Making it easy to choose the neighborhood that suits your needs the most.
Banishora
Close to center
Bus
Metro
Train
Tram
This area is an more authentic alternative to the central neighborhoods in Sofia. Despite being a little removed to the north of the city center, this area is extremely well connected to the city center and to the rest of the country via metro and rail. Rents here will be cheaper and there are some good restaurants and cafes in the area. It is certainly less attractive than some of the central and mountain-side neighborhoods but it is a more affordable option worth considering.
Centrum
Central
Bus
Metro
Tram
The heart of Sofia is well connected to the rest of the city via metro links and is the busiest part of the city. Congested with local traffic and pedestrian tourists, this part of town is noisy and crowded. The are boasts some of the region's best architecture and many of the country's best hotels. Rents here will be expensive, but you would be at the heart of all the action, and close to all the major attractions.
NDK Area
Close to center
Bus
Metro
Tram
This area is located just south of the center of Sofia and is defined by its vast green areas, particularly surrounding the National House of Culture. This area is trendy, upscale and very well located. Despite its vast green areas, the proximity to the center of the city make it congested and despite not being as touristic as the Centrum, it is still very much frequented by visitors. The area boasts lots of great restaurants, bars and the city's best hotels.
Doctor's Garden
Close to center
Bus
Metro
Tram
Located immediately east of the center of the city, the area surrounding Doctors' Garden is leafy and surrounded by some of the city's best theaters and the imposing Nevski Cathedral. The area is also popular with students as it is close to Sofia University, the National House of Culture and the National Library. Rents here will be more expensive due to the area's proximity to the center of the city but will less so than in other nearby neighborhoods. The area boasts good boutique stores and some good restaurants.
Mladost
Away from center
Bus
Metro
This area boasts one of Eastern Europe's most important business centers, Sofia Business Park, and is a popular area for young professionals, executives and expats working in the business sectors. The area is well-connected via public transportation and has a great options for housing in purpose-built buildings. This area will be more expensive due to its proximity to the main business center of the city, but is not located close to the center of the city as such.
Vitosha
Away from center
Bus
Located at the foot of the Vitosha Mountain, this beautiful area is quiet, luxurious and close to one of the city's main ski slopes. The area is well connected to the city via public transportation. Many of the city's luxury hotels are located in this popular area, meaning rents will be more expensive here. Good shops, restaurants, cafes and bars are easily found in this area.
Lozenets
Close to center
Bus
Metro
Tram
This upscale area of Sofia used to be main diplomatic center of the city. As such, it has established itself as an enclave for expats and visitors. The neighborhood is indeed expensive but central, green, and well-connected via public transport. Recently it has become a trendy and hip area, popular with expat families and remote workers looking to soak up Bulgarian culture in a comfortable setting.
Boyana
Away from center
Bus
Located on the Vitosha mountain, this surburban neighborhood is renowned for its beautiful and quiet streets. It is expensive and popular among expats, although transport into the city might be difficult to find, and traffic makes entry by car often difficult too. It is a great place for those seeking refuge from the bustling areas of the city and looking to enjoy the many sports and leisure activities that the city offers.
Studentski Grad
Away from center
Bus
Metro
Surrounded by the city's main universities, Studentski Grad is extremely popular among young people and enjoys a distinctly vibrant nightlife scene year-round. Both rents and living costs will be cheaper around this area which usually caters to student pockets, but most housing options might be in shared homes and large dorms. The area is well connected to the center of the city to the north via public transportation.
