Welcome to the vibrant and exciting city of Sofia, where the nightlife offers an unforgettable experience. The Bulgarian capital boasts an impressive array of bars, pubs, and clubs, making it a perfect destination for those who want to indulge in an epic pub crawl. From quirky pubs hidden in alleyways to rooftop bars with panoramic views, Sofia has it all. In this post, we’ll take you on a journey to discover the best pub crawls in the city, giving you insider tips on where to go for the best cocktails, craft beers, and live music. So, grab a beer and let’s get started on this unforgettable adventure!

The 3 Best Pub Crawls in Sofia

1. Sofia Pub Crawl – Party Tour of Sofia’s Best Bars & Clubs
2. Sofia Pub Crawl Tour of The Hidden Unique Bars
3. Sofia’s Hidden Bars: 4-Hour Pub Crawl

The 3 Best Pub Crawls in Sofia

1. Sofia Pub Crawl – Party Tour of Sofia’s Best Bars & Clubs

Join this exciting 3-hour pub crawl and experience the best of Sofia’s nightlife scene. You will visit three distinct bars and enjoy a free welcome shot at each location before discovering how to play Bulgarian drinking games with your new friends. At the end of the evening, you will have complimentary entrance to one of Sofia’s top nightclubs. With a knowledgeable local guide leading the way, you’ll be sure to have a memorable time. This tour includes beverages, hotel pickup and drop-off, and alcoholic beverages. The meeting point is at Sofia City Court and the tour ends at SugarClub (the tour may end elsewhere depending on the night). Book your spot now and get ready to party like a local in Sofia.

2. Sofia Pub Crawl Tour of The Hidden Unique Bars

Explore Sofia’s hidden and unique bars on this exciting half-day guided evening pub crawl. Skip the tourist traps and discover in-the-know nightlife spots where locals hang out. Mingle with fellow travelers from all over the world and enjoy complimentary wine, beer, or liquor shots at each of the five different locations included in the tour. You’ll learn about Bulgaria’s unique history as you travel between the different bars at a leisurely pace through drinks and conversation with no rowdy pub games. On weekends, the tour includes free club entry. The meeting point is at Crystal Garden, next to the big head statue of Stefan Stambolov, and the tour ends in different locations depending on the day. Come along and discover the best pub crawls in Sofia!

3. Sofia’s Hidden Bars: 4-Hour Pub Crawl

Explore some of the hidden bars of Sofia and make new friends on this 4-hour pub crawl. Led by a knowledgeable local guide, this experience takes you to some of the best hangouts in the city. Enjoy a free beer at the first and third stops, and a free shot at other locations. You’ll also get to indulge in a free alcoholic dessert with any purchase at the second stop.

This pub crawl is perfect for solo travelers or anyone looking to socialize with locals and fellow travelers. Discover some of Sofia’s best hidden nightlife gems and learn about life in the city from your guide. At the end of the night, you’ll have made unforgettable memories and new friends. Please note this tour is not suitable for pregnant participants.

Frequently Asked Questions by Tourists about the City Sofia

Sofia, the capital and largest city of Bulgaria, is a unique blend of ancient ruins, modern architecture, and vibrant culture. With its rich history, beautiful landmarks, and friendly locals, Sofia is becoming an increasingly popular tourist destination. Here are some answers to the most frequently asked questions by tourists about the city Sofia.

1. What is the best time of the year to visit Sofia?

The best time to visit Sofia is during the months of May to October when the weather is pleasant and perfect for outdoor activities. During these months, the average temperature ranges around 20 to 30°C, which is ideal for exploring the city on foot. However, one should avoid visiting Sofia in August as it can be hot and humid, and many locals are on vacation.

2. How do I get to Sofia from the airport?

The easiest way to get to Sofia from the airport is by using public transport. The metro system in Sofia is modern, inexpensive, efficient, and convenient. From the airport, you can take the metro line number 1 to the city center, and it takes around 20 minutes. Alternatively, you can also take a taxi, which costs around 20-30 BGN, but make sure you agree on the price before getting into the taxi.

3. What are the must-visit attractions and landmarks in Sofia?

Sofia is a city full of cultural and historical landmarks, beautiful architecture, and unique tourist attractions. Some of the must-visit places in Sofia include:

1. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral: This beautiful cathedral is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Sofia. It is a Bulgarian Orthodox cathedral and a symbol of the city.
2. Sofia’s old town: Explore the ancient ruins and beautiful architecture of the city’s old town. It is home to the beautiful Banya Bashi Mosque, the oldest mosque in the city.
3. National Palace of Culture: This is a beautiful building and a symbol of Sofia. It is an excellent place for concerts, festivals, and cultural events.
4. Vitosha Mountain: This beautiful mountain is located right next to Sofia and is an excellent place for outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and climbing.
5. Rila Monastery: This beautiful monastery is located about two hours from Sofia and is a must-visit attraction. It is a symbol of Bulgarian Orthodoxy and has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

4. What is Bulgarian cuisine, and what dishes should I try in Sofia?

Bulgarian cuisine is a mix of various Balkan, Mediterranean, and Eastern European cuisines. It is a cuisine that uses fresh and locally sourced ingredients and is known for its rich flavors and hearty dishes. Some of the must-try dishes when in Sofia include:

• Banitsa: It is a traditional Bulgarian pastry made with feta cheese, eggs, and filo dough.
• Kavarma: This is a traditional Bulgarian stew made with pork, onions, sweet peppers, and spices.
• Kebapcheta: These are Bulgarian grilled meat rolls made with minced beef or pork, spices, and seasoning.
• Lukanka: It is a delicious Bulgarian cured sausage, with a unique blend of spices and flavors.
• Shopska salad: This is a traditional Bulgarian salad made with fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and peppers, topped with grated cheese and parsley.

5. How safe is Sofia for tourists?

Sofia is a relatively safe city, and tourists should not face any significant security issues as long as they take some basic precautions. It is recommended that you keep your valuable belongings secure and stay aware of your surroundings, especially at night. It is also recommended to avoid any areas that are known for criminal activity or suspicious behavior.

6. What is the local currency in Sofia, and can I use Euros?

The local currency in Sofia is the Bulgarian Lev (BGN), and you can easily change your currency at any bank or exchange office in the city. Euros are widely accepted in most tourist areas, but it is advisable to carry some local currency for small purchases and public transportation.

7. What is the best mode of transportation in Sofia?

The best mode of transportation in Sofia is the metro system, which is fast, efficient, and affordable. Sofia also has an extensive bus and tram network that covers most parts of the city. Taxis are also readily available, but make sure you agree on the price before getting into the taxi. Driving in Sofia is not recommended as the traffic is heavy, and parking can be challenging.

8. What are some popular day trips from Sofia?

Sofia is an excellent base for exploring other parts of Bulgaria, and there are several popular day trips that you can take from the city. Some of the popular day trips include:

• Plovdiv: This is the second largest city in Bulgaria and is known for its ancient Roman Theater, old town, and beautiful Ottoman-era mosques.
• Seven Rila Lakes: This is a beautiful chain of glacial lakes located in the Rila Mountain Range, about two hours from Sofia.
• Boyana Church: This is a medieval Bulgarian Orthodox Church located on the outskirts of Sofia and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Rila Monastery: As previously mentioned, the Rila Monastery is a must-visit attraction and is located about two hours from Sofia.

9. Do locals in Sofia speak English?

English is widely spoken in most parts of Sofia, especially in tourist areas. Most young people in Sofia speak excellent English, and you should be able to communicate comfortably with them. However, if you are planning to explore some of the smaller towns and villages outside Sofia, it is advisable to pick up some basic Bulgarian phrases as English may not be widely spoken there.

10. What is the nightlife like in Sofia?

Sofia has a thriving nightlife scene, and there are plenty of bars, nightclubs, and live music venues to choose from. Most bars and clubs are concentrated around the city center and offer a mix of international and local music, as well as a range of cocktails and beers. It is worth noting that clubs and bars in Sofia can stay open until the early hours of the morning, so you can party well into the night.

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Sofia

If you’re planning to visit Sofia, you’ve made a great choice! Bulgaria’s capital city is a hidden gem of the Balkans, offering a mix of rich history, delicious food, and vibrant nightlife. Whether you’re looking to explore the city’s museums, indulge in Bulgarian cuisine or simply relax, there’s more than enough to keep you occupied in Sofia. In this blog post, we’ll provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to spend your time as a tourist in Sofia.

1. Visit Sofia’s Historical Landmarks

Sofia is a city steeped in history, with a range of landmarks and monuments that reflect its past. Start your tour with the iconic Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, one of the largest Eastern Orthodox churches in the world, which dates back to the early 20th century. Next, head to the ancient Serdica complex, which was once a Roman city, and explore its multi-layered history dating back to the 4th century. Other landmarks you can’t miss are the National Palace of Culture, the Banya Bashi Mosque, and the National Art Gallery.

2. Stroll Through Sofia’s Parks and Gardens

Sofia is one of the greenest capitals in Europe, with plenty of parks and gardens that you can visit to relax and unwind. The most popular among locals and tourists alike is Borisova Gradina Park, a large green space in the heart of the city where you can jog, cycle, and have a picnic. Another favorite spot is City Garden, a smaller but well-manicured park with fountains and monuments.

3. Try Bulgarian Cuisine

Bulgarian cuisine is a mix of Mediterranean and Balkan flavors, featuring plenty of fresh vegetables, herbs, and spices. Some traditional Bulgarian dishes that you must try in Sofia include:

• Banitsa – a pastry stuffed with cheese and eggs, often eaten for breakfast
• Shopska Salad – a refreshing tomato and cucumber salad with Bulgarian cheese
• Kavarma – a hearty casserole with meat, vegetables, and herbs
• Kebapche – grilled meat patties served with fries and tomato salad
• Tarator – a cold soup made with yoghurt, cucumbers, garlic, and dill
• Rakia – a strong, fruit brandy often served as a digestif

4. Explore Sofia’s Street Art Scene

From murals to graffiti, Sofia is home to a booming street art scene that you can explore on foot or by bike. The most famous location to visit is the area around ulitsa “Angel Kanchev” and ulitsa “Tsar Samuil,” where you can find colorful works by both Bulgarian and international artists. Other popular areas include ulitsa “Patriarh Evtimii” and ulitsa “Sofronii Vrachanski.”

5. Relax in Sofia’s Thermal Baths

Sofia is well known for its thermal baths, which were first built by the Romans to take advantage of the city’s mineral-rich waters. One of the most popular thermal baths in Sofia is the Sofia Central Mineral Baths, which have been fully refurbished and restored to their former glory. Another great option is the Vitosha spa, located on the slopes of Mount Vitosha, which offers a range of soothing treatments.

6. Enjoy Sofia’s Nightlife

Sofia’s nightlife has something for everyone, from trendy bars to high-end clubs. If you’re looking for a night out, head to ulitsa “Angel Kanchev” or ulitsa “Rakovski,” where you’ll find plenty of bars and nightclubs that stay open until the early morning hours. Another happening spot is the district of Oborishte, which has a selection of rooftop bars and lounges.

Book Your Tour Now

Sofia is a city that has something for every type of traveler, from those who enjoy history and culture to food lovers and partygoers. In this guide, we’ve provided you with a comprehensive list of things to see and do during your stay in Sofia. Remember to try Bulgarian cuisine, explore the city’s street art scene, and unwind in one of the city’s thermal baths. Don’t forget to wrap up your long day of exploring with a fun night out at one of Sofia’s many bars or nightclubs. Have a great trip!