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.
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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.
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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.
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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).
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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
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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
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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
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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)
Get in touch
EUROPEAN DESIGN AWARDS © 2022. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Design Federation OÜ | Estonia, Narva mnt 7a-404, 151 72 Tallinn, Reg.No: 12958895
