The Most Unusual Date Ideas To Try In Sofia

A romantic night out in Sofia can be entertaining and unique at the same time. The capital of Bulgaria offers a range of exciting things to do for couples – from roaming the catacombs end escaping locked rooms, to discovering the most panoramic points of the city. Here’s our pick of the best.

Get lost in the catacombs of Saint Sofia Church

Church, Museum

Add some Indiana Jones-style adventure to your romantic day out and venture into the mysteries of the catacombs lying under Saint Sofia Church (the church after which the capital of Bulgaria was named). The multi-level museum features original sarcophagi, multimedia exhibits telling the story of the place, and thrilling tunnels.

Break out from an escape room

Dedicate an hour of your day to a visit to an escape room, and you won’t regret it. There are a number in Sofia and they all have different themes, so you can try more than one should you get hooked! Some of the best are Dextrophobia Rooms, 3 Key Rooms, Teorema Rooms, Hour Escape, and Escapeway.

Drink wine at an art class

Bar

Artsy couples will appreciate the elegant combination of an art class and good wine. Bar Rosso organizes wine and painting parties with different theme almost every night. Take a look at their schedule and choose the best for you.

Take in a film at an open-air cinema

Cinema

If you ask locals for the best independent cinema in Sofia, many will point to G8 Cultural Center, just a short walk from the main pedestrian Vitosha Boulevard. Besides independent and European movies, the cinema hosts open-air cinema nights in its tiny yard in summer. The atmosphere is cozy and you have a great choice of Bulgarian craft beers on the menu.

Go rock climbing... indoors

Walltopia Climbing Center is the newest and biggest adrenaline-filled indoor climbing center in Bulgaria where you can try or improve your climbing skills together. There are instructors available and you will meet many fellow climbers here. http://instagram.com/p/BeSTR76lXiJ/?taken-at=178159375976869

Ice skate on a frozen pond

Park

Ariana Lake is actually a pond at the entrance of the central Borisova Gradina Park which turns into an ice rink in winter. It’s open 24/7, so why not plan a late-night skating session for maximum romance points?

Visit a free jazz festival in the park

Not all date ideas have to be expensive. Join the annual A to JazZ Festival taking place at Sofia’s South Park for a chance to listen to world-famous and local jazz and world music bands while sipping cocktails at sunset.

Have fun at a board games club

There’s nothing better than a little competition to add an edge to your night out. Sofia is home to several well-stocked board games clubs where you can challenge each other with hundreds of games.

Have dinner with a view

The View is a restaurantin the city center well worthy its name – situated on the 24th floor of a business building, it offers the perfect setting with a bird’s eye view of the capital. Choose it for a morning coffee or for a dinner and cocktails on the open-air balcony in summer.

Hike for a night vista of the city

Kopitoto is an area in Vitosha Mountain with a spectacular view over the city. It is easy to recognize it by the TV tower erected there. The spot is popular with lovers who come by car or taxi at night to watch the city lights.

About the author

Maria Angelova

Maria Angelova is in love with Bulgaria, fortune-telling, photography and talking to strangers. She is the author of several travel books in Bulgarian and English, including "50 Secret Places to Discover in Bulgaria' and "203 Travel Challenges. Travel the World. Explore Your Inner Self."