Is Plovdiv Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Plovdiv is generally a safe city for solo female travelers. Crime rates are low and locals are often helpful and welcoming to visitors. However, like all travel destinations, it's still important to remain vigilant, especially at night and in less crowded areas. Ensure you keep personal belongings secure and avoid secluded areas when it's dark.

Safety rating

4.5 /5

Based on our research and crime data

3.6 /5

Based on 11 experiences from local women

Plovdiv is currently ranked #18 safest place in Bulgaria for solo female travellers, with an overall safety rating of 3.9 out of 5. . Check the full ranking.

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How safe is Plovdiv?

Safety at night:Moderate

Plovdiv generally has a safe night environment, especially in populated areas and popular tourist spots. However, like any other place, it is advisable to remain cautious while walking alone at night. Stick to well-lit areas, avoid deserted streets or parks, and always be aware of your surroundings. Most locals are friendly and helpful, but awareness can prevent unwanted situations. It's always a good idea to let someone know where you're going or share live location when moving around at night.

Public transportation:Safe

Public transportation in Plovdiv is generally safe, with low incidences of crime. There are various modes of transportation including buses and taxis. It's, however, always necessary to observe basic safety precautions such as avoiding late-night travels, watching your belongings, and using reliable taxi companies. Buses are regularly used by a large number of locals and are fairly reliable.

Street harassment:Low

Plovdiv is generally considered safe for solo female travelers. Street harassment occurs rarely, and locals are quite respectful. As with any location, it is still important to exercise standard caution, especially during the night and in less crowded places.

Petty crimes:Low

Plovdiv, being one of the biggest cities in Bulgaria, does have its share of petty crime such as pickpocketing or bag snatching but these are not so prevalent. Most areas of the city are safe and well-policed and incidents are typically isolated. Day or night, in most instances, it is perfectly safe to roam around. As always, exercise the usual precautions by keeping your belongings close to you, especially in crowded public places.

Is Plovdiv worth visiting?

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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Solo travel

I visited Plovdiv twice as a day trip from Sofia. The city has a colorful old town, nice Roman amphitheater ruins, and an alternative district full of graffiti and cafes. I always travelled there by bus. It's an amazing place with wonderful people.

Posted: May 21, 2023

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Is Plovdiv safe for women?

Safety index

3.6 /5

Based on 11 local experiences

Crime index

1.4 /5

Based on 11 local experiences

Plovdiv is rather safe for a woman. However, I prefer to warn that for non-white people it is unfortunately much more complicated. My boyfriend is black, and we face a lot of stares that we mostly interpret as curiosity in general since we haven't seen any people of color since our arrival. On the other hand, we experienced a serious incident that shows you have to be very careful depending on who you come across (a nazi salute directed at us + insults in Bulgarian). So, for a white woman it is generally quite safe to walk around, but I give a huge warning about the pervasive racism, notably due to the rise of the far right with nazi influences in the country. From what we have seen, there are indeed groups to watch out for.

Posted: September 7, 2025

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