Varna is about 6 hours away (by train - maximum 30 leva) from Sofia. It has clean beaches and lots of character - lovely people and very cheap. Varna's night life is great, eating out is very cheap.
Visit the world famous Boyana Church which can be reached by public bus, Sveta Petka Church which is surrounded by the Sheraton Hotel. So a half-day walk through Sofia is enough to visit the most important sights -- if you want to do more, a full day is all right. Please note that you have to purchase and punch a second ticket for your backpack. I saw fellow travelers who got fined by paying 7 leva (a single ticket is 0,70 leva). This is still usual in some other eastern European countries, not only in Bulgaria. The "Inspectors" or "Kontrol" only speak Bulgarian and are mostly elder people. Be careful when you enter the street tram at Sofia railway station or some stops before it.
Sofia is one of the best cities in Europe, it has variety of interesting places to go and party. Girls are nice, if not the best, and I'll go to visit again for sure!
Sofia is the capital city of Bulgaria. Its traditions are based on the 800 year old war between Bulgarians and the Turks. Now the Bulgarians are busy reconstructing their country and to be a part of the European Union.
Internet Hostel Sofia in Sofia … I had a great stay here. This hostel has fun people and very nice staff. I hope to return some day.
Ethno Hostel in Sofia … Staying at Ethno Hostel exceeds all expectations! The couple that run this little place are so friendly and welcoming, who go out of their way in so many aspects, from tourist information and providing a breakfast to socialising with guests in the evening. The rooms are beautiful and although basic are more than enough to ensure a happy stay. The only down point is that its difficult to find in the dark. I had a fantastic time at Ethno Hostel!
RamHostel in Sofia … It is a perfect place to stay!
Hostel Mostel - Sofia in Sofia … The very best hostel I have ever been to. Go there and enjoy your stay.
Orient Express Hostel Sofia in Sofia … This hostel is totally New in the downtown center, a perfect place, one of the best hostels I visited in Eastern Europe. The breakfast was made by the host. The price is average, and the rooms are new. The host is really kind, so I can recommend it. The hostel location is one of the best you can get in Sofia. The hostel is very clean, with spacious rooms.You could say even better from most hotels in town. The staff were very friendly, helping me with information and maps of the city and all Bulgaria. You can choose your breakfast, just ask them for your favorite.
Rossi Hostel in Sofia … It is a perfect place to stay in Sofia!
Be My Guest Hostel in Sofia … This is a great hostel. The owner is honest and punctual (a girl at the reception made an error and asked us an higher price then the true, at the evening the owner gave us back the rest). The location is ok, three minute by foot from Vitosha. Breakfast is included. Very good.
Mariot Hostel in Sofia … Very friendly staff, they serve breakfest, a pastry and tea or Nescafe. Very close to the city center and the staff is knowledgable about how achieve day trips by bus or train. They are 15-20 minute walk from train station, cable TV, free sheets, and a hot shower.
Kervan Hostel in Sofia … Hi, I stayed at Kervan Hostel in January of 2004. I found the staff here extremely helpful and friendly. Actually, I found Sofia to be a warm and friendly city in general. I wish them every success for the future.
Red Star Hostel in Sofia … This was definitely a fun place to stay in Sofia. It was very clean, everything seemed brand new, and the location really is awesome! The only problem was that on my second night, they just crammed a bunch of beds into our rooms (making it almost impossible to make to our own beds!), and the breakfast could have been better. Still, it was a very nice place, however.
Art Hostel - Usually We Spend Our Time In The Garden in Sofia … This place is pretty cool. It has bags of atmosphere, and a very friendly staff. It feels like a bit of a rabbit warren at times, but in a good way!!
Sofia Hostel in Sofia … This place is crammed full of people in high season, so don't expect to get out of bed in the morning without stepping on someone. And there's only one shower, and no common area (actually, there IS a corridor with a sofa in it, but you get the idea). That said, it's cheap, clean, not too noisy, and the staff are friendly. It's probably a better bet out of season, though.
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