A unique clash of culture for an incredibly cheap price, Bulgaria is one of the coolest and most underrated backpacking destinations in Europe.
But with dozens of hostel options, it can be difficult to know which one to book.
Which is exactly why we wrote this no-stress guide to the best hostels in Sofia!
Our goal? To help you book a great hostel in Sofia, and to make sure it’s one that fits your travel style.
To do this we’ve done two things…
- Found the highest rated and best hostels in Sofia, Bulgaria
- Organized the best hostels in Sofia by 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 travelers, or just wanna save some money – our list of the best hostels in Sofia is here to help!
Let’s do it…
Quick Answer: The Best Hostels in Sofia
- Best Hostel for Solo Travellers in Sofia – Hostel Mostel
- Best Hostel for Couples in Sofia – Guest House 32
- Best Party Hostel in Sofia – Moreto & Caffeto
How to use this list
Get the most out of our ultimate guide by considering a few things for yourself…
- What is your travel style? If you are traveling with a big group of partiers, your hostel-needs are going to be different than if you were traveling alone looking for a good night’s rest. Consider how you are traveling, and try and find a hostel that best suits those needs.
- What’s your budget? The best hostels in Sofia Bulgaria are all fairly affordable, but there’s a big difference between the 10$ beds and the $20 beds. Consider how much you are trying to spend a day but also try and take into consideration…
- Does the hostel have freebies? Always, always, always keep an eye out for what the hostel offers free of charge. Whether it’s a free towel, city tour, or breakfast – these little expenses add up! And if you take them into consideration, the price of a $20 bed all of a sudden becomes more reasonable…
The 15 Best Hostels in Sofia Bulgaria
One thing you need to figure out before booking your accommodation is deciding where to stay in Sofia. The city is big and there are many interesting neighborhoods. Once you’re sure about this, you can start looking at hostels according to the location you chose. We’ve listed 15 of the absolute best hostels in Sofia below!
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Best Hostel for Solo Travellers in Sofia – Hostel Mostel
- $$
- Free Breakfast
- Self Catering Facilities
- Tours & Travel Desk
Hostel Mostel is the best hostel for solo travellers in Sofia for sure! Hostel Mostel is an open, welcoming and super chilled hostel in the heart of Sofia. If you’re a fan of food you’ll love Hostel Mostel. Their breakfast is awesome! We’re talking waffles, chocolate, salami, cheese and tasty AF Bulgarian yoghurt. None of that toast and jam rubbish here! It doesn’t just stop at breakfast, every evening guests are invited to join the Mostel fam for a vegetarian dinner with beer…for free! The perfect opportunity for solo travellers to get to know their new hostel buddies and plan adventures in Sofia.
Best Hostel for Couples in Sofia – Guest House 32
- $$
- Tours & Travel Desk
- Laundry Facilities
- Luggage Storage
Guest House 32 to the best hostel for couples in Sofia as they focus their efforts on having great private rooms but also creating a social atmosphere in the communal areas. Just 50m from Vitosha Boulevard and 200m from the National Palace of Culture, Guest House 32 is ideal for couples who wanna soak 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 hostel in Sofia for couples satisfying their wanderlust. The rooms are cosy and homely and have plenty of space to spread out.
Best Party Hostel in Sofia – Moreto & Caffeto
- $$
- Bar & Cafe Onsite
- Self Catering Facilities
- Tours & Travel Desk
The best party hostel in Sofia is Moreto & Caffeto. With their own hostel bar serving great local beers and some international favs too Moreto & Caffeto is a top hostel in Sofia. If you’re keen to get out of Sofia and explore the Vitosha mountain is easy to access on public transport from a base of Moreto & Caffeto the team will be happy to explain the route to you. Sofia is a steady party city and Moreto & Caffeto is a great place to stay if you like chilled beers, good company and making memories in hostel common rooms. Don’t we all?!
Overall Best Hostel in Sofia – Canape Connection
- $$$
- Bar & Cafe Onsite
- Self Catering Facilities
- Tours & Travel Desk
The overall best 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 Canape Connection is the best hostel in Sofia in 2021. 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. Nadia, Nadia, and Ivo have created a welcoming and inviting Sofia backpackers hostel and are the perfect hosts. 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 who will fuel you up perfectly for exploring the Bulgarian capital.
Canape Connection is one of our favourites in Sofia but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.
Best Cheap Hostel in Sofia – Sofia Smart
- $
- Self Catering Facilities
- Laundry Facilities
- Tours & Travel Desk
Sofia Smart 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 at Smart. Within an easy walking distance of the Mineral Baths, the Synagogue and Banya Bashi Mosque, Sofia Smart is great in terms of location and price. As the best budget hostel in Sofia, Sofia Smart offers guests use of the communal kitchen and laundry facilities for free. What more could you ask for?
Sofia Smart is one of our favourites in Sofia but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.
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View on Osprey View on REIBest Hostel for Digital Nomads in Sofia – Art Hostel
- $$
- Bar & Cafe Onsite
- Self Catering Facilities
- Outdoor Terrace
Art Hostel or rather, its full name, Art Hostel – Usually We Spend All Our Time In The Garden, is the best hostel for digital nomads in Sofia. With their own bar and cafe and of course, garden too, Art Hostel makes the perfect temporary office for travellers who work on the road. They offer free unlimited, high-speed WiFi which is essential for digital nomads, along with a free breakfast and welcome drink as well. Art Hostel is super homely and the coolest hostel in Sofia if you’re chasing authentic backpacker vibes!
Art Hostel is one of our favourites in Sofia but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.
More Best Hostels in Sofia
Haven’t found the right hostels for you yet? No need to worry, we’ve got even more coming your way! By the end of this, you’ll be ready to book an awesome accommodation and start your travels.
Hostel 123
- $
- Free Breakfast
- Cafe Onsite
- Late Check-Out
Hostel 123 is a highly recommended hostel in Sofia that is great for solo travellers who wanna meet and mingle. With their own cafe and cute common room Hostel 123 is a great place to hang out when in Bulgaria. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and Zaimov Park are within an easy walk of 123’s front door. The free breakfast adds great value for money on an already cheap as chips hostel! The beds not only look comfy but are incredibly comfy! You should really treat yourself to a lazy morning lie-in in Sofia!
Hostel 123 is one of our favourites in Sofia but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.
Crosspoint
- $$
- Self Catering Facilities
- Tours & Travel Desk
- Laundry Facilities
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 really relaxed vibe to Crosspoint, everyone is super friendly and most guests like to head out to explore Sofia of daytime and get a good night’s sleep once they return. Don’t we all?!
Crosspoint is one of our favourites in Sofia but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.
Be My Guest
- $$
- Outdoor Terrace
- Air Conditioning
- Tours & Travel Desk
Family run and in the heart of the city, Be My Guest is a top hostel in Sofia. Offering both private rooms and dorms too, Be My Guest has beds to suit all budgets and all travelling styles. Being family run Be My Guest guests experience authentic and welcoming Bulgarian hospitality which is a real treat. The team are more than happy to help arrange activities, tours and onward travel for you. Just say the word! Horseback riding, skiing, kite surfing or diving, you name it.
Be My Guest is one of our favourites in Sofia but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.
Orient Express
- $
- Free City Tour
- Self Catering Facilities
- Late Check-Out
Orient Express is a much-loved youth hostel in Sofia. If you’re keen to explore Sofia but are on a tight budget be sure to think about Orient Express, their free city tour alone is a reason to book! They have new beds with orthopaedic mattresses which is such a treat! Always a good night’s sleep at Orient Express! If you have an evening flight or night bus just let the team know and they’ll sort out a late check-out for you which is a total bonus!
Orient Express is one of our favourites in Sofia but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.
Hostel 44
- $$
- Free Breakfast
- Self Catering Facilities
- Laundry Facilities
Hostel 44 is a top hostel in Sofia if you’re a fan of everything pink! JK! 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 and Alexander Nevsky Cathedral 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 will too, no doubt! The TV lounge is a popular hangout spot and where you’ll find the team after normal working hours.
Hostel 44 is one of our favourites in Sofia but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.
10 Coins
- $
- Self Catering Facilities
- Outdoor Terrace
- Laundry Facilities
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 CBD 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.
10 Coins is one of our favourites in Sofia but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.
Nightingale Hostel & Guesthouse
- $
- Free Breakfast
- Bar & Restaurant Onsite
- Self Catering Facilities
Whether you wanna mingle in the dorms or get a bit of space of your own in a private room, Nightingale Hostel can provide you with whatever you need. As a top hostel in Sofia, Nightingale is great for travelling groups in particular as they have 3 and 4-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 David and Sylvia will do their best to make sure you have a memorable time with them!
Nightingale Hostel & Guesthouse is one of our favourites in Sofia but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.
Hostel Ivory Tower
- $$
- Self Catering Facilities
- Outdoor Terrace
- Common Room
Hostel Ivory Tower is a highly recommended hostel in Sofia. Although simple in design Ivory Tower is a great place to meet other travellers and is a good place to base yourself in Sofia. Each dorm bed comes with deep drawers underneath, perfect for storing away all your bags and belongings. There are only single beds at Ivory Tower, no bunks! Winning! No arguing over who gets top! With only 4 rooms, Ivory Tower is an intimate hostel that attracts travellers who are keen to share their travel experiences and chat the night away with a beer or two.
Hostel Ivory Tower is one of our favourites in Sofia but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.
Dolomites Hostel
- $$
- Free Breakfast
- Bar Onsite
- Self Catering Facilities
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 is a great hostel and will, of course, give you all the tourist information you need to make the most of your time in Sofia and chuck in a few insider tips for good measure too! The WiFi is super fast and super reliable, ideal for digital nomads who need to be connected 24/7.
Dolomites Hostel is one of our favourites in Sofia but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.
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What to Pack for your Sofia Hostel
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from us, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straight forward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art we have perfected over many years.
Check out our definitive Hostel Packing list for our top packing tips!
Why you should travel to Sofia
Sofia rocks, and you’ll love how beautiful it is and how cheaply it can be traveled.
With the help of this guide of the best hostels in Sofia, you’ll know exactly where you want to stay so you can focus what matters – exploring Bulgaria!
And if you still can’t decide, do yourself a favor and book a room at Canape Connection – our top hostel in Sofia of 2021.
FAQ about Hostels in Sofia
Here are some questions backpackers ask about hostels in Sofia.
Travel Safety Tips for Sofia
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More Epic Hostels in Bulgaria and Europe
Hopefully by now you’ve found the perfect hostel for your upcoming trip to Sofia.
Planning an epic trip all across Bulgaria or even Europe itself?
Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered!
For more cool hostel guides around Europe, check out:
Over to you
By now I hope our epic guide to the best hostels in Sofia has helped you choose the perfect hostel for your adventure!
If you think we’ve missed anything or have any further thoughts, hit us up in the comments!
And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!
