Darija Stojanovic 
Hi traveler, welcome to this virtual guide on where to stay in Sofia!
The road has taken me to this city one too many times, being born and growing up just an hour’s ride away. From airport trips to weekend getaways to concerts and shopping, I visited Sofia at least a dozen times.
I’m always happy to come back here and am even more excited to tell you all about the city! So today, I share with you my personal pick of the 4 best areas to stay for first-timers (but I also have a treat for return visitors), as well as top-rated hotel recommendations in each district!
Basically, after reading my guide, you’ll be able to book your ideal hotel in Sofia in minutes!
Centrum is where you want to be as a first-timer, and this is where the top attractions, hotels, and restaurants are! Plus, it’s just a short metro ride away from the airport!
Sofia is developing fast, and more and more tourists come here every year, so make sure to book your hotel in advance!
Quick Picks for Your Stay
Check out the best hotels in Sofia, all located in the Centrum:
Contents
- Quick Picks for Your Stay
- 1. Centrum – where to stay in Sofia for the first time
- 2. Oborishte – near Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
- 3. Lozenets – the coolest place to stay in Sofia for foodies + families
- 4. Vitosha district – best area to stay in Sofia, Bulgaria, for nature lovers
- FAQs about best places to stay in Sofia, Bulgaria
- Final thoughts on where to stay in Sofia, Bulgaria
This map highlights all the best areas to stay in Sofia I’ll talk about in this post:
- Centrum (Sofia City Centre): for first-timers
- Oborishte: near Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
- Lozenets: for foodies+ families
- Vitosha District: for nature lovers
1. Centrum – where to stay in Sofia for the first time
Known by locals as “Centrum”, Sofia’s city center is the starting point for first-timers for 2 core reasons. It has a central location, and the most significant Sofia attractions are located here. Almost everything is within walking distance, which is just what a typical tourist needs!
Think narrow cobblestone streets, museums, churches, theaters, hotels, parks, local stores, and coffee shops, and all other features of a bustling capital city.
Actually, the first time I visited Sofia was on a day tour from my hometown, and I was pleasantly surprised to see that walking tours are a big thing here! There were tons of Chinese tourists (I even snapped some photos with them) but also random groups of European visitors basically everywhere I went.
Apart from the iconic Aleksandar Nevski Cathedral (which, by the way, is the largest cathedral in Bulgaria, but more on it later), another very popular part of Centrum is the Serdika area.
Central Sofia is built on top of the ruins of the ancient Roman town called Serdika, the remains of which you can see when you stroll in this area (map)!
I love how diverse the Serdika area is – you have a mosque, a synagogue, churches, Roman ruins, and communist buildings all next to each other! A true testimony to Sofia’s rich cultural heritage. I love to spend most of my time in Sofia here.
ROSE PRODUCTS: Since this is the most touristy part of town, I’ll use this opportunity to warn you of a major scam: if local souvenir sellers offer you rose oil for a ridiculous price, don’t fall for it! Real rose oil that Bulgaria is so known for is as expensive as gold. Buy rose water instead, there’s not much you can do with rose oil anyways (unless you’re a perfume manufacturer!).
Walk some 20 minutes on foot South from Serdika, and you’ll reach Vitosha Boulevard (map), the spot for shopping and dining in the city! The area around Vitosha Boulevard is also known as NDK, short for National Palace of Culture (also known as The Congress Center). This palace is the cultural hub of Sofia, and if you’re in town for exhibitions or cultural events, chances are they’ll be held here!
FOODIE TIP: When in Sofia, try kebapche (grilled minced meat with spices) and banica (cheese and egg pastry dish), 2 staples of Bulgarian cuisine! The best traditional restaurants in the area include Hadjidraganov’s Houses (map) and Manastirska Magernitsa (map), don’t miss them!
Now, the choice of hotels in Sofia’s city center is huge, but the top ones get sold out quickly, so I advise you to book early!
When in Sofia, I highly suggest you spoil yourself and stay at this hotel. Its exceptional wellness center has a hydromassage hot tub, aroma and infrared sauna, marine salt steam bath, as well as Finland bath and a swimming pool with panoramic views!
Other accommodation options in Sofia Centrum
This unique architectural masterpiece of a hotel has a central location and a cozy atmosphere
This one is a gem among the budget hotels in Sofia. Clean, conveniently located and with free Wi-Fi
An affordable apartment for up to 5 people looking to stay in Sofia at a comfy and cozy place
Things to do in Sofia Center
- Join a free walking tour of Sofia
- Check out the shops and restaurants of Vitosha Boulevard
- Explore the Serdika area with ancient Roman ruins and Banya Bashi Mosque (map)
- Attend a performance at the National Palace of Culture (NDK)
- Stroll in the City Garden and catch the Christmas Market in winter (map)
- Snap a photo of the St. Sophia Monument (map, the patron of the city)
- Watch a play at Ivan Vazov National Theater (map), I had a great time here
- Learn about Bulgarian culture through dance
2. Oborishte – near Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
The picturesque residential district of Oborishte boasts a prime location (about 10 minutes walk from the City Center) without all the city noise! If you want to stay close to the attractions (notably the Nevski Cathedral), or are traveling with kids, choose Oborishte, you won’t regret it!
The Nevski Cathedral is the most significant sight in the capital city built in honor of the Russian troops who died in the Russo-Turkish war of 1877-1878 (while defending Bulgaria). That’s why the cathedral is named after a Russian saint!
Once you snap a picture or two of this iconic monument, take a walk around the area rich with parks, local restaurants, and great hotels. By the way, the pleasant and quiet atmosphere of Oborishte also makes it suitable for couples who appreciate a secluded and romantic location!
There’s one thing Sofia’s not short of, and that’s green spaces! Oborishte is the prime example of that! My favorite park in the area is Zaimov Park (map), it’s huge and you can walk around or sip coffee in the cafés inside.
INSIDER’S TIP: You know those viral giant croissants you can find in the Instagrammable cafés of London and Paris? Well, Sofia’s Savi Gelato has some of those too!
NOTE: I should also mention that Oborishte is a 30-minute walk from Sofia central railway station, but this is not far considering how big the city is.
AIRPORT INFO: Of all the areas on the list, Oborishte is technically closest to the airport, but this makes very little difference. The direct metro line from the airport to the city center makes most locations accessible within 30 minutes. And if you have an early flight, you can stay in hotels closer to the airport. I stayed in Best Western the last time and it was amazing!
Relax and enjoy at Hyatt Regency spa and wellness center after touring around the city. Prefer soaking in the sun and relish at the beauty of Vitosha Mountain with a cocktail in your hand? No problem! This luxury hotel has everything you can think of and is particularly loved by couples.
Other accommodation options in Oborishte
Elegant, stylish, and super comfortable apartment for couples in a super quiet yet easily accessible location
Great place with a big kitchen, ideal for couples or families with babies traveling on a budget
Located in a quiet street, this fully equipped apartment offers a pleasant stay for younger people
Things to do in Oborishte
- Admire the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral (map)
- Catch a performance at the Sofia Opera and Ballet
- Try traditional Bulgarian dishes at Staria Chinar (map)
- Enjoy the peace at Doctor’s Garden (map)
- Take a walk at Park Zaimov
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3. Lozenets – the coolest place to stay in Sofia for foodies + families
The Lozenets area sits some 4 km (2.4 mi) South of the City Center and it’s a highly affluent area with luxury hotels and residential homes. Stay here if you’d like some peace and quiet but also have easy access to some amazing restaurants!
If you are a foodie like myself, then you will absolutely love the diversity of places to eat here. Whether you want to explore the traditional Bulgarian cuisine or stick with your classic choice of dishes, I guarantee you will not be disappointed!
RESTAURANT TIP: Try the best gourmet pizza at Paesano (map), especially the one with truffles and prosciutto! Surprisingly, there are tons of excellent Italian restaurants in the area!
Traveling with kids? The Sofia Zoo (map) is located in Lozenets, plus there’s also tons of green areas for the little ones to run around in the Borisova Gradina Park (map)! By the way, this is one of the largest parks in Europe, covering the surface of over 3 km² (almost the size of Central Park in New York).
In terms of accessibility, Lozenets is around 40 minutes walk from the City Center, but you will still have easy access because it is well connected to it via the European Union metro station. This is especially helpful since parking here is scarce so don’t go into the trouble of renting a car! By the way, at every metro station, you can buy a single metro ticket (€0.60) or opt for 24-hour (€3) or 72-hour passes (€7.7) depending on how long you stay.
You can rent a car for your travels if you plan to move around Bulgaria, but in that case, I advise you to book a hotel with free parking.
NOTE: If you list hotels for Lozenets on Booking.com and suddenly they come with sea views – you’re looking at the wrong Lozenets (the small village by the Black Sea on Bulgaria’s coast)! So make sure to have your results sorted right!
Here’s my pick of the top-rated hotels in Lozenets, Sofia:
Apart from free private parking, the Impresamente Art Hotel has everything that you and your family need to rest after a good day of touring. This modern building has a fantastic location, as well as a great hotel restaurant and even room service!
Other accommodation options in Lozenets
The unique interior design perfectly complements the park next door. Gym and WiFi are complimentary
A 3-star hotel walking distance to metro station and bus stops, with spacious rooms, free Wi-Fi and tasty food
A fully equipped, reasonably priced Sofia accommodation perfect for vacation or business trips
Things to do in Lozenets
- Explore all the cool restaurants in the area
- Enjoy the diversity of nature at Boris’ Garden (Borisova Gradina)
- Take the kids to the Sofia Zoo
- Visit the Earth and Man National Museum
- Feel like a local at the bar Maimunarnika (map)
4. Vitosha district – best area to stay in Sofia, Bulgaria, for nature lovers
Vitosha district is a natural sight located at the foothills of Vitosha Mountain, full of lush greenery and peaceful nature. If this is your 2nd or 3rd time in Sofia, you’ve seen most of the central attractions and want to spend time outdoors, then definitely consider this area. Otherwise, due to the distance from the City Center, I recommend staying at a closer location.
The area is super popular for hiking among the locals, you’ll often see families and couples tackling its numerous hiking paths during the weekend! Simeonovo lakes is my personal favorite (map). Vitosha also has the only ski center (map) in Sofia, so you can even learn how to ski here in the winter!
The UNESCO-protected Boyana Church (map) from the 11th century is a must-see among the tourist sights in the area. Also, the National History Museum, which is one of the most extensive ones in Europe, is located nearby.
INSIDER TIP: Regardless of the season of your trip, definitely pack a warm jacket if staying or hiking the area. The top of Vitosha is over 2,000 meters (7 200 feet) high, and it gets chilly here even in the summer.
Since this isn’t a very touristy area (apart from the local visitors), don’t expect everyone to speak English here. In general, young people in Bulgaria learn English from a young age and can communicate fine – just so you know whom to stop on the street if you ever need help!
There isn’t much choice in terms of accommodation in this part of Sofia, but the idyllic, typically Bulgarian Airbnbs may be the ideal choice for the adventurous among you!
The on-site restaurant of this All Seasons hotel has splendid garden views where you can take a break and enjoy the tasty local cuisine. The stylish lobby bar, in addition, offers a variety of drinks to wrap up your evening perfectly!
Other accommodation options in Vitosha district
The rustic style of the hotel blends in perfectly with nature and provides a peaceful stay for guests
A cozy and clean 1-star hotel with free Wi-Fi and parking, a bar, and a nice garden, ideal for couples
House Floor with a Quiet Garden
Seeking complete peace and quiet? This Airbnb has a private garden, parking and a fully equipped kitchen
Things to do in Vitosha district
- Visit the iconic Boyana Church
- Join a tour of Mt. Vitosha and Boyana Waterfall
- Learn to ski in a day
- Visit the National Museum of History
- Go to the Botanical Garden of Sofia (map)
| 👑 Luxury price: | €150 |
| 💵 Mid-range: | €70 |
| 🛏️ Budget: | €40 |
| 📍 Best area: | Sofia Centrum |
| 🛎️ Best luxury hotel: | Grand Hotel Millennium |
| 🧳 Best mid-range hotel: | Design Hotel 36 |
| 👛 Best budget hotel: | Hotel Leda |
FAQs about best places to stay in Sofia, Bulgaria
❓ Where to stay in Sofia for the first time?
The Centrum! The City Center is the best area to stay in Sofia for the first time since it’s where most of the attractions are!
🚶♀️ Is Sofia a walkable city?
Yes. Most of the major tourist attractions are located in the center or in the nearby areas, so you can either go around by yourself or take a walking tour.
🎯 Does Lozenets have a central location?
Yes, although it is located a bit South of the city center, it could still be considered central. Some great hotels to stay in this area are Impresamente Art Hotel and Hotel ZOO.
🚇 What is the best way to get around in Sofia?
On foot and for longer distances on the metro! Sofia metro is pretty efficient, especially to get from the airport to the city center, plus it’s super cheap. Way better than buses! If you’re traveling with luggage, a taxi is your best bet.
🛏️ How many days in Sofia is enough?
2 full days is more than enough to see the main attractions in Sofia. However, if you want to take day tours or explore at a slower pace, I’d say plan for 4 days.
🏞️ Is Business Park Sofia within walking distance of Sofia City Center?
No, it isn’t. Business Park Sofia is in the Mladost area, and closer to Vitosha district.
🏙️ Is Sofia worth visiting?
Yes, it definitely is. Sofia has a rich cultural and historical heritage, with history spanning over 7,000 years. Whether you’re into food, nightlife, museums, or urban exploring, Sofia will know how to keep you busy!
🏰 Where is Sofia Old Town?
There is no area officially named “Old Town” in Sofia. People may refer to the center as Old Town because of the historic spots and ancient ruins you can find there.
🌃 Is it safe to walk around Sofia at night?
Yes! Sofia is a safe city in general, I’ve walked alone at night there many times. Just avoid secluded areas and stay where there are people, and you’ll have nothing to worry about.
💀 What are the worst neighborhoods in Sofia?
Orlandovtsi (where Sofia central train station is) and Moderno predgradie are considered unsafe due to pickpocketing. Other than that, there isn’t a neighborhood that is particularly bad and that you should avoid.
Final thoughts on where to stay in Sofia, Bulgaria
Yay, you’ve made it to the end of our guide on where to stay in Sofia! Hopefully, it has answered all your questions about the city’s tourist-friendly districts!
I know I’ve given you tons of options for hotels to stay in Sofia, so if you still haven’t decided on your favorite, here are 2 of mine:
- Grand Hotel Millennium – a luxury hotel in the heart of Sofia
- Eurostars – a homely hotel, 400m from St. Alexander Nevsky cathedral
Whether you’re visiting for business or leisure, Sofia has something for everyone. Just don’t forget to book a hotel in advance because the great hotels in popular areas are selling fast!
If you have any questions or could use some more tips for your upcoming stay in Sofia, drop me a comment below! I’ll be glad to help!
Enjoy Sofia,
Darija
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