The National Opera and Ballet in Sofia, Bulgaria is receiving high praise from attendees. The performances, such as Tristan and Parsifal, Anna Karenina ballet, and Swan Lake, are top-notch and affordable compared to other European capitals. The staff is well-organized, polite, and helpful, making the overall experience enjoyable. The interior of the venue has a Renaissance atmosphere, with beautiful balconies, a painted ceiling, and a classy and special mood. The high tables outside with a drink bar during intermissions are also appreciated. However, some attendees have mentioned limited toilets and disturbances from people using their phones during performances. Despite these minor drawbacks, the National Opera and Ballet in Sofia offers a great atmosphere, comfortable seating, and talented artists. The theater itself is elegantly decorated and well-maintained, providing a pleasant experience for visitors. The Bulgarian audience is friendly, and the information is available in both Bulgarian and English. Overall, the National Opera and Ballet in Sofia is highly recommended for an evening of entertainment and cultural experience.
Address:
Knyaz Alexander Dondukov Boulevard 30, Sofia
Phone:
+359 2 800 6266
Comment
17.07.23
Klaus
Congratulations for the Richard Wagner Festival! 🔥🔥🔥
I attended Tristan and Parsifal and was absolutely wowed by the experience, top notch performance at affordable prices compared to other European capitals, I still can't believe I had front r.. Read more »ow seats for $ that would put me back of the stage in Vienna
The staff attending were very well organized and polite and helpful, I will definitely put Sofia on my "go to" list from now on more often
09.07.23
Tanislava
Great place with a fine atmosphere due to the interior that is quite renaissance. All the beautiful balconies, the painted ceiling create a classy and special mood. Loved the high tables outside with a drink bar to attend during the pauses. Absolutel.. Read more »y love it.
19.05.23
Anka
Great performance of Anna Karenina ballet. We loved the atmosphere, seatings and the artists.
The interiors are beautiful, nice lighting and comfy chairs. Only downside is limited toilets hence queues all the time.
Also, it's a pitty that some p.. Read more »eople use their phones during the performance and disturbs others, maybe the staff can be more vigilant regarding this.
Price of the ticket was decent and will for sure return to Sofia.
05.05.23
Amanda
We were shocked to be able to ( easily ) buy tickets for Swan lake ballet, after it was fully booked online.
Arriving early we were able to enjoy a chilled Prosecco ( £2.50 approx) in the beautifully elegant foyer. Then we made our way to our s.. Read more »eats… better legroom than any airline and super plush and comfy. The theatre was elegantly decorated in the original style with ornate ceilings, lots of red velvet and all seemingly in great condition.
The ballet itself was breathtaking- perfect dancers and an amazing orchestra. Quite a few intervals to use the loos( decent and clean) and grab a snack made it a truly amazing evening.
The Bulgarian audience were friendly and the information was written in Bulgarian and English.
Would definitely recommend spending an evening here if you’re visiting Sofia.
Price wise too it was excellent value for money- top seats for about £30 each.
23.04.23
A
23/04/2023: 15 min after the opera started they were still opening the doors to let the late comers take their seats. Why all of us, that we were on time, get punished by having our view blocked temporarily & hearing the noices instead of enjoyi.. Read more »ng the opera?
The 3 women staff from the cloakroom were inside kept moving & talking to each other during the whole performance! No respect for the people they have come to enjoy the performance! They do not have training?
One of them placed a chair right behind my seat, so every time she moved, kick, coughed was disturbing.
Ten min after the last break the doors opened again for 2 persons to sit in front of us in two empty seats. People had to stand up for them to pass & then they played musical chairs to go and sit somewhere else! How do they allow it? There is No management? NO rules? At the end of the performance the 3 women staff were happily clamping for what they enjoyed but we didn't bcs of them. For sure they enjoyed it more than we did, as it was free & they could have their little talks undirsturbed!
In which other European opera something like this happens? No respect! No training! No education!
The English translation is not good.
21.04.23
Olena
I am coming to Sofia for the second time, especially to visit the ballet.
I applaud the skills of the Bulgarian troupe.
Yesterday I watched a classical choreography - ballet Giselle.
Got a lot of pleasure. The 2nd act and the Willis dance is my lo.. Read more »ve♥️
03.03.23
Konstantin
Great production by Italian.
4,5 remarkable singers
03.03.23
M.
The best "Swan Lake" we have ever watched (on February 26). A spacious and comfortable theater. An impeccable orchestra and a vivid, delightful choreography. The Opera director, fluent in English, volunteered himself to guide us throughout .. Read more »the building (he also performed a composition of his on the piano). Overall an unforgettable experience and a pleasant surprise too! No reason for us to travel to (sometimes snobbish) central European operas. The Sofia Opera combines tradition with youthful energy. Strongly recommend!
19.01.23
Zdravka
Great spectacle, amazing building, unique interior, perfect atmosphere. Wonderful orchestra, amazing ballet! Very nice hostesses and all people working there.
06.12.22
Joao
We went to see "La Boheme" and it was amazing! Never visited before this night and I was amazed with the architecture and history. The organization and general maintenance are very good and welcoming. We were in the first row of the 1st bal.. Read more »cony and the view was very good also.
15.11.22
Sunny
Nice place, friendly stuff, was able to enter even 5mins past the begging of the opera! Just when it begun.
Seat are comfy enough. Play was good (with subs). Recommend!
28.10.22
Loo
loved the interior design of the theatre! grand and seats were well placed; Bulgarian Mamma Mia was a great take on the classic as well, enjoyed every minute of it!
22.10.22
Gothere-itis
An exceptional experience! The opera building is very nice. We enjoyed the opera.
13.10.22
y0chebed
Very dissapointed. We went for Carmina Burana today and had to leave after less than 40 min. The ballet dancers are SOOOOO unsynchronised that it was painful to watch...
13.10.22
Gideon
Great value for competent performances of staple opera and ballet classics.
Would be nice to see more non classics but I take it management have to consider the potential demand for such.
14.09.22
Vladislav
One of the most spectacular places for cultural and musical enrichment. Perfect behaviour and perfect service from the accommodation and the host staff. The Acoustic is more than perfect.
The theater spectacles are on a Top 10 world level. Have to be.. Read more » visited.
22.07.22
TARUN
Haven't been there but definitely some day??
13.07.22
Isabelle
Beautiful place, great opera, very good sound
15.06.22
Tsveta
I was on spectacular ballet Swan lake. Wonderful place and unforgettable game of ballet dancers
01.06.22
Shabtay
Love it since i remember myself...age 5 or so...now 84 and feels so good to visit and enjoy the famouse Bulgarian voixes
17.05.22
Владислава
Excellent performances!!! Toska, Traviata, Aida, Turandot, Rigoletto, Nabucco, Swan Lake, Giselle. In the center of the city, many places to eat around! Propse!!!
31.03.22
Liza
Saw Electra, the level of performance was amazing, pure joy to lessen. Still, lack of pause for a breather and a glass of champagne took away from the otherwise perfect experience.
18.03.22
Ksenia
Great place and spectacles. I watch there Swan Lake - amazing performance, strongly recommend.
18.03.22
Chi
My first time watching ballet!
I was lucky enough to find out they have The famous Swan Lake on the first evening when I arrive here. I took the seat right in the middle of the second balcony. The cost was 40lev for student discount??
The atmospher.. Read more »e was cozy. It was very crowded that night. The ballet lasted for about 3.5 hours including break, so eat something before coming. Besides, they are quite punctual, so be there on time, dont be late if you don’t want to bother people by stepping through them ?
14.03.22
Brian
Excellent quality shows in a stunning venue. We saw a double feature of Stravinsky ballets and had a great time. Fantastic value too!
Only negative was the very poor legroom, at least where we were on first balcony!
03.03.22
Jelena
When in Sofia, don"t miss going to their Opera House. Powerful singers and orchestra which melts the audiance's hearts is what you will find there!
30.01.22
Iryna
Balcony view was ok. But the atmosphere was really great. The opera house is relatively small and not fancy, but the tenors were simply wonderful
27.05.21
Наско
Seldomly you'll find a play that is not worth it.
19.05.21
Jonas
Amazing performance... so glad to be able go again!
08.05.21
Chavdar
Very nice opera theater.
01.05.21
Georgi
Very nice old building. It's usually hard to find tickets. On first level totally right or left don't give good view.
29.03.21
Cengiz
Wonderful artists.
19.01.21
Kalin
We had great time!
12.12.20
Цанко
It was very very nice the kids loved it. We are going again next week.
09.04.20
Nadejda
A magic place - outside and inside. Historical building with amazing architecture and sound acoustics. I have visited Traviata - great performance and professional orchestra.
When you come in Sofia, highly recommend to visit National Opera and Ballet.. Read more ». Don't forget to buy a ticket in advance.
20.02.20
Mihaela
We have visited the Traviata, it was my first time being on Opera, but it was amazing! The building is old, deffinately need renovation, but still magical and cozy!
20.02.20
Peter
We watched Traviata and it was phenomenal. If visiting city it's a must although it's hard to find tickets in short time.
20.02.20
Jelena
When in Sofia, don"t miss going to their Opera House. Powerful singers and orchestra which melts the audiance's hearts is what you will find there!
19.01.20
Eliza
The children plays are on a small but cosy stage. Very clean and welcoming. The seats are well placed so the children can see even from the back row. Some of the plays are harder to understand by the smaller audiences as there is a lot of singing. Bu.. Read more »t still very enjoyable. Plan ahead and buy your tickets online.
29.12.19
Puh
Nice historical building. Good seat distribution. East to use online platform.
Downsides are the stage is very static and does not add to the performances. Also, the entrance hall is quite small and gets really crowded pre and post shows.
15.03.19
WL
We purchased tickets online. Since it's our first time, we bought the cheapest tickets, which was only BGN 12 each. This is very cheap for a live performance, even by Malaysian standard (where we come from).
We enjoyed the "Le Corsaire&quo.. Read more »t; ballet performance very much. As mentioned in another review, the audience were very appreciative and responsive, the applause just went on and on, and it was all very dignified for the cast on stage as well as the wonderful performance by the orchestra.
Great value for money, highly recommended.
01.01.19
Antoni
The quality of spectacles is outstanding! Only kudos for the entertainers.
The seating capacity is quite limited in comparison with other operas around Europe but still the best you could find Bulgaria. Beware it is always sold out!
The building itse.. Read more »lf is majestic from the inside. Unfortunately, it needs some refreshing in the hall and the corridors.
Overall, it is worth visiting for the quality performances. World class!
4.5 / 115
