Sofia Entertainment

  1. Avenue

    One of the more popular student joints, Avenue plays both Western songs and Bulgarian chalga (folk pop) music.

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  2. Buddha Bar

    Very hip, very trendy and very crowded, this Buddha-bedecked drinking spot also serves food, and has a nightly disco from around .

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  3. Bulgaria Hall

    The home of the excellent Sofia Philharmonic Orchestra, this is the place to come for classical music concerts.

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  4. Chervilo

    The live music, guest DJs and themed party nights at 'Lipstick' draw in Sofia's young and fashionable set at night, and it also has a pleasant terrace for sitting out with a drink or two.

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  5. Cinema City

    Modern, multiscreen cinema on the top floor of the Mall of Sofia, showing the latest Hollywood releases.

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  6. Cineplex

    A state-of-the art multiscreen cinema inside the City Center Sofia mall, showing the latest Hollywood releases.

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  7. Dom Na Kinoto

    Mainly shows Bulgarian-language and art-house films.

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  8. Dublin

    An Irish pub frequented by expats knocking back overpriced imported beers and stouts.

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  9. Exit

    This modern and fashionable bar/diner is a popular gay venue, with a DJ party every evening.

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  10. Irish Harp

    Irish Harp offers live music and satellite TV showing international football matches.

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  12. Ivan Vazov National Theatre

    The National Theatre Company stages dramatic performances in this grand old building.

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  13. JJ Murphy's

    An Irish pub frequented by expats knocking back overpriced imported beers and stouts.

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  14. National Opera House

    Bulgaria's best divas strut the boards here and artists from around the world often perform in the well-staged productions.

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  15. National Palace of Culture (NDK)

    The NDK (as it's usually called) has 15 halls and is easily the country's largest cultural complex. It maintains a regular programme of events in summer (when most other theatres in Sofia are closed) and offers an eclectic range of shows throughout the year (recently featured artists have included George Michael and Chuck Berry).

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  16. Odeon

    Odeon snubs modernity by only showing classic old movies, which run for months at a time.

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  17. Pri Kmeta

    Pri Kmeta 'At the Mayor's' is a convivial microbrewery serving its own 'Kmetsko' beer, which is available in litre and, for the very thirsty, metre-length measures. There are seats at ground level, but the cellar beer hall, with its gleaming copper vats, is more atmospheric, and hosts regular live music events.

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  18. Red House

    Occupying a unique, early-20th-century mansion, this avant-garde institution hosts everything from political and cultural debates (in various languages) to poetry readings and dance performances. Many events are free; check the website for the current programme. There's also a hotel here.

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  19. Social Jazz Club

    The place to go to catch some quality live jazz, with a programme of leading international acts.

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  20. Swingin' Hall

    Huge club offering an eclectic programme of live music each night, ranging from jazz and blues to rock and folk pop.

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  21. Upstairs

    Join the 'in-crowd' on the 1st-floor terrace stools of Upstairs and look down on the shoppers and trams of bul Vitosha over a cocktail or two, or lounge on the sofas inside. It's all good.

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