9 Laptop-Friendly Cafes to Work From in Sofia [2026]

As a remote work enthusiast who's spent countless hours testing Sofia's cafe scene, I can confidently say this city is a dream for digital nomads.

The combination of fast wifi, affordable prices (a coffee sets you back around €1.50-3), and genuinely welcoming cafe culture makes Sofia one of Europe's most underrated remote work destinations.

Here's my curated list of the best spots to set up your laptop.

9 Best Cafes to Work From in Sofia

#1. The Steps

[Photo: The Steps coworking cafe]

My absolute go-to when I'm in Sofia. This multifunctional community space was literally designed with remote workers in mind. The 600+ square meter venue features soaring ceilings, spacious seating across two floors, and power outlets absolutely everywhere you look. The wifi is rock-solid, and they even have vegan milk options for your oat flat white.

What makes The Steps special is the balance between productivity and community. By day, it's a peaceful coworking haven. By evening, it transforms into a vibrant social spot with regular events and exhibitions. The Steps is also the social enterprise of the Single Step Foundation, supporting the LGBTI community in Bulgaria, so your coffee purchase goes toward a good cause. The bistro serves food prepared by SCRAN, plus there's no judgment if you bring your own lunch.

• Address: ul. Bratya Miladinovi 12, Sofia Center

• Hours: Check their website for current hours

• Google Maps: The Steps Sofia

#2. Coffee Fellows

[Photo: Coffee Fellows Vitosha]

Perched on Sofia's famous Vitosha Boulevard, Coffee Fellows offers prime people-watching territory alongside serious work-friendly amenities. The seating areas come equipped with accessible power outlets, and the huge windows flood the space with natural light.

This German chain has adapted brilliantly to Sofia's remote work culture. The coffee selection is excellent, with particularly good matcha lattes, and they offer solid vegetarian and vegan options including bagels and sandwiches. The central location means plenty of lunch options nearby when you need a break. Fair warning: wifi is limited to one hour, so this works better for focused work sessions rather than all-day marathons.

• Address: bul. Vitosha 52, Sofia Center

• Hours: Daily, typically 8:00-22:00

• Google Maps: Coffee Fellows Vitosha

#3. Green Deli Cafe

[Photo: Green Deli healthy lunch]

When you need serious fuel alongside your work session, Green Deli delivers. This Bulgarian chain has 10 locations across Sofia, each offering the same winning formula: reliable wifi, free internet connection, comfortable seating, and genuinely excellent food. Their lunch selection features fresh salads, hearty soups, healthy sandwiches, and surprisingly good desserts.

My favorite location is on Alexander Stamboliyski Boulevard—head straight to the second floor where it stays quiet and cozy even during the lunch rush. The contemporary, eclectic design and young, friendly staff create a welcoming atmosphere for hours of work. Prices are reasonable for the quality, and they have proper vegetarian and healthy options that don't feel like an afterthought.

• Address: Multiple locations (try bul. Alexander Stamboliyski 35 for the best work setup)

• Hours: Mon-Fri 7:00-20:00, Sat-Sun 9:00-19:00

• Google Maps: Green Deli Cafe Sofia

#4. Social Cafe Bar & Kitchen

[Photo: Social Cafe interior]

Don't let the bustling terrace on Vitosha Boulevard fool you. Walk past the outdoor area and head inside or upstairs to the second floor—you'll find a surprisingly tranquil workspace that feels miles away from the pedestrian street buzz below.

Social Cafe offers the full package: Mediterranean and Italian cuisine, creative cocktails, reliable wifi, and seating areas near power outlets. The open kitchen concept means you can watch your food being prepared while you work. It's perfect for those days when you want to transition from productive morning to social evening without changing venues—they host jazz, funk, and Latin music nights.

• Address: bul. Vitosha 16, Sofia Center

• Hours: Daily, morning until late

• Google Maps: Social Cafe Sofia

#5. Barista Coffee & More

[Photo: Barista Coffee workspace]

A longtime favorite among Sofia's remote work community, Barista Coffee & More is specifically designed for laptop warriors. The centerpiece is a large communal table with power outlets built in, and here's a detail I love: they have an actual printer available for guests. When you need to print a document urgently, this becomes invaluable.

The coffee is roasted fresh twice daily right on site, so the aroma alone makes it worth visiting. The atmosphere leans more toward serious work than casual hangout, which is exactly what you need sometimes. Yes, it can get busier and noisier than other spots on this list, but for a few productive hours with excellent coffee and proper infrastructure, Barista delivers.

• Address: ul. Bacho Kiro 26-30, Sofia Center

• Hours: Mon-Fri 7:30-20:00, Sat-Sun 8:00-20:00

• Google Maps: Barista Coffee More Sofia

#6. Chucky's Coffee House

[Photo: Chucky's specialty coffee]

If you're particular about your coffee (I certainly am), Chucky's is the place. This cozy specialty coffee shop attracts a devoted following of coffee enthusiasts who appreciate expertly crafted drinks and knowledgeable baristas happy to discuss origins and brewing methods.

The space is admittedly small, which creates an intimate atmosphere but means you might need to snag a seat early. Power outlets are plentiful, wifi is strong, and the vibe is quiet and focused. They offer vegan milk alternatives and the flat whites are exceptional. It's just two minutes from Vitosha Street, so you're never far from the action when you need a break.

• Address: ul. Hristo Belchev 29, Sofia Center

• Hours: Mon-Fri 9:00-20:00, Sat-Sun 10:00-19:00

• Google Maps: Chucky's Coffee House Sofia

#7. Dabov Specialty Coffee

[Photo: Dabov coffee bar]

For the true coffee connoisseurs, Dabov is a pilgrimage-worthy destination. Coffee hunter Jordan Dabov personally selects beans from around the world, and the result is some of the finest specialty coffee in Eastern Europe. The baristas here aren't just skilled—they're passionate educators who'll happily explain the journey from bean to cup.

The main location on Lyuben Karavelov Street near NDK is calm and central, with no background music to distract you—perfect for focused work. They also have a charming second-floor space at the Five Corners location with soft jazz accompaniment. The selection includes everything from espresso and cappuccino to signature creations like espresso tonic and cold brew.

• Address: ul. Lyuben Karavelov 58 (main location) or Hristo Botev Blvd 1 (Five Corners)

• Hours: Mon-Fri 8:30-18:30, Sat-Sun 9:30-16:30

• Google Maps: Dabov Specialty Coffee Sofia

#8. Photosynthesis

[Photo: Photosynthesis cafe view]

This hidden gem sits on the second floor of Sofia's premier photography hub on Vasil Levski Boulevard. The cafe area offers generous natural light pouring through huge windows, plenty of power outlets, and a serene atmosphere that's somehow removed from the city's hustle.

What sets Photosynthesis apart is the creative environment—you're surrounded by photography equipment, a gallery hosting contemporary exhibitions, and fellow creatives browsing photo albums from the small library opposite the coffee bar. They serve excellent tea alongside coffee, and the cheesecake has earned a devoted following. The bar area between the shop and gallery features a glass roof, perfect for those moments when you need to look up from your screen.

• Address: bul. Vasil Levski 57, Sofia Center

• Hours: Mon-Sat 10:00-19:00 (cafe hours may vary)

• Google Maps: Photosynthesis Sofia

#9. Stay Awake 38 (formerly Cafe Local 38)

[Photo: Stay Awake 38 blue house]

You can't miss this place—it's the charming blue vintage house just off Vitosha Street that has become a landmark for Sofia's coffee-loving community, locals and foreigners alike. The full roastery experience happens here, with beans roasted on-site and the aroma greeting you at the door.

The second floor offers chill corners, small terraces, and even a dedicated work room for those who actually came to be productive. The atmosphere feels like stepping into a film set, and the enthusiastic baristas make every visit enjoyable. Be warned: it gets packed on weekends, so aim for weekday visits for work sessions. If you crave their coffee but need a quieter space, check out their newer location, Café Local 98 near NDK.

• Address: ul. Neofit Rilski 38, Sofia Center

• Hours: Daily 9:00-22:00

• Google Maps: Stay Awake 38 Sofia

[Photo: Sofia cafe remote work scene]

FAQ

Is Sofia good for digital nomads?

Sofia is excellent for digital nomads due to its affordable cost of living, fast and reliable internet, and thriving cafe culture. Most cafes have free wifi with speeds that rival Western European capitals. The city also has a growing expat community with active WhatsApp and Facebook groups for networking and meetups.

Do Sofia cafes allow laptops?

Yes, most cafes in Sofia are laptop-friendly and actively welcome remote workers. Unlike some Western European cities cracking down on laptop users, Sofia's cafe culture embraces digital nomads. Many venues have installed extra power outlets specifically for this purpose.

What's the average cost of working from a cafe in Sofia?

A cappuccino typically costs €1.50-3, and most cafes won't pressure you to order more than a couple of drinks during a work session. A full day of cafe-hopping with coffee and lunch rarely exceeds €10-15.

Is wifi reliable in Sofia cafes?

Sofia has excellent internet infrastructure. Most cafes offer free wifi that's genuinely fast—often exceeding 50-100 Mbps. Bulgaria is in the EU, so travelers from other EU countries can also use their mobile data roaming.

What are the best neighborhoods for remote work in Sofia?

The city center around Vitosha Boulevard has the highest concentration of laptop-friendly cafes. Oborishte offers a quieter, more residential vibe with excellent cafe culture. Lozenets provides tree-lined streets and proximity to South Park for work-break walks.

Are there coworking spaces in Sofia?

Yes, Sofia has a growing coworking scene including Betahaus Sofia, SOHO Coworking, and Barter Community Hub. Day passes typically cost €15-20, with monthly memberships around €130-200.

What should I tip at Sofia cafes?

Tipping isn't mandatory but is appreciated. Rounding up the bill or leaving 10% for good service is standard practice.

Conclusion

Sofia's cafe scene offers everything a remote worker could want: strong wifi, abundant power outlets, excellent coffee, and a genuinely welcoming atmosphere. Whether you prefer the specialty coffee precision of Dabov, the purpose-built coworking vibe of The Steps, or the creative energy of Photosynthesis, you'll find your perfect workspace. The affordability is the cherry on top—you can work productively all day for what a single coffee costs in London.

After your productive day, consider joining the Sofia Party Pub Crawl to meet fellow travelers and experience Sofia's legendary nightlife scene.