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About Sofia
Sofia is the largest city in Bulgaria. It is also the second oldest city in Europe with a history dating back 7000 years. Today it’s a dynamic Eastern European Capital distinguished by its unique combination of European and Communist-style architecture, as well as many beautiful Orthodox churches. Sofia has an extensive nightlife scene with many different night clubs, live venues, pubs and restaurants. There are many sights to visit including an impressive Cathedral, museums, galleries, theatres and an opera house. Also, Vitosha Mountain is only 15km away, where you can go skiiing in the winter.
The gay scene in Bulgaria is very different now than what it was 20 years ago. After 45 years of communist rule, being gay was absolutely not tolerated. Nowadays the gay community are accepted and have alot more freedom to express themselves. The older generation are still very conservative, and not so tolerant, but the younger generation are very broad-minded and have embraced this much needed change in attitude. In Sofia especially, there are more and more gay venues being opened all the time. The future here is looking very rosy for the gay and lesbian community.
All hotels and bars listed are gay-friendly, there are no gay restaurants as such. We have listed some of the best ones for you to try.
Sofia Hotels
Residence Oborishte
The Residence hotel is named after the renowned Oborishte Street. This small 4-star even looks gay-friendly with its bright pink walls. Totally different interior very classic in style and sophisticated. You will enjoy staying at this luxury design hotel with all its charm.
63 Oborishte StreetTel No: +359 2 814 48 88
Bulgaria Boutique Hotel
The Bulgaria Boutique Hotel is a gay-friendly 3-star hotel. Located in the heart of Sofia this hotel has a lobby bar. In room massage is available and nearby fitness sauna facilities. The hotel offers pick-up services from/to the airport and station.
50 Pirotska StreetTel No: +359 2 831 0060
Scotty’s Boutique Hotel
Scotty’s Boutique Hotel is located in the heart of the city centre. This 3-star is situated in a newly renovated historic building. All the staff here are gay and the hotel is classed as straight-friendly. You can have your own guests here to stay at no extra cost.
11 Ekzarh Josif StreetTel No: +359 2 983 6777
Budapest Hotel
The 3-star Budapest is a newly built business-orientated hotel. This lovely hotel is gay-friendly and is located in the city centre. Bulgarian International cuisine served in the Restaurant. Lobby bar offer’s a wide range of refreshments, cocktails and snacks.
4 Kozlodui StreetHilton Sofia
The 5-star Hilton Sofia is a gay-friendly hotel with a central location. A luxurious comfortable stay for your business or leisure trip. Enjoy award-winning cuisine at the Seasons Restaurant. Relax and unwind in the Sauna, Steambath, Gym, Solarium Spa and the Indoor Pool.
1 Bulgaria BoulevardTel No: +359 2 933 5000
Hotel Lion
Hotel Lion is a popular 3-star hotel and is gay-friendly. Located only a 5 minute walk to the busy city centre of Sofia. It has 33 spacious rooms with high quality comfortable beds. In-house Pizza-Bar restaurant open daily from 7.30am ’til midnight.
60 Maria Luiza BoulevardTel No: +359 2 917 8400
Sofia Bars / Club
Chillout Cafe
The Chillout Cafe is a very popular gay-friendly cafe-bar. Thursdays are Gay Party Night – then it becomes straight-friendly. The crowd in here are young friendly and open-minded. Plays chill out music in a great chilled out atmosphere.
6 Baba Nedelia StreetTel No: +359 2 953 3504
ID Club
ID Club is a place where your sexual orientation is not judged. Enjoy yourself and relax knowing you are with like minded people. This place is gay-friendly- straight friendly everyone is welcome. Stylish interior 3 bars cosy chairs and great variety of music.
19B Karnigradska StreetTel No: +359 898 200 000
Essence
Essence is a new club with a good atmosphere. Mostly lesbians in here although open minded friends welcome. This place plays different music and has a nice interior. Free entrance – open Wednesday – Saturday from 9pm.
29 Alexander Stamboliysky BoulevardTel No: +359 899 998 666
Exit Club
Exit is a gay-friendly cafe by day and a laid back club by night. A very popular and friendly club with a mixed crowd. Perfect for pre-clubbing all the nightclubs are within 10 minutes. DJ party every evening – cosy atmosphere – attractive prices.
16 Lavele StreetTel No: +359 887 965 026
Vital Bar
Vital is the only gay and lesbian venue opened during the daytime. Serves snacks drinks and coffee during the day. In the evening Vital turns into a low-key bar with good music. Great service with tables outside during the summer months.
5 Alabin StreetTel No: +359 2 987 1967
Adonis
The Adonis is one of the oldest gay bars in the Balkans. Good place with a tiny dancefloor mainly Balkan popfolk music. Frequented by a mainly younger gay male crowd. Ring the bell next to black door and downstairs to basement club.
122 Kniaz Boris I StreetTel No: +359 898 305 932
Sofia Restaurants
Beyond the Alley – Behind the Cupboard
An unusual and quirky restaurant this place has to be on your list. International and Multi-Ethnic cuisine along with Bulgarian wines. Jazz classical or folk music can be heard here. Very friendly staff with a homely cosy atmosphere.
31 Budapeshta StreetTel No: +359 2 983 5545
Kumbare Greek Restaurant
Kumbare meaning ‘Best Man’ is situated in the heart of Sofia. Everything you’d expect from a Greek Restaurant except the views. Try the grilled lamb lobster and tiger prawns with salad its amazing. The Greek music gets you in the mood for the ouzos and retsinas.
14 Suborna StreetTel No: +359 2 981 1794
Pod Lipite
This popular restaurant has a very Medieval feel about it. The menu is traditional Bulgarian cuisine and is delicious. Not all the staff speak English but there is an English menu. Would be wise to book as it gets very busy.
1 Elin Pelin StreetTel No: +359 2 866 5053
Ugo Pizza Restaurant
Ugo is a very good pizza place and very popular with the gay crowd. This is one of 3 in this chain – all of them in the centre of Sofia. 2 floors to accomodate diners as well as a garden. Menu in English and Bulgarian – Open 24 hours every day of week.
Neofit Rilski 68Tel No: +359 2 986 4000
The Red House
The Red House serves a good variety of Bulgarian and European dishes. The servings are huge and the prices are very reasonable. Shashliks are served on a flaming sword very impressive sight! It has a very comfortable and relaxed setting with great service.
6 Boris Hristof StreetTel No: +359 2 971 4963
Hamachi Japanese Restaurant
Excellent Japanese restaurant hidden down a short narrow street. The sushi is the best in Sofia all freshly prepared to order. The menu is complementedby an excellent selection of wines. A Japanese Winter Garden with a unique ambience of Eastern spirit.
3 Orfey StreetLozenets
Tel No: +359 896 717766
Sofia Arts, Culture and Leisure
Sofia Zoo
Sofia Zoo the oldest and largest zoo in Bulgaria opened in 1888.More than 1100 animals representing over 240 different species.Contact Zone where visitors can have direct contact with non-dangerous animals.Open 365 days -summer open til 7pm winter til 5pm.
1 St. Sofia SilverTel No: +359 2 868 2043
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
The Alexander Nevski Cathedral is an impressive landmark in Sofia.Completed in 1912 it’s a memorial to over 200000 soldiers.It ‘s one of the largest Eastern Orthodox Cathedrals in the world.An Icon Museum is located in the crypt with around 300 exhibits.
1 Alexander Nevsky SquareTel No: +359 2 981 5775
National Museum of History
The National History Museum is situated on Sofia’s main ring road.It provides a comprehensive view of Bulgaria from pre-history to the present.The building itself is a fascinating oddity which has a history all of it’s own.Open daily 9am-5.30pm.
16 Vitoshko Lale StreetTel No: +359 2 955 4280
Sofia Tours
See more of the country you’re visiting – priced from £20 to £80.Tours range from 2 hour Panoramic Bus Tours to -11 hour day trips to historic Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanassi.All tours depart from Sofia.
Departing from SofiaTel No: +44 20 7193 8320
Sofia Land Amusement Park
This is one of the largest Amusement Parks in Europe.It is equipped with all sorts of great rides and attractions.If you get bored with the rides there is bowling cinema and a gaming station.Also a number of bars and restaurants on-site.
Nikola Vaptsarov BoulevardTel No: +359 2 969 1111
Banya Maria Louiza Outdoor Pool
This place has 3 large pools – 1 olympic size 1 with a waterslide.Quite a party atmosphere here with the loud music playing.Open daily during the summer from 9am until 9pm.Entrance fee 4 BGN.
Borisova GradinaTel No: +359 2 963 0054
Sofia Adult Entertainment
Gay Tailored Tours (GTT)
GTT specialises in providing companions for travel adventures.Check the website for more information.For companions escorts.Quality reliability and discretion.
Website or TelephoneTel No: +36 205 444 632