which is the best area to stay in sofia, bulgaria?

Which is the best area to stay in Sofia?

By Eloise Stark. September 11, 2024

Sofia, Bulgaria’s laid back and creative capital, is an often-overlooked destination. Most travelers pass through it on their way to the country’s beaches or ski slopes, missing out on a town that is rich in history, culture, and mountain landscapes. Sofia’s history goes back thousands of years, and visitors will find ancient Roman ruins next to Ottoman mosques, onion-domed Orthodox cathedrals, and Soviet-era brutalist buildings. Sofia has a growing culinary scene, lively nightlife, and beautiful green spaces. Vitosha Mountain, visible from much of the city, provides an impressive backdrop as well as skiing and hiking opportunities just a 30-minute drive from the center.

The best area to stay in Sofia is Oborishte, located next to the old city centre. It is popular amongst locals and tourists alike for its artistic vibe and laid-back atmosphere. Oborishte is not only home to some of Sofia’s top sites, such as the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, but also to many of its best restaurants and art galleries. Staying in Oborishte means that you can walk to most of Sofia’s attractions, as well as its shopping streets and nightlife. Whenever you are tired, you can retreat to the peaceful surroundings of your hotel.On the map, which shows the best area to stay in Sofia, you can see a selection of some of the best located hotels.

If you were interested in finding out where to stay in Sofia, you may also be interested in knowing where to stay in Belgrade or where to stay in Bucharest.

Oborishte: The best area to stay in Sofia

Central / Art and Culture / First-Time

Oborishte is home to several of Sofia’s big-name attractions, such as the National Assembly, the National Gallery, and the iconic Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. Yet, it is the neighbourhood’s smaller sites that make up its charm: the tree-lined streets hide galleries, creative spaces, and design studios — tangible signs of the city’s thriving art scene. The neighbourhood is also home to the University of Sofia and the famous Doctor’s Garden (Doktorska Gradina), a beautifully landscaped park where locals unwind, giving the area a friendly, village-like feel.

Oborishte is at the heart of Sofia’s culinary scene and has an abundance of mehanas (cozy taverns serving traditional Bulgarian dishes) and international restaurants. You’ll also find cafes, wine bars, and craft beer pubs. Its proximity to Sofia’s main sites combined with its peaceful, sophisticated atmosphere make Oborishte the perfect base for visitors seeking to explore the city.

Hotels in Oborishte

Other areas to stay in Sofia

Vitosha District

Nature / Skiing / Families

Set at the foot of the imposing Vitosha Mountain, the Vitosha district is ideal for nature lovers. A short bus ride will take you to the heart of Sofia, where you can enjoy the sites and the nightlife. If you stroll in the other direction, you will find yourself in Vitosha Nature Park, a popular spot for hiking trails, skiing in winter, and breathtaking panoramic views of Sofia.

It is rare to be able to enjoy both a buzzing city and unspoiled nature, but Sofia has both, and Vitosha is the best place to enjoy them. The neighborhood also has several unmissable attractions. Boyana Church is a UNESCO World Heritage site with stunningly preserved medieval frescoes on its walls. The equally colorful but more modern Snail House is a flamboyant five-story house in the shape of a snail.

Hotels in Vitosha District

Studentski Grad

Nightlife / Youthful

When you step into Studentski Grad, you may feel like you have been transported back in time to Bulgaria’s communist past. The area’s ultra-functional multi-story apartment blocks were built in Soviet times to house university students, and they serve the same function today. While this slightly austere architecture has its critics, Studentski Grad is a charming part of Sofia, and alongside students, it attracts young families and budget travellers drawn to the area’s affordability and lively nightlife.

Studentski Grad is Sofia’s main student hub and is home to six universities and higher education institutions. Naturally, where there are students, there are also bars, clubs, and cafes. Studentski Grad is a great place to stay if you like to party. During the day, the streets are calm, and you can enjoy a stroll in Studentski Park or the nearby Zoological Gardens.

Hotels in Studentski Grad

Mladost

Families / Business Travel / Up-Market

Mladost comprises five districts creatively named Mladost I, Mladost II, etc. This large area of Soviet-era tower blocks is located a few kilometres southeast of the city and is a popular place for young Sofians to live. In terms of tourist sites, there are few. However, if you are looking for a homely, lived-in neighbourhood where everything you need is on your doorstep, Mladost is ideal. You’ll find plenty of modern hotels, shopping centres, supermarkets, cafes, and restaurants.

For business travellers, Mladost is an excellent choice, as it is home to Business Park Sofia and is close to Sofia Airport. While the city centre is a little further, Mladost has the huge advantage of having a subway station — there are only four metro lines in Sofia, so this remains a rarity and allows visitors to avoid the traffic jams that so often block the city streets.

Hotels in Mladost

Lozenets

Up-Market / Business Travel / Green Spaces

Located halfway between Vitosha Mountain and the centre of Sofia, Lozenets has wonderful views over both. It is slightly elevated at between 550 and 620 meters above sea level, and its sloping tree-lined streets are very photogenic. It attracts an affluent crowd, and the up-market restaurants, wine bars, and cafes can be slightly more pricey than elsewhere in the city. The architecture is a mix of old and new with townhouses, low residential buildings, and a few tower blocks.

Another draw of Lozenets is the neighbourhood’s abundance of green spaces. It is bordered on the west side by South Park, a vast area with small hills, artificial lakes, a river, and fountains. South Park is the perfect place to escape Sofia’s hot summer days. Meanwhile, on the east side of Lozenets is Borisova Gradina, Sofia’s largest park, where locals flock for walks, jogs, or picnics.

Hotels in Lozenets

Geo Milev

Peaceful / Green Spaces / Airport Proximity

The Geo Milev district was the earliest inhabited part of Sofia and is home to the Slatina Neolithic Settlement. It is fascinating to visit the remnants of clay dwellings dating back 5000 years. Your hotel in Geo Milev will be far more modern, as today the area is a leafy residential area with a feeling of suburban peacefulness. Embassy buildings and attractive Ottoman churches are dotted through the streets.

Located just a couple of kilometers south of Sofia Airport, Geo Milev is a great place to stay if your flight arrives late or departs early. It is also close to Arena Armettes, Sofia’s biggest concert and sporting venue, making it a popular choice amongst those attending events in the capital. There are very few tourists in this part of the city, and you’ll find plenty of traditional shops, cafes, and restaurants offering an authentic experience of Sofia’s daily life.

Hotels in Geo Milev