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The National Theatre, Sofia

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Sofia Nightlife

Sofians love to go out and party. Day and night, countless bars and cafés throughout the city are heaving - a phenomenon that amazes foreign visitors. Unfortunately, Sofia's public transport system completely shuts down from 0100 to 0500.

The biggest concentration of bars and cafés in Sofia lies to either side of bulvard Vitosha, and the increasingly hip ulitsa Rakovski. Recently, the unassuming Neofit Rilski has quietly become a happening nightlife street, while the streets behind the Sheraton have very plush and trendy bar-clubs.

For good up-to-date Sofia information on nightlife as well as cultural events, check the English-language weekly Sofia Echo (www.sofiaecho.com), the quarterly Sofia In Your Pocket (www.inyourpocket.com), the booklet Programata (www.programata.bg) or the monthly Sofia City Info Guide. A good guide to gay venues is available at www.gay.bg.Tickets to cultural events are also available  from the National Palace of Culture (NDK) or from the individual venues' box offices.

Bars in Sofia

By the Way

Much of Sofia's stylish nightlife is in lounge bars with leather sofas although shabbier cafés, especially around the shopping streets, have the cheapest booze. An informal place to meet friends, By the Way has good cocktails and food.

Ulitsa Rakovski 166
Tel: (02) 980 3836.
www.bytheway.bg

Motto

Motto attracts the beautiful people with designer décor and comfy sofas. With its cavernous interior, brick walls and dark wooden floors, Motto is a popular restaurant that turns into a trendy cocktail bar late into the night.

Ulitsa Aksakov 18
Tel: (02) 987 2723.
www.motto-bg.com

Toba & Co

Café-bar Toba & Co is nestled behind the National Art Gallery, very popular and perfect for a summer's evening drink. For an alfresco cold beer (and people-watching), the huge café-bar with no name on the pedestrianised ulitsa Pirotska off bulvard Maria Louisa, is busy on warm evenings.

Ulitsa Moskovska 6A
Tel: (02) 989 4696.

Clubs in Sofia

Cabaret

Sofia's clubs play music ranging from techno to jazz and rock to salsa, with chalga, a curious mix of Turkish pop and gypsy dance often referred to as pop-folk, always popular. Cabaret (downstairs from Before and After), houses an old-time atmosphere in an art nouveau building, with retro, Latino/Turkish and mixed dance nights.

Ulitsa Hristo Belchev 12
Tel: (02) 981 6088.
www.club-cabaret.net/club.htm

Chervilo

The award-winning Chervilo has several resident DJs playing house music and draws in Sofia's young and fashionable set.

Bulvard Tsar Osvoboditel 9
Tel: (02) 483 2613.
www.chervilo.com

In Da Club

Heavily frowned upon during Communist times, homosexuality is now considered quite cool in Sofia and there are a number of good gay clubs including In Da Club, with three levels of massive dance floors and a roof terrace open in summer.

Ulitsa Tsar Samuil 33

Retro Club Gramophone

The recently reconstructed Retro Club Gramophone has top DJs who love 'evergreen' dance classics. The décor is dark and retro of course, with big angel wings on the walls and dramatic lighting.

Ulitsa Budapeshta 6
Tel: (02) 981 1410.

Live Music in Sofia

Back Stage

Back Stage offers a range of live music every night, from jazz and blues to pop performances by famous Bulgarian and international artists.

Bulvard Vasil Levski 100
Tel: (02) 846 5462.

Swingin' Hall

There are several venues with live performers of local music, like Swingin' Hall, featuring live jazz, rock and pop, with local and foreign performers.

Bulvard Dragan Tzankov 8
Tel: 089 684 0180.
www.swinginghall.com

Vodenitzata

For a true Balkan experience, spend the evening at a restaurant featuring live Bulgarian folk music. Recommended venues for visitors include Vodenitzata, set in an old mill in the Dragalevtzi district close to the chairlift.

Vitosha Park, Dragalevtzi
Tel: (02) 967 1058.
www.vodenitzata.com

Dance in Sofia

Natsionalna Opera i Balet (Sofia National Opera and Ballet)

Sofia National Opera and Ballet hosts the main opera and ballet performances in one of Sofia's most impressive buildings. Operas are usually performed in the original language, with Bulgarian subtitles. The foyers, balconies and main hall are painted with scenes from various well-known operas.

Ulitsa Vrabcha 1
Tel: (02) 987 7011.
www.operasofia.bg

Theatre in Sofia

Kuklen Teatar (Central Puppet Theatre)

Sofia is famous for a sophisticated puppet tradition and it is not all geared for children - the Central Puppet Theatre gives regular performances for all ages.

Ulitsa General Gurko 14
Tel: (02) 986 1573.
www.sofiapuppet.com

Naroden Teatar Ivan Vazov (Ivan Vazov National Theatre)

The traditional theatre season in Sofia runs from early October to late June. Plays are staged in Bulgarian but the high standard of the performances make a visit to the theatre a memorable experience. Ivan Vazov National Theatre is an impressive neoclassical building and home to the National Theatre Company. Works by eminent Bulgarians and classical writers are staged here.

Ulitsa Dyakon Ignatiy 5
Tel: (02) 811 9227.
www.nationaltheatre.bg

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