Shopping in Bulgaria, a country recognized as one of the best places to relax in 2011 by the world famous Lonely Planet guidebook, can be a real treat if you approach the solution of this seemingly simple task .Despite the fact that in 2007 the state joined the ranks of the European Union, the prices for local delicacies, alcoholic drinks, souvenirs and t .д .remained surprisingly low, especially in comparison with other West European "giants" .However, clothes, shoes, cosmetics produced outside of Bulgaria are worth no less than in any other country..So, to hope that you can buy things like an international brand like Zara at ultra-low cost, it's not worth $$ .

Shopping centers

Currently in Bulgaria there are at least 26 major shopping centers, in which, in addition to shops, there are cinemas, various public catering, hypermarkets and a variety of entertainment centers. The leader in the number of malls can be considered Sophia. Not inferior to the city, visited mainly with excursions, Plovdiv, Varna, Burgas. Summer and winter resorts can not boast of such an abundance of shops. However, in Bansko, and in Sunny Beach, and in the medical resort of Sandanski, there is where to "stumble."

Usually the main and largest shopping center has the same name as the city in which it is located (for example, Mall Plovdiv (Mall Plovdiv) or Central Mall Pleven .The schedule of work depends on how large a settlement is .In Varna, shops that are part of the centers are open every day from 9 .00-10 .00 am and up to 21 .00-22 .00 .Bowling clubs, billiard centers, some cafes located in the same place, generally operate up to 24 .00, and even up to 4 .00 am .The Mall of Bansko opens earlier, at 8 .00, but works less, up to 20 .00 .In small towns on Sunday, there is often a reduced regime of .

Souvenirs

If the main goal of your shopping trip is memorabilia, presents to friends and relatives, and that, without fail, with a national flavor, then in Bulgaria it is easy to find everything you need .First of all, it is worth paying attention to the Bulgarian cosmetics, which is based on rose oil .It can be purchased almost everywhere..Generally speaking, a rose is very popular in this sunny flower country .In addition to butter, jam, honey, rahat-lukum, liqueurs and other alcoholic beverages are prepared from it .In second place are cosmetic products made from lavender .Fans of bright smells can even buy themselves spirits, where the main component will be these flowers .

A variety of spices and herbal teas are another Bulgarian "must-have". Usually, Russians buy spice kimon, which is a universal seasoning, or colorful "Sharen Salt", which, in addition to herbs, already includes salt. The latter is usually beautifully packed.

Among the other souvenirs in the top ten will include silverware, ceramic and copper dishes, embroidered textiles, wines and strong drinks of mastic and rakia.

Of flowers - fragrant sachet

From the coast - shells

And, of course, do not forget about mastic from the mehan!