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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Safety index

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.

Tap water:Safe

Tap water in Sofia is generally considered safe to drink. The water undergoes regular quality checks and is treated with the necessary processes to make it safe for consumption. However, the taste and hardness may vary which could be unpleasant for some people and as such, bottled water is also readily available and can be an alternative choice for those sensitive to taste differences.

Is Sofia safe to travel?

4.2 /5

Based on 12 experiences

Solo travel experience

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 experience

That was my first solo trip and I felt quite safe there. I found free guided walks and met a few people who were also traveling alone. I enjoyed the culinary tours and sightseeing. The beautiful views and the restaurant at the end of the culinary tour were so good that I also returned there the next day.

Posted: April 23, 2023
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Solo travel experience

I was recently in Sofia. It is an incredibly safe and beautiful city. I walked there in the evenings and had no problems at all. Most people spoke English and were willing to help in every possible way. Taxis were also very cheap there.

Posted: April 15, 2023
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Solo travel experience

Things to do: - Cathedral of St. Alexander Nevsky - "Vitosha" Boulevard - Plovdiv - Rila Monastery Food: I went on a culinary tourism tour and it was great! I really enjoyed it. Safety: I felt quite safe. Just remember to take basic precautions. Budget: - Eating out: €3 - €15 - Hostel: €10 - Public transport: €1-€2 - Train: €2-€10 Accommodation: I stayed at the Mostel Hostel and it was a very nice place for the price. Recommendations: Sofia has a great social scene, very affordable prices, delicious food, and it's quite safe.

Posted: July 17, 2022
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Is Sofia safe for women?

Sofia in its central part is very safe. Its a bit trickier at the surrounding areas. Where there is a big crowd at Vitoshka ot Graf Ignatiev, you can walk alone at night without worrying about anything. If youre at some shady part, better dont go there.

Posted: March 28, 2024
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Allie

Allie

It really depends on the neighbourhood you are in Sofia. If you are in neighbourhoods like Lyulin and Mladost, it is more dangerous and you have bigger chances of being robbbed. However, most parts like the center, Lozenetes, Hladilnika, Manastirski livadi are known to be quiet and non violent. I have never felt in danger in those areas.

Posted: March 11, 2024
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Is Sofia safe right now?

Before your visit to Sofia, it's essential to check travel advisories for Bulgaria, including your home country's official travel advisory. These advisories can provide up-to-date information on safety, health, and any specific considerations for travelers.
🇺🇸

United States Travel AdvisoryTake normal security precautions

The United States government advises exercising normal precautions in Bulgaria. Check the full travel advisory.
Last updated: July 26, 2023
🇨🇦

Canada's Travel AdvisoryTake normal security precautions

The Canadian Government advises to take normal security precautions in Bulgaria. Check the full travel advisory.
Last updated: April 19, 2024
🇦🇺

Australia's Travel AdvisoryTake normal security precautions

The Australian Government advises to exercise normal safety precautions in Bulgaria. Check the full travel advisory.
Last updated: April 2, 2024

Is Sofia worth visiting?

Overall rating

4 /5

based on 12 experiences

Rating summary

Things to do

4/5

Safety

4.2/5

Food

4.2/5

Budget-friendly

4.2/5

Solo travel experience

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
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

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
Things to do: 3/5Food: 4/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 3/5
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Elé

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Open to finding new friends and learning new languages and cultures. I just graduated high school, waiting to get into uni :))

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Alexandra

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Portuguese girl living in Sofia. Love to travel and get to meet more people from around the world

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Sofia

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Portuguese girl living in Sofia. Love to travel and get to meet more people from around the world

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Alexandra

Alexandra

Sofia

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3 days

About me

I love meeting new people and I'm interested in different cultures and languages. I know english, french, russian and bulgarian. I study bulgarian philology at the Sofia university. I hate writing about myself, so that's the end hahah

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Monica

Monica

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Hi I am Mónica Sofía González Aragón, love to travel and help other travelers. I know about the Toltec Culture in México. I can give you advice if you want to travel to Mexico City

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Sevcan

Sevcan

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Hello, I'm Sevcan. I am a student in Istanbul. Although my life is stuck in the triangle of school-home-work, I try to be intertwined with nature every time I find. Although dog walking is an activity I enjoy, unfortunately I don't have a dog. But I have 2 cats, but it is more accurate to say that I have 2 children:D I have the habit of following artistic activities and examining everything I see in detail. I hope we can get along well, thank you for reading and I hope you have a good day.

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Safety in Bulgaria