Is Sofia Safe for Women? Crime & Safety Index

Safety index

Safe
3.6 /5

The safety level in Sofia is considered high, with an overall safety index of 3.6 out of 5.

Crime index

Low
1.6 /5

The crime rate in Sofia is considered low, with an overall crime index of 1.6 out of 5.

Violence index

18.3%

On average 18.3% percentage of women in Bulgaria have experienced physical and/or sexual violence from an intimate partner at some time in their life, according to OECD Data.

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Crime & Safety Statistics

Based on 11 experiences

Safety index:

3.6/5Safe

Safety walking alone after dark:

3.3/5Moderate

Safety using public transport:

4.2/5Safe

Crime index:

1.6/5Low

Worries of being sexually harassed:

1.4/5Not at all worried

Worries of being sexually assaulted or raped:

1/5Not at all worried

Worries of being physically attacked:

1.4/5Not at all worried

Worries of home broken and things stolen:

1.2/5Not at all worried

Worries of being mugged or robbed:

1.3/5Not at all worried

Worries of being kidnapped or murdered:

1/5Not at all worried

How safe is Sofia?

Overall it's a safe city! People are nice and open to new people. The bad part about the city is some of its neighborhoods. They can be sketchy. But the center of the city is amazing , there's a lot of places to visit and to have fun

Posted: August 12, 2024
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Depends on where you live, but sofia is safe place for me. Maybe my advice is to not walk alone at night and do not use Maxim (bulgarian illegal uber ) or other taxi than “Yellow” or “ok”.Stay safe and have fun.

Posted: August 5, 2024
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Sofia is still one of the safest places to travel in Europe. Like every big city/capital there are places which is better to avoid during the night for example but the central part is quite safe. There are many young people going out and walking on the streets, especially during the summer time. With friends or alone, every time I go out in Sofia, I am not worried or stressed (except some rare situations which could happen everywhere such as homeless or mentally ill people on the streets).

Posted: July 18, 2024
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Anna

Anna

Sofia is the largest city in Bulgaria and has about 2 million people in it. In a small country like Bulgaria, something rarely happens. Sofia is very open to tourists, nothing can happen to you during the day. At most if some local boy shouts something at you (funny comment) but they won't do anything more. During the day there are many people and you feel completely safe. In the evening, it is a bit more dangerous around gardens and parks if you come across drunk people. But personally, I'm out every week and so far I haven't had any problems. Simply, if you meet such people, do not pay attention to them and do not talk to them.

Posted: July 4, 2024
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Natalia

Natalia

Sofia’s center is save for walks even after dark. A lot of the not central places are not the safest but i am sure they are more safer than the half of balkans neighborhoods. The public transport is fine

Posted: June 15, 2024
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Yoanna

Yoanna

I feel very safe walking around Sofia, even when I'm on my own and after dark. There are some specific areas where you have to be careful, but in general it feels pretty safe. I would avoid Fakulteta and Lyulin when on my own.

Posted: June 6, 2024
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Selin

Selin

Sofia is extremely safe. Bulgaria in general is. We almost have no crime, or at least nothing serious. You can walk alone after dark, of course be aware of your surroundings, but I’ve never ever had any problems in my country!

Posted: May 29, 2024
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When it comes to safety in Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, it think you could compare it with the situation in Italy. You might come across with some pickpocketing in crowded places, but other than that it’s a safe and lovely city for a trip.

Posted: May 18, 2024
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Sofia in its central part is very safe. Its a bit trickier at the surrounding areas. Where there is a big crowd at Vitoshka ot Graf Ignatiev, you can walk alone at night without worrying about anything. If youre at some shady part, better dont go there.

Posted: March 28, 2024
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Allie

Allie

It really depends on the neighbourhood you are in Sofia. If you are in neighbourhoods like Lyulin and Mladost, it is more dangerous and you have bigger chances of being robbbed. However, most parts like the center, Lozenetes, Hladilnika, Manastirski livadi are known to be quiet and non violent. I have never felt in danger in those areas.

Posted: March 11, 2024
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Is Sofia worth visiting?

Overall rating

4 /5

based on 16 experiences from female travelers

Group travel

I felt very safe in Sofia, but I was with a group, so I don't know if the experience would have been the same alone. Sofia is an amazing h city, very vibrant and friendly. If you like iconic art, it's the best place to be. The food is also incredibly good. We also went mountain climbing outside the city, which was beautiful.

Posted: September 3, 2024
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Emilie

Emilie

Spain

Solo travel

Overall Sofia was a beautiful underated place to visit. I stayed at peter pan house and felt very safe throughout my five day stay. I found public transport to be very reliable. People were very helpful, and the outdoor scene is beautiful

Posted: July 13, 2024
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Meet locals in Sofia

Anika

Anika

About Me

Hello. My name is Anika Zlateva. I am from Bulgaria and currently live in my home town - Sofia. I love traveling and meeting new people. I have a cat named Earl Gray.

Speaking

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Elvi

Elvi

About Me

Traveler and poker player

Speaking

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Safety in Bulgaria

Frequently asked questions

Is Sofia safe?

The safety level in Sofia is considered high, with an overall safety index of 3.6 out of 5.

Is Sofia safe to walk alone at night?

Walking alone at night in Sofia is considered moderately safe, with an overall safety index of 3.3 out of 5.

Is public transport safe in Sofia?

Using public transport in Sofia is considered safe, with an overall safety index of 4.2 out of 5.

What is the crime rate in Sofia?

The crime rate in Sofia is considered low, with an overall crime index of 1.6 out of 5.

What is the risk of being sexually harassed in Sofia?

Risk of being sexually harassed in Sofia is considered very low, with an overall risk index of 1.4 out of 5

What is the risk of being sexually assaulted or raped in Sofia?

Risk of being sexually assaulted or raped in Sofia is considered very low, with an overall risk index of 1 out of 5

What is the risk of being physically attacked in Sofia?

Risk of being physically attacked in Sofia is considered very low, with an overall risk index of 1.4 out of 5

What is the risk of burglary in Sofia?

Risk of burglary in Sofia is considered very low, with an overall risk index of 1.2 out of 5

What is the risk of being mugged or robbed in Sofia?

Risk of being mugged or robbed in Sofia is considered very low, with an overall risk index of 1.3 out of 5

What is the risk of being kidnapped or murdered in Sofia?

Risk of being kidnapped or murdered in Sofia is considered very low, with an overall risk index of 1 out of 5