A unique clash of cultures for an incredibly cheap price, Bulgaria is one of the coolest and most underrated backpacking destinations in Europe. The capital of this Bulkan Nation is Sofia, a stunning old city with incredible architecture and more than 2,000 years of fascinating history.

This city is home to a veritable smorgasbord of accommodation options, plenty of them suited to Broke Backpackers… With dozens of hostel options, it can be difficult to know which one to book.

This is exactly why I wrote this no-stress guide to the best hostels in Sofia!

My goal? To help you book a great hostel in Sofia, and to make sure it fits your travel style. To do this I’ve found the highest-rated and best hostels in Sofia, Bulgaria and organized the best hostels in Sofia for different travel needs.

This list is designed to do one thing – help you book your hostel in Sofia as quickly and painlessly as possible. So whether you’re going to Sofia to party your ass off, meet other travellers, or just wanna save some money… I’ve got you with this list of the best hostels in Sofia to help!

Let’s do it! 

Quick Answer: The Best Hostels in Sofia

Best Hostels in Sofia Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
Sofia is one of the best under-the-radar backpacking cities, and my guide to the best hostels in Sofia is here to help you save money!

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The 5 Best Hostels in Sofia

One thing you need to figure out before booking your accommodation is deciding where to stay in Sofia. I’ve listed the absolute best hostels in Sofia below so let’s get into them!

1. Green Cube Hostel – Best Overall Hostel in Sofia

Green Cube Hostel sofia
  • Dorm (mixed): From $23/night
  • Address: 137 bulevard “Hristo Botev”, 1233 Sofia

Consistently friendly staff, good vibes and a nice atmosphere are what I want in a hostel and Green Cube Hostel has it all. Sofia Hostels are often in great locations in the city centre and this one is no different… Anything you need is within walking distance and so is a train station if you want to go further afield.

This hostel is well kept, has a fun atmosphere and brings in good people to mix and mingle and make new friends to adventure with. Bulgaria is an amazing country with a wonderful history and beautiful architecture so getting out and about is tempting and easy. As the capital, Sofia encapsulates all of this in a beautiful, walkable city that’s filled with interesting culture, great food and fun pubs.

Why you’ll love this hostel:

  • Capsule Beds
  • Free Tea and Coffee
  • Great Location

This is one of the great Sofia hostels, it really lets you set up and reset which is invaluable when you’re living on the road. There’s a great laundry facility so put a wash on, pop down, make yourself a coffee, and plan your next moves on the free wifi… A real home away from home type stay.

There are 96 dorm beds here too so the likelihood of being able to snag one is huge. It’s tough when you fall in love with a hostel and have to leave because they’re booked out… I’ve been there, but not at Green Cube, the beds are capsule-style beds too so you’ll still feel like you’ve got your space.

2. Hostel Mostel – Best Hostel in Sofia for Solo Travelers

Hostel Mostel Best Hostel for Solo Traveller in Sofia
This place is a serious vibe, think OG make new friends forever vibe.
  • Dorm (mixed): From $11/night
  • Private Room: From $44/night
  • Address: 2a, Makedonia blvd, 1606 Sofia

Hostel Mostel is the best hostel for solo travellers in Sofia for sure! Hostel Mostel is an open, welcoming and super chilled hostel in the heart of Sofia. The perfect opportunity for solo travellers to get to know their new hostel buddies and plan adventures in Sofia.

If you’re a fan of food you’ll love Hostel Mostel – their breakfast is awesome! I’m talking waffles, chocolate, salami, cheese and tasty AF Bulgarian yoghurt. None of that toast and jam rubbish here… It doesn’t just stop at breakfast, every evening guests are invited to join the Mostel fam for a vegetarian dinner with beer…for free!

Editor’s note – this is temporarily unavailable but it speaks to the quality of this hostel so I’m going to leave it here FYI.

Why you’ll love this hostel:

  • Social Hostel
  • Friendly Staff
  • Free wifi

The social vibes at Hostel Mostel are elite so perfect for solo travellers looking to make friends. Travelling solo is one of the most transformative life experiences you can have in my opinion… It shapes you and builds your confidence and capabilities in a unique way that will be with you forever, I salute you!

There are a range of rooms at Hostel Mostel… Dorms here are clean and sleep six to 18 and there’s the option of private rooms too which sleep up to six. Perfect if you find a crew along the road that you want to bunk with.

3. Smart Hostel Sofia – Best Cheap Hostel in Sofia

Sofia Smart
Be smart and save cash at Smart Hostel Sofia
  • Dorm (mixed): From $12/night
  • Private Room: From $55/night
  • Address: 31 Iskar Str., 1000 Sofia

Smart Hostel Sofia is the best cheap hostel in Sofia without a doubt. Offering basic but comfortable and clean dorm rooms for super cheap rates throughout the year, if you’re travelling on a shoestring book a bed stat. Within easy walking distance of the Mineral Baths, the Synagogue and Banya Bashi Mosque, Smart Hostel Sofia is in a great location.

As the best budget hostel in Sofia, Smart Hostel Sofia offers guests use of the communal kitchen and laundry facilities for free. What more could you ask for? I love finding a minimal cost hostel that has extra freebies – in my mind that makes it even cheaper!

Why you’ll love this hostel:

  • Free Tea & Coffee Making Facilities
  • Low Hostel Cost
  • Free wifi

The dorms here are spacious and each bed has a reading light and charging plug which is always handy. The Common room is a nice place to hang out and meet people and it’s not too wild with dorms sleeping six to eight people. There are a variety of room options too with private rooms that sleep between two and eight – the whole fam can stay!

Smart Hostel Sofia is four minutes away from the main Train Station so getting here from Sofia Airport is easy and cheap too. Get in touch with Smart Hostel Sofia to get the best advice on airport transfers, they’ve got a 24-hour reception so are readily available.

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4. Bla Bla Hostel – Best Party Hostel in Sofia

Bla Bla Hostel sofia
  • Dorm (mixed): From $13/night
  • Address: 11 Iskar” Str., 1000 Sofia

Bla Bla Hostel is located in the heart of Sofia, right around the corner from the hottest nightlife and all the great pubs. Party hostels aren’t super common in Sofia, but this one has a social vibe and wonderful people – all you need for a good time. Plus, there are free tea and coffee-making facilities so you can caffeinate and get right back on that horse err’y damn day!

Party hostels aren’t all around but that doesn’t mean you can’t party – Sofia is one of Europe’s most walkable cities, love a walk home. Bla Bla Hostel is in a great location for walking home to too, and with 24-hour reception, you’ll never have any drama getting in.

Why you’ll love this hostel:

  • Hot Showers
  • Self Catering Facilities
  • Great city centre location

The shared kitchen at Bla Bla Hostel is a great place to make friends to hit the town with later – everyone loves a yarn in the kitchen… It’s also a great way to save money on eating out while you’re at it – more cash for beers! In fact there’s a washing machine and laundry facilities too so you can get fresh and fully reset at this Sofia hostel.

There are different types of dorm rooms ranging from four beds to six which almost guarantees you a good night’s sleep. Enjoy being in the city centre and getting your party pants on knowing you’re coming home (… or not? 😉 ) to a safe sleep

5. Vintage Central Hostel – Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Sofia

Vintage Central Hostel sofia
  • Dorm (mixed): From $21/night
  • Private Room: From $40/night
  • Address: ul. “Knyaz Boris I” 135, 1000 Sofia Center, Sofia

Are you travelling long-term with a laptop in tow? Then you need to get yourself to this Sofia backpackers hostel if you need to get some work done. It’s the best hostel for digital nomads in Sofia and I’ll tell you why.

It’s got lots of bright, open spaces with lots of desk space (as it’s called, otherwise I’d just call ’em tables). There are bustling city streets outside where you can wander and ponder on life when you need a break from your digital nomad days. And don’t forget the on-site bar a gin and tonic when the sun goes down.

Why you’ll love this hostel:

  • Free Wifi
  • Walking Distance to the Metro Serdika
  • Great Hostel Vibes

Plug into the free wifi and get into the work, pulled up on your private balcony or one of the seats in the common area. The staff are super accommodating, so chat with them and I’m sure they’ll find you anything you need, even take you on a city tour. The perfect location if you need to be in the hustle of the city centre and focus but want it to still be accessible.

This is one of the best of the Sofia hostels, it really feels like a community here. There’s a PlayStation, board games and even a nightclub, so you can pick your fighter once you’re done with work.

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More Epic Sofia Hostels

Haven’t found the right hostel for you yet? No need to worry, I’ve got even more coming your way! By the end of this, you’ll be ready to book an awesome accommodation and start your travels.

6. 10 Coins

10 Coins Best Hostels in Sofia
  • Dorm (mixed): From $12/night
  • Private Room: From $51/night
  • Address: Dechko Uzunov 24, 1220 Sofia

10 Coins is a genuinely open-for-all youth hostel in Sofia. However you are travelling through Bulgaria and whoever you’re travelling with, 10 Coins is ready to welcome you. A little away from Sofia’s bustling city centre, 10 Coins has everything you could ask for in a hostel.

With a community kitchen, laundry facilities and a gorgeous little outdoor terrace at your disposal you’re free to make yourself right at home. For those heading to Sofia by bicycle, motorbike or even by car, worry not, you can securely park your rig on-site at 10 Coins.

7. Hostel Ivory Tower

Hostel Ivory Tower
  • Dorm (mixed): From $14/night
  • Private Room: From $31/night
  • Address: 60 Tzar Samuil street, 1000 Sofia

Hostel Ivory Tower is a highly recommended hostel in Sofia. Although simple in design Ivory Tower is a great place to meet other travellers and is a good place to base yourself in Sofia. Each dorm bed comes with deep drawers underneath, perfect for storing away all your bags and belongings.

There are only single beds at Ivory Tower – no bunks – winning! No arguing over who gets top! With only four rooms, Ivory Tower is an intimate hostel that attracts travellers keen to share travel experiences and chat the night away over a beer.

8. The Green Bar House

The Green Bar House sofia
  • Private Room: From $50/night
  • Address: 55 bulevard “Vitosha”, 1000 Sofia

The Green Bar House is an annexe of Guest House 32 and is located in the heart of Sofia in a stunning, eclectic 120-year-old building. The rooms are quirky, spacious, airy and light without a bunk bed in sight, which isn’t uncommon for Sofia hostels. The main tourist attractions are within walking distance as you’re in a great location in the city centre above Green Bar at Green Bar House.

9. Guest House 32

Guest House 32 Best Hostels for Couples
Guest House 32 is a great pad for all travellers, but its awesome private rooms make it particularly appealing for couples
  • Private Room: From $55/night
  • Address: 32 Hristo Belchev Str., 1000 Sofia

Guest House 32 is not your classic hostel but a great budget option for couples travelling in Sofia. They focus their efforts on having great private rooms but also creating a social atmosphere in the communal areas. Close to Vitosha Boulevard and the National Palace of Culture, this Sofia hostel is ideal for soaking up all the cultural hotspots in Sofia.

Whether you’re on a romantic European mini-break or backpacking full-time Guest House 32 is the best Sofia hotel for couples satisfying their wanderlust. The rooms are cosy and homely and have plenty of space to spread out.

10. Canape Connection

Canape Connection Best Hostel in Sofia

A great hostel in Sofia is Canape Connection. This super smart boutique hostel has both private rooms and private dorms. Ideal for travelling couples, crews of nomads and travellers who like a taste of the high life.

The beds are some of the comfiest you’ll sleep on in any hostel in the world and the whole feel of the hostel is homely and warm. They’ll be on hand to share tips and advice on how to make the most of your time in Sofia. They’ve teamed up with an amazing veggie restaurant that will fuel you up perfectly for exploring the Bulgarian capital.

11. Art Hostel

Art Hostel Usually We Spend Our Time in The Garden Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Sofia
Homey and cosy, all travellers will like Art Hostel in Sofia, but I think it’s especially great for Digital Nomads

Art Hostel is a great hostel for digital nomads in Sofia, it’s super homely and the coolest hostel in Sofia if you’re chasing authentic backpacker vibes. With their own bar and cafe and of course, garden too, Art Hostel makes the perfect temporary office for travellers who work on the road. They offer free unlimited, high-speed WiFi which is essential for digital nomads, along with a free breakfast and welcome drink as well.

12. Hostel 123

Hostel 123 Best Hostels in Sofia

Hostel 123 is a highly recommended hostel in Sofia that is great for solo travellers who wanna meet and mingle. With their own cafe and cute common room Hostel 123 is a great place to hang out when in Bulgaria. Zaimov Park is within an easy walk of 123’s front door and the free breakfast adds great value for money on an already cheap-as-chips hostel!

13. Crosspoint

Crosspoint Best Hostels in Sofia

Crosspoint is a great Sofia backpackers hostel for travellers of all kinds. Whether you’re headed to Sofia with bae, your buddies or on your tod, you’ll love all the Crosspoint has to offer. Just a 5-minute walk from Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and only 300m from the closest metro station Crosspoint places you right at the heart of Sofia. There’s a relaxed vibe to Crosspoint, everyone is super friendly and most guests explore Sofia in the daytime and get a good night’s sleep.

14. Be My Guest

Be My Guest Hostel Best Hostels in Sofia

Family-run and in the heart of the city, Be My Guest is a top hostel in Sofia. Offering both private rooms and dorms too, Be My Guest has beds to suit all budgets and all travelling styles. Being family-run, Be My Guest guests experience authentic and welcoming Bulgarian hospitality which is a real treat.

The team are more than happy to help arrange activities, tours and onward travel for you. Just say the word! Horseback riding, skiing, kite surfing, diving, or visiting the statue of Sveta Sofia – you name it.

15. Orient Express

Orient Express Hostel Best Hostels in Sofia

Orient Express is a much-loved youth hostel in Sofia. If you wanna explore Sofia on a tight budget be sure to think about Orient Express, their free city tour alone is a reason to book!

They have new beds with orthopaedic mattresses which is such a treat – always a good night’s sleep at Orient Express. If you have an evening flight or night bus just let the team know and they’ll sort out a late check-out for you which is a total bonus!

16. Hostel 44

Hostel 44 Best Hostels in Sofia

There is a definite pink vibe to Hostel 44 but this place attracts a really cool crowd of super laid-back and interesting people. The National Palace of Culture can be reached in under 10-minutes on foot meaning you can cut costs on the public transport front. There’s a real positive vibe to Hostel 44 and people just feel instantly at home, you’ll find homies in the lounge to hang out with.

17. Nightingale Hostel & Guesthouse

Nightingale Best Hostels in Sofia

Whether you wanna mingle in the dorms or get a bit of space in a private room, Nightingale Hostel has got you. Sofia hostels are great, especially Nightingale, for travelling groups in particular as they have three and four-bed ‘family’ rooms that double as private dorms.

The breakfast is basic but the best way to fuel up for the day without paying a thing! This is a super cheap hostel in Sofia and your hosts will do their best to make sure you have a memorable time with them.

18. Park Hostel Sofia

Moreto & Caffeto Best Party Hostel in Sofia
Great for a few drinks and to head to get ready for a wild night, Park Hostel Sofia is a great party hostel in Sofia

One of the best party hostels in Sofia is Park Hostel Sofia (old name: Moreto & Caffeto). With their own hostel bar serving great local beers and some international favs too Park Hostel Sofia is a top hostel in Sofia. If you’re keen to get out of Sofia and explore the Vitosha mountain is easy to access on public transport – ask the team.

Sofia is a steady party city and a great place to stay if you like chilled beers, good company and making memories in hostel common rooms. Don’t we all?!

19. Dolomites Hostel

Dolomites Hostel Best Hostels in Sofia

Dolomites Hostel is a top hostel in Sofia run by long-term local Lucio. With great connections to Sofia’s public transport network using Dolomites Hostel as a base for venturing further afield in Sofia is a great idea. Lucio great hostel and will give you all the tourist information to make the most of your time in Sofia!

The WiFi is super fast and super reliable, ideal for digital nomads who need to be connected 24/7.

Getting Insured BEFORE Visiting Sofia

Everyone needs good travel insurance! Make sure yours is up to date to save you from as much hassle as possible on your travels.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

FAQs About Hostels in Sofia

Here are some questions backpackers ask about hostels in Sofia.

What to Pack for your Sofia Hostel

Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.

Product
Description
Don’t Let Snorers Keep You Awake!
Don’t Let Snorers Keep You Awake!

Ear Plugs

Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.

Keep your laundry organized and stink free
Keep your laundry organized and stink free

Hanging Laundry Bag

Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.

Stay Dry With a Micro Towel
Stay Dry With a Micro Towel

Sea To Summit Micro Towel

Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.

Make Some New Buddies…
Make Some New Buddies…

Monopoly Deal

Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.

Reduce Plastic – Bring a Water Bottle!
Reduce Plastic – Bring a Water Bottle!

Grayl Geopress Water Bottle

Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!

Check out my definitive Hostel Packing list for even more top hostel packing tips!

How much does a hostel cost in Sofia?

It all depends on whether you prefer a private room with an ensuite bathroom or a bed in a shared dorm. The average prices start at USD$9 for a bed in a shared dorm room, heading up to USD$10+ for a private room.

What are the best hostels in Sofia for couples?

Guest House 32 is my favourite hostel for couples in Sofia. It has great private rooms and is just 50m from Vitosha Boulevard and 200m from the National Palace of Culture. A great location for roaming the city centre and seeing the wonderful sights.

What is the best hostel in Sofia near the airport?

Bla Bla Hostel, my best of Sofia’s cheap hostels and party hostels is less than 20 minutes from Sofia Airport. It offers basic but comfortable and clean dorm rooms for super cheap rates throughout the year. Get in touch with the staff at Bla Bla Hostel to find the best way to get to the hostel from Sofia airport.

Final Thoughts on Sofia’s Hostels

By now I hope my epic guide to the best hostels in Sofia has helped you choose the perfect hostel for your adventure! Sofia hostels are heaps of fun and are dispersed around the city centre, within walking distance of all the hot spots. The Sofia airport is well-located to get into the city centre via the train system which makes it easy for backpackers to get around. 

I know I’ve loaded you with information in this article so if you’re on the fence about where to stay, it’s ok! I reckon you’re best to just book into my favourite hostel in Sofia, Green Cube Hostel. Green Cube Hostel has all the amenities you need and a great social vibe, I highly recommend it, whether you’re travelling solo or with amigos.

Smart Hostel Sofia is my top choice out of the cheap hostels in Sofia, Smart Hostel Sofia will gladly be your home away from home. Get in touch if you’re coming from the Sofia airport and the staff will gladly give you tips on using the Serdika Metro Station. They’ll also help you with whatever you need during your stay, the staff are amazing here and I love the decor. 

Wherever you stay in Sofia, I’m sure you’ll love your time in the capital of the stunning Balkan country of Bulgaria. Make sure you roam the city centre on foot, Sofia is one of the most walkable cities in Europe and the architecture is wonderful. 

If you think I’ve missed anything or have any further thoughts, hit me up in the comments – I love to chat travel!

Looking up to the mountains of Bulgaria
See you out there, there’s plenty to explore!
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
Looking for more info on travelling to Sofia and Bulgaria?

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the broke backpacker team at the water temple in bali
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