Sofia
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About Sofia
A couple of years ago Sofia's headline was something along the lines of 'Cheapest European Capital', but as well as moving out from behind the Iron Curtain, Sofia has moved on from low prices being its sole selling point. This is Bulgaria's biggest city, but it is still delightfully compact for walking around and full of new trendy developments and fascinating museums and galleries. The hotel scene has also taken massive strides forwards with a good range of converted historical buildings and luxury options. For the best places to stay in Sofia we recommend booking one of the city centre options.
An unmissable sight of Sofia is the Aleksander Nevski church. You won't miss it because it's a vast, awe-inspiring piece of neo-Byzantine architecture decorated with golden domes and ornate mosaics. But you also won't want to miss it! Commemorating the 200,000 Russian soldiers who died in Bulgaria's war of independence against the Turks, it houses most of Bulgaria's religious treasures. It's also worth dropping in on the Royal Palace, the Archaeological Museum, the Sveta Nedelya Cathedral, the Turkish Baths, and taking a trip up to the Vitosha Nature Park. If this looks like it'll take you more than a few days, you'd be right, and that's before you pack in Sofia's lively eating, drinking and dancing scenes.
Sofia hasn't entirely shed its Soviet-era uniform, and the remnants of this period, the neo-classical Stalinist civic buildings, Red Army monuments and concrete tower blocks add to the exciting east-meets-west feeling. The pre-Soviet architecture tells many tales of its own, there are wonderfully ornate onion-domed churches around the corner from a mosque built by the Ottomans and a graceful tree-lined, balconied building built by a 19th Century Viennese architect.
The city is ringed dramatically by the Balkan Mountains to the north and the Vitosha Mountains to the south. Maybe it's this proximity to the mountains, but Sofia has plenty of green space as well, and in season people can drive up to the ski slopes of Mt. Vitosha for the day. During the summer months this is a popular destination, so in order to bag a room at one of the best places to stay in Sofia we recommend booking well in advance.
The best places to stay in Sofia
For luxury
- The Sense Hotel is one of the best places to stay in Sofia if you want to be right in the historic centre. A minimalist, luxurious haven when all around are ancient treasures. The views from the roof terrace are unbeatable, there's a spa to relax after all that walking round town, and the food is supposed to be excellent.
For tradition
- Sofia Residence is an elegant property set in the heart of the city in one of Sofia's most prestigious neighbourhoods. Interiors are charming and traditional. A smart base to explore the city from.
For a self-catering apartment
- If you’d prefer to stay in an apartment or private villa we recommend you visit our online partner, booking.com.
Travel Information
- Sofia Airport has direct links to Heathrow, Gatwick and Manchester in the UK and to many other European and Middle Eastern cities, including Berlin, Paris, Moscow, Rome, Bucharest, Vienna and Dubai. You can catch the number 84 bus from the airport nine kilometres into to the centre of town, which takes around half an hour, or you can catch a yellow taxi from the designated stand.
- If you want to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
- April through September are the nicest months to visit Sofia as far as the weather is concerned, but it’s a city destination so still fantastic in the cooler months.
Still not sure?
- Expand your seach to include hotels in Plovdiv.
- Or browse through all our options in Bulgaria.
- Contact, one of our friendly gurus for advice.
Weather
Monthly Weather in Sofia
Best Hotels in Sofia
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R34 Boutique Hotel Sofia 11 rooms from CA$97
City Style - Modern industrial interiors and an ethos of personalised hospitality - this is a unique boutiqueSights nearby - The Cathedral Saint Alexandar Nevzki is a 10 minute stroll from the propertyLocal markets - Sample local produce at the covered Sofia Central MarketFull of characterA boutique 11 room property boasting spacious rooms in the heart of the city. Interiors have a modern industrial feel with partly exposed brick, minimalist lighting, high ceilings and large windows. The service is personalised and attentive. A chic choice. See More
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Sense Hotel Sofia 71 rooms from CA$110
Roof terrace - Panormamic views from the roof top bar.City StyleLuxurySights nearby - St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral, St. Sofia Statue, National Art Gallery, Sofia University.Recommended by - CN TravellerA fantastic design hotel in the Sofia's historic centre. Contemporary chic and subtle minimalism throughout. Glamorous rooms and suites combine glass, teak, and all the mod cons to luxurious effect. Fabulous fusion Mediterranean restaurant, roof top bar, and spa. See More
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Casa Boyana Sofia (Boyana district) 16 rooms from CA$105
Local exploring - Located in a quiet neighbourhood at the foot of Vitosha Mountain yet just 15 minutes from Sofia's city centreLuxury - A small four-star hotel offering an intimate stay complete with fine-dining and a comforting traditional feelGreat walks - Spend a day trekking on one of the many routes that span across Vitosha MountainOpulentA small four-star situated at the foothill of Vitosha Mountain yet within striking distance of central Sofia. Cosy rooms are comfortingly traditional with rich hues, thick carpets and chintz fabrics. A small spa offers a sauna and massages while evenings are spent in the elegant bar and restaurant. See More
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Sofia Residence Sofia 9 rooms from CA$139
Local exploring - Well positioned in the neighbourhood of Doctor's Garden, ideal for accessing the city's main attractions.Sights nearby - Visit the striking Alexander Nevsky Cathedral.Full of characterTraditionalAn elegant property set in the heart of the city in one of Sofia's most prestigious neighbourhoods. Traditionally dressed rooms feature softly patterned fabrics, antique furniture and large floor to ceiling windows. A smart base to explore the city from. See More
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Design Hotel 36 Sofia 19 rooms from CA$130
Boutique - A historic building turned chic boutique. Think - exposed brick, designer lighting, and luxuries such as in-room bathsLocal exploring - Located in the heart of the city with theatres, restaurants, and museums all within walking distanceSights nearby - A trip to the spectacular Cathedral Saint Aleksandar Nevski is a real mustDesigner - Uniquely designed interiors.A chic boutique set in the heart of Sofia. Spacious rooms feature exposed brick walls, luxurious bathrooms, and creative design touches seen in the lighting. The best rooms have in-room baths and private terraces. Complete with a restaurant; a smart city bolthole. See More
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VIKO Apart Hotel Sofia 23 rooms from CA$149
Families - With apartments designed specifically for families, this is a great choice for those travelling with childrenCity Style - A sleek modern hotel offering spacious apartments - ideal for an indulgent breakSights nearby - Admire the architecture in the city's famed Slaveykov SquareA sleek modern hotel set right in the heart of Sofia. The 23 apartments are vast - luxurious bathrooms feature rain showers and some apartments have kitchenettes. Indulgent breakfasts are served and you are just steps from the city's main attractions. See More
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Arena di Serdica Hotel Sofia 63 rooms from CA$201
Local exploring - Located in downtown Sofia with most of the city's cultural attractions within walking distanceCity Style - A contemporary five-star that houses Sofia's Roman Amphitheatre of Ancient Serdica!Local markets - Have a wander through the Central Sofia Market Hall and sample local produceFull of characterA very unique five-star property in the heart of Sofia. Although this is a chic contemporary build, the interior, in fact, houses an old Roman amphitheatre discovered while building the property! Surrounding this unique lobby is a choice of two restaurants and a sleek bar. An unforgettable stay. See More