Sofia is full of surprises and one of its most heartwarming ones is how naturally animals fit into the rhythm of city life. From neighbourhoods that lovingly care for their local strays to pet cafes ruled by corgis and peaceful yoga classes shared with puppies as animal experience, 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 animal experiences waiting to be discovered.
TL;DR – Where are those places?
- Mos of the places are in the city center.
- Sofia is compact, you will find those easily.
- They are great options for fun time with friends, families with kids and couples.
- 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
- Useful Links
Gush Animal Corner: Where City Meets Country Charm
Why we like it: You can just walk around and enjoy the animals from a distance. The entrance fee is paid only for the entry where you can get in and actually pet the animals.
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. It quickly became one of the preferred animal experiences it Sofia.
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 adventure 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.
- Where: Borisova Garden, next to Vasil Levski Metro Station
- How to get there: It is in the city center, in the park, the place is very well linked by public transport. Closest are the M1 metro line (Vasil Levski Metro Station), bus lines 72, 76, 94, 304, 604, trams 8, 10, 12, 13, 15, 18.
- Website: www.instagram.com/gush.sofia
Corgi Café: Coffee, Cuddles, and Cuteness Overload
Why we like it: The corgis are fun, especially when they are expecting a dog biscuit from you..
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 in this pet cafe 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 for your animal experiences in Sofia.
- Address: 8A Hristo Belchev Street, Sofia,
- How to get there: The place is in the very heart of the city center. Trams 8. 10. 12. 13. 15 and 18 stop a short walk from the cafe.
- Website: www.corgicafe.bg
Puppy Yoga Bulgaria: Stretch, Smile, Snuggle
Why we like it: The feeling of the little paws on the mat is priceless.
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, this animal experience in Sofia will inspire you. 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.
- Address: 8 Akademik Stefan Mladenov St, MVJ Sports Hall,,Studentski Grad, Sofia
- How to get there: Bus line 94, 280 or taxi
- Website: www.puppyyogabulgaria.com
Han Asparuh Equestrian Base: Ride in the Rhythm of the City
Why we like it: It is in the city, not really far from the city center, but once there you feel the freedom of the open nature.
Horseback riding isn’t just for countryside escapes and this type of animal experiences in Sofia are some of the most beautiful one can book. 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.
- Address: Haidushko izvorche Str., Sofia
- How to get there: The equestrian base is located near Slavia Stadium. Use Tram 5 from the Palace of Justice or Tram 4, You can catch a bus 260 from Russian Monument Square
- Website: www.kkskanasparuh.com
Alis Petting Zoo in Leskovets: A Home Full of Heart
Why we like it: A visit to this zoo is a day trip of its own. It is a small family run business done with love for the animals and the community.
Step outside the city for truly touching animal experiences. 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. You can pet most of the animals and interact with 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.
- Address: Leskovets village, near Pernik
- How to get there: accessible by car or taxi; public transport not recommended for casual visitors
- Website: posts regularly on Facebook.
Sofia Zoo: A Classic Worth the Visit
Why we like it: We are fans of the big cars. It's hard to spot them elsewhere in Sofia.
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.
- Address: 1 Srebarna Street, Sofia
- How to get there: Metro to Vitosha Station + Bus or 15-min walk or Buses 64, 66, 68, 83, 88, 98, 120
- Website: www.zoosofia.eu.
Seslavtsi Dog Shelter: Walk with Purpose
Why we like it: Even if you can not adopt a dog because of any reason, you can still do a little something and this little something is to take a dog for a small walk. All dos are very friendly and will be genuinely happy to meet you.
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.
This is animal experience in Sofia is for pet lovers with a cause. 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.
- Where: Seslavtsi neighborhood
- How to find it: ~20 minutes from Sofia by car. Bus 117 from Iztok Bus Station (public transport is limited), ecoravnovesie.sofia.bg/shelter/priyut-seslavtsi
- Website: 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
Useful Links
- Check your guide for the public transport for Sofia and reach any place in the city smoothly
- Have a look at our guide on the taxis in Sofia and reach your destination in no time
Animal Experiences in Sofia: 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 the animal experiences in Sofia invite you and show you 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.
