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

4 /5

Based on 20 experiences from female travelers

3.5 /5

Based on our research and crime data

3.7 /5

Based on 45 experiences from local women

Sofia is currently ranked #17 safest place in Bulgaria for solo female travellers, with an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5. . Check the full ranking.

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How safe is Sofia?

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: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: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: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 20 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

3.9/5

Safety

4/5

Food

4/5

Budget-friendly

3.9/5

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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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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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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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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Is Sofia safe for women?

Safety index

3.7 /5

Based on 45 local experiences

Crime index

2 /5

Based on 45 local experiences

Michelle

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 Sofia

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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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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Stay with locals in Sofia

Marta

Sofia

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Speaking

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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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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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Michelle

Sofia

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hii my name is Michelle. I’m 24y old. I am currently finishing my bachelor degree in psychology. I am big time introvert😄 I like watching movies and reading books mostly, but i don’t mind a nice brunch or walk around nature. I travel a lot and i’d like to meet new people ❤️

Speaking

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Maggie

Sofia

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hello, I'm Maggie from Bulgaria. I'm 28 years old. I love to travel, read, sit in coffee shops and people watch, watch movies and tv shows, swim and do aerial yoga, paint, etc.

Speaking

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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

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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Lydia

Sofia

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hello i'm a 26 year old from Sofia, Bulgaria. I am very extroverted and like to travel the world a lot. I've been in most of Europe, and a bit of Asia. I love connecting to strangers that are a couple words away from becoming a friend for life. I am working in movies and tv and like to create things, i have a cat and lots of plants, ahaha! Hope to meet you soon!

Speaking

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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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Upcoming visitors to Sofia

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

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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