A weekend in Sofia: What can you do outside work?

Imagine finishing work on a Friday afternoon and realising you have an entire weekend in Sofia to explore your new hometown. You’ve just moved to the capital of Bulgaria, so there’s a lot to discover. Maybe you’ll find a cosy café, try Bulgarian food or end up dancing until 3 AM with your new friends.

That’s one of the exciting things about living in Sofia. Bulgaria’s capital combines city life, nightlife, culture and nature, with plenty to discover outside working hours. Whether you’re already working abroad or considering moving to Bulgaria, here are some of the best things to do in Sofia during your weekend.

Friday evening: Ready to discover Sofia’s nightlife?

Life abroad is not about working only. It’s also a chance to start living for real! After a busy working week, sometimes all you need is good food, music and a night out with friends. Start your evening around Vitosha Boulevard, one of Sofia’s most popular pedestrian streets. It’s filled with cafés, restaurants and shops, making it a great place to meet your colleagues after work.

You could grab dinner, enjoy a drink or explore the city’s lively nightlife, from relaxed cocktail bars to clubs and live music venues. And the best part? You don’t have to experience everything in one weekend. There’s always another Friday coming.

Saturday morning: Coffee, breakfast and exploring

If you partied hard on friday night, the saturday morning is a moment where you sleep in. Once the headache is managable and you’re ready, why not start with breakfast at a local café? Sofia has plenty of cosy coffee spots where you can relax, catch up with friends or simply enjoy a slow morning.

While you’re there, try banitsa, a traditional Bulgarian pastry made with layers of dough and cheese. It’s a popular breakfast choice and definitely worth tasting. After breakfast, explore the city centre. Visit the famous Alexander Nevsky Cathedral with its impressive golden domes, discover small local shops or wander through the streets without a plan. Sometimes getting a little lost is the best way to discover your new home.

Saturday afternoon: What should you eat in Sofia?

One of the best things about moving abroad is discovering food you might never have tried back home. And Bulgarian cuisine has plenty to offer. Start with shopska salad, made with tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers and grated white cheese. You could also try kebapche, a grilled minced meat dish, or tarator, a cold yoghurt and cucumber soup.

Not feeling adventurous? Sofia also has plenty of international restaurants and familiar options. Living in Sofia means you can gradually discover your favourite places instead of trying everything during a short holiday. Who knows? You might even start craving Bulgarian food when you visit home.

Sunday: Can you escape the city and go hiking?

One of Sofia’s biggest advantages is how close it is to nature. Just outside the city, you’ll find Vitosha Mountain, a popular destination for hiking and outdoor activities. Its highest peak, Cherni Vrah, reaches approximately 2,290 metres above sea level. Imagine going from busy city streets to beautiful mountain landscapes in the same day.

You can explore hiking trails around Boyana Waterfall or the Golden Bridges area, depending on your experience and the weather. During winter, parts of Vitosha also offer skiing opportunities when conditions allow. And if hiking isn’t your thing? Simply enjoy the fresh air and mountain views. Not a bad way to spend a Sunday, right?

What if you prefer a relaxing weekend in Sofia?

Not every weekend in Sofia needs to involve hiking, sightseeing or staying out until sunrise. Sometimes you just want to relax. Luckily, there are plenty of quieter things to do in Sofia. Spend an afternoon in Borisova Gradina, one of the city’s best-known parks, meet friends for coffee or visit a museum. You could also enjoy a movie, go shopping or spend the day doing absolutely nothing.

That’s the difference between living abroad and being on holiday. You don’t need to fill every free moment with activities. Some weekends can be adventurous, while others can be completely ordinary. Both are part of building a life in another country.

Is Sofia a good city for young people working abroad?

Living and working in Sofia might not be the first thing you think of when considering a job abroad, but it shouldn’t be overlooked. The city offers international workplaces, social activities and opportunities to discover Bulgarian culture.

Living costs can also be lower than in many Western European capitals, although expenses depend on your accommodation and lifestyle. For young people, living in Sofia can mean gaining professional experience while meeting international colleagues, making friends and becoming more independent. And having a mountain practically on your doorstep is a pretty nice bonus.

Want to know more about living and working in Sofia? Check out the page we wrote about this Bulgarian capital.

How can Job Squad help you work in Sofia?

Maybe you’ve already started imagining your weekends in Sofia. But first, you’ll need a job. That’s where Job Squad comes in. Job Squad helps candidates explore international job opportunities in Bulgaria, including positions in customer service and content moderation, depending on current vacancies. Some employers may also offer relocation assistance.

You can speak with a recruiter about your language skills, experience and available opportunities. And the best part? Job Squad’s recruitment assistance is completely free for candidates. We also offer a free CV Builder. It can help you create an international ready CV, which makes applying on jobs abroad a lot easier.

Frequently asked questions

What are the best things to do in Sofia?

Explore Vitosha Boulevard, visit Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, try Bulgarian food or hike on Vitosha Mountain.

Is living in Sofia expensive?

Sofia can be more affordable than many Western European capitals, depending on your accommodation and lifestyle.

Can Job Squad help me find work in Sofia?

Yes. Job Squad helps candidates explore international job opportunities in Bulgaria, depending on available positions.