European Design Festival guests can enjoy a 10% discount on flights with Bulgaria Air.
To claim your discount, please send an email to callfb@air.bg with the following details:
Please make sure to include the code MELBA26 in your email, to apply the offer.
Sofia is easily accessible via Sofia Vasil Levski Airport (SOF), located approximately 20–30 minutes from the city centre. Whether arriving for the European Design Awards or the broader festival programme, reaching the city is straightforward, with several reliable options.
⸻
By Metro
The most efficient and predictable way to reach central Sofia is by metro. The station is located at Terminal 2—simply follow the blue line markings on the floor from the arrivals area.
Line M4 connects the airport directly to the city, with a journey time of around 20 minutes. For access to key central locations, including NDK (National Palace of Culture), a change of line may be required at Serdika station.
Metro services operate daily from approximately 05:30 until midnight, offering a fast and affordable connection across the city. It is also well integrated with other public transport options, including buses and trains.
⸻
By Bus
Several public bus lines connect the airport with different parts of the city. While this is the most economical option, it may require more time and familiarity with the network, especially during peak hours.
⸻
Tickets and Fares
Sofia’s public transport system is simple and affordable.
•Contactless payment: The easiest option is to use a bank card—just tap once at the metro gate or on the bus validator.
•Single fare: €0,80 regardless of distance.
•Daily cap: Approximately €2,00 no matter how many journeys are made.
Physical tickets are also available from vending machines in metro stations or, in some cases, from bus drivers (though availability may vary).
⸻
By Taxi
Taxis are the most direct and comfortable option, especially for late arrivals or those carrying luggage. A journey to the city centre typically costs between €10–15 and takes around 20–30 minutes, depending on traffic.
For reliability and safety, it is recommended to use the official airport partner, Yellow!, available at designated taxi ranks outside both terminals or via their service desks in the arrivals area. Unofficial taxi offers inside or outside the terminal should be avoided.
link: www.yellow333.com
Sofia offers a wide range of accommodation options, from premium hotels to more budget-friendly choices, all within easy reach of the event venues.
For the European Design Awards 2026, we have selected a number of partner hotels offering preferential rates for participants, conveniently located either within walking distance of the main venues (NDK & Toplocentrala) or with direct and easy transport access.
Participants are encouraged to book their stay for the period 10–15 June 2026, depending on their travel plans.
All reservations are made individually, using the booking code: EDA26
⸻
Grand Hotel Millennium Sofia *****
89B Vitosha Blvd. (5–7 minutes walking distance to NDK)
Rates (BB):
Exclusive Room: €160 (single) / €185 (double)
Premium Room: €175 / €200
Premium Plus Room: €195 / €220
Availability: subject to availability
Booking:
Book directly via the following link (code EDA26 applies):
http://bookings.ihotelier.com/
Rate validity: until 26 April 2026
⸻
Rosslyn Central Park Hotel Sofia ****
106 Vitosha Blvd. (150 m from NDK)
Located directly on Vitosha Boulevard, this hotel offers immediate proximity to the main event venues and the vibrant city centre.
Rates (BB):
Single & Double rooms: 12% dynamic discount off Best Available Rate (BAR)
(Rates vary depending on availability and booking period)
Approximate availability: 40–50 rooms
Booking:
Book directly via the following link using code EDA26:
https://centralparkhotel.book-
Rate validity: until 8 June 2026
⸻
Hotel Sveta Sofia ****
18 Pirotska Street (approx. 1.8 km from NDK)
A centrally located hotel offering good value accommodation, with direct public transport connections to the event area.
Rates (BB):
Single: €64
Double: €74
Approximate availability: 25 rooms
Booking:
Reservations can be made via email using code EDA26 in the subject.
Contact: marketing@hotelsvetasofia.com
Rate validity: until 25 May 2026
Notes for Participants
All rates include bed & breakfast (BB).
Availability is limited and subject to booking deadlines set by each hotel.
As rooms are not pre-blocked, early booking is strongly recommended.
When the ceremony concludes, the evening continues in a more informal setting.
Join us for the official ED-Awards afterparty at Mixtape 5, one of Sofia’s most established live music venues and a familiar meeting point for the city’s creative community. Located within the National Palace of Culture complex, the space offers a relaxed, unpretentious atmosphere that naturally brings people together.
The afterparty is an opportunity to reconnect after the ceremony, exchange impressions, and continue conversations with fellow designers from across Europe. Expect a well-curated musical backdrop, a lively but comfortable environment, and the chance to mark the occasion in good company.
When
Saturday, June 13, 22:00
Ticket
€69,00
(includes access to the ED-Awards ceremony)
Every year, the European Design Awards celebrate outstanding achievements in communication design, bringing together the most influential voices from across the continent.
In 2026, the awards ceremony — followed by the traditional winners’ party — will take place on Saturday, 13 June, at Lumiere Hall, within the landmark National Palace of Culture in Sofia. One of the largest cultural centres in Southeast Europe, the National Palace of Culture (NDK) has been a focal point for major cultural events since its opening in 1981. Set in the heart of the city, it stands as a symbol of Sofia’s cultural ambition and contemporary identity.
When
Saturday, June 13, 19:00
Location
Lumiere cinema,
National Palace of Culture 1 Bulgaria Square Sofia
Ticket
€69,00
(includes access to the after party with a welcome drink)
When
Sunday, June 8, 10:00 – 12:00
Departure point
Hotel Union
Ticket
free, registration required
edf2025@paideia-events.com
Your guide will take you on a walk around the historical city centre, where you will learn the history and stories of Ljubljana’s major sights. From the Prešernov trg square, dominated by the Franciscan Church and connected to the Triple Bridge, you will head towards Plečnik’s Market and the Cathedral, continue to the Town Hall and the Robba Fountain, cross the Cobblers’ Bridge, pass the National and University Library to reach the Križanke Summer Theatre, and continue to the Kongresni trg square.
Every year, the European Design Awards celebrate outstanding achievements in communication design.
In 2025, the awards ceremony — followed by the traditional winners’ party — will take place on Saturday, 7 June, at the historic Grand Hotel Union in the heart of Ljubljana, a landmark of Art Nouveau elegance and a symbol of the city’s vibrant creative spirit.
When
Saturday, June 7, 19:00
Location
Grand Union Hall,
Grand Hotel Union
Miklošičeva cesta 1, Ljubljana
Ticket
€183,00
(includes access to the after party with a welcome drink)
Konstantinos Penlidis is a London-based designer with a long-standing record of excellence in fintech, digital advertising, web design, e-commerce, mobile and game design. He holds an MA in interaction design and has more than 20 years of experience in the digital design industry, working with product teams and agencies such as Remitly, HSBC, Ogilvy and TribalWW.
He has been passionately involved with online design communities, and is the co-founder and curator of SE Europe’s largest design event, the Digitized Conference, as well as the co-founder of the Creative Survey, Greece’s most important survey of the design industry.
He also serves as a judge for the FWA, Epica and the Webby awards and contributes as part time editor Greece’s +DESIGN magazine.
By providing short-term rental of commercial spaces, the City of Luxembourg offers creators, entrepreneurs or start-ups the opportunity to test a new product, service or concept in direct contact with their customers. Thus, the concept of “pop-up stores” serves as a springboard for tenants who can take advantage of a first experience in a physical store before launching a permanent business. In addition, pop-up stores contribute to the creation of a rich commercial offer and attract a broad public in the city center.
POP-UP STORES
Within the framework of the European Design Festival, designers are presenting limited or exclusive products in pop-up stores:
Flower Club, located at 3, rue Origer, a flower store that also offers bouquet creation workshops with the aim of creating a meeting and learning zone.
Astartelux Jewelry, located at 26 rue des Capucins, is a boutique specialising in ethical and sustainable jewelry making. The brand aims to revive ancient craftsmanship and contribute to the conservation and preservation of the world’s cultural heritage by drawing on the techniques and methods of past civilizations.
ArtCodeUa, located at 40 rue Philippe II, is a boutique offering items by Ukrainian designers and with 40% of the proceeds from sales going to aid organizations active in Ukraine.
Maison Hagda, located at 40 rue Philippe II (from July 5), will feature interior design products made by Moroccan cooperatives.
Awka, located at 43, Grand Rue, is a boutique of contemporary art and unique clothing inspired by the heritage of Ecuador.
The Vintage Store, located at 38 Philippe II Street, offers a selection of vintage products from the 1960s to the 1990s.
Casino Display, dedicated to research and artistic experimentation, welcomes graphic designer in residence Océane Muller. This historical venue, located in the heart of the old city of Luxembourg, today showcases contemporary creation and will be open to visitors.
Discover the design studios at the 1535° Creative Hub, located in a former industrial site in Differdange in the south of the country. This is a unique place in the grand duchy that hosts a multitude of studios and offices for start-ups and freelancers working in the creative industries. The bus tour continues to Esch-Belval, site of the University of Luxembourg.
Organised by: Design Luxembourg in collaboration with 1535° Creative Hub and the University of Luxembourg.
In partnership with Sales-Lentz.
(Re)discover the film Mon Oncle (1958), one of the great masterpieces of the French director Jacques Tati. This film humorously questions post-war society’s relationship with modern architecture and design. It contrasts the traditional, informal and lively city with the suburban housing sectors that developed during this period in the suburbs of major French cities.
Modern architecture is personified by the Villa Arpel. This automated house with its clean lines became an icon of the architecture of the period without having existed outside of the film set and the exhibition spaces that recreated it, highlighting the influence that criticism can have on the discourse on architecture and the city.
Programme of the evening:
7 pm | Introduction: Maribel Casas (architect, doctor in Art History and scientific director of luca)
7.30 pm | Screening of the film
Followed by
9.30 pm | ( P )arty: Drinks & DJ-set
Organised by: luca
Mon Oncle
A film by and with Jacques Tati | 1958 | comedy (116′) | France
Language FR | Subtitles EN
Free entrance, upon registration: luca.lu
After the screening of Mon Oncle, luca invites you to start this weekend dedicated to design with music. An excellent opportunity to meet up with friends or professionals and amateurs from all backgrounds to share a drink. The evening will be animated by a DJ who will take you back to the 60s in a unique place!
From 9.30 pm.
Venue: Casino Luxembourg – Forum d’art contemporain, rue Notre-Dame (parvis)
(text in English to come soon)
La partie ouest de la « Ënneschtgaass » (rue Notre-Dame) qui longe l’entrée principale du Casino Luxembourg, est un lieu en transition continue depuis des années : d’une aire de taxis à un chantier de construction, elle est aujourd’hui devenue un lieu indéfini – entre emplacements pour vélos, accès de livraison, shared zone délimitée par des pots de fleurs en béton anti-terreur pour dissuader les actes terroristes… et parking sauvage.
D’où la nécessité et l’urgence de repenser l’endroit. À quoi pourrait ressembler un milieu-associé entre un centre d’art (le Casino) et la ville ? Comment pourrait-on imaginer ce lieu en terme relationnel ? Pourrait-on envisager que le Casino Luxembourg sorte de ses murs pour s’approprier le parvis ?
Au cours de trois journées d’échange collaboratif sur le parvis face au Casino Luxembourg, nous poserons les premiers jalons d’une réflexion sur les possibilités de transformation de ce lieu.
Organised by: Casino Luxembourg – Forum d’art contemporain
Axé sur la création imprimée, le graphisme et le design de produits, le marché des créateurs Augenschmaus est un événement incontournable pour les amateurs d’art et les passionnés de design. Une belle sélection d’œuvres de créateurs du Luxembourg et de la Grande Région sera ainsi présentée au « Schluechthaus », friche industrielle située dans le quartier de Hollerich.
augenschmaus.lu
Rotondes will have the honour of hosting two major events on the programme: the European Design Awards and the Luxembourg Design Awards.
Official opening of the European Design Festival 2023 at the Cercle Cité.
Organised by: Design Luxembourg in collaboration with the City of Luxembourg and Cercle Cité.
European Design Awards afterparty!
With DJ Loon & DF Davka.
Open to the public.
Free entrance.
More info soon.
After the screening of Mon Oncle, luca invites you to start this weekend dedicated to design with music. An excellent opportunity to meet up with friends or professionals and amateurs from all backgrounds to share a drink. The evening will be animated by a DJ who will take you back to the 60s in a unique place!
Organised by: luca
Free entrance
Get in touch
EUROPEAN DESIGN AWARDS © 2022. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Design Federation OÜ | Estonia, Narva mnt 7a-404, 151 72 Tallinn, Reg.No: 12958895
