Is Sofia Safe to Visit? – A Guide to Safety in Sofia
Are you considering travelling to Sofia in Bulgaria and curious whether Sofia is a safe city to visit? You’re in the right place to find out. Sofia is generally considered a safe city to visit, nonetheless there are instances where extra caution is advised. In this guide, I will cover safety in Sofia as well as priovide having some basic knowledge on things like public, transport, taxis, ATMs, tourist hot spots will help you navigate and feel safe around Sofia.
I recently visited Sofia in Bulgaria for the first time, never having traveled to Bulgaria before. Having lived in London and traveled extensively throughout Europe I had good point of reference for which to compare Sofia to, when it comes to safety.The below guide to safety in Sofia is based on my own experience visiting the city as a female traveler who has also traveled across many other cities across Europe in 21 countries and counting.
Why Visit Sofia Bulgaria?
Sofia is a city full of rich history and old world charm, yet its brims with a modern energy gives young population. The center of Sofia is vibrant with several trendy neighborhoods, buzzing cafes, galleries and shops to wander. For more details on what do in Sofia, check out our guide on Things to Do in 24 Hours in Sofia and the 10 Best Places to Eat & Drink in Sofia.
Sofia Crime Stats
The level of activity, in Sofia is considered average for a capital city. Recent figures indicate that the majority of reported offenses in the area are non violent in nature and usually revolve around instances of theft such as pickpocket incidents or minor property related offenses. Nonetheless cases of crime can occur from time to time among locals and visitors alike. For more information on official crime statistics refer to the National Statistical Institute of Bulgaria’s Crime Reporting here.
Comparing Sofia to Other European Cities
Compared to cities of size, in Europe like Paris or Rome and Barcelona. Sofia has a lower rate of violent crime overall and is considered one of the safer capitals in the region. particularly when it comes to incidents like pickpocketings and thefts in areas, with high tourist traffic.
The central districts, near tourist spots can be targeted by pickpockets. They are also well monitored by law enforcement. Some recommended areas to reside in are Vitosha Boulevard, Lozenets and the downtown area.
Crime in Sofia
Petty crimes, like theft and tourist scams are the most common offenses, in Sofia city center; Violent crimes are less common and usually stem from specific conflicts that seldom impact tourists.
When it comes to petty offenses, like pickpocketing incidents tourists are most often targeted near tourist attractions as well and public transit stations like bus stops or markets. In street markets in Europe I have experienced scams like inflated prices and fraudulent taxi services charges. However I did not have any unsafe experiences in Sofia while visiting
Nonetheless, it best to go with your gut feel and exercise sound judgement when it comes to safety. Remain alert to your surroundings at all times and refrain from flaunting anything which may peak the interest of pickpocketers in bustling locations.
Violent offenses, like assaults or robberies are uncommon in Sofia. Nonetheless, sticking to lit and busy areas can significantly decrease the chances of coming across crimes. Especially, during nighttime outings.
Safety on Public Transport
I relied on public transport quite a bit as we were staying quite far from the center of Sofia given we needed to be close to the Airport for an early morning flight. We used public transport quite a bit to get into central Sofia as well as around the city center. The buses we took into central Sofia and around the city were on time and never felt unsafe. I would regardless be cautious of belongings on public transport.
In central Sofia, you will find the main central Bus Station is also located next to the Central Railway Station. This is known as 100 Knyaginya Maria Louisa Blvd. In addition Sofia 5 main tram lines also service central Sofia with stops dotted around this area.
Are Taxis a safe option in Sofia?
Taxis in Sofia are easy to get and safe. However its best to go with a known taxi company or taxi app in Sofia instead of trying to hail one on the road. If you are not using a taxi app and getting taxi directly, its best to get these are from a taxi rank and agree prices upfront with the taxi drivers or ensure these have a working meter with fair pricing.
I personally prefer taxi apps and I like the convenience of having ordering in advance and having the transaction done on my phone.
We used taxis to get home in the evening after a night out and had no issues whatsoever. Peak hours taxi’s may require a bit longer of a wait, however this is no different from any other metropolitan area in my experience.
I used Bolt, however have heard of a few other taxi apps in Sofia like Yellow Taxis, TaxiMe and TaxiMaxim which are well known. The good thing I liked about Bolt is that is also often used in other European countries like France and Germany.
ATMs in Sofia
Exercise caution when using ATMs and look for machines situated in banks or lit areas to reduce the risk when taking out cash. Some well known banks with atms in central Sofia are
UniCredit Bulbank, DSK Bank, Raiffeisenbank, Postbank (Eurobank Bulgaria), First Investment Bank (Fibank. All these have atms in trafficked areas in central Sofia.
Is Sofia safe to walk around at night?
Yes, Sofia is generally safe to walk around at night, as long as you stay alert and mindful of your environment and surroundings.
Sofia has a vibrant nightlife with plenty of places to go out in the evenings. Bustling hubs like Vitosha Boulevard teeming with bars and dining spots along with clubs. Another hotspot is the Student City neighborhood renowned for its student nightlife vibe while Rakovski Street stands out for its theaters and cozy cafes.
These spots are typically considered thanks to the flow of people as well as policy and local authority surveillance in busy areas. Local authorities have invested in expanding CCTV surveillance across the city to monitor public spaces and deter criminal activity. This has contributed to a reduction in petty crimes like pickpocketing and theft.
Is Sofia safe for foreigners at night?
Further, landmarks such as Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and Vitosha Boulevard are brightly illuminated and regularly monitored by law enforcement officers for safety measures in place. These popular areas are usually remain lively into the late hours of the night, especially in the summer months which provides a sense of security, as a visitor.
As a result, most central spaces near tourist attractions in Sofia are generally well lit with a reasonable level of activity even in late evening. Nonetheless, it’s best to stay alert and cautious at all times and look out for any scams.
What to avoid in Sofia?
There aren’t any places as such to avoid in Sofia, but areas where extra caution should be taken. Having lived many years in a busy city like London, I would say that train station and bus stations are probably the areas that tourists are most likely to get targeted for heft and loitering. I would say this applies to most European cities including Sofia. So regardless of the time of day, always stay alert in these areas.
Safety Tips for visiting Sofia
- Its best to stick to brightly lit areas when walking around at night
- Opt for public transport or taxis or ride sharing services when out during nighttime hours.
- Avoid walking in dark or isolated spots and ensure your belongings are secure when in crowded places.
- Keep items such, as passports safely stored in your accommodation.
- Make sure to have travel insurance. Insurance policies now days typically provide some cover for travelers in the case of theft or loss of passports, luggage, or personal items whilst traveling. In the event any theft takes place.
Russia-Ukraine conflict safety concerns in Sofia
The Russia-Ukraine conflict has not significantly impacted the direct safety of visitors in Sofia, Bulgaria. Bulgaria has experienced heightened regional tensions, partly due to its support for Ukraine. However, the conflict has not led to major security risks in Sofia itself. Regardless as a traveler its good to remain aware of geopolitical sensitivities and avoid protests and take extra caution.
Final Thoughts
Bulgaria is a generally safe country, and Sofia is largely a safe city for visitors. I found the Bulgarian people in Sofia very welcoming and willing to help tourists, offering insight and directions. Just make sure to follow standard safety practices and stay vigilant of your surroundings and belongings to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience in Sofia.
Are you heading to Bulgaria? Check out our other guides on Sofia below –
