Things to Know Before You Go to Sofia, Bulgaria

Sofia Should Be on Your Travel Radar

Sofia, the vibrant capital of Bulgaria, is a city where ancient history meets a dynamic modern culture. Its history is deep and layered, with many civilizations rising and falling here, each leaving behind traces of their legacy. You can literally walk through time here as you peel back the layers of Sofia's past, from the ancient Thracian and Roman settlements of Serdica, to the Byzantine Empire, the Ottoman Rule, the Bulgarian Revivalism, Communist Rule, and the dynamic modern city it is today.

For more information to help plan your trip, check out the Wander Yonder YouTube video below for an overview of Sofia, Bulgaria (+ Rila Monastery, Plovdiv and Veliko Tarnovo) including travel highlights and insights. We explore the city's ancient Roman ruins, its diverse architectural styles, and highlight some traditional Bulgarian dishes. We also venture out on short trips to the breathtaking Rila Monastery and the historic towns of Plovdiv and Veliko Tarnovo.

Is Sofia Safe for Tourists?

I stayed at an Airbnb in the centre and never felt unsafe during the day or at night during my month-long stay in the city. Although Sofia is generally considered to be a safe city, it does experience petty crime so be mindful of your belongings and surroundings.

Can You Drink the Tap Water in Sofia?

Tap water is safe to drink in Sofia. I had no problems drinking the tap water during my month-long stay. I also found the food and drinks at local restaurants, cafes and bakeries to be excellent, with no issues.

Money Matters

The Bulgarian lev is the official currency. As of January 1, 2026, Bulgaria is set to adopt the euro, so be sure to check the currency situation before your trip, depending on when you plan to travel. Many local ATMs charge fees for cash withdrawals but I found a bank called "FIbank" which does not charge any fees (at least not from Canadian card). It's always a good idea to check for any fees before completing a transaction. Credit cards are widely accepted at restaurants, cafes and bars - and I never had any issues using my phone to tap for credit card payments. However, some smaller local establishments (e.g., bakeries) only accept cash so it's wise to have some lev (or euro) on hand.