Gay Sofia

Sofia is Eastern Europe's coolest secret. It's the laid-back capital of Bulgaria, where ancient Roman ruins chill next to hip coffee shops and Soviet monuments share space with trendy galleries. Travelers fall for its unbeatable combo of rich history, mountain views, and wallet-friendly prices that make a European getaway actually affordable.

The city's walkable center buzzes around the stunning Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, while Vitosha Boulevard is where you go for great shopping and dining.

Sofia's gay scene is small but growing, with a handful of welcoming bars and clubs creating cozy spaces for locals and visitors to connect. The city hosts an annual Pride event and offers the most LGBTQ+-friendly environment in Bulgaria, though visitors should keep public displays of affection low-key since attitudes can still be mixed outside the downtown areas.