Is Bulgaria Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Bulgaria is overall a safe destination for solo female travelers. Crime rates are relatively low, locals are typically helpful and respectful, and local law enforcement are usually able to assist foreigners. Public transport and taxis are reliable and common sense precautions against petty thefts should be taken, especially in crowded and tourist places. However, as with every destination, a vigilant approach is recommended at night or when visiting isolated areas.

Safety rating

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How safe is Bulgaria?

Safety at night:

Safety at night:Moderate

Bulgaria is relatively safe at night, especially in areas frequented by tourists. However, like anywhere, measures should be taken to ensure personal safety when alone. It's advisable to avoid dimly lit streets and walking alone in unfamiliar areas. Trust your instincts, stay in populated areas and always keep your belongings close to you.
Public transportation:

Public transportation:Moderate

The public transportation in Bulgaria is generally safe to use and includes buses, trams, taxis, and the metro, especially in the capital, Sofia. However, there can be occasional incidents of pickpocketing or petty crimes, and some women have reported instances of unwanted attention. Also, the service often lacks in the coherence of time schedules. But fear not, the majority of public transportation users have no issues. As always, stay alert and cautious as you would in any foreign place.
Street harassment:

Street harassment:Low

Bulgaria is generally considered safe, and reports of street harassment are relatively low. Always be alert, and practice common safety measures, such as avoiding deserted areas at night. The social norms and culture tend to be respectful towards women, but isolated incidents of harassment can still occur, as is the case with any other country.
Petty crimes:

Petty crimes:Low

Bulgaria maintains a moderate level of petty crimes such as pickpocketing, purse snatching, and theft from parked cars. These are particularly more frequent in crowded places such as markets, bus or train stations, and tourist spots. Therefore, it's always recommended to stay vigilant, secure your belongings, and avoid showing off valuable items. Evening or night travel in isolated areas should also be avoided.

Is Bulgaria worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.1 /5

based on 30 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4/5

Safety

4.2/5

Food

4.2/5

Budget-friendly

4.1/5
Dilara

Dilara

Turkey

Sofia, Solo travel

I had an amazing time in Sofya! The city has a charming atmosphere, and the food was absolutely delicious. We tried some traditional Bulgarian dishes, and everything was fresh and flavorful. The service was also excellent—fast and friendly. We explored some beautiful places like Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and Vitosha Boulevard, which had great shops and cafes. In the evening, my friends and I went to a karaoke bar, and we had so much fun singing together. The whole trip was unforgettable, and I’d love to visit again to discover even more!

Posted: February 2, 2025
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Bulgaria, Solo travel

It was safe but there are some problems about Bulgaria first you shouldn’t go there in winter because it’s really cold rainy and windy second you shouldn’t trust a guys in Bulgaria as a solo traveler they are nice but some of them has different intentions with you

Posted: January 30, 2025
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Bulgaria, Family travel

I feel safe We eat in some resturaunt, but the best are burger lab and a pancake maker I think it was cheaper than hungary We stayed in a hotel in burgas and it was fine We used public transport and it ran often

Posted: January 28, 2025Experienced: July, 2024
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Sofia, 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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Plovdiv, Solo travel

Plovdiv was my favorite city to visit in Bulgaria. It was easy to walk around, and the old part of the city was very beautiful with a bunch of cute bars and cafes. I suggest going on a free walking tour where you get to know the area. I stayed at a hostel and made a wonderful travel companion. The taxi drives very quite rude and had a very bad experience with them. I was treated very differently when I was taking a taxi with a man companion compared when trying to take one alone.

Posted: July 30, 2024
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Emilie

Emilie

Spain

Sofia, 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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Sofia, Solo travel

I really liked the vibe of this city. There are a lot of restaurants and bars and daily hiking trips to the mountains (with a breathtaking view!). I stayed there for 2 days and did a hiking trip as well as a lovely walking tour. The city has a really interesting history and a lot of different walking tours to learn more about it!

Posted: July 13, 2024
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Irmak

Irmak

Turkey

Bulgaria, Couple travel

I travelled Bulgaria, Sofia only one day but it was quite good. I can't tell much but it vaz very cheap. I ate a desert at the expensive restaurant but even it vas very cheap for me. Transportation is very cheap also. I landes sofia and with 15 turkish lira ı went to city center.

Posted: July 12, 2024
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Marilia

Marilia

Denmark

Sofia, Solo travel

Felt quite safe in Sofia, even though I avoided staying out late and night and I also chose to take a taxi to get back home one of the nights (3 years ago, it was super cheap around 1euro for the shortest distance) I walked a lot, around 20klm per day and I can say that the main attractions, the food places that I chose and the parks where I rested were pretty much connected to each other. However, as I said it was my choice to walk a lot so this way I experienced the city in a way different way as if I chose public transport. I definitely recommend to visit the natural area and mountain Vitosha by sofia, especially if you are travelling in the spring/autumn. 💫 Also, I am from Greece so many parts of the culture, the food, the people seemed quite familiar to what I'm used to, so this made me feel extra comfortable but maybe a person from a different culture might find some things challenging/weird That's it I think, I was there for 3 days on total but overall it was a great experience!

Posted: July 10, 2024Experienced: July, 2021
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Varna, Solo travel

Overall, I felt safe but I knew I had to be vety cautious walking around. The people were nice however if you dont know Bulgarian or Russian they tend to be very rude. My bag got stolen with everything in it, there are professional thiefs there. Everything was cheap compared to anywhere in Europe, the food amazing, the alcohol somewhat good, the pubs and bars were amazing tho. There is public transportation and the beaches were very nice.

Posted: June 20, 2024
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Is Bulgaria safe for women?

Safety index

3.8 /5

Based on 52 local experiences

Crime index

1.9 /5

Based on 52 local experiences

Monika

Monika

Sofia

This city is not for one of the biggest or the most famous places ,but its soo charmingly and the people are so kind . You are gonna lose nothing if you come to see it,and i am waiting here for you to show you everything

Posted: February 4, 2025
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Sofia

Sofia is a generally very safe city and it has gotten more more international in the past years which has made it even safer as more regulations have been in place. The city centre is well lit and there are people out on the streets till very late so it doesn’t feel sketchy when you are alone.

Posted: January 27, 2025
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Meet locals in Bulgaria

Ana

Ana

About Me

Hey there:) nice to meet you I’m Ana. I love to travel and explore the world in all its forms of beauty and unique differences. I prefer spending time in nature, doing sports or anything creative! I also LOVE winter ❄️❄️❄️ My next destination is Norway, where I will be spending all of March. I would love to arrive a few days earlier and explore Bergen, so I am looking for a place to stay currently 😇 I am social, outgoing and smiling and I love making new friends:) I am also the biggest cat person you will meet so that’s something we can bond over hahah:) I would love to explore the Norwegian Fjords if I have an opportunity and company 🏔️

Speaking

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Stay with locals in Bulgaria

Maria

Maria

Stara Zagora

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hi! I am Maria 22years old.I love traveling, tries delicious foods and conversations with people! I working with kids and I love my job!

Speaking

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Upcoming visitors to Bulgaria

Harmonie

Harmonie

About Me

Hi! My name’s Harmonie, I’m French and I live in the center of France. I’m a touristic guide in one of a castle in the Loire Valley, so if you want some tips if you visit the region I’d be happy to give you some. As I’m not working during the winter season, it’s the moment for me to travel! Two years ago I went to Italy and travelled by train from Turin to Napoli. That was an amazing experience! I also met some people as I used Couchsurfing. I wanted to go in this app, Travel Ladies because there are too many men on couchsurfing who don't have a good behaviour toward women. About me and what I like, I can tell I'm a joyful person, I like travelling to discover and share. Travelling is one of the most important thing in my life even if I'm scared. So I can tell I like challenging myself. When I'm home I love doing nothing actually. Playing videogames, watching series, reading are one of my top activities. I also do sport like climbing. I don't know what else to tell, and if you read until there. If so, feel free to come and talk to me!

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Arwa

Arwa

About Me

I’m Arwa 29 😊, social person who like to meet new people and talk or try new experiences , I like to exchange experiences ,culture, language and stories I have been to more than 15 countries i wish i can see everywhere’s in this beautiful earth 🌍 , I like travelling sometimes solo 🧍🏻‍♀️other times with buddies 👫👭I’m a sunset 🌅 lover I like peace and hope that watching it gives me also I love to have many adventures and trying new things about food ,places and activities.🪄

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Safety in Bulgaria