Quick Overview:
What better place to hold a stag party than in the capital of Bulgaria? Word is spreading about this beautiful and fun eastern European city as more and more tourists discover its offerings. Sophia stands out with its blend of European and communist-style architecture and orthodox churches. There is a ski resort nearby at Vitosha Mountain that may be of interest to adrenaline-fueled stag party Weekends in Sophia.
Getting Around:
Sofia’s well-developed and efficient public transport consists of buses, trolleys, trams and a subway line - all sufficient for getting a stag party about town. However, public transportation only runs from about 5 a.m. until midnight Taxis are the only option after that. The city’s yellow taxis arrive quickly and are fairly priced. Walking is a good option especially in the city centre. However, walking can be made difficult by uneven, potholed pavement, parked cars, vendors and cafes. Pedestrian crossings are prevalent and usually observed by drivers. Minibuses also ply the streets of Sophia and are a good group option while on a stag do. Traffic congestion and confusing street patterns and horrible parking issues make renting a car an undesirable option.
Must See/Must Do:
• Free Sofia Tour - The first free English-language guided sightseeing walking tour of Bulgaria’s capital – perfect for a day out on a stag do. Over about two hours, visitors see the main cultural and historic attractions of the city and hear little-known stories about each site.
• National Museum of History - The largest history museum in the Balkans with more than 650,000 exhibits. The museum provides a comprehensive view of Bulgarian history from the prehistory to present.
• Boyana Church - A 14th century church with a number of well-preserved Christian murals. Even better it’s a great starting point for day-trips into Vitosha Mountain. The church stands at its base.
History:
Sofia was founded about 2,500 years ago but has changed names several times over the centuries. Boyana church has frescoes that are acclaimed by experts as “the best examples of eastern medieval art during its twelve century history.” Sofia declined during the Turkish Ottoman Empire but a rejuvenation followed Russian liberation in 1878. Sofia was then chosen as the capital of Bulgaria and rapid expansion followed.
Nightlife:
Sofia’s nightlife may not be as thumping as some of Europe’s more notable locales, but the city’s residents make up for it with several unusual offerings among the standard bar and pub fare. Check out Apartment, a club run out of a 19th century mansion. Many rooms and colorful decor make it a favorite among locals and foreigners alike. Lodkite is an open-air option in Borisova Gradina Park. Old water channels have been replaced by an array of outdoor seating. DJs spin electronica, ambient and progressive rock tunes. A must in the summer months while on a stag party Weekend in Sophia. The city’s largest discos are concentrated in Studentski grad - Students’ town - and are reachable by bus. JJ Murphys Irish pub is a good option for lower-key drinking and good pub grub.
Eating:
Food is more than reasonably priced in Sophia. For less than 2 leva you can get a slice of pizza, a hot dog or a sandwich. More traditional Bulgarian food is easily found in bakeries offering banitsa and other kinds of pastry. This food is often consumed with ayran or boza. Katma is a big pancake filled with cheese, ham, jelly or chocolate. For trendy dining, try Motto Motto. The decor is modern and cool, and the diners and wait-staff are typically good looking. Happy's Bar and Grill is much like an American diner. Portions are generally huge and amount to a watered down version of traditional Bulgarian fare. Western food is also available on a stag party in Sofia.