Plovdiv
A bastion of bohemia, this damp, bare-bones but always interesting spot hosts rock and indie bands, themed nights and plenty of drunken, late-night…
Must-see nightlife in Bulgaria
Plovdiv
Gelato flavours, from cookie to lemon, as well as dainty patisserie, custard puddings and smooth coffee seduce passers-by at this exceptional Italian…
Ruse
Describing itself as a 'Scottish pub', Admiral is a big, lively place with a traditional pub, smarter piano bar and a summer garden where food is also…
Bulgaria
Settle in beneath red lamps at a bar decorated with woodcarvings (this is Tryavna, after all) and sample cocktails with the town's hip crowd.
Sofia
Centrally located ID is a late-night dance club that draws a mix of gay and straight clientele for dancing, various theme nights and cabaret.
Sofia
This sociable, vaguely Indian-themed teahouse has a lengthy (Bulgarian-only) menu of black and green teas, served in pretty little teapots. Light…
Sofia
Join the ‘in-crowd’ for cocktails on the 1st-floor terrace stools and look down on the shoppers along bul Vitosha, or lounge on the sofas inside.
Plovdiv
You can try to resist the chintz, but most revellers in Kapana (especially students and expats) are eventually hoovered into the '90s-pop whirlwind here…
Bulgaria
Sip a drink beneath wooden awnings to the rushing sounds of the river at this nicely located cafe-restaurant, behind the folk museum and overlooking the…
Plovdiv
Alt-rock, jazz, funk and electronica dominate the eclectic menu at Petnoto na Rorschach, beloved among Plovdiv's 20-somethings for its free-spirited…
Sofia
The local Starbucks knock-off has excellent coffee and morning snacks, including croissants, plus a convivial sidewalk terrace that's a nice place to sit,…
Veliko Târnovo
Retreat from the bustle of the city's main drag into this calming cafe, where satiny chairs and distressed furnishings evoke a salon feel. Hot drinks and…
Veliko Târnovo
Few discerning travellers would admit to lounging in a British-style pub while in Bulgaria (especially not the Brits themselves). But City Pub's pop-rock…
Sofia
This popular, upscale venue – the name translates as ‘Lipstick’ – is situated in Sofia's Military Club. The guest DJs, themed party nights and live acts…
Veliko Târnovo
A dubious arrangement of totem poles and tribal masks does its best to detract from the enjoyment of this cafe-bar. Otherwise, Geronimo's interior is an…
Burgas
Pleasant wine and beer bar, located on the side of one the city's main squares. Wide selection of draught beers, including reputedly the only place in…
Plovdiv
Hard rock and metal set this bar vibrating – when the football's not on, that is. It's only Download's pre-midnight closing time that doesn't feel rock 'n…
Bulgaria
Enjoy freshly pressed juices, cocktails (6 lv) and loud chalga (Bulgarian folk-pop) music? This easy-going cafe-bar, just off the pedestrianised part of…
Plovdiv
Refreshing drinks with fruit syrups, soda water and ice cream are served in mason jars at this slick cafe, but you're really paying for the view: tables…
Bulgaria
Shumen's most popular club nights unfold inside this cavernous disco, which has more than a decade's worth of late nights under its belt. Check its…
Bulgaria
Watch the world drift by from this colourful cafe on Sliven's pedestrianised shopping street, whether it's between sips of a coffee crowned with whipped…
Plovdiv & Southern Mountains
Sleepy Smolyan’s best bar has plump sofas and remnants of traditional stone walls, creating a casual atmosphere to drink and dine. There are occasional…
Bulgaria
During the day, languish on the outdoor floral sofas, cappuccino in hand; at night, grab a neon-coloured cocktail during one of Opium's themed nights or…
Veliko Târnovo
Overlooking the main street, and around the corner from Samovodska Charshiya, Tequila Bar is a festively painted, as-fun-as-you'd-expect student bar with…
Plovdiv
A cafe-diner by day – serving burgers, salads and mixed European cuisine – Avenue slips into its spikiest high heels by night for DJ sets, house and retro…
Varna
This popular cocktail bar by the beach keeps late hours. Find it about midway in Primorski Park, around where bul Tsar Osvoboditel would cross if it…
Plovdiv & Southern Mountains
The loosely Paris-themed cafe attached to Edelweiss Guesthouse is an agreeable spot to pause for an espresso, and there are well-kept rooms available…
Black Sea Coast
Another typically brash Sunny Beach nightspot playing dance, soul and '80s hits. Located in the northern quarter of Sunny Beach between the main road and…
Sofia
No need to queue at the bar at this convivial beer hall – the tables have their own beer taps. Food is also served, and there's live music on Fridays and…
Sofia
Very hip, very trendy and very crowded, this buzzing drink spot also offers narghile (water pipes) and serves food. Nightly dance music and DJs start…
Black Sea Coast
Toward the northern end of the beach, just across from the Hotel International, PR plays different music each night. It also attracts international DJs.
Ruse
This trendy little coffee bar with comfy sofas inside and seating outside is always busy. It also serves cocktails and light meals.
Plovdiv & Southern Mountains
This cordial cafe, where tables spill onto the pavement, is an acceptable spot to linger over coffee and find a wi-fi signal.
Plovdiv
A hip – but not painfully so – spot in a wonderfully ramshackle building with chill-out music and occasional live acts.
Pirin Mountains
This stylish after-hours club features karaoke, occasional live rock or jazz bands, and a bubbly crowd of 20-somethings.
Bulgaria
This sharp cafe-bar has two interior (for winter) floors and more atmospheric outdoor terraces with canopied tables during warmer times of the year. There…
Bulgaria
This popular kerbside bar has a premium location on the square for watching the world go by. Cocktails are a speciality, while the interior pays half…
Bulgaria
This cute cocktail bar, attached to the Hotel Ezeroto, has a shiny interior and plays candy-pop music to complement sweet cocktails. You can also sit…
Plovdiv
House music is religion for punters at Plazma. Both the dress code and the crowd are more laid-back than most clubs in Bulgaria, and nights sometimes roll…
