi Dog Shelter: Walk with Purpose
Gush Animal Corner: Where City Meets Country Charm
Once the site of a traditional riding school, Gush has reinvented itself into a magical escape where animals and families come together in the heart of Sofia’s Borisova Garden and in the very city center.
Yes, you can still book riding lessons, but the real charm lies with the adorable menagerie of alpacas, baby donkeys, goats, and floppy-eared rabbits. Visitors are welcome to interact, cuddle, and feed the animals, an irresistible experience for kids and adults alike. For a small fee, you can enter the animals’ enclosure for an up-close visit.
Little adventurers can also explore newly installed sandpits and climbing structures, making Gush a perfect outing for the entire family. And the best part? It’s just steps from the Vasil Levski Metro Station, making it one of the most accessible pet-friendly places in the city.
Borisova Garden, next to Vasil Levski Metro Station, www.instagram.com/gush.sofia
Corgi Café: Coffee, Cuddles, and Cuteness Overload
If there’s one breed that never fails to bring smiles, it’s the corgi. With their fluffy butts, big ears, and royal swagger. At Corgi Café, located in the lively heart of Sofia, you can sip your coffee surrounded by these short-legged charmers.
The café is owned by two resident corgis who set the tone for the day. They might be bouncing around in playful glee or curled up for a well-deserved nap, but either way, they create a cozy, joyful vibe that makes every visit memorable.
Space is limited and demand is high, so reservations are strongly encouraged. While the corgis are carnivores at heart, the café's menu is fully vegetarian and vegan, offering a delightful contrast for human guests. A hot cup of tea and a wagging tail is a combination you never knew you needed.
Hristo Belchev Street, Sofia, www.corgicafe.bg
Puppy Yoga Bulgaria: Stretch, Smile, Snuggle
Ready to combine inner peace with puppy kisses? Puppy Yoga Bulgaria is one of the city’s most charming wellness experiences. These sessions bring together guided yoga and adorable puppies (and occasionally kittens!) for a heart-melting, stress-relieving hour.
Perfect for all skill levels, the classes are designed to be fun, gentle, and accessible even if you've never rolled out a yoga mat before. Instructors guide each session, while the furry participants help melt your worries away. Bonus: the animals come from responsible homes and are in the early stages of socialization before moving to their forever families.
Children as young as seven are welcome (with an adult), and everyone needs a ticket to join. Mats are provided, and there are lockers on site. The studio is located in the Student City Polyclinic, just follow the signs for MVJ SPORT once you’re inside.
8 Akademik Stefan Mladenov St, Studentski Grad, www.puppyyogabulgaria.com
Han Asparuh Equestrian Base: Ride in the Rhythm of the City
Horseback riding isn’t just for countryside escapes. At Han Asparuh Equestrian Base, you can saddle up just minutes from downtown Sofia. While you won’t find nature trails here, the modern indoor and outdoor arenas offer a rare chance to ride in an urban setting.
Primarily used for training Bulgaria’s national equestrian teams and hosting beginner lessons, the base stretches across 95 decares (23,5 acres) and houses the largest indoor riding arena on the Balkan Peninsula.
Beyond the riding areas, you’ll find a blacksmith’s workshop, tack shop, carpentry center, and even a cozy restaurant where you can relax post-ride. Whether you're a seasoned rider or a curious beginner, it’s an enriching way to connect with animals and admire their grace and power up close.
Near Slavia Stadium, Tram 5 from the Palace of Justice or Tram 4/Bus 260 from Russian Monument Square, www.kkskanasparuh.com.
Alis Petting Zoo in Leskovets: A Home Full of Heart
Step outside the city for a truly touching experience. Alis Petting Zoo in the village of Leskovets is a family’s backyard turned animal paradise. Created in honor of young Alis, who still plays around the property, this enchanting spot is a living love letter to Bulgaria’s close-knit, animal-loving culture.
Here, you’ll find emus and cranes, chattering parrots, curious peacocks, and exotic pheasants. There’s even a kangaroo, a playful family of alpacas, nose bears, elks, and a friendly gang of goats. Unlike traditional zoos, this place allows visitors to connect on a personal level with the animals and the people who care for them.
Locals often prefer it over the Sofia Zoo for its warmth and hands-on approach. While public transportation is technically an option (involving travel to Pernik and a rural bus), the best way to get there is by car or negotiate a taxi.
Leskovets, near Pernik, accessible by car or taxi; public transport not recommended for casual visitors, posts regularly on Facebook.
Sofia Zoo: A Classic Worth the Visit
No guide for animal lovers would be complete without the Sofia Zoo. While smaller than some of its international counterparts, it has a big heart and plenty of friendly faces eager to greet visitors.
Over recent years, the zoo has invested heavily in upgrading habitats to provide better, more ethical homes for its residents. The bears are a highlight, but big cat lovers will find much to admire here too. During the week, the zoo is a peaceful place for a long stroll; weekends, however, can get quite busy.
The zoo is well-connected by public transport. Take the metro to Vitosha Station, then hop on buses 64, 66, 68, 83, 88, or 98. Alternatively, a 15-minute walk through Sofia’s business district will get you there. Parking is available and usually not a problem.
1 Srebarna Street, Sofia, Metro to Vitosha + Bus or 15-min walk, www.zoosofia.eu.
Seslavtsi Dog Shelter: Walk with Purpose
For those who want to make a difference while spending time with animals, head to the Shelter for Stray Dogs in Seslavtsi. Stray dogs were once a pressing issue in Sofia, but thanks to ongoing efforts from NGOs and local authorities, many now find safety and care in this facility.
The shelter houses between 200 and 400 dogs at any given time. Volunteers are always welcome, especially on weekends when help is needed to walk and socialize the dogs. No long-term commitment is required, and you'll receive a quick orientation before heading out with a wagging companion.
Though the shelter’s conditions aren’t luxurious, the love you’ll receive from its furry residents more than makes up for it. And who knows, you might just fall in love and start the adoption process on the spot.
Seslavtsi neighborhood, ~20 minutes from Sofia by car. Bus 117 from Iztok Bus Station (public transport is limited), ecoravnovesie.sofia.bg/shelter/priyut-seslavtsi.
More about the activities at the shelter can be found on the NGO "The 1500 Gang" www.1500doggang.com
Where Every Tail Tells a Story
From cozy corners filled with corgis to city-center stables and homes where parrots and kangaroos live side-by-side, Sofia invites animal lovers to experience its softer, more compassionate side. Stretching with puppies, strolling with dogs, or cuddling alpacas, one thing is certain: Sofia is best explored not just with your eyes, but with your heart.