Connect, Mingle, and Make Real Friends in Sofia.
Every month, locals, expats and digital nomads gather offline for unforgettable social events in Sofia — powered by our signature paper icebreakers. No awkward small talk. Just people.
A warm room in Sofia where strangers become friends.
For 5 years, Sofia Meetups has been making offline connection easy again. Whether you're an expat landing in a new city, a digital nomad passing through, or a local looking to widen your circle — you belong here.
Our signature move? Beautifully-designed paper icebreakers — prompt cards, human bingo, story tags — that dissolve awkwardness in seconds and start the kind of conversations you actually remember the next day.
Behind it all — two hosts, best friends. One from Bulgaria, the other from Portugal — welcoming everyone who walks in like an old friend.
Three steps to your new favorite night out
Grab Your Spot
Follow us on Facebook or Instagram and RSVP the moment a new meetup drops. The more, the merrier.
Get Your Paper Pack
When you arrive, we hand you a custom paper networking kit — prompt cards, bingo, and match-me tags.
Mingle & Match
Follow playful guided prompts to meet plenty of new people in one relaxed, buzzing room.
Upcoming expat meetups & international mixers in Sofia
Planning your weekend in Sofia?
Between meetups, use our local guides — five years of hosting in this city, written by the two of us.
Past Events & Atmosphere
Real people, genuine connections, and great evenings in Sofia — 36 photos in the full gallery.
New to the city? Start here
Written by the two of us after five years of hosting people in Sofia — what to do, where to go out, and how to actually meet people here.
Sofia Meetups: The Complete Guide to Meetups in Sofia, Bulgaria
"Sofia meetups" is the phrase most people type when they land here and want company. This is the guide we wish had existed: what a meetup in Sofia actually is, which parts of the city they happen in, what they cost, and exactly what to expect the first time you walk into one on your own. We are two best friends — one Bulgarian, one Portuguese — and we have been running the city's international mixers for five years, with a community of 1,600+ people and 40+ nationalities.
Read the guideThings to Do in Sofia — A Guide From Two Local Hosts
We are two best friends — one Bulgarian, one Portuguese — and for five years we have been hosting international mixers in Sofia. Between us we have introduced thousands of locals, expats and travelers to this city. This is the list we actually give our guests when they ask what to do here: the walks worth doing, the food worth queueing for, and the evenings where you will not end up standing alone in a bar.
Read the guideSofia Nightlife Guide: Where to Go Out (and Who to Go With)
We have spent five years booking venues for Saturday-night mixers in Sofia, which means we have seen the city's bars on their best and their quietest nights. Here is how going out in Sofia actually works — and how to do it when you do not have a group yet.
Read the guideNew in Sofia? How to Meet People as an Expat or Newcomer
Moving to Sofia is the easy part. Building a social life here is the part nobody warns you about — Bulgarian friend groups are tight and long-standing, and if you arrive without a colleague to adopt you, the first months can be quiet. We have hosted newcomers for five years. Here is what actually works.
Read the guideFrequently asked questions about our Sofia meetups
Everything first-timers ask before their first international mixer.
How do the Sofia Meetups events actually work?
Every meetup follows the same easy rhythm. You RSVP for a date, arrive at the venue, and we hand you a paper networking kit at the door: prompt cards, a bingo sheet and a match-me name tag. Our two hosts guide the room through playful rounds, so instead of hovering near the bar you are already deep in conversation within minutes. Most people meet dozens of new faces across one evening, and the night keeps flowing informally once the games wind down.
Who can join — is it only for expats and digital nomads?
Everyone 18+ is welcome. Our rooms are a genuine mix of expats settling into Bulgaria, digital nomads passing through for a few weeks, internationals on work assignments and Bulgarians who simply want a bigger circle. Over 40 nationalities have come through our social events in Sofia over the past five years. There is no fixed capacity and no membership requirement, so bring friends or come completely alone — most people do, and the icebreakers exist precisely so that arriving solo feels effortless.
Where in Sofia do the meetups take place?
We move around the city so the vibe never gets stale: clubs like Gramophone, cocktail bars, rooftop terraces and cultural venues around Sofia. Every event page lists the exact venue, the start time and a Get Directions button that opens Google Maps, so you can find the door without guessing. Venues are always central and reachable by metro, tram or a short taxi ride.
Do I need a ticket, and what does it cost?
Most of our international mixer nights are free — you just RSVP so we know how many paper packs to prepare. A few special editions include food, drinks or a guided experience and carry a small ticket price, which is always shown clearly on the event card and detail page. Regulars can also unlock badges and venue perks, such as a welcome shot for Community Legend members.
Follow the community
New meetups drop on Instagram and Facebook. Newsletter for the slow readers.