Sofia, Bulgaria

While I discovered many pieces by simply roaming the streets, I’ll admit that a graffiti walking tour completely opened my eyes. It turned out to be way more interesting than I’d expected. One thing I learned on the tour is that street artists have this unofficial, unspoken code of conduct. For example, tagging over someone else’s mural without permission? That’s a big no-no. It’s seen as super disrespectful, and it can actually spark "payback"—where the artist whose work got disrespected retaliates by painting over the other person’s piece. This can lead to artist beefs or turf wars, and those rivalries can stick around for a while. Because of that, artists usually avoid painting over each other's work and try not to compete for the same spaces unless they’ve agreed on it. Respect is key to keeping things cool in the street art world.

GRAFFITI

In Sofia, graffiti is technically illegal since it’s considered vandalism when done without permission on public or private property. But the city's pretty chill about it in some areas, especially in certain parts of the city center or industrial zones where street art is more accepted, and sometimes even commissioned by businesses or cultural spots. Still, a lot of the graffiti scene in Sofia stays underground, with artists using pseudonyms to keep things low-key and avoid any legal trouble. It’s all about that rebellious vibe, with artists balancing their creative freedom with the risk of fines or getting caught.

Murals in Sofia really bring the city to life, turning blank walls into huge, colorful pieces of art. You can find them all over, especially on the sides of buildings, adding some serious character to the streets. The murals cover all kinds of styles from abstract art to portraits, often reflecting Sofia’s culture and history.
Most are actually commissioned by businesses or local groups, giving artists a chance to go big without worrying about legalities. Becoming landmarks that locals and visitors alike check out.
While some murals are part of official public art projects, others just pop up organically, with artists putting their own creative stamp on the city. No matter how they get there, the murals really add a cool vibe to Sofia and make the city feel more alive.

MURALS

Murals in Sofia really tie into the city’s history. A lot of them highlight important moments or figures from Bulgaria’s past, like its political struggles and the shift from communism to democracy. Some pieces make bold statements about the country’s changes over time, while others just reflect the culture and vibe of Sofia. Basically, these murals aren’t just art—they’re a visual way of connecting with the city’s past and its evolution.

The Einstein painting on the trash bin in Sofia is one of those quirky pieces of street art that catches your eye. It’s located near the National Palace of Culture (NDK) and features a portrait of Albert Einstein, turning an everyday trash bin into something much more interesting. The piece was created by a Bulgarian street artist named "Chitalishte," who’s known for mixing iconic figures with a bit of humour. It’s a cool example of how street art in Sofia takes ordinary spaces and turns them into conversation starters. The Einstein bin definitely shows how street art can bring some personality to even the most unexpected places!

If you’re ever near the Serdika Metro Station, you can’t miss the iconic Chupa Chups mural. It’s this cool mix of advertising and street art that has become a bit of a landmark in Sofia’s urban art scene.

What makes it even more interesting is the history behind the Chupa Chups logo itself—it was actually designed by none other than Salvador Dalí. Yep, the legendary surrealist artist came up with that famous lollipop branding, which adds an extra layer of intrigue to the mural.

But the real twist? Right beneath the ad, you’ll find a striking piece by Bulgarian street artist Bozko. His work has this raw, expressive, almost surreal quality that really stands out. He’s known for creating deep, emotional characters that often reflect modern society. So, his art brings a whole new dimension to the otherwise corporate feel of the Chupa Chups logo, making the whole mural a fascinating blend of commercial and creative expression

Artists like Bozko and Nasimo have turned Sofia into their canvas, mixing surreal, emotional, and cultural themes into their work. Whether it’s a striking face painted in a quiet alley, or some clever street graffiti that makes you think, there’s always something new to spot.
It’s more than just art—it’s Sofia’s personality on display. So next time you’re walking around, take a moment to look up, look around, and appreciate the creativity covering the city. You never know what masterpiece you’ll stumble across!