Is Sofia Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Sofia is generally a safe city for solo female travelers. The locals are friendly and willing to help should you encounter any difficulties. However, it's always important to exercise the usual precautions, such as avoiding deserted areas late at night and being aware of your belongings to prevent pickpocketing. Public transportation and walking around during the day are generally safe. The emergency services are reliable should you require any assistance.

Safety rating

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How safe is Sofia?

Safety at night:

Safety at night:Moderate

Sofia is moderately safe for solo female travelers during nighttime. Like any big city, certain areas could be less safe, especially after dark. It has a low rate of violent crimes but pickpocketing or purse snatching incidents can happen. There is also an increase of taxi scams during nighttime so make sure to use only trusted taxi companies. Always remain vigilant, avoid poorly lit and empty areas, and stay in populated areas whenever possible.
Public transportation:

Public transportation:Safe

Sofia's public transportation system is generally safe and reliable. It includes trams, buses, and a metro system that are used frequently by the local population. During peak hours and on popular routes, it can be overcrowded which may increase the risk of pickpocketing, but incidents of violent crime are rare. It is always advisable to keep an eye on your belongings and avoid deserted stops late at night. Knowing some basic Bulgarian phrases can also come in handy.
Street harassment:

Street harassment:Low

Sofia is generally a safe city for solo female travelers. However, like any other urban area worldwide, it has its share of street harassment, although it's relatively low compared to other cities. The Bulgarians are usually respectful and keep to themselves, but it's always important to be aware of your surroundings and avoid isolated or less populated areas, especially late at night. This is not because of a specific harassment issue but just a general safety measure one should follow when traveling alone.
Petty crimes:

Petty crimes:Low

Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, is generally considered safe for solo female travelers. Petty crimes such as pickpocketing, bag snatching, or phone theft can occur, particularly in crowded places like public transport and tourist hotspots. However, the frequency of such crimes is not high, particularly if visitors take standard precautions like keeping valuables close and maintaining awareness of their surroundings.

Is Sofia worth visiting?

Overall rating

4 /5

based on 17 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

3.9/5

Safety

4.1/5

Food

4.1/5

Budget-friendly

4/5
Dilara

Dilara

Turkey

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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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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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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Marilia

Marilia

Denmark

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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Solo travel

I spend a month in Bulgaria doing Voluntary work in primary schools. I really liked the city and felt really safe even at night. Bulgarians are so nice and helpful, but most of them don’t speak proper English. If you want to visit the whole country, I would recommend: Plovdiv (my favourite city), Sofia, Varna, veliko tarnovo and a day trip to Rila monastery. If you are only staying in Sofia, then you should definitely see the city center, a day trip to Rila seven lakes and Vitosha mountain. The food wasn’t a big deal for me and nothing really surprised me. But I liked tarator (a cold soup), moussaka and banitsa is also something that you should try. Life in Bulgaria is really cheap (comparing to France ) I spent 500 euros for a month excluding hotels because I didnt pay for that. Transportation is really good in Sofia, i used busses and metro but you can also find tramway.

Posted: January 14, 2024
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Solo travel

I was in Sofia this spring for a long weekend, I went on a one-day trip to the Rila Monastery and Mount Vitosha. I walked through Tolerance Square (2 churches, a synagogue and a mosque). Wonderful architecture. I also took a culinary walking tour, which was excellent.

Posted: October 16, 2023
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Solo travel

I went there last year and I didn't like it. There might be 10 nice, interesting old buildings, but the rest of the city center is just shopping, modern cafes, etc. There's really not much to see or do. Besides, if you leave the decent city center, the streets immediately become quite bad. I didn't feel comfortable exploring areas outside the small city center.

Posted: August 7, 2023
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Solo travel

I spent 2 full days there and it was not enough. I highly recommend the free walking tour with a guide. You will see all the main attractions and the history is extremely fascinating. I also took part in the Balkan Bites tour, which was interesting. I really fell in love with Bulgaria.

Posted: June 5, 2023
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Solo travel

I was not the biggest fan of Sofia, but I really loved getting out of the city and seeing the Rila Monastery. The monastery itself is beautiful and it's really cool to see it, but there is also a lot of nature there. Eventually, I started walking around the area and I walked for quite a long time.

Posted: May 24, 2023
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Is Sofia safe for women?

Safety index

3.7 /5

Based on 33 local experiences

Crime index

1.9 /5

Based on 33 local experiences

Monika

Monika

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 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 Sofia

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 Sofia

Marta

Marta

Sofia

Can host for:

3 days

About me

I’m Marta and I’m 21. 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, play the piano for nearly 14 years and am currently working as piano teacher at home. Can’t wait to meet you all!❤️

Speaking

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Eti

Eti

Sofia

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hi, I’m Eti c: I love to draw, hike, sing, meditate, read, and discover new destinations with amazing local food (and hopefully a beer or glass of wine.) I have a cat and a huge obsession with goofing around. Feel free to ask away if anything specific interest you!

Speaking

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Katrin

Katrin

Sofia

Can host for:

4 days

About me

Hey, I’m 26 years old girls from Bulgaria. Currently living in Sofia and working as an cccount manager in a creative advertising agency. I’ve studied sociology, love music and I’m interested in visual arts (like cinematography, theatre and any kind of design) also enjoy meeting new people, talking and exchanging cultures and experiences.

Speaking

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Tsveti

Tsveti

Sofia

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hi everyone 🌻 Im Tsveti! I just move to study in Sofia. I love travelling and backpacking. I am available to walk you around, meet up and maybe go on a hike together 🥾🙌.

Speaking

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Sofiya

Sofiya

Sofia

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hi, I'm recently single mom of three. I live in a beautiful part of town and I'm open to host if appropriate and I feel it's not danger for my kids I'm very fun to hang, I love to travel and used to live in USA. My new chapter include a lot of traveling with my kids

Speaking

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Slava

Slava

Sofia

Can host for:

3 days

About me

I’m Slava and I live in Sofia, Bulgaria. 29yo contemporary artist, designer and stylist.

Speaking

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Gabriela

Gabriela

Sofia

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hi, my name is Gabby. I am 24 years old. I work as Payroll Specialist. I love living life to the fullest, but not in the crazy way (parting 24/7). I like to go out with friends, walking in nature, travel and meet new people.

Speaking

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Zoi

Zoi

Sofia

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hi there! I was so excited when I randomly saw this post about the app, I can’t wait to start travelling.. Girl power for life hehe

Speaking

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Upcoming visitors to Sofia

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!

Speaking

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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