Sofia nightlife: Bulgaria has established itself in recent years as a summer destination for young people looking for nightlife, thanks to the resorts of Sunny Beach, Varna and Golden Sands, on the Black Sea. But also the nightlife of Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, hides real pearls and guarantees a lot of fun! Here are the best clubs in Sofia.
Sofia nightlife
Sofia is certainly one of the cheapest cities in Europe and its nightlife makes it the perfect destination for a low-cost weekend : in Sofia you can have fun with little and meet beautiful Bulgarian girls in the various clubs scattered around the center, open every day of the week.
Sofia is in fact a young and active city, and Bulgarians love unbridled fun. Usually the nightlife in Sofia starts quite late: the meeting takes place early, immediately after dinner, in some cafes or in some pubs to start the evening, but the real party does not start before midnight, and ends in late dawn!
To reach the various clubs in Sofia , the recommended way is by taxi: they are very cheap and allow you to move quickly from one point to another in the city. Sofia's public transport stops running from 01.00 to 5.00, so at night a taxi is the only possible solution: although Sofia is a relatively safe city, we don't recommend walking alone in the middle of the night.
In Sofia there are clubs and bars for all tastes and a musical offer that really covers the most disparate genres: from traditional Bulgarian music to hardcore, punk, reggae, electronic, or metal. If you want to try the musical tradition of Sofia we recommend that you visit a club or bar where Chalga music : chalga music is a fashion genre in Bulgaria and the Balkans, which incorporates European house rhythms mixed with Balkan and Gypsy rhythms, with Arab and Turkish influences - a true mix of musical cultures.
Sofia's nightlife is surprising because the city literally comes to life at night, all in the name of unbridled fun and excess. Thanks to the fact that there are few authorization laws, the city is full of places open all hours of the day and night and the bars can serve alcohol at any time: it is always possible to find a place to party!
The largest concentration of bars and nightclubs in Sofia is located at Bulevard Vitosha and Ulitsa Rakovski . Entry to these clubs is generally free or at most around ten euros in the most elegant and trendy clubs in Sofia . The drinks are also cheap: taste Bulgarian beers and local wines in the typical wine bars and taverns.
In addition to the city center, nightlife is also alive in the student district, Studentski Grad , the area where Sofia's 16 universities are located. Here, in the midst of anonymous Soviet-style buildings, some of the biggest clubs in Sofia , frequented by many young people.
If you are planning a weekend in Sofia in mid-September, be sure not to miss the appointment with the SeeMe Festival , a marathon of concerts and conferences related to music, which has established itself in recent years as one of the most important musical events in Eastern Europe. .
Below is an in-depth guide to the best clubs in Sofia , where to dance and drink in the Bulgarian capital!
Clubs and discos in Sofia
Briliantin Club 
(ul. Moskovska 3, Sofia) Open every day from 22.00 to 5.00.
Briliantin one of the most famous clubs in sofia . It is a small place and always very crowded, so if you want to sit at the table, you should book in advance. Inside there are plenty of lounges with comfortable sofas, high tables, huge plasma screens, glittering balls hanging from the ceiling and two large bars to enjoy something from the vast choice of drinks and cocktails on offer. Themed parties are often organized here with the best Bulgarian djs and pop stars as guests.
Club Chervilo
(bul. Tsar Osvoboditel 9, Sofia) Chervilo is a club in Sofia , where the most important Bulgarian and foreign DJs work. The club has three dance floors where the party continues until 5am. Dress well.
Yalta Club
(bul. Tsar Osvoboditel 20, Sofia) Open Monday to Thursday from 9.00 to 19.00, Friday from 09.00 to 19.00 and from 23.00 to 06.00, Saturdays from 23.00 to 6.00.
Yalta is the oldest nightclub in the city and one of the best in Sofia . Ranked by DJ Mag as one of the 100 best clubs in the world and renovated in 2005, it hosts internationally renowned DJs every weekend. Yalta is a modern and original Bulgarian club, and it was one of the first clubs to open in Bulgaria. Opened in 1959 during communism, the club has endured to the present day, becoming the first place in Bulgaria where electronic music was played and the first Bulgarian club with foreign DJs. Among the famous DJs who have succeeded at the console we find names like Victor Calderon, Rojer Sanchez, Timo Maas, Paul Oakenfold and Hernan Cataneo.
Sin City
(61 Hristo Botev Blvd., Sofia) Open Tuesday to Saturday from 10.30pm to 6.30am.
The largest nightclub in the Balkans, Sin City is well known for the sheer size of the venue and the variety of entertainment on offer. Open seven days a week, Sin City is one of Sofia's favorite clubs for foreigners and rich people. Until a few years ago, Sin City was best known for "chalga", but today all kinds of music are offered, depending on the night. Sin City has an excellent sound and lighting system, has a great location in an impressive building in the center of Sofia . The entrance has affordable prices and inside there are several rooms where different musical genres are offered.
Cosmo Club
(Pozitano str. 8, Sofia) Open Wednesday to Sunday from 11.00pm to 7.00am.
Located opposite the Sheraton hotel , the Cosmo Club offers dance, house and techno music. Friday and Saturday nights promise to attract some of the best DJs from Bulgaria and around the world.
Culture Beat Club
(NDK, 1 Bulgaria Square, Sofia) Always open.
Culture Beat the same time, as well as a good place to grab a delicious bite. The club is located in the NDK ( National Culture Palace ) in the heart of Sofia. The interior is a mix of different styles that exude a sense of closeness and warmth, and there is also a spacious terrace with great views of the city and Vitosha Mountain. The place attracts many young people, including many artists and musicians. The musical offer ranges from electronic music, to house and techno music, but there are also themed evenings dedicated to jazz, R'n'B and Indian music.
Retro Club Gramophone
(ul. Budapeshta 6, Sofia) Open Thursday to Saturday from 22.00 to 6.00.
The Retro Club Gramophone has recently been refurbished. Now inside, in a dark and retro style with large angel wings on the walls and dramatic lighting, it hosts the best DJs of the moment who play mainly dance music. The Gramophone club is open from 10pm but the club starts to get crowded after midnight.
Sofia Live Club
(NDK, 1 Bulgaria Square, Sofia) Open Wednesday to Saturday from 21.00 to 5.00.
The Sofia Live Club , located in the underpass near the fountains of the National Palace of Culture (NDK), with 270 seats, is a large club that has become a symbol in Sofia's nightlife and a favorite place for live music lovers. Not only Bulgarian talents are hosted here, but also guests from all over the world. Recommended place for music lovers and those who appreciate jazz and world-class musicians. Sofia Live Club holds shows of all genres, from rock to pop and from alternative music to world music. The club's founders have the ambition to make it the largest live music club in Bulgaria. Admission costs from 10 to 30 BLV (about 5-15 euros).
Swingin 'Hall
(bul. Dragan Tsankov 8, Sofia) Open Wednesday and Thursday from 21.30 to 2.00, Friday and Saturday from 22.00 to 4.00.
If you want to taste Sofia's underground music scene, you must come to Swingin 'Hall . With a very down-to-earth vibe, red walls, low exposed brick ceilings, this bar brings together a line-up of local and international artists playing jazz, rock and pop music. It is popular with purists for its live music and especially its Sunday jam sessions, which are a real local legend.
Tequila Club
(Narodno Sabranie 4, Sofia) Tequila is certainly one of the most prestigious clubs in Sofia . Always busy and well attended, the club regularly hosts some of the best Bulgarian and international DJs. We advise you to book a table if you really want to enjoy the party: usually the club starts and gets full after midnight, but if you have a reserved table you can also arrive around 11.30pm. Great events and parties every night, especially from Wednesday to Saturday.
Club Alcohol
(pl. Petko R. Slaveykov 4, Sofia) Alcohol is another of the best clubs in Sofia where you can dance until dawn. The music here ranges from various genres, from house, hip hop, disco, rock and retro, but if you are looking for traditional Bulgarian folk music (la chalga ) then this place is not for you. The entrance ticket costs 5 lev: on holidays or if there is a special holiday, the entrance may be more expensive.
Maymunarnika
(Borisova gradina, Sofia) Maymunarnika (the Monkeyhouse) is a little different than other clubs as it is quite a popular entertainment venue located in Sofia's largest park, Borisova Garden . The Maymunarnika only works during the summer and attracts young people aged 20 to 30. The place is extremely spartan and simple, and consists of a huge bar, a stage and some makeshift seating scattered under the trees. The place has a long history of parties and concerts, which are still very popular with young people in Sofia today. Maymunarnika boasts an intense live music program that caters for different tastes and preferences. This is a great place to have cheap beer and listen to some Bulgarian band music. It is located in a fairly central area and close to the main public transport hubs, including Orlov Most (the Bridge of the Eagles) and the Vasil Levski Stadium , and is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Studio 5 Music Club
(Sq. Bulgaria 1, Ndk, Sofia) Studio 5 Music Club is an exclusive club located in the heart of Sofia, inside the National Palace of Culture (entrance A3). Here, many artists and musicians of different genres follow one another, as well as theater and dance performances, classical and jazz music concerts, as well as promotional events. The Club is open every day: from 11.00 to 19.00 Studio 5 is a relaxed and welcoming environment where you can watch a filmed concert, meet with friends or work colleagues or simply sit and enjoy a good drink and soft music in the background. Theater, dance and concerts start at 7pm, while the real party kicks off at 10pm with live music concerts.
Joy Station
(ulitsa Akademik Stefan Mladenov 3, Sofia) Open from 0.00 to 14.00.
Joy Station is one of the largest recently opened entertainment centers in Sofia. This ultra modern club is located in the liveliest part of Sofia, Studentski grad , and offers ample space for dancing and partying, incredible sound and lighting systems, a large stage and the largest bowling alley in Bulgaria. There are pool tables and a cozy restaurant called MyChoice Grill , which serves delicious food in a pleasant atmosphere. The “winter gardens” allow visitors to relax and enjoy the greenery and open spaces, even if the snowstorm rages outside. The best attraction, however, is the club inside. Some of the biggest names in Bulgarian and international pop and rock have already played here and will be guests in the future. Joy Station is certainly one of the trendiest nightclubs in the capital.
Plazza Dance Club
(Atanas Manchev str. 6, Sofia) Open every day from 11.00pm to 6.00am.
Plazza Dance Club chain of discos boasts excellent clubs to dance in Sofia, Varna, Burgas and Silistra. The Plazza Club is located in Studentski Grad and offers mainly folk music and disco music, mainly pop. There are 2 dance halls, respectively, the largest with pop-folk music, live shows and parties with DJs, while in the smaller one you can dance disco music. Thanks to its location ( Studentski Grad is where most universities have their locations so the concentration of university students and young people is very high), the working hours (open all week from 11:00 until 5 morning), good music and great drinks, the Plazza has become one of the most popular entertainment venues outside the center of Sofia.
Mixtape 5
(bul. Bulgaria 1, “Gallery” underpass, Sofia) The Mixtape 5 is a relatively new club, very spacious (the largest room has a capacity of 800 people), with minimalist interior designs and one of the best sound systems in Sofia. The place is spread over 2 levels: on the first level there is the dance floor with various raised platforms around where the DJ booth stands out in the center, ensuring plenty of space to dance and move. Most of the events are free or at very reasonable prices.
Sugar Club
(ul. Knyaz Boris I 121, Sofia) Open Thursday to Saturday from 22.00 to 5.00.
The Sugar Club is a nightclub located in the center of Sofia, with musical trends ranging towards R&B, hip-hop, jazz, funk, disco and Brazilian music. On Thursday nights, the Sugar Club plays a mix of funk, Brazilian electro and Latin music, while every Friday and Saturday there is the “Bounce Party” , with the latest hip-hop and R&B hits. It is also possible to rent the disco for private parties.
Rock'n'Rolla Bar & Club
(Graf Ignatiev 1, Sofia) Open every day from 20.00 to 6.00.
largest (and only) rock'n'roll club , located in the heart of the city, on one of the busiest shopping streets ( Graf Ignatiev ). The club is equipped with a sound system, 8 huge plasma screens and a karaoke room. The right place to see a rock concert, a game, or just sit back and relax to the sound of rock'n'roll music with a bottle of beer and a bowl of popcorn (popcorn comes for free!). Rock'nrolla offers a simple and moderately priced menu, discounts and promotions and some good unconventional DJ parties.
The Cotton Club
(Akademik Boris Stefanov Str., Sofia) Open every day from 22.00 to 7.00.
Dark blue, black and gold: these are the colors that dominate inside the sumptuous The Cotton Club , in which the luxurious and elegant environment mixes with functional style and comfort. The Club is located in the liveliest part of Sofia, Studentski Grad , in the complex called Zimen Dvorets (Winter Sports Palace), and is easily accessible both by public transport and by taxi. The good location and pleasant environment are accompanied by excellent service, quality guests, wild parties, along with numerous promotions, discounts and sweepstakes to please the most demanding customers. Definitely one of the must-see places in Sofia's nightlife .
Bedroom Club Sofia
(ul. Lege 2, Sofia) Open Monday to Saturday from 10.30pm to 6.00am.
Bedroom Sofia is an elegant nightclub located in the center of Sofia, just behind the Parliament building . The club features modern and functional furniture and a high quality sound and lighting system. Its stunning location, versatile program, high quality drinks and excellent service have made it a popular entertainment venue among party and social life lovers, including various local celebrities. This nightclub is frequented by the most beautiful girls in Sofia . Dress well, the shirt is a must: if you come to Sofia you must not miss a trip to this beautiful club!
PM Club Sofia
(ul. General Yosif V. Gourko 4, Sofia) Open every day from 10.00 to 6.00.
The PM club , located a short distance from the Bedroom Club , is another elegant in Sofia , frequented mainly by people aged 30 and over. Make sure you have booked a table before coming here, otherwise you risk being left standing. A club where to see and be seen, rather than to dance. Entrance 10 levy, as for most of the clubs in Sofia .
Camino disco bar
(ul. Neofit Rilski 70, Sofia) Open Monday to Saturday from 10.30pm to 5.00am.
Camino disco bar is undoubtedly one of the best places in Sofia to have fun . It is not easy to enter, as it is very difficult to find a table - make sure you have booked a table in advance before going here. The interior is decorated with images of famous musicians upholstered all over the walls (over 250 portraits, made especially for the club) and musical instruments. Cohiba cigars can be smoked here, and live music spans various genres, including Russian, Bulgarian, retro, rock and jazz music. Dress well and get ready to spend!
Planet Club Sofia
(bulevard Bulgaria 1, Sofia) Open every day from 10.00 to 2.00, from Thursday to Saturday from 10.00 to 6.00.
Club Planet is a Sofia nightclub with disco, house and chill оut music. The specialty of the place are the 70 different types of cocktails and the 138 types of whiskey that can be ordered.
Jim Beam Club
(Ul. Atanas Manchev 3, Sofia) Jim Beam Club is a nightclub located in the student district of Sofia . The club mainly offers Hip Hop music and is popular with local students and young people. The peculiarity of the place are the waitresses who often improvise themselves as cubists.
Bars and pubs in Sofia
Il Mondo Bar
(ul. Lege 15, Sofia) Open every day from 9.00 to 5.00.
Bar during the day, disco-pub at night. R'n'b and commercial music, combined with excellent drinks (try flambè absinthe!) Make this bar a great alternative to Sofia's nightclubs . Free entry. Always full on weekends.
Bar Me
(Monument to the Tsar Liberator, pl. “Narodno sabranie”, Sofia) Open every day from 10.00 to 3.00.
Bar "Me" is a small bar located in the heart of Sofia that prepares excellent cocktails. The bar has a mix of 1920s and 1950s style interiors and a nice view of the Russian Church and one of Sofia's famous boulevards. It is normally the place to have a drink before going to dance, but sometimes unexpected parties are organized with good music and cool people. During the summer you can enjoy your coffee or cocktail on the terrace. Behind the scenes offers the perfect intimacy for a romantic date.
One More Bar
(Ulitsa Tsar Shishman 12, Sofia) Open every day from 8.30am to 2.30am.
One More Bar is one of the coolest places in Sofia that locals love to hang out with. This is great for any time of day - whether you want to have tea in the morning, grab a bite for lunch, a glass of wine while listening to good music or just enjoy a great cocktail in the evening, this is the place for you. This is not a cheap but a quality bar: on weekend evenings try to arrive before 9.30pm in order to find a seat. A must try the Bloody Mary !
Sense Hotel Rooftop Bar
(boulevard Tzar Osvoboditel 16, Sofia) Open every day from 10.00 to 2.00.
The Sense Hotel Rooftop Bar is located on the ninth floor of the hotel and from here you can enjoy a unique view over the city of Sofia. Smoking is allowed in the bar so if you are a non-smoker you may find it annoying. In addition to the excellent view, the Sense Rooftop Bar has a wide choice of wines and cocktails, both hot and cold, from classic to more particular ones (we recommend the "hot cocktails" ).
Casa De Cuba
(ul. Dimitar Hadzhikotsev 1, Sofia) Open every day from 8.00 to 1.30.
If you prefer rum over typical rakia (fruit brandy), Casa De Cuba is the place for you. With a live band, great cocktails and a good assortment of shots, Casa de Cuba is a great place to spend a few hours in the evening. Excellent attendance, there are also several theme nights.
Hambara
(ul. 6-ti septemvri 22, Sofia) Bar located in a narrow and poorly signposted street: many argue that half the fun of Hambara lies in finding it. Paradise for musicians, artists and bohemians, the Hamburgara is a kind of crypt, lit only by candlelight. Inside, a welcoming and smoky atmosphere. Definitely a very special bar to visit.
Sofia Nightlife: Pub Crawl in Sofia
The New Sofia Pub Crawl
(Park Crystal, Sofia) Every day from 21.00 to 1.00.
The New Sofia Pub Crawl is a guided tour through Sofia's hidden and unique bars. Taking part in the pub crawl is a great way to meet other tourists from all over the world and spend a nice international evening, drinking with friends. The tour costs Lv 20 and includes some free drinks at most places.
Meeting point: Krystal Garden
Departure time: 21.00
No reservation required, just show up at the meeting point!
