Where to Stay in Sofia (Areas + Favourite Hotels 2023)

Located in the western part of the country, Sofia is the capital city of Bulgaria. It’s a dynamic city with a unique mix of modern and Soviet architecture. Sofia is the perfect destination for a city break – not touristy, affordable and packed with history.

Sofia is not a small city, in fact, it’s the biggest one in Bulgaria. The city centre is big, but all the tourist sights and restaurants are conveniently packed in one area. Continue reading to find out where to stay in Sofia, Bulgaria, including the best hotels and apartments.

Sofia is my home for the last 20 years. So, there’s one thing I can say for sure. The city centre is not the best place to live in, but it’s the best place to stay if you’re visiting for a weekend. Here you’ll find all the historical sights, restaurants and bars.

If you’re visiting Sofia for nightlife or sightseeing, there is no better place to stay than the city centre. You’ll be at walking distance from all places of interests!

In a hurry? Looking for an excellent hotel with a convenient location in Sofia city centre? Then check out Rosslyn Thracia Hotel – it’s the most popular hotel.

Rosslyn Thracia Hotel features a perfect location, right next to the main pedestrian street, Vitosha Boulevard. All sights of interest, restaurants and metro are within walking distance. It’s the best place to stay in Sofia for a city getaway.
Why book – next to the main pedestrian street, private parking, spacious rooms, excellent breakfast

Most of the hotels are in the city centre, too. When choosing accommodation, take a look at the map and make sure that your hotel is located in the triangle formed by Serdika metro station, NDK and St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. This is the best area to stay in Sofia.

Also, note that if you stay near Vitosha Boulevard, it could be noisy at night. There are plenty of restaurants and bars located on Vitosha Boulevard (the main pedestrian street). The area around St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is calmer (if this is what you’re looking for).

Don’t stay near the airport, it’s a 30min journey by the metro from the city centre. You’ll lose too much time commuting.

And last, but no least avoid the central parts around Lavov Most, the Central station and Pirotska Street. There are a lot of immigrants, the areas look shabby and not completely safe.

Why stay in Sofia city centre

• stay here if you want to be on a few minutes walk to all restaurants and bars
• all must-see sights, including St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the Russian Church, History Museum and Square 500 are just a short walk away
• no need to use public transport at all
• easy access to the airport, just take metro line M4 (30min journey) from Serdika station

The hotel features a central location, near cultural monuments, tourist attractions and public transport. The modern rooms are spacious with comfortable beds. You can also enjoy an excellent Spa centre with a hot tub, sauna and steam bath.
Why book – central location, underground parking, excellent Spa centre, close to metro station

Art ‘Otel benefits from a prime location, right next to the main pedestrian street, Vitosha Boulevard. Rooms are spacious, tastefully decorated and with modern amenities. The breakfast is fantastic, featuring traditional Bulgarian foods like banitsa, white cheese, etc.
Why book – next to the main pedestrian street, private parking, spacious rooms, helpful staff

The hotel is ideally located next to the main pedestrian street, close to restaurants, shopping stores and historical sights. Rooms are spacious and quiet with a lot of amenities.
Why book – next to main pedestrian street and metro station, complimentary coffee and tea facilities, excellent breakfast

Perfectly situated next to St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the hotel is a great base to tour the historical sights. The big modern rooms feature comfy beds and marble bathrooms with spacious baths.
Why book – 400m from St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, private parking, spacious rooms, fantastic breakfast, airport shuttle

Grand Hotel Sofia is the perfect place for a luxurious stay. Set in a modern building, next to the City garden, the hotel boasts an unbeatable location. All tourist sights and restaurants are just a short walk away. Rooms are very spacious, elegantly designed and feature awesome views of the city. Art lovers will appreciate the hotel’s unique collection of over 400 original oil paintings.
Why book – next to the City garden and metro station, indoor parking, gourmet restaurant, summer terrace

For a luxury Spa vacation, there is one place to stay – Sense Hotel. This boutique hotel features an exclusive Spa area with an indoor stainless steel pool and many massage options. You’ll also find an awesome rooftop bar with panoramic views! As for the location, it could not be better – opposite St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral.
Why book – opposite St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, panoramic rooftop bar, Molton Brown’s cosmetics, wellness centre with indoor pool

Spacious modern apartments excellently located just a block over the main pedestrian street, Vitosha Boulevard. Close to many restaurants and shops. A large well-equipped kitchen is at your disposal.
Why book – next to the main pedestrian street, modern apartments with air-conditioning and a balcony, easy check-in

Very stylish and comfortable apartments, next to the main shopping street. Just a stone’s throw from restaurants, historical sights and shops. A fully equipped kitchen with everything you possibly need.
Why book – next to the main pedestrian street, stylish air-conditioned apartments, bicycle rental service