Central Market Hall (Tsentralni Hali)

The doors are open from 7 to 22:00 pm the doors of Central Market (Tsentralnihali), one of the busiest markets in the capital. The market is in the city center between the mosque and the synagogue, near the metro stop in Serdika Nedelya square. There are two floors full of food stalls, clothing, souvenirs, etc.. The building dates from 1909 and was restored in 1990. The entrance is Art Nouveau style and is decorated with the city's coat of arms, ending in a 3 sphere clock whose brilliant and original gear mechanism is conserved inside the market.

I like looking around markets, especially in the early hours of the morning when they open and vendors are preparing the meat and fish for their stalls, ready for the groups of customers. This market is called Halite and it is a covered market that is situated on Maria Luisa Blvd. It has been refurbished as a modern market. There are three levels - on the ground floor there is a cafe and shops, travel agency, beauty salon etc. On the first floor are the stalls that you would find in traditional markets, similar to the old food market that was built in 1909. There is fresh fish, incredible breads and local people doing their daily shopping.