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
- Overall Best Hostel in Sofia – Canape Connection
- Best Hostel for Solo Travellers in Sofia – Hostel Mostel
- Best Hostel for Couples in Sofia – Guest House 32
- Best Cheap Hostel in Sofia – Sofia Smart
- Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Sofia – Art Hostel
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!
Canape Connection – Overall Best Hostel in Sofia
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.
Hostel Mostel – Best Hostel for Solo Travellers in 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. 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.
Guest House 32 – Best Hostel for Couples in Sofia
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.
Art Hostel – Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Sofia
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!
Sofia Smart – Best Cheap Hostel in Sofia
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?
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View on Osprey View on REIPark Hostel Sofia – Best Party Hostel in Sofia
The best party hostel 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 from a base of Park Hostel Sofia the team will be happy to explain the route to you. Sofia is a steady party city and Park Hostel Sofia is a great place to stay if you like chilled beers, good company and making memories in hostel common rooms. Don’t we all?!
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Hide Yo’ Money!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
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!
Crosspoint
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?!
Be My Guest
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.
Orient Express
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!
Hostel 44
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.
10 Coins
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.
Nightingale Hostel & Guesthouse
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!
Hostel Ivory Tower
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.
Dolomites Hostel
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 our best 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.
What is the best hostel in Sofia near the airport?
Bla Bla Hostel, our best cheap hostel in Sofia, is less than 20 minutes from Sofia Airport. It offers basic but comfortable and clean dorm rooms for super cheap rates throughout the year.
Travel Safety Tips for Sofia
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.
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!
- Check out our extensive guide to backpacking in Bulgaria for a wealth of info!
- Prepare for your trip with our backpacking packing list.
- Get ready for your next destination with our ultimate Balkans backpacking guide.
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!
