20 of the best · Sofia, Bulgaria
Bulgaria’s craft beer scene is growing fast, and Sofia is the place to taste it. Here are the best craft beer bars, a lively pub and one of the most atmospheric hideaways in the Balkans.
Our 20 favourites, listed A–Z · Updated October 2026
Browse by type
Three of our favourites from this list, vetted by people who know and love Sofia.
Craft beer by the canal
A relaxed craft beer bar with Bulgarian and international beers on tap.
Bulgarian craft beer
A craft beer bar on Budapeshta Street, with a long list of Bulgarian and international beers.
Будапеща 8Explore View on map
A bar by candlelight
A hidden, candle-lit bar in an old building in the centre, one of Sofia’s most atmospheric places for a drink.
Rakia and wine.
The back story
Native grapes, ancient traditions and a wine revival: a guide to Bulgarian wine.
The back story
Grape, plum or apricot: how Bulgarians drink their fruit brandy, and why it comes with a salad.
Bulgarian and international craft beer.
A friendly café-club
A café-club with a friendly atmosphere and concerts.
Веслец 22Explore View on map
Bulgarian craft beer
A craft beer bar on Budapeshta Street, with a long list of Bulgarian and international beers.
Будапеща 8Explore View on map
Beer on Dondukov
A beer hall on Dondukov Boulevard.
бул. Княз Александър Дондуков 14Explore View on map
Beer and grills
A big, lively beer pub near the Five Corners, with beer, grills and Bulgarian pub food.
Craft beer by the canal
A relaxed craft beer bar with Bulgarian and international beers on tap.
In Borisova Gradina since 1958
A legendary bar and open-air stage in Borisova Gradina, near Eagles’ Bridge.
бул. Драган ЦанковExplore View on map
Bars with atmosphere.
A bar by candlelight
A hidden, candle-lit bar in an old building in the centre, one of Sofia’s most atmospheric places for a drink.
Drinks and DJs
An elegant bar with a terrace and DJs on weekends.
Ангел Кънчев 1Explore View on map
Rakia tastings
A small museum of rakia with tastings of Bulgarian fruit brandies.
бул. Патриарх Евтимий 22Explore View on map
Wine bars, a gin bar and a cigar lounge.
Cuban cigars
A cigar lounge for Habanos, with drinks to match.
Сан Стефано 22Explore View on map
Over 150 wines
A wine bar and restaurant with more than 150 selected wines and tastings.
Prices: € budget. For rakia, see Raketa Rakia Bar in our restaurants; for a rooftop view, the Sense Hotel.
38 of the best Restaurants
23 of the best Cafés & bakeries
10 of the best Nightlife
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