What is There to do in Sofia on a Night Out?

Sofia is Bulgaria’s bustling capital and an increasingly popular destination in the Balkans, thanks to its combination of natural beauty, vibrant nightlife and wealth of cultural attractions. For visitors looking to experience the best of the city’s nightlife, there is no shortage of fantastic restaurants, bars and clubs to explore. From laidback pubs to upmarket nightclubs and everything in between, Sofia has something to offer everyone.

What Kind of Nightlife Can You Find In Sofia?

Sofia’s nightlife is split between a few main neighbourhoods. City Centre is home to upmarket nightclubs and upscale bars, making it popular with young professionals and the affluent Set. Vitoshka – Sofia’s fashionable student quarter – is a favourite of university students, with smoky bars and laidback live music venues. Further afield in the neighbourhood of Boyana, locals come to enjoy traditional Bulgarian food and drinks. The cobblestoned streets around the Central Railway Station cater for night owls with some of the city’s best late-night bars.

Best Things To Do in Sofia on a Night Out

• Cocktail Bar Tour: Sample some of the city’s far-reaching cocktail culture at The Alchemist, considered one of the finest bars in Sofia. The best way to explore the area’s abundance of cocktails is on a guided tour of some of its best cocktail bars. Guided by an experienced bartender you’ll be able to appreciate the unique tastes of each bar and create a customised experience.

• Pub Crawl: If you’re looking for a more high-octane way to take in some of the city’s more laidback venues then why not take part in a pub crawl which will take you around some of Sofia’s most popular pubs and bars. You can meet like-minded people who want try some of Sofia’s best drinks and soak up the atmosphere of some great local establishments.

• Music Venue Tour: From traditional Bulgarian folk music to some world class global DJs, there is no shortage of music venues offering something for every taste. Check out some of Sofia most popular music venues, from classical recitals at the National Palace Of Culture to underground club nights at Studio 8 and smoky live music sites such as the Jukebox Rock Bar.

• Party Tour: Take your nightlife experience one step further with one of Sofia’s many party tours. Get out and explore the city’s vibrant club scene with a guided tour that shows you all the hotspots and highlights the unique atmosphere found only in the city centre. A favourite for first-timers, party tours are perfect for those looking for an unforgettable night out.

• Visit A Museum: Not just for day trips, many of Sofia’s museums hold evening events too with cultural performances and even overnight sleepovers in some museums. Explore famed visual arts centres, such as Sofia City Art Gallery, or visit a cultural exhibition or concert such as those held at The Skull Cellar.

Best Bars in Sofia

The Alchemist

The Alchemist offers a unique drinking experience with its avant-garde Cocktail Bar & Apothecary. As one of the most well-known and respected drinking establishments in Sofia, it offers a full range of classic and innovative new drinks, as well as a selection delicious tapas dishes. The Alchemist is known for its stylish décor and cosy atmosphere as much as it is for its cocktails.

Hadjidraganovite Kashti

Hadjidraganovite Kashti (The Hadjidraganov House), located near Vitosha Boulevard and Central Park, is a beloved spot among locals who appreciate the traditional Bulgarian ambience it offers. This bar has several floors featuring Bulgarian beers and wines as well as traditional bites such as kebabche (a type of grilled minced meat) accompanied by tasty accompaniments like pickles, onions and homemade French fries.

Tabiet

Located right off Vitosha Boulevard, Tabiet is a Vietnamese eatery with a bar inside its premises where guests can mingle after their meal or visit as a stand-alone bar located on the top floor. The bar also serves wonderful drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, giving you a truly international experience while staying in Bulgaria’s capital.

Skull Cellar

Housed inside the walls of an 18th century Russian embassy, Skull Cellar combines art, culture and music under one roof in an atmosphere that cannot be found anywhere else in Sofia. Featuring both indoor and outdoor seating areas, you can enjoy intimate gigs from talented musicians, artworks from international artists or simply sit down for a nightcap with reasonable priced beers.

Chick Lounge

The Chick Chill Bar & Lounge is located right in the centre of Sofia’s Old Town and has earned its place amongst one of the city’s most popular hotspots. With smoke sweetening up its interior, there are many options like beers on tap or other cool drinks. The layout includes couches where you can enjoy your evening over board games brought from home or ones provided by the venue itself – it’s definitely worth a visit!

Getting There

Mealtime transportation can be an issue when visiting any foreign city–especially when it comes to getting around at night. Fortunately, Sofia boasts an efficient public transport system with buses running 24/7 across most neighbourhoods in the city. Several taxi companies are also available for visitors who prefer this option over public transport – though visitors should ensure that their taxi is licensed with one of the major taxi companies before setting off to avoid being charged excessively or taken advantage of by unlicensed drivers or unreliable services.

Concluding Thoughts

There are plenty of excellent places to go out and enjoy yourself whilst in Sofia – from quirky cocktail bars to relaxed pubs and enthusiastic nightclubs; finding something that suits your particular needs should not be too difficult at all. To make sure you get the best out of your time there why not try out an experience such as a Sofia Pub Crawl Party Tour OfBest Bars and Clubs, run by locals who know the city hotspots like their back pocket – it’s sure to make your stay even more memorable!