Where to Stay in Sofia – 7 Best Areas

Discover the best areas to stay in Sofia, from trendy neighborhoods to budget-friendly spots. Explore top attractions, vibrant nightlife, and cozy accommodations in the heart of Bulgarian capital.
Where to Stay in Sofia - 7 Best Areas

Sofia isn’t a well-known destination for European travelers, so it doesn’t see many visitors. However, recent efforts to boost tourism have noticeably improved the city center compared to a few years ago.

These initiatives to attract more tourists have led to an increase in the number of hotels. Accommodation in Sofia is much cheaper than in any other European capital.

This article highlights the best areas to stay in Sofia, detailing their features and top hotels.

The priciest neighborhoods are Vitosha Boulevard, Alexander Nevski Cathedral area, Lozenets, and the NDK (National Palace of Culture) vicinity.

Conversely, the most affordable areas are around the central train station, Studentski Grad, and near the airport.

1. Sofia Center, best area to stay

Banya Bashi Mosque
Banya Bashi Mosque

The Center of Sofia stretches within the old city walls and the area around the Serdika fortress, specifically near Bulevar del Tzar Osvoboditel and Prince Alexander I Square.

Some of the city’s top attractions include:

  • The National Archaeological Museum
  • The National Art Gallery
  • Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
  • The Ivan Vazov National Theater
  • Banya Bashi Mosque
  • The Old Synagogue

Vitosha Boulevard is perfect for those who love shopping, with its array of stores and malls.

The area boasts excellent connectivity to other parts of the city via the M1 and M2 metro lines, trolley 1, and tram 1. Numerous bus routes also terminate here.

This central location is ideal for staying in Sofia, especially if you want to explore the city’s landmarks and enjoy its architecture.

Prices here are higher than in other areas, but you can still find accommodation for under €50 per night.

Best Hotels in Sofia Center

2. Vitosha Boulevard, best area to stay in Sofia for families and kids

Vitosha Boulevard, Sofia
Vitosha Boulevard

Vitosha Boulevard stretches from Saint Nedelya Square to South Park. It’s Sofia’s main shopping street and certainly its most stylish. You’ll find luxury stores, shopping malls, and chic cafes here.

This street showcases the city’s revitalization efforts and rivals any boulevard in other European capitals. Besides shopping, you’ll discover excellent restaurants, cozy coffee shops, vibrant bars, and lively nightclubs in the area.

If you’re looking for a sophisticated place to stay with your family, with easy access to attractions and close to great dining and nightlife, this is the perfect spot.

Best Hotels in Vitosha Boulevard

3. NDK (National Palace of Culture), a modern area to stay in Sofia

National Palace of Culture (NDK)
National Palace of Culture (NDK)

This area surrounds the National Palace of Culture (NDK) at the southern end of Vitosha Boulevard. While it can be considered part of the city center, its modern and dynamic vibe sets it apart.

The National Palace of Culture (NDK) is the largest conference and exhibition center in Southeastern Europe.

Here, you’ll find numerous office buildings, shops, large shopping centers, and attractions like Central Park and the “Earth and Man” Museum. Plus, being close to Vitosha Boulevard means you can enjoy all its offerings as well.

Most hotels in this area are luxurious and business-oriented, making it an ideal spot for business travelers.

Even though the hotels are upscale, the prices are quite reasonable. A room typically costs around €70-80 per night.

Best Hotels in NDK Area

4. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, an authentic area to stay in Sofia

Alexander Nevsky Cathedral,
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral,

The Alexander Nevski Cathedral, one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world and the second largest in the Balkans, dominates Sofia’s oldest part.

This area is bordered by María Luisa Boulevard, Santa Nedelya Square, and Graf Ignatiev Street.

Nearby attractions include:

  • Sedmochislenitsi Church (Seven Saints Church)
  • The National Theater
  • The Russian Church of St. Nicholas
  • The Tsar Liberator Monument
  • Banya Bashi Mosque
  • The Catholic Cathedral of St Joseph
  • The Orthodox Church of Saint Nedelya

You’ll find traditional markets selling antiques, fruits, and vegetables, as well as the Central Market Hall, offering a variety of local products.

Tip: Try the traditional pastries like banitsa or garash cake.

The area also boasts a vibrant nightlife, with bars, restaurants, and clubs, especially around Narodno Sabranie Square. Plus, it’s close to Vitosha Boulevard and its shops.

This is one of the most authentic areas to stay in, offering a wide range of hotels. Prices are among the highest in the city, but still quite reasonable compared to the rest of Europe. You can find rooms for around €40-50 per night.

Best Hotels close to Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

5. Central Railway Station, where to stay in Sofia on a budget

Central Railway Station, Sofia
Central Railway Station / photo: wikipedia

The Central Railway Station area serves as a hub connecting Sofia to other European countries. It stretches along Marie Louise Boulevard and is conveniently located next to the bus station and several metro stops.

It’s very close to the city center, just about 1 km away, so you can easily walk there. If you have a lot of luggage, taking the metro or a trolley is a better option.

If you’re arriving by train or planning to visit other areas during your stay, this is a great place to stay. The neighborhood itself isn’t particularly charming, but its central location makes it perfect for getting around.

You’ll find many hotels and accommodations here, all at very affordable rates, around €40 per night.

Best Hotels in Central Railway Station

6. Lozenets, a quiet area to stay in Sofia

Lozenets
University of Architecture, Civil Eng. and Geodesy and Stadium Vasil Levski

Lozenets is located in the southern part of Sofia, offering stunning views of Vitosha Mountain. Since the fall of communism, it has undergone significant revitalization and has become quite a trendy area.

It features modern buildings alongside some from the communist era and boasts plenty of outdoor spaces like Borisova Gradina. Here, you’ll also find Sofia Zoo, Vasil Levski Stadium, and the Sofia Land amusement park.

Lozenets is a peaceful yet central area with excellent public transport connections via metro line 2.

Best Hotels in Lozenets

  • (€€) Maison Sofia – MGallery: a 5-star hotel with spa and swimming pool, 1km from metro station
  • (€) Legends Hotel: a 4-star hotel with restaurant and bar, 500m from metro station
  • (€) Hemus Hotel Sofia: a 3-star hotel with breakfast, 700m from Vitosha Boulevard

7. Studentski Grad, best area to stay in Sofia for visiting students

University of Forestry, Sofia
University of Forestry, Sofia / photo: wikipedia

As you might guess from the name, Studentski Grad is the student district, home to numerous universities.

All the university faculties are located here. Established in 1960, the area now hosts over 60,000 students.

It’s about 7 km from the Sofia Center and has a somewhat rundown appearance, with many old buildings, some dating back to the Soviet era. However, the student presence gives it a vibrant and modern vibe.

This is the perfect area to stay if you plan to visit a friend or family member studying and living here. The neighborhood buzzes with nightlife, packed with bars, nightclubs, and discos.

It’s one of the most affordable areas to stay, with mid-range rooms available for €30-40 per night.

Best Hotels in Studentski Grad

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