Sofia in a Day — Friends' Fun & Food Loop (Spring)
One energetic day for friends: tasty local eats, a lively city walking tour, a playful escape-room challenge, relaxed Vitoshka people-watching, and upbeat nightlife — tuned for May (spring) weather and long daylight.
Highlights
- Group-friendly food stalls at Central Sofia Market Hall
- Social Free Sofia walking tour for local stories and photo ops
- Claustrophobia escape room — teamwork and laughs
- Vitosha Boulevard (Vitoshka) stroll and craft-beer break
- Dinner with shared plates at Moma
- Late-night DJ/club vibes at Mixtape 5
Itinerary
Day 1
A full-friends day mixing food, local culture, an active group challenge, and lively nightlife — timed for pleasant May weather.
Brunch + coffee at Made in Home (cozy local start)
Start with unpretentious, shareable brunch dishes and great coffee in a friendly indoor space — perfect for planning the day over maps and rounds of pastries.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask for a larger table when you arrive — staff usually can group 4–6 easily; mention it’s a lively group to get a comfy spot.
- Order several small plates to share (their mezze-style dishes are great for groups) so everyone samples local flavors without big bills.
- May mornings are mild but occasionally breezy — outdoor seating fills fast; if you prefer a quieter spot ask for an indoor table away from the street.
Free Sofia Tour — social walking tour of the city center
Join a lively, social guided walking tour that covers city highlights, local stories, and photo stops — a great way to bond and get orientation.
Tips from local experts:
- Arrive 10–15 minutes early to meet the guide and get a group spot; tours are tip-based so plan to split a sensible tip among friends.
- Wear comfortable shoes and bring sunglasses — May usually has long daylight and pleasant temps for walking.
- Ask your guide for group-friendly suggestions for nearby bars or post-tour activities — guides often pass on local-only tips and happy-hour spots.
Lunch at Central Sofia Market Hall (food-hall tasting)
Explore stalls for banitsa, shopska salad, grilled meats and quick local specialties — perfect for sharing plates and sampling without a formal sit-down.
Tips from local experts:
- Head for the long communal tables so your group can sit together; many stalls accept cards but carrying small cash is handy for quicker stalls.
- Try small local specialties (banitsa, lukanka, shopska salad) and share plates so everyone gets a taste — split bill by items to keep costs fair.
- May evenings are mild; if you plan to take food outside, the market is steps from scenic streets for a stroll while you eat.
Team challenge: Claustrophobia Escape Room
A 60–90 minute escape-room experience that’s perfect for 3–6 friends — collaborative, playful, and a great way to bond over puzzles and small-group teamwork.
Tips from local experts:
- Book a room for your exact group size — Claustrophobia rooms are designed for specific numbers and run best with everyone participating.
- Arrive 15 minutes early to store bags and get a quick briefing; lockers are available so you don’t need to worry about belongings.
- If you want bragging rights, ask for a slightly harder scenario — staff will recommend a room that fits a lively, competitive friend-group.
Vitosha Boulevard (Vitoshka) stroll + craft-beer pause
Walk Vitoshka for window-shopping and people-watching, then drop into a nearby craft beer bar or café for a relaxed break and spring sunshine.
Tips from local experts:
- Vitosha Boulevard is pedestrian-friendly and lively in May — great for selfies, street musicians, and window shopping as a group.
- Pop into a small craft-beer bar with outdoor seating — most places can accommodate groups of 4–6 if you arrive together or reserve in advance.
- Keep an eye on your belongings in crowded spots; for groups it's easier to appoint a 'phone guard' to hold items while you take photos.
Dinner at Moma Bulgarian Food & Wine — shared Bulgarian plates
A convivial sit-down with traditional Bulgarian dishes presented in a modern, shareable style — ideal for tasting multiple dishes with friends.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve a table for 4–6 in advance (May is busy in the evening) and ask for a larger table or a cozy corner for a lively group vibe.
- Order several starters and mains to share family-style — the restaurant is set up for communal dining which keeps costs and portions social.
- Ask the server for local wine pairings — Bulgarian wines are excellent and relatively inexpensive when shared by the bottle among friends.
Nightlife: Mixtape 5 — DJ sets & dancing (group-friendly)
End the night at a popular club with DJ sets, approachable crowd, and options for a table booking — great for dancing or just socializing with drinks.
Tips from local experts:
- Check for table or guest-list options ahead of time for groups to avoid long queues; many clubs have group packages or reduced cover for reservations.
- Dress a little smart-casual — some venues enforce a light dress code at peak hours; arriving before midnight helps avoid higher cover charges.
- If you’d rather keep it low-key, ask the venue about quieter corners or happy-hour pre-drinks spots nearby — many clubs have a lounge area that suits groups who want to chat between sets.
