This guide on where to stay in Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, features all the best hotels in Sofia, from hostels to 5-star accommodations.
Founded over 7,000 years ago, Sofia, the Bulgarian capital, is modern yet exudes historic charm. Set at the foot of the Vitosha Mountain in Western Bulgaria, it is home to major universities and is a center of commerce.
The theatre is big in Bulgaria. So, if you’re here, visit one of Sofia’s theatres, ballets, or performing arts centers. There are quite a few places to see in Sofia, from the Alexander Nevski Cathedral to the Ivan Vazov National Theatre. You’ll be amazed by the seamless melding of modern culture and historical buildings and monuments as a tourist.
And if you’re looking for accommodation in Sofia, Bulgaria, we have the best places to stay in Bulgaria just for you.
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Neighborhoods And Areas To Make Your Stay Memorable
Wonder where to stay? No matter if you are looking for peace and quiet to escape the hustle and bustle, value for money, friendly staff, or something else, we have ideas for you to find the perfect base to explore the center of Sofia and beyond.
Sofia City Center – The Best Area To Stay
Unsurprisingly, the center of the city is the best area in Sofia for tourists. This is where most of the action is. The Sofia city center comprises the Sofia Old Town area and the modern part of the city, offering you all kinds of urban attractions and activities.
When you book a hotel in Sofia’s city center, you’ll be close to impressive landmarks like the Eagle Bridge, Russian Monument Square, the National Palace of Culture, and other museums and churches.
Additionally, this area has numerous cafés, restaurants, and bars. This is also one of the premier Sofia nightlife hubs, so it’s popular among the young and young-at-heart. Iconic Vitosha Boulevard, arguably the city’s main street, starts in this area. For all these reasons, there aren’t many cheap hotels in Sofia’s city center, but you can find several mid-budget and boutique options here.
Oborishte
Couples and families who want a somewhat quieter vibe than the bustling Sofia city centre will find that Oborishte is precisely what they’re looking for. Located just east of downtown Sofia, this is a nice upper-class residential area, home to many excellent restaurants— a culinary hotspot in Sofia.
Many beautiful parks in this Sofia neighborhood, notably Zaimov Park and the Doctor’s Garden, are dedicated to medics who died during the Russian-Turkish War. You can also visit the National Museum of Military History here. Another great reason to stay in Oborishte is its proximity to the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, which is only about ten to fifteen away on foot. You can also easily walk into downtown Sofia from here.
Lozenets
One of Sofia’s coolest and trendiest neighborhoods, Lozenets, is just south of central Sofia. This is, however, one of the city’s busiest and most overbuilt areas, home to real estate complexes and upscale residential neighborhoods.
On the other hand, Lozenets also has charming cobblestone streets lined with great restaurants and cozy coffee shops. Because it’s so busy, finding parking may be a challenge here, while Sofia hotels in this area are on the higher price end of the spectrum.
Note that Lozenets is a large area, with its northern boundary touching on downtown Sofia and its far south. Check nearby public transportation stops when booking your accommodation in Sofia, Bulgaria, in Lozenets.
Additionally, we should mention that it’s pretty easy to get away from the bustling street life in this Sofia district. It is flanked by two massive urban parks: South Park to the west and the famous Borisova Gradina Park to the east.
Vitosha District
The southern district in Sofia, Vitosha, sits at the foothills of the beautiful Vitosha Mountains. Although it’s on the city’s outskirts, this is also the location of several of Sofia’s most fantastic tourist attractions.
When you choose Vitosha as your base when visiting Sofia, you’ll be near such great attractions as the Botanical Garden, the Dragalevski Monastery, the National Museum of History, and, especially, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Boyana Church Museum. It also offers easy access to the Vitosha Mountains.
Jenski Pazar
Situated between the Sofia city center and the central railway station, Jenski Pazar is home to hostels and budget hotels, while some higher-end options are also available. In general, though, this is one of the most affordable places to stay near Sofia’s city center.
This historic neighborhood’s name means “women’s market” or “ladies’ market,” and this is where you’ll find Sofia’s oldest and largest outdoor market. Ever since Ottoman times, this is where local vendors have sold their produce and products, from oriental-themed items and Bulgarian pottery to seasonal fruits and vegetables, honey, spices, cheeses, and meats.
This is a great area for lovers of food and coffee, but there’s little on offer regarding Sofia’s nightlife (if that’s what you’re after).
Best Places to Stay in Sofia, Bulgaria
Where to stay in Sofia on your visit to Bulgaria? With so many great places to choose from, that’s not an easy question to answer. We’ve trawled a thousand listings to find the best hotels in Sofia, Bulgaria.
Sofia Luxury Hotels
1. InterContinental Sofia
My suggested place to stay in Sofia with kids.
The location of this hotel is truly iconic, overlooking Narodno Sabranie Square and offering stunning views of Alexandar Nevski Cathedral. It’s perfect for those looking to stay in the heart of the city, with easy walking access to historical landmarks.
The design of the hotel and its spacious rooms can be described as classically elegant mixed with contemporary. Rooms feature luxurious toiletries, flat-screen televisions, and soft linens. If you are looking for an excellent view, book a deluxe room or an executive room. For those needing more space, suites are also available. Executive-level rooms also come with the option of complimentary breakfast, canapés, and refreshments throughout the day.
If you need help deciding your itinerary, a concierge service is available for all guests, and a tour desk where you can rent cars.
Two onsite restaurants – Floret Restaurant & Bar and Studio Restaurant – offer tasty food, warm coffee, and delicious cocktails.
EDITORS NOTE: I stayed at the Sofia InterContinental in October 2022 with my husband and two sons for four nights. We LOVED this place. The on-request breakfasts, the large family room with two large beds, and the L’Occitane toiletries were excellent. But, what really was terrific was the service. We used the concierge service to book tours, and also the team at breakfast remembered our coffee orders and the children’s hot chocolate and pancake orders – promptly served them to our table each day. Best way to start each day.
2. Holiday Inn Sofia
Located at the foothills of one of the best places to visit in Sofia, Bulgaria, i.e., the Vitosha Mountains, the Holiday Inn Sofia is a short 10-minute drive from the Airport or Sofia city center. The Business Park Sofia underground railway station is 200 meters away and affords easy access to the city center.
Guests who stay at the Holiday Inn Sofia say it’s one of the best hotels in Bulgaria. The rooms are air-conditioned and spacious, featuring minibars, LCD flat-screen TVs, irons, heating, and free WiFi. Some rooms have gorgeous views of the Vitosha Mountains or the lake. Free parking is available for up to 100 guests.
The Sofia Holiday Inn has a separate children’s pool, a sauna, a steam bath, indoor and outdoor hot tubs, sunbeds, and a gym. The hotel also has a Queen Room with wheelchair access. There is also a business center and an onsite hairdresser.
The onsite Brasserie Restaurant & Terrace features a terrace overlooking the lake and mountains, while the Chi Bar serves drinks with live piano music. Guests say the breakfast at the Holiday Inn Sofia is terrific and on their list of best hotels to stay in Bulgaria.
3. All Seasons Residence Hotel
Located right at the foot of Vitosha Mountain, the All Seasons Residence Hotel, Sofia, is at the top of the list of places to stay in Sofia, Bulgaria. This Sofia hotel provides world-class service with chic wooden décor and incredible views.
The large and spacious rooms look lovely in gold, beige, brown, and grey shades. They have air-conditioning, heating, and soundproofing, including all the standard amenities. If you stay at this hotel, ask for a room overlooking Vitosha Mountain. It’s the best view to wake up to!
The All Seasons Residence Hotel is perfect for a stay close to nature and Sofia’s historical city; one of the best Sofia hotels. The bus stop is right before the property, giving guests easy access to Sofia’s top attractions. Boyana Church is a 3-minute walk away, while the beautiful Boyana Lake is a 20-minute walk away. Ski lift Dragalevci is 2 km away, while ski lift Simeonovo is 5 km away.
4. Arena Di Serdica Hotel
This elegant 5-star hotel is located in downtown Sofia, putting guests steps away from cultural sites and the Roman Amphitheatre of Ancient Serdica. It’s a prime location for those looking for luxury in the city’s heart.
Sixty-three stylish rooms and apartments offer guests a variety of sleeping options. All rooms have flat-screen televisions, minibars, rainfall shower heads, free WiFi, and openable city-view windows. As an extra luxury, guests may select pillows from a pillow menu for ultimate comfort during their stay.
For those booking deluxe rooms or the junior or executive suites, additional services such as airport shuttle and access to the hotel’s sauna & steam bath areas are included in your stay’s price. Fear not; if the classic room is your choice, you can still access these amenities for a small fee.
Additionally, two onsite restaurants and a lobby bar are available for drinks and refreshments throughout the day.
5. Hilton Sofia
Nestled in the city’s South Park, the Hilton Sofia overlooks Vitosha Mountain. This is the place to stay for luxury outside of the city center. Not to worry though, the city center and all of its highlights can be visited with an easy 15-minute drive.
Rooms are delightfully decorated in an Art Deco style and offer city or mountain views. Hilton Serenity beds and ergonomic chairs are featured in the spacious rooms, and comfy bathrobes for all guests. Standard rooms, family rooms, and suites are all available, making this an excellent choice for groups of a larger size.
The hotel is home to the Seasons Restaurant and the Artists Bar & Café for daily food and beverage. Another feature guests love about this hotel is the outdoor sun terrace.
Daily airport shuttles are available upon request.
6. Sense Hotel Sofia
This relatively new 5-star hotel opened in 2013 along Czar Osvoboditel Boulevard. With an exclusive spa, a panoramic rooftop bar, and a playfully contemporary bar and restaurant serving a fusion of Asian, Latin American, and European cuisine, it truly is a luxurious place to stay in the city’s center.
Rooms each have a slightly different design, but you can expect wooden floors and contemporary luxury with a mixture of textures no matter what you choose. One of the best features of the stylish and spacious rooms is the floor-to-ceiling French windows looking out over the city, which can be opened for fresh air. LCD televisions and Molton Brown cosmetics are also provided.
A modern art gallery and, concierge services, and free WiFi are also available on site.
7. Sofia Hotel Balkan
The Sofia Hotel Balkan, built in 1956, is one of Bulgaria’s best places to stay for many reasons. The hotel’s architecture is a fusion of classic design and lavish décor and is part of the President’s Palace. Beneath the foundations of this Sofia Place hotel lie Roman ruins that can also be seen around the hotel. The onsite Stardust Restaurant provides guests with an exceptional dining experience, while the Pliska Bar is a great place to enjoy a drink while overlooking Roman remnants.
Sofia’s rooms at this city hotel are the epitome of pure luxury, with soft fabrics and wooden furniture, while the bathrooms are fitted with Italian marble. Rooms have minibars, coffee machines, safety deposit boxes, TVs with pay-per-view and satellite channels, air conditioning, and radios.
The Presidential Suite, with its timeless décor, also includes a kitchenette and is 120 m² in size. The junior and executive suites are 57 m² and 89 m² long and include butler service. All of the rooms have free WiFi service.
This is just one of several luxury hotels in Sofia, a short walk from Serdika Station and the Saint Sofia Monument. It’s a short distance from the Ivan Vazov Theatre, the Presidency, TZUM, Archaeological Museum, Central Bath House Sofia, Central Hall, Banya Bashi Mosque, Cathedral Saint Alexander Nevski, and many others of the best things to do in Sofia. The accessibility and luxury will quickly make this hotel the best place to stay in Sofia. As far as five-star hotels in Sofia go, this is the cream of the crop.
EDITORS WARNING: My son and I stayed here in 2022 for three nights, and the room photos on the booking sites and the actual room were wildly different. On complaining to the hotel, I was told: “We always have this problem regarding photos; management will never change the photos. sorry, there is nothing we can do.” I would have left and stayed elsewhere if I had not prepaid for the room and been with my young child.
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4-Star Hotels In Sofia, Bulgaria
8. Rosslyn Central Park Hotel Sofia, Bulgaria
Other top tourist attractions in Sofia, Bulgaria, are within 20 minutes of walking distance. Set on Vitosha Boulevard looking out at Vitosha Mountain, the Rosslyn Central Park Hotel, Sofia, has a prime location in the city. It’s a stone’s throw away from the Palace of Culture, the Balkan’s biggest convention center.
Travelers staying here enjoy Bulgarian hospitality and homely comfort. Rooms are air-conditioned, soundproofed, and have heating. They all have a contemporary design with pastel colors and panoramic city views. Amenities include tea/coffee makers, minibars, telephones, flat-screen TVs, laptop safes, ironing facilities, hairdryers, and free WiFi.
The Vitosha Boulevard, where the Hotel Central Sofia is located in a lively street with restaurants, cafes, and luxury stores, is considered one of the coolest places in Sofia. The Rosslyn Central Park Hotel, Sofia, is undoubtedly one of the best hotels in Sofia to enjoy the city scene.
9. Sofia Palace Hotel By HMG
Right in the heart of Sofia, steps away from the main shopping street Vitosha, is the cozy and stylish Sofia Palace Hotel.
This is a great choice for those traveling in larger groups, featuring standard rooms, suites, and apartments. Rooms are spacious and clean, with large beds, flat-screen televisions, and air conditioning.
A tasty breakfast is available each morning. The hotel restaurant and bar are open later in the day with a menu of traditional cuisine and a large selection of alcoholic, non-alcoholic, and coffee beverages.
10. Silver Hotel Sofia
The Silver Hotel Sofia is another boutique hotel in Sofia that provides good service and great food. This hotel in Sofia, Bulgaria, is located to the city’s south, right next to a green park and close to Sofia Zoo.
This Sofia accommodation’s extensive and boasting spacious soundproofed rooms include free WiFi, heating, air conditioning, safe deposit boxes, minibars, satellite TVs, hairdryers, radios, sofas, desks, and radios. Most rooms have a fireplace, while some also have a balcony. The family apartments additionally include a refrigerator, kitchenette, and dining area.
Guests interested in shopping and nightlife will enjoy their time at this classy hotel, one of the top boutique hotels in Sofia.
11. Rosslyn Thracia Hotel
The Rosslyn Thracia Hotel Sofia, Bulgaria center, is an elegant retreat in a quiet street close to restaurants and cafes. Guests love this Sofia boutique hotel with its pastels and brown shades. The rooms have tea/coffee makers, minibars, showers, safety deposit boxes, flat-screen TVs, hairdryers, irons, air conditioning, heating, soundproofing, and free WiFi. Another single room with disability access is also present. There are smaller, economical rooms available for single travelers.
The suites located on higher floors are accessible by lifts. The Suite with terrace has panoramic views of Vitosha Mountain and the rooftops in Central Sofia. The lobby bar is a great place to enjoy refreshing snacks and drinks. In summer, the outside terrace is open for drinks.
It is one of our recommended central area Sofia hotels and boasts a great location. A short walk will take you to the Archaeological Museum, Saint Sofia Monument, and the Sveta Nedelya Cathedral.
3-Star Hotels In Sofia, Bulgaria
12. Hotel Lion Sofia
Right in the heart of Sofia’s city is the 3-star Hotel Lion Sofia. Situated just a stone’s throw away from the Lavov Most Metro Station, this hotel is within walking distance of the St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the Vitosha Shopping Boulevard, Tsentralni Hali shopping center, the Women’s Market, Central Hall, Lions’ Bridge, Banya Bashi Mosque, Central Bath House Sofia, Archaeological Museum and the Saint Sofia Monument. This access to many of the best places to see in Sofia makes Hotel Lion one of the best hotels in Sofia’s center.
It is also a short walk from the Bus and Train stations. The airport is 6.7 km away, and the Hotel Lion Sofia provides transfers at an extra charge.
The rooms at the hotel are spacious, soundproof, and air-conditioned, and most also have a balcony. They feature a writing desk, minibar, telephone, flat-screen TV with cable and satellite channels, and free WiFi.
This is one of the best hotels in Sofia, Bulgaria, a city center for tourists and business travelers. The onsite Cafeteria Papaya serves various breakfast, lunch, or dinner dishes. Guests can bring along pets at an extra charge. Business guests can use the business corner, including a computer, fax machine, copier, and internet access.
13. R34 Boutique Hotel
This family-friendly accommodation is in the heart of Sofia, within steps of the Archaeological Museum and not far from the Banya Bashi Mosque, Ivan Vazov Theater, and Cathedral Saint Alexandar Nevski.
Clean lines, blonde wood-colored accent walls, and black details bring the guest rooms a modern and trendy vibe. These spacious rooms come in standard sizes up to a Superior Suite, which can accommodate groups of 6, making this hotel an excellent choice for families.
An onsite bar makes for a great stop at the end of a day of sightseeing, and local restaurants are plentiful nearby.
14. Light Hotel, Sofia
Another centrally located cheap accommodation in Sofia is the Light Hotel. Situated on a quiet side street, the hotel provides tasteful accommodation to both tourists and business travelers. It is one of the best places to stay in Sofia, Bulgaria, if you want easy access to all the main attractions.
The rooms are cozy and modern, hypoallergenic, and soundproofed. They have air conditioning, heating, desks, minibars, telephones, free WiFi, and a flat-screen TV with cable and satellite channels. Most rooms have access to the patio or free use of the sauna and fitness center. You could also opt for the suites with terraces or the maisonette with a balcony. Please look out for this option while booking.
The Light Hotel, Sofia lobby bar is perfect for enjoying aperitifs while serving various international dishes. This hotel is one of the best 3-star hotels in Sofia, Bulgaria, to lay your head for the night.
Other Sofia Accommodation, Bulgaria
15. Emirates Apart Residence
For guests looking for both privacy and elegance, the 5-star Emirates Apart Residences are the best places in Sofia to stay at. Located just 4 km southwest of the city center, this accommodation in Sofia gives guests panoramic views of the Vitosha Mountains or the city center.
The one-bedroom, two-bedroom, or three-bedroom apartments at the Emirates Apart Residence are luxuriously furnished and include free WiFi. The flats have flat-screen cable TVs, air conditioning, heating, sofas, minibars, safety deposit boxes, microwaves, dishwashers, stovetops, and ovens. Guests can also use modern cooking facilities and kitchenettes to cater to their dietary needs.
Guests can enjoy a drink at the stylish lobby bar or utilize the impressive spa facilities. Covering three floors, the spa has a 25-meter indoor swimming pool, outdoor water sunbeds, a panoramic sauna, a hot tub, Roman baths, massage facilities, a beauty parlor, and a large gym. This is one of the places to stay in Bulgaria when you visit Sofia.
16. Casa Ferrari Bed & Breakfast
Instead of staying in cheap hotels in Sofia, Bulgaria, while on a Sofia city break, a B&B or guesthouse in Sofia is also a great option.
You might not find it on a Sofia tourist guide, but ask any budget-friendly traveler in Sofia, and they’ll point you to the Casa Ferrari. This bed and breakfast is less than 1.2 km from all the major attractions. So you can reach most of them with a 5- to 20-minute walk.
Casa Ferrari Bed & Breakfast is the perfect cheap accommodation in Sofia. The rooms are well furnished with air-conditioning, hairdryers, irons, refrigerators, and flat-screen TVs. Guests can access washing machines, clothes racks, computers, and free WiFi.
17. St George Hotel Sofia, Bulgaria
St George Hotel Sofia, Bulgaria, is almost a home away from home. This 3-star hotel offers rooms, studios, and apartments in the center. In addition, the studios and apartments include a kitchenette, stovetop, and dining area. All rooms have a balcony and free WiFi and can be accessed privately. The rooms have tea/coffee makers, safety deposit boxes, minibars, flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, hairdryers, irons, radios, desks, air conditioning, and heating.
The St George Hotel Sofia, Bulgaria restaurant serves Bulgarian and international cuisine. An airport shuttle can be arranged at an extra charge, and public parking is available nearby at BGN 10 per day.
This cheap accommodation in Sofia, Bulgaria, is perfect for guests on a tight budget and who want a central hotel in Sofia that is close to all the Sofia attractions.
18. H2O Hostel
You’ve already decided what to do in Sofia and are just looking for cheap accommodation in Sofia to spend the nights. H2O Hostel is a perfect choice. Almost every attraction is less than a km away, making the hostel one of Bulgaria’s best-located places to stay.
Options include four or 6-bed dorms or double rooms. Guests like the high-speed free WiFi at the hostel.
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What To See In Sofia
There are many things to do in Sofia. We’ve listed a few of our favorite places to go in Sofia. Maybe you’ll like them too.
- Alexander Nevski Cathedral: Magnificent and awe-inspiring
- Sofia History Museum: Originally built as Turkish baths, the building showcases Bulgaria’s history
- Sveta Sofia Church: One of the city’s oldest churches
- Museum of Socialist Art: The name says it all
- Boyana Church: A 13th-century UNESCO heritage church with excellent mural work
- Zlatnite Mostove: A ‘stone river’ that means ‘golden bridges’
- Sveti Nikolai Russian Church: A 19th-century church dedicated to St. Nikolai, the miracle worker.
- Archaeological Museum: Displaying Roman, Thracian, and medieval artifacts
- Sveti Georgi Rotunda: A mud-brick church built in the 4th century
- Sofia Synagogue: A Moorish-styled synagogue and Europe’s 2nd largest Sephardic synagogue.
- National History Museum: Bulgaria’s oldest museum, built in 1889
There are many more places to visit in Sofia – the Daralevtsi Monastery, Aleksander Nevski Crypt, Sofia Zoo, Sveta Petka Church, Muzeiko, Ancient Serdica Complex, and more. Have a great time on your trip discovering the fantastic Sofia attractions.