Hotels in Sofia

Sofia Introduction

From the Ottoman Empire to the days of communism Sofia has a turbulent history, which is reflected in its unique collection of architecture and culture. Compact enough to explore on foot, a stroll around the city will take you past grand neoclassical buildings, Soviet monoliths and neatly kept city parks. With nightlife to rival any major European capital, Sofia is full of live music venues, clubs and bars that come to life after hours.

Hotels in Sofia

There's a wide selection of hotels in Sofia to suit all sorts of budgets. Discount hotels such as hostels and guesthouses can be found around the Central Railway Station, which is ideal for backpackers and those who just want a comfortable base to explore from. With features such as free WiFi and free breakfast buffets, they're ideal if you're travelling on a shoestring. However, you can also find luxury hotels in Sofia, with many lavish 5-star properties housed in grand old buildings. With features such as full-service spas and fitness facilities, and rooms with luxury bedding and minibars, you can be sure of a relaxing break.

Where to stay

With high-end boutiques set along wide pedestrianised streets, Vitosha Boulevard is a modern and upmarket area of Sofia. Designed with Art Deco influenced architecture, it's a great place to wander and enjoy designer shopping before grabbing a table on the pavement outside a cafe. At night the area has a lively bar scene, with crowded clubs playing Bulgarian dance and electronic music until the small hours. Oborishte is a lively, creative neighbourhood close to many of the city's cultural attractions. Trams rattle through the streets, which are a mishmash of old and new architectural styles, and Oborishte is full of hipster cafes and cosy artisanal shops.

Things to see

Housed in the former royal palace, the National Art Gallery of Sofia is a grand building with high ceilings, ideal for hosting the on average 2,000 pieces of artwork that are displayed. From traditional rooms with chandeliers and decadent decor to airy whitewashed spaces, each wing has a different style, and this is reflected in the wide selection of Bulgarian and international art. One of the capital's most iconic buildings is the St Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. In a Neo-Byzantine style topped with gold-plated domes, this opulent Orthodox cathedral creates a dramatic first impression. However, you have to step inside to feel the full effect. From the Italian marble floors to the gold and onyx embellished walls, every inch of the cathedral is adorned. The Neo-Classical style Ivan Vazov National Theatre is set in neatly manicured gardens with statues and fountains. Book a ticket to see the opera or ballet and you can appreciate the plush red interior with gilded details; the perfect backdrop for one of the theatre's big performances.

How to get to Sofia

Sofia Airport sits to the east of the city, with arrivals from all over Europe. Terminal 2 has a Metro station which provides a direct service to Serdika in the centre, taking about 18 minutes. Most people travel in Sofia via the Metro, which has 2 lines, and from Serdika you can transfer to the red line. You can also take a bus from the airport to Tsarigradsko shose Metro station, which takes just 12 minutes and makes transfers to Sofia hotels in the south of the city much quicker. Sofia Central Railway Station is also a popular arrival point, with direct trains from Belgrade, Istanbul and more, as well as indirect train services from across Europe.