A Solo Traveler's Guide To Sofia

Sofia is one flight away from most of the big European cities and is perfect for a weekend getaway, even if none of your friends can join you. A solo traveler will feel comfortable in Sofia, or anywhere else in Bulgaria for that matter, but here are a few extra tips for you to really make the most of your trip to the Bulgarian capital.

Join a free tour

The easiest way to meet other travelers in the city is by joining the daily Free Sofia Tour (three times a day in the summer, twice in the winter). You don’t have to book in advance, it’s enough to show up at the announced time. Although the tour is free, you are encouraged to leave a tip for your guide if you liked the walk.

Visit museums

If you are a museum person, you have a big choice – there are more than 25 museums within the city. The National History Museum (on the outskirts of Sofia, in Boyana district) will show you an overarching summary of Bulgarian history, while the Sofia History Museum will lead you through the capital’s turbulent past. Still a hidden gem and a great experience is Saint Sophia Basilica’s catacombs; here you can walk in a maze of ancient underground tombs.

Where to sleep

Hostels are perfect if you want to socialize, affordable and artsy Airbnbs are available all around the central part of the city, and there’s a good choice of hotels for you to choose from. It’s a good idea to stay close to the center where most of the events, museums and restaurants are situated. But if you choose a place to stay further away, make sure at least you have a subway station nearby.

Ask around for events

Sofia is a city with cultural events all year round. All you need to do is ask at your hotel or visit any of the t ourist information centers to see what’s going on. From literature nights to live concerts, karaoke nights and festivals, you will easily find something to your taste. In the summer, plenty of free events take place in the city parks and open-air bars every night.

Talk to strangers

Sofia has the biggest percentage of English-speaking inhabitants in Bulgaria so don’t feel afraid to talk to strangers and make friends. You will find many open-minded people of all walks of life and, as a solo-traveling foreigner, you will be showered with attention and questions. Do have in mind, however, that elder people will speak mostly Russian. Of course, it’s always polite to learn a few useful phrases in Bulgarian before your visit—it will be appreciated.

Female solo travelers advice

In general, Sofia is a safe destination for a female solo traveler. There are certain areas you are advised to avoid after dark, such as the Lions’ Bridge or the compact gypsy neighborhood (where you are very unlikely to find yourself by chance). A little common sense will help too when you see a group of soccer fans or massive protests as these could turn violent. If you don’t feel safe or need help, call the emergency number 112.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.