Bulgaria : Safety by CityThe capital and the largest city in Bulgaria is Sofia.
It lies at the foot of the mountain Vitosha.
The city is a very old one, founded thousands of years ago, and today has a population of more than 1 million people.
Since it has existed throughout history, Sofia preserves many monuments and landmarks from its past such as the Eastern Gate, the Saint Sofia Basilica, the Presidential Palace and Saint George Rotunda- the oldest church in Sofia, to mention just a few.
Nowadays, Sofia continues to grow and develop into the country’s main cultural and economic center.
Warnings & Dangers in Sofia
OVERALL RISK: LOW
The very interesting fact is that violent crime practically does not exist in Sofia. Some petty crimes like theft and pick-pocketing happen, but still, according to its ranking, the city is considered a very safe one.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
Because drivers are very careless and do not respect traffic signs, it is advisable to avoid driving, unless it is necessary, while pedestrians should not rely only on the traffic lights, but be very careful when crossing the street.
PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
The risk of being a victim of pickpockets in Sofia exists, like in any other capital city, where a huge amount of tourists come. The best way to protect yourself from pickpockets is to avoid crowds and staying alone in the street at night.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
The potential natural disasters in Bulgaria are earthquakes and avalanches in the mountains, but they are not often. Even if they happen, they do not usually cause any major damage.
MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
There have been some records of mugging in Sofia. Kidnapping hardly ever happens, but it is still possible. Tourists need to be very cautious and thoughtful while in the crowds or isolated areas.
TERRORISM RISK: LOW
The numerous terrorist attacks that were happening in Europe make Bulgaria one of the capitals which might be on the terrorists' map. However, there is no concrete terrorist threat. Tourists should pay attention to the suspicious activity of the people around them.
SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
Taxi drivers play a significant role when scamming in Sofia is in question. They sometimes tend to rob tourists. Drink spiking is also one of the possible scams risks, as well as people who offer help in the street.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Sofia, as well as the whole of Bulgaria, is very safe for female tourists. There is always a possibility of the assault, but it tends to be very rare. If you are alone, you should try not to attract the attention of suspicious men.
So... How Safe Is Sofia Really?
Sofia is home to Bulgaria’s most prestigious cultural and economic life.
Like any other big city, Sofia can satisfy everyone’s taste.
Its excellent museums, galleries, monuments, and buildings attract tourists from all over the world.
At the same time, it is the main location of the lawbreakers.
What is advisable for tourists it to take care of their possessions on the Central Station and Pirotska Street, especially during the night.
Jenski Pazar or Women’s market is the place where you can encounter a lot of pick-pockets and thieves, while Lion’s bridge is very attractive for tourists, but should be avoided due to a large number of criminals.
One of the dangers that are not very frequent in other capital cities is the huge amount of stray dogs in the streets, which sometimes can be dangerous if they attack pedestrians.
It is informed that those found in the center are usually friendly, while those in isolated and remote areas can be aggressive.
You can always ask for a guide who is usually available at hotels and other tourist resorts to lead you through the city and inform you about possible dangers.
Nevertheless, if you practice being vigilant and watchful like in any other place in the world, your trip to Sofia can be relaxed and you can enjoy a wonderful journey to this charming and lively city.
How Does Sofia Compare?
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Sofia | 73 |
| Belize City (Belize) | 37 |
| La Paz (Bolivia) | 52 |
| Sao Paulo (Brazil) | 45 |
| Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) | 43 |
| Siem Reap (Cambodia) | 63 |
| Phnom Penh (Cambodia) | 61 |
Useful Information
Visas
Certain countries do not need a visa to stay less than 90 days in Bulgaria. Those are U.S., Australian, European and Canadian visitors. The Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs can give you all the information regarding visas.
Currency
The Bulgarian Lev is the official money and it is suggested to only exchange money at exchange offices or banks, due to the possible fake banknotes. Sofia is considered as one of Europe's most affordable capital city.
Weather
The climate in Bulgaria is continental which is characterized by cold winters and quite cool summers. The average temperature during the winter is -1 degree C, while the average summer temperature is 20 degrees C.
Airports
The main international airport of Bulgaria, Sofia Airport, is 10 km away from the center of Sofia and it is at the same time the busiest and the largest one. Some other airports less busy than the one in Sofia are Burgas Airport, Varna Airport, and Plovdiv Airport.
Travel Insurance
Whatever is the purpose of your travel to Bulgaria, the insurance policy will provide you security and protection in terms of medical problems, theft and the loss of personal items. What kind of insurance you should take depends on your state, but having medical emergency insurance in Bulgaria is highly recommended.
Sofia Weather Averages (Temperatures)
Average High/Low Temperature
| Temperature / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C | 3 | 6 | 11 | 16 | 21 | 25 | 28 | 28 | 23 | 17 | 10 | 5 |
| Low °C | -5 | -3 | 0 | 5 | 9 | 12 | 14 | 14 | 10 | 6 | 1 | -3 |
| High °F | 37 | 43 | 52 | 61 | 70 | 77 | 82 | 82 | 73 | 63 | 50 | 41 |
| Low °F | 23 | 27 | 32 | 41 | 48 | 54 | 57 | 57 | 50 | 43 | 34 | 27 |
Bulgaria - Safety by City
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Sofia | 73 |
“If you are alone, you should try not to attract attention of suspicious men.”
You should really word your warnings for female travelers.
It sounds like women go around flapping their boobs and yelling HEY! HEY MAN! COME ASSUALT ME like wtf seriously?
Women don’t try to attract attention they try to be like any other human who is just travelling, and then some men are behaving like animals.
Beautiful Place
I don’t believe the author meant it the way you are taking it. Women attract attention in ways that they don’t realize. One being the way they dress. We live in a world where women need to be aware of the risk of showing a lot of skin in a foreign place. My wife and I do a lot of traveling and she knows where to cover up more because of this. We don’t all live in the same area that has the same culture. Don’t get so offended. You’re not even a woman.
I am from Sofia and I can say that it is a pretty safe city and it is lovely. However,crimes exist everywhere. It is possible that they might happen. So just be careful if you visit!
Whoever wrote this article has never ever live in Sofia…
Low crime level… “violent crime practically does not exist in Sofia” – haahahahahaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahahaha
Would the violence comment incorrect? And if so how bad is it?
I have been to over 20 countries and I can say that Sofia and Bulgaria in general are safe.
I have a lot of friends in Bulgaria and I dare say that your comment is based on personal experience or just a negative attitude :))
Sofia is a lovely and safe space for locals and tourists
Sofia is a good place to visit
Sofia is a great example of an old city with tons of history. The capital offers a lot of nightclubs, but I would not recommend the chalga ones. You will be safe as long as you do not wander any dark streets at night, and avoid Luvov most (Lions bridge) and Studentski grad (Student city).
Some advice would be to not give money or/and attention to any beggars and always be aware of your belongings.