Sofia, Bulgaria’s lively capital, offers an unexpectedly rich array of drinking tours that cater to all tastes—whether you’re after a wild party, hidden local pubs, or historical sips paired with craft beers. What makes Sofia stand out is its mix of local flavor and affordable drinks. You can easily find authentic spots where locals hang out, avoiding tourist traps, which makes for a more genuine experience. Among our favorites is the Sofia Pub Crawl Tour of The Hidden Unique Bars, which combines the fun of socializing with discovering Sofia’s secret drinking spots.
This guide covers a variety of tours, from lively pub crawls to specialized craft beer journeys, ideal for different interests and schedules. Whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or looking for a memorable New Year’s celebration, there’s something here for everyone. Below, you’ll find detailed descriptions of each tour, including what makes them unique and who they’d suit best.
1. Sofia Pub Crawl Tour of The Hidden Unique Bars
At number 1 on our list, this Sofia Pub Crawl of Hidden Bars promises an engaging, 4 to 5-hour journey through Sofia’s lesser-known nightlife. It’s perfect for travelers eager to skip the tourist-heavy spots and explore where locals really hang out. Led by an insider guide, you’ll visit five different venues, each offering complimentary wine, beer, or liquor shots.
What sets this tour apart is its emphasis on authentic local nightlife rather than the usual tourist traps. The guides are skilled at sharing Bulgaria’s story—fun history tidbits woven between drinks. The tour doesn’t involve pub games, but instead encourages conversation and relaxed exploration. On weekends, you enjoy free entrance to a dance club, making it ideal for those wanting both drinks and dancing.
Guests consistently praise the tour for its affordable drinks, lively atmosphere, and friendly groups. One reviewer called it “one of the best experiences,” noting the guide Damien made the night special. With a price of just under $24, this tour offers great value for a half-day of fun. It’s perfect for solo travelers, groups, or couples wanting a lively, social evening.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for those wanting to experience Sofia’s real nightlife with a friendly crowd and insider spots.
2. Sofia’s Hidden Bars: 4-Hour Pub Crawl
Second on our list is the Sofia’s Hidden Bars: 4-Hour Pub Crawl. This 4-hour tour is perfect for travelers looking for a shorter, more curated experience of Sofia’s secret drinking spots. Led by a local guide, you’ll explore some of the city’s most unique bars, many of which are off the main tourist trail.
What makes this tour special is the focus on discovering hidden venues that travelers rarely find on their own. You’ll enjoy free beers and wines along the way, plus shots, making it both budget-friendly and fun. The guide, Jan, is praised for his friendliness and interesting stories about Sofia. Guests love how the tour feels intimate yet lively, with a chance to meet travelers from around the world.
The reviews highlight how this tour reveals Sofia’s hidden gems and offers a glimpse into its local bar scene. Since it’s only four hours long, it’s ideal for travelers with limited time who still want a taste of Sofia’s nightlife. Its moderate size and focus on authentic experiences make it a popular pick for adventurous drinkers.
Bottom Line: A perfect, quick introduction to Sofia’s secret bars and a reliable way to meet fellow travelers without overextending your evening.
3. Sofia Party Pub Crawl – Party Tour of Sofia’s Best Bars & Clubs
Next is the Sofia Party Pub Crawl, which offers a 4-hour journey through Sofia’s liveliest nightlife. For just over $17, it provides a great value for those who want a high-energy night out. The tour visits three top bars with free shots at each, then ends at a popular nightclub with free entry.
What makes this tour stand out is its focus on party vibes and Bulgarian drinking games, making it especially fun for younger travelers or those looking to dance into the early hours. The tour starts at the Sofia City Court and moves through some of the city’s most trendy venues, culminating in a nightclub experience.
Guests rave about the good music, lively atmosphere, and friendly guide Alex. It’s ideal for travelers who want a social night with a bit of a party spirit. Since it’s only four hours, it’s suitable for those with limited time but who want to maximize their night out.
Bottom Line: Best for lively groups wanting to experience Sofia’s party scene with plenty of fun and free drinks.
4. Sofia: New Year’s Pub Crawl Tour
If you’re lucky enough to be in Sofia for New Year’s Eve, this New Year’s Pub Crawl is a memorable way to celebrate. It’s a 4-hour event that combines bar hopping with a midnight champagne toast in the main square—an ideal way to ring in the new year with new friends.
The tour includes visits to three bars with welcome drinks and culminates in a festive toast at midnight with a glass of Champagne on the main square. It’s suited for travelers who want a lively, communal celebration, blending local tradition with the excitement of New Year’s.
Since only nine reviews are recorded, it’s a niche experience but one with high ratings for making the night special. The tour is straightforward but offers a great mix of socializing and celebration, perfect for travelers wanting a structured yet festive experience.
Bottom Line: The best choice for travelers celebrating New Year’s in Sofia, looking for a fun, lively, and memorable night.
5. Plovdiv-History and Craft Beer Small Group Tour
Taking a slight detour from Sofia, the Plovdiv-History and Craft Beer Tour offers a full day exploring Bulgaria’s oldest continuously inhabited city. For around $104, you get a comprehensive experience: visiting the Roman Theatre, Old Town, and then going behind the scenes at a top Bulgarian brewery for tastings.
This 10-hour tour is ideal for history buffs and beer aficionados alike. The guide shares insights into Bulgaria’s millennia of history, paired with tastings of some of the country’s best beers. The tour starts with a visit to Plovdiv’s ancient sites, then moves on to Bulgaria’s oldest brewery, where you can sample local brews and learn about brewing traditions.
Guests describe the tour as “fun and informative,” with many appreciating the combination of cultural sightseeing and beer tasting. It’s suited for travelers with a full day to spare, those interested in history, and craft beer lovers willing to explore beyond Sofia.
Potential drawbacks: It’s a long day, and some may find the pace a bit busy. But overall, the value of combining cultural sights and tastings makes it appealing.
Bottom Line: Perfect for history and beer lovers wanting a deep dive into Bulgaria’s past and brewing craft.
6. Sofia Night Out Tour Pub Crawl
Finally, the Sofia Night Out Tour Pub Crawl offers a 2.5-hour exploration of five different bars in Sofia’s city center. It’s a quick, lively way to discover some of the city’s hidden speakeasies and trendy lounges. The tour includes a signature cocktail at one stop and insider tips from your local guide.
Ideal for travelers short on time but eager to experience Sofia’s nightlife scene, this tour emphasizes cozy, intimate venues rather than big clubs. The tour ends at around 11:00 PM, making it suitable for those who want to keep exploring or head to other bars afterward. It’s not suitable for children under 18, but perfect for adults looking for a fun, social evening.
Guests praise the guide’s local knowledge and the chance to see some of Sofia’s less touristy watering holes. It’s best suited for those who enjoy a relaxed pace and want insider tips on Sofia’s best bars.
Bottom Line: A quick, easy way to get a taste of Sofia’s best bars with a friendly group and expert recommendations.
How to Choose the Right Drinking Tour in Sofia
When deciding which Sofia drinking tour fits your style, consider your budget, available time, and interests. For a lively, social evening with lots of chances to dance, the Sofia Pub Crawl Tour of The Hidden Unique Bars ranks highly. If you’re pressed for time but want a curated experience of Sofia’s secret spots, opt for the Hidden Bars Pub Crawl. Budget-conscious travelers will appreciate the Party Pub Crawl, while those celebrating New Year’s might want to choose the NYE Pub Crawl.
For a full-day cultural and beer experience, the Plovdiv Tour offers a deeper dive into Bulgaria’s history and craft brewing. If a quick nightcap is your goal, the Sofia Night Out Tour is perfect.
Booking early is wise, especially for seasonal tours like the New Year’s event. Checking availability and current reviews can help fine-tune your choice.
Final Thoughts
Sofia offers a surprising variety of drinking experiences that go beyond typical tourist bars. Whether you want a lively pub crawl, a secret bar discovery, or a full-day adventure combining history and craft beer, there’s an option for you. For those who enjoy socializing and exploring local nightlife, the Sofia Pub Crawl and Party Tour are particularly fun. Meanwhile, history lovers will appreciate the Plovdiv trip, especially if they’re keen to mix culture with craft beer.
No matter which tour you choose, it’s worth booking ahead—Sofia’s nightlife is popular and these experiences fill up quickly. Get ready to enjoy Bulgaria’s capital from a lively, authentic perspective—you won’t regret it.