Bulgaria is a middle-sized country comfortably situated in Southeastern Europe. It is, in fact, one of the oldest countries on the continent, with rich history and plenty of stunning travelling spots. With infinite mountainscapes, adventurous roads and excellent food that will awaken your tastebuds. And the best part – there is a good choice of best hostels in Bulgaria that will make your stay a pleasurable experience!
This country makes for an excellent starting point for your next backpacking adventure in the Balkans. It combines two very important prerequisites that all travellers need – the appearance and safety of the Central European countries and the natural landscapes that are trademarks of the Balkan.
Discover the most awesome hostels in Sofia in our comprehensive guide!
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Your Shortcut:
- Hostel Old Plovdiv
- Hakuna Matata Guest House
- Ginger House
- Ivory Tower
- Hostel Mostel
- Rooster Hostel
- Hostel Mostel Veliko Tarnovo
- Le Retro Hostel & Bar
- Nomado Hostel
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The historical and cultural heritage of Bulgaria is evident everywhere you go. From the ancient Neolithic remains to mysterious tombs and sturdy fortresses, many things mark this country’s rich past. And if you also wish to explore its untamed natural beauty along with discovering the historical remains, there are plenty of places that will allow for that.
Regarding the climate in Bulgaria, you should know that it is characterised by two types: continental in the north ad Mediterranean in the south. Summers along the Black Sea coast are warm and moderately humid, while you should definitely expect plenty of snow in the mountain regions.
Before we detail the best hostels in Bulgaria, let’s first provide you with some essential backpacking tips that will guarantee a seamless travelling experience.
List of Cities in Bulgaria with great hostels
Let’s waste no more time and jump right into this great Bulgaria hostel collection.
Here are all the destinations we cover in this guide:
- Backpacking tips for Bulgaria
- Top 5 tourist attractions in Bulgaria
- Map with all hostels
- How to book hostels in Bulgaria
- FAQ
- Flights to Bulgaria
- Promo codes and Discounts
Money-saving tip: Compare hostel prices with Hostelz.com. They compare prices from Hostelworld, Booking.com and others with 1 click.
This guide is perfect for YOU, when you…
- are tired of crappy hostels!
- want a social Hostel to actually meet people
- are happy to spend $1 to $2 more for a much better experience
🎁 New to Hostels? Read our guide to staying in a Hostel for the First Time here. We especially recommend reading:
- How to book hostels? (and websites to save $)
- 23 clever items: the hostel packing list to download
- How does the Hostelworld App work exactly? Our Advanced Guide
Overview: Best Hostels by Traveler Type
| 🧘 Cozy Hostel in Plovdiv: | Hostel Old Plovdiv |
| 🤑 Cheapest Hostel in Sofia: | Ivory Tower |
| 🦸Best Hostel in Sofia: | Hostel Mostel |
| 🥳 Party Hostel in Veliko Turnovo: | Hostel Mostel Veliko Tarnovo |
| 👨👩👦 Family Hostel in Veliko Turnovo: | Rooster Hostel |
| 👩💻 For Digital Nomads in Varna: | Nomado Hostel |
| 🎉 Party Hostel in Bansko: | Le Retro Hostel & Bar |
7 Best Hostels in Bulgaria
Now that you’re aware of all the essential backpacking tips you need to keep in mind, let us introduce you to our choice of best hostels in Bulgaria where you can rest and unwind after a long day of exploring.
Best Hostels in Plovdiv
Plovdiv is a city of vibrant culture and ancient history. From its captivating beauty to its lively spirit, this Bulgarian city is a fascinating place to explore.
Here are its top hostels:
We also have a guide with more details: best hostels in Plovdiv.
Hostel Old Plovdiv
Situated on a cobbled street in the city’s heart, Hostel Old Plovdiv beautifully represents the town’s spirit. The main pedestrian street, along with the shops and cafes, is only a 4-minute walk away, while the ancient Roman theatre can be reached within 400m.
The hostel offers different types of rooms, from single to multiple-bed dormitory rooms. All of them feature a seating area and cable TV, with bathrooms with all the basic amenities. Hostel Old Plovid features a garden with fruit trees where you can sit and relax after a busy day.
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld | Hostelz.com
Best Hostels in Sofia
We’ve already searched for the best hostels in Sofia, so all you need to do is go through this guide and find the one that suits you best! Take a look at these amazing places to explore and appreciate in the Bulgarian capital, so make sure you don’t miss out on this list.
Read more: We also have a detailed guide to the best hostels in Sofia.
1. Ivory Tower
In the very centre of Sofia, there’s one of the best hostels in Bulgaria, known for its hospitality and convenient location. Apart from the nicely furnished rooms equipped with cable TV and air conditioners, the property also has a 24-hour front desk and optional breakfast service.
All bathrooms are shared and contain a shower. There are also a shared kitchen and a lounge area where you can spend your free time mingling with other guests.
The friendly host and staff will do their best to make you feel at home by answering your needs and queries. One notable feature of Ivory Tower is that it’s pet-friendly, so feel free to bring it along.
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld | Hostelz.com
2. Hostel Mostel Sofia
Despite enjoying a central location, Hostel Mostel is known for providing peacefulness and serenity in the heart of Sofia. It is located in a 19th-century renovated building and features a modern accommodation and kitchen area that guests can enjoy.
There are both private and shared rooms, all of which have free Wi-Fi access and clean bed sheets. Lockers are provided in every dormitory room, and a communal dryer and washing machine are available for use. You can also enjoy the on-site bar or get any information you need at the front desk, which is available 24h.
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld | Hostelz.com
Best Hostels in Veliko Tarnovo
Veliko Tarnovo in north-central Bulgaria is gorgeous. Veliko Tarnovo is known for its gorgeous architecture, fascinating history, and amazing natural beauty.
From its hilltop strongholds and monasteries to its old town’s cobblestone alleyways and lively nightlife, there’s much to see and do. The Tsarevets Fortress, Trapezitsa Fortress, and Samovodska Charshiya crafts market are all popular sights.
1. Rooster Hostel
One of the best hostels in Bulgaria is located in Veliko Tarnovo and occupies the two upper floors of a recently renovated traditional building. It enjoys a central location, at the beginning of the town’s well-known Samovodska Sharshia.
Rooster Hostel features several room types, from twin to quadruple rooms with shared bathroom facilities. All units have a microwave, coffee machine, and fridge, while the bathrooms are all equipped with a shower and hairdryer. Some rooms also have a balcony, where you can drink your morning coffee and enjoy the fresh air.
Some popular locations that are found near this hostel include the Archeological Museum, Tsarevets Fortress and Forty Martyrs Church. If you’re travelling with your furry friend, you’ll be glad to know that this is a pet-friendly property that will gladly welcome your pet companion.
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld | Hostelz.com
2. Hostel Mostel Veliko Tarnovo
Hostel Mostel Veliko Tarnovo is situated in the historic part of the city, 10 minutes away from the centre and only a few steps from the town’s highlight- the Tsarevets Fortress. There are double, triple, and multiple-bed dormitory rooms, all of which have free Wi-Fi access, fresh linen and all the other basic amenities. In addition, the rooms also feature a fan and a mosquito net.
The guests are free to use a fully equipped kitchen area, as well as a small garden with barbecue facilities. The guests particularly like this place due to its location, as well as the cosy atmosphere which allows them to rest and unwind after a long day of exploring.
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld | Hostelz.com
Best Hostels in Bansko: Le Retro Hostel & Bar
Le Retro Hostel & Bar is a privately owned property in the town of Bansko. It is situated in an old building, which was originally built in 1832 but was recently renovated to fit modern needs, making it one of the best hostels in Bulgaria. The property is suitable for both summer and winter visits and is especially popular for the Gondola and ski zone.
There are two four-bed rooms and one six-bed dorm room that are situated on the main site. The property also features a bar that offers vegetarian and vegan meals. For the guests who would like to cook for themselves, there is a fully equipped kitchen area they can use.
Compare prices and read reviews at: Hostelworld | Hostelz.com
Best Hostels in Varna: Nomado Hostel
Located in the centre of Varna, Nomado Hostel features a shared kitchen and lounge area, as well as a garden. Here, you can enjoy the hot summer days, being conveniently located from the two main beaches- Varna and Bunite beach.
There are double, twin, and mixed-dormitory rooms, all of which come with a shared bathroom and a desk area. Free WI-Fi is available throughout the property, and many popular locations are within 15-20 minutes of walking distance.
Even though not all rooms are equipped with AC, they are naturally cool, which makes them pleasant to stay in, even on the hottest summer days. If you’re interested to enjoy the beaches on the Black Sea coast while also being able to explore the architectural and cultural beauty of Varna, make sure to book your stay.
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld | Hostelz.com
With this, we conclude our carefully crafted list of the best hostels in Bulgaria. Make use of our tips, check out the properties, and have the time of your life while exploring this Balkan gem.
Backpacking Tips for Bulgaria
- Despite being smaller, Bulgaria is a diverse country with plenty of interesting must-visit locations. Some places we advise you to go to during your adventurous trip include Sofia, Plovdiv, Veliko Tarnovo, Varna, and of course, Bansko! They all feature picturesque views, cultural monuments and seasonal festivals that will easily fill your travel itinerary.
- Travelling around this country is easy and relatively cheap. You can use their well-developed train and bus systems, as well as tram transportation available in bigger cities. There’s also the option of renting a car from one of the many car rental services available in every town. Just make sure that you pay a reasonable price for it.
- Bulgaria is easy to discover on your own, but if you’re short on time and want to make the most of your trip, you can always choose a guided tour with a small group of fellow backpackers.
- The Black Sea is also a popular tourist and backpacker destination, so be sure to spend at least one day soaking in the warm sun while you’re in Varna.
- Last, but not least, we suggest that you eat locally. Not only will this help you save money, but it will also allow you to try some of the best home-made Bulgarian specialities such as banitsa, tarator, moussaka, lozovi sarmi, and their well-known national dish – shopska salad.
- Nod means “No”. In Bulgaria, a nod means “No” while an affirmative shake of the head means “Yes.” This can take some getting used to throughout your trip, but it is really helpful.
- You need Visa when visiting Bulgaria. Visa costs and processing times depend on the applicant’s country of origin and the type of visa being requested. Travellers should contact the Bulgarian embassy or consulate that is closest to them to find out more about visa requirements and how to apply.
Top 5 Tourist Attractions in Bulgaria
1. Rila Monastery – Bulgaria’s biggest and most renowned Eastern Orthodox monastery is one of its most significant cultural, historical, and architectural landmarks. It is a tourist site in the Rila Mountains, established by the hermit St. Ivan of Rila in the 10th century.
2. Seven Rila Lakes – The Rila Mountains in southwest Bulgaria are home to seven glacier lakes. The deepest Bulgarian lake is 2,535 metres high. Hikers and nature enthusiasts visit.
3. Boyana Church – The ancient Bulgarian Orthodox Boyana Church located outside Sofia, Bulgaria’s capital. Its 12th- and 13th-century frescoes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are among the greatest examples of Eastern European mediaeval art.
4. Thracian Tombs – Ancient burial sites in southern Bulgaria. The 4th-century BC tombs are one of the country’s most impressive archaeological monuments.
5. Varna – Bulgaria’s third-largest city is a tourism hotspot. It has many beautiful beaches and many cultural, historical, and architectural attractions, including the Varna Archaeological Museum, the Varna Aquarium, and the Kaleto stronghold.
What about the cheapest hostels in Bulgaria?
Of course, there are always cheap hostels. But how do you actually find them? When you are traveling on a shoe-string budget and you want to save every dollar, there are ways to find the cheapest places in Bulgaria.
- Open Hostelz.com with a full list of all hostels in Bulgaria
- add your dates
- Order the listings by price
Simple as that.
Hostelz.com is a price comparison site for hostels. They list every single one in the world and tells you exactly which website is cheaper to use.
Another smart Tip: Check what is actually included, and what is excluded. Take a closer look at the location, too. A further location might mean more costs in transport.
Any Discounts?
You can find all our hostel discounts worldwide here. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive the freshest hostel discounts directly in your inbox. We even have special discount codes we only share in the newsletter.
It is completely free to join!
How to book?
The most popular booking platforms are Booking.com and Hostelworld.com. On both platforms, your credit card is 100% protected and the booking 100% confirmed.
We included some handy links to each of the recommended hostel. Just click on the hostel name. The link will lead you to check prices and availability.
Read: Step-by-Step guide on how to book with Hostelworld
We recommend booking your hostel as early as possible! All of Bulgaria best hostels are popular; especially in high-season. To make sure you end up in those stylish and good hostels, secure your room/bed as soon as you have your travel dates fix.
The coolest Hostel App you need comes as well from Hostelworld. It gives you super cool features like you can contact your hostel mates beforehand, ask questions, and make plans together. Find more details in our review of the app.
Scan the QR Code with your Smartphone to download the Hostelworld App from the App Store - like a real Hostel Geek!
Need an eSIM Card for Bulgaria?
Get your eSIM Card with Airalo.com instantly online. It is easy to set up and cheap! Read our review of Airalo here.
No more searching for mobile stores. Get your eSIM Card for now and enjoy it instantly after landing in your new destination.
Our Favorite Hostels in Bulgaria put on a map + sights
How about we put all hostels that we just mentioned on a map? Of course, we did this for you.
Below you find our handmade map with all hostels, our secret tips, and so much more.
Personally, we love to plan our trips with a map having all sights and potential hostels on it. We thought this map will help you with planning your trip too.
We included handy links to each of the recommended hostels. Just click on the hostel name. The link will lead you to check prices and availability.
Here is the overview:
- Hostel Old Plovdiv – Booking.com | Hostelworld
- Ivory Tower – Booking.com | Hostelworld
- Hostel Mostel Sofia – Booking.com | Hostelworld
- Rooster Hostel – Booking.com | Hostelworld
- Hostel Mostel Veliko Tarnovo – Booking.com | Hostelworld
- Le Retro Hostel & Bar – Hostelworld
- Nomado Hostel – Booking.com | Hostelworld
We recommend booking your hostel as early as possible!
All of the best Bulgaria hostels are popular; especially in high season. To make sure you end up in those stylish hostels, secure your room or bed as soon as you have your travel dates fixed.
Any questions about hostels in Bulgaria? 🤔
Join our Facebook Group!
Ask all your questions and connect with like-minded wanderers 🔥
FAQs
Here we share with you the most asked question:
Any questions about hostels in Bulgaria?
🤔Join our Facebook Group!
Ask all your questions and connect with like-minded wanderers 🔥
Flights to Bulgaria?
We use Skyscanner and Omio.com to find cheap flights and good connections all over the globe.
Skyscanner has a bunch of cool features like Multi-City Trip. Instead of doing this research step-by-step, Skyscanner offers this flight planning tool.
More handmade Guides for you
We did the leg work for you and bring you more hostel guides to destinations:
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- best hostels in Crete Island
- best hostels in Santorini
- best hostels in Turkey
- best hostels in Istanbul, Turkey
- best hostels in Skopje, Macedonia
Over to you
Do you have any questions left, maybe doubts? Then please leave it in the comment below. We are very keen to help you - and actually you would even do us a favor!
Your question will help us to improve this Bulgaria guide.
Last note: Our commitment
This is a genuine article to help you travel a bit smarter, and find the best place on a budget! We will never recommend you any place we haven’t evaluated or are not convinced by. We are constantly updating all our guides to keep them as fresh and accurate as possible.
Safe travels,
The Hostelgeeks
