See the names bellow, Sofia

Nightlife

Despite economic hardship and high unemployment, Sofians love to go out and party. Day and night, the countless bars and cafés throughout the city are heaving, a fact that never fails to amaze foreign visitors. Unfortunately, the public transport system shuts down completely from 0100-0500. However, to illustrate just how night-orientated the city is, it is worth noting that a number of restaurants work 24 hours, the best ones in the centre being La Gondola at 16 Vitosha Boulevard, Europe at 35 Alabin Ulica and Breza at 45 Nikola Petrov Ulica. There are also several 24-hour shops.

The biggest concentration of bars and cafés lies to either side of Vitosha Boulevard. Irish pubs have hit Bulgaria and, as always, pull a mixed clientele of locals and ex-pats. Bars are busy until midnight after which people move on to nightclubs, which are fairly dispersed through out town. Heavily frowned upon during Communist times, homosexuality is gradually becoming tolerated and it is now quite cool to be gay. Check the English-language weekly Sofia Echo (website: www.sofiaecho.com) and the monthly Sofia City Info Guide for 'what's on'.

The absence of licensing laws means that drinking is possible at all hours. Most bars and cafés stay open until midnight. While locally produced wine and rakiya are excellent and reasonably priced, it is currently fashionable to drink imported beers and spirits, which tend to be expensive. Cigarettes are cheap (tobacco is one of Bulgaria's main exports), so don't expect smoke-free bars. Nightclub admission is cheap, on average Lv3. Sofians are open-minded when it comes to dress sense, although some clubs only allow admission once a glamorous woman (with two big bouncers behind her) has checked you out.

Bars: Black Label in the Military Club at 8 Tsar Osvoboditel Boulevard is a classy low-lit bar with a stunning choice of whiskies and bourbons, open until 0500. Café-bar 703 at 24 Tsar Shishman Ulica, is a cosy mellow bar, attracting young professionals. J J Murphy's, 6 Karnigradska Ulica, one block west of Vitosha Boulevard, is a busy Irish pub serving good food, popular with Bulgarians and ex-pats alike. Beer Hall Schweik, 1A Vitosha Boulevard, is a pseudo-Czech beer hall serving imported beers and food.

Casinos: Casino Princess, in the Hotel Princess at 31 Maria Louisa Boulevard, claims to be Bulgaria's biggest casino. The luxurious International Casino Club Sofia is situated within the Sheraton Hotel at 5 Ploshtad Sveta Nedelya. Both require a passport for entry (minimum age 18 years) but do not operate a dress code.

Clubs: Sofia's clubs play music ranging from techno to jazz, rock to salsa. Chervilo, in the Military Club at 8 Tsar Osvoboditel Boulevard, is smart and 'in'. The candle-lit bar, open throughout the week, offers a mildly sleazy atmosphere with dark wooden furniture and red velvet upholstery. The disco opens Wednesday (Latino night - salsa lessons and sangria), Friday and Saturday (techno). Spartakus, in the underpass in front of Sofia University, between Vassil Levski Boulevard and Tsar Osvoboditel Boulevard, started out as the city's first gay club. It now attracts a mixed, young and trendy clientele. Swinging Hall at 8 Dragan Tsankov Boulevard, close to the Vassil Levski Stadium, is popular with visitors. There are live rock and pop concerts and imported drinks at western prices. Escape, 1 Angel Kanchev Ulica, occupies three floors, with different music on each level.

Live music: For a true Balkan experience, spend the evening at a restaurant with live Bulgarian folk music. The best are Chevermeto at 106 Maria Lousi Boulevard; Boyansko Hanche at 1962 Boyana Residential Area, Sorishte; and Vodenitzata, set in an old mill in the Dragalevtzi district, close to the chairlift. All three are done out in typical rustic folksy style.

Jazz lovers should visit Bourbon Street, 114 Vassil Levski Boulevard, where live jazz, blues and rock'n'roll concerts are hosted. Backstage, at 100 Vassil Levski Boulevard, offers a range of live music each night of the week.

By Columbus World City Guide

Sofia Hotels

See the names bellow, Sofia

Visiting Sofia?

Visiting Sofia?

Sofia Hotels