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 35 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

3.9/5

Safety

4.1/5

Food

4/5

Budget-friendly

4/5

Sofia, Solo travel

Even though a few streets seemed sketchy literally nothing happened, the transportation was extremely well organized and not too overcrowded, plus even when it was nobody pushed personal boundaries. I stayed in an apparent next to the biggest square and it was amazing

Posted: May 12, 2025
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Sofia, Solo travel

I felt safe, but I did not do a lot of things. I met cool people and tried some bars and a flea market. The problem was also the friends I visited on my stay, who did not make it easy. Overall I would recommend

Posted: May 12, 2025Experienced: May, 2025
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Bulgaria, Family travel

I stayed in a hotel in varna and it was kinda interesting. Weather was nice and also the people were kind but I missed the feeling of really getting to know the other culture. I hoped to get some more interesting activities. But Bulgaria is beautiful I just would recommend to inform yourselfs better

Posted: April 11, 2025
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Alina

Alina

Ukraine

Bulgaria, Family travel

Overall I felt quite safe because I was with my mom and her friends. Some people are a bit unpleasant towards tourists, but I've only seen this in small resort towns. We didn't try local food because it was too expensive in restaurants. Prices in supermarkets are average, about the same as in other European countries, but higher than here in Ukraine. I was surprised by the cost of public transport. On average, the price was no less than $1.5 per trip, while in Ukraine it is about $0.4. I would recommend visiting Burgas and Nessebar, those are very nice towns.

Posted: April 7, 2025Experienced: April, 2024
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Sofia, Solo travel

Hi, in January 2025 I was in Sofia gor two days with a friend. We slept at a host place an it was really nice! We loved the city! With a free walking tour we learned a lot about the history and the main places of the city. The other day we went to the big mountain and walked trough the snow. The public transportation was really cheap. It was a nice trip! :)

Posted: March 12, 2025
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Is Bulgaria safe for women?

Safety index

3.8 /5

Based on 79 local experiences

Crime index

1.9 /5

Based on 79 local experiences

Michelle

Michelle

Sofia

Sofia is overall a safe city, but it’s still very populated, so you have to be careful. People are very friendly, especially the girlies. You can always find a nice company of girls you can go out with. You have to be more cautious about the traffic, because there is a lot of car incidents.

Posted: May 28, 2025
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Meet locals in Bulgaria

Christina

Christina

About Me

I have never traveled alone but it sounds exciting. I love meeting kind people that respect themselves and others. Im willing to try anything new, cultural, hobby or extreme sport.❤️

Speaking

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Marta

Marta

About Me

I’m Marta, and I’m 22. I am currently studying orchestra conducting and originally from Sofia! Have 3 amazing cats that I adore! I’m an Aries, I love going out and meeting foreigners, playing the piano for nearly 14 years, and am currently working as a piano teacher at home. Can’t wait to meet you all!❤️

Speaking

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Stay with locals in Bulgaria

Marta

Marta

Sofia

Can host for:

3 days

About me

I’m Marta, and I’m 22. I am currently studying orchestra conducting and originally from Sofia! Have 3 amazing cats that I adore! I’m an Aries, I love going out and meeting foreigners, playing the piano for nearly 14 years, and am currently working as a piano teacher at home. Can’t wait to meet you all!❤️

Speaking

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Christina

Christina

Sofia

Can host for:

3 days

About me

I have never traveled alone but it sounds exciting. I love meeting kind people that respect themselves and others. Im willing to try anything new, cultural, hobby or extreme sport.❤️

Speaking

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Upcoming visitors to Bulgaria

Bailey

Bailey

About Me

Canadian currently living in London. Prior to the UK I spent a year in Shanghai and 6 in Hong Kong. Fan of street eats, book shops, and dive bars. I live with my male partner who is a fully remote worker so it’s a bit hard for me to host - apologises in advance!

Speaking

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Bella

Bella

About Me

Hey! I am a student in Hungary, but originally, I am from Kazakhstan. So the love for traveling is in my blood! My passion is nature, I am an environmentalist and, on my way, to earn an MSc in water management currently. The idea of traveling with low expenses and meeting new people is getting me excited! I am looking forward to seeing you and would love to show you around Budapest or Almaty sometime!

Speaking

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Safety in Bulgaria