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 57 local experiences

Crime index

1.9 /5

Based on 57 local experiences

Sofia

Sofia is a modern city, has all the components to provide a safe and enjoyable travel, the public transport in the city center is amazing, although if you wish to go out of the capital I strongly recommend renting a car. Public places are accommodated to the peoples needs, the city is relatively clean and cheap, there isn’t much of a night life, but there are so amazing bars that should definitely be visited. People are mostly open to landing a hand if needed, however, the old generations don’t speak much foreign languages, so if you need the help of the locals, i suggest asking the youth

Posted: March 10, 2025
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Yuliia

Yuliia

Plovdiv

I love here for a year and a half and see/heard nothing really criminal, but it’s better to avoid some districts. For example, we have a district full of gypsys, I’m not sure about safety there, sorry

Posted: March 10, 2025
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Meet locals in Bulgaria

Ana

Ana

About Me

"The world is full of poetry. The air is living with its spirit; and the waves dance to the music of its melodies, and sparkle in its brightness."

Speaking

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Ally

Ally

About Me

Hello, my name is Aleksandra but people call me Ally for short, I like music, art, adventures, having fun and animals. I am a very social person and I like going out, traveling and exploring new places, I have a friendly cat named Zun-Zun and we live in a cozy one bedroom apartment in the center of Sofia! If u ever need a place to stay during your travels in Sofia or you want to explore cool places like restaurants and coffee shops on a budget or you just want to hang out with someone feel free to contact me!

Speaking

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Stay with locals in Bulgaria

Ally

Ally

Sofia

Can host for:

7 days

About me

Hello, my name is Aleksandra but people call me Ally for short, I like music, art, adventures, having fun and animals. I am a very social person and I like going out, traveling and exploring new places, I have a friendly cat named Zun-Zun and we live in a cozy one bedroom apartment in the center of Sofia! If u ever need a place to stay during your travels in Sofia or you want to explore cool places like restaurants and coffee shops on a budget or you just want to hang out with someone feel free to contact me!

Speaking

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Dilyana

Dilyana

Varna

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hey! My name is Dilyana and I moved to Varna 3 years ago because of my love for the sea. I love meeting new people and I would love to make more international friends. I work in Business development and am 25 year old. I can show you the good places in Varna. 🫶🏼

Speaking

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Upcoming visitors to Bulgaria

Alexia

Alexia

About Me

Hey, I’m Alexia! An adventurous Aussie who loves exploring new places and experiencing different cultures. I’ve traveled to 24 countries and counting, with a passion for off-the-beaten-path destinations. My next big adventure? A six-week trip across the U.S., followed by a month of travel in Europe before settling somewhere new. Always up for great conversations, good food, and making new travel friends

Speaking

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Anastasiia

Anastasiia

About Me

I am an active and curious person, who loves traveling and learning new languages. I am always happy to meet new people and make friends!

Speaking

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Safety in Bulgaria