Conseils locaux pour visiter Sofia
Conseils pratiques des habitants pour naviguer Sofia comme un resident
Currency & Money
What you need to know about paying in Sofia.
Bulgaria adopted the Euro on 1 January 2026. The Euro (EUR) is the official currency. Cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops, but smaller vendors and markets often require cash. ATMs are plentiful — use those attached to banks to avoid high fees.
Use bank ATMs for cash withdrawals — credit and debit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops.
Getting Around
Navigate Sofia's public transport system.
Sofia has a metro (4 lines), buses, trams, and trolleybuses. A single ride costs €0.80, and a day pass is €2 — excellent value. Buy tickets at metro stations or from street kiosks. Taxis are cheap but always use OK Supertrans or Yellow — they use meters.
Buy a day pass if you plan to use transport more than twice — it works on all metro, bus, tram, and trolleybus lines.
Language & Communication
Getting by with language in Sofia.
Bulgarian is the official language and uses the Cyrillic alphabet. English is widely spoken by younger Bulgarians, especially in tourist areas, restaurants, and hotels. In markets and among older residents, basic Bulgarian phrases or gestures are helpful. Note: nodding means "no" and shaking your head means "yes" in Bulgaria.
Learn a few Bulgarian phrases — "mersi" (thanks) and "zdravei" (hello) go a long way with locals.
Food & Dining
Essential tips for eating out in Sofia.
Lunch is the main meal (12:00–14:00) and most restaurants offer affordable set menus. Dinner is typically later (19:00–21:00). Tipping is customary — round up or leave 10% for good service. Try traditional dishes: shopska salata, tarator (cold cucumber soup), kebapche, and banitsa.
Ask for the "dnevno menu" (daily menu) at lunch for the best value — it usually includes soup, main course, and dessert.
Safety & Etiquette
Stay safe and respectful during your visit.
Sofia is generally very safe for tourists. Petty crime like pickpocketing can occur in crowded tourist areas, on public transport, and at major attractions. Keep valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings. Tap water is safe to drink and comes from mountain springs.
Sofia's tap water is excellent — bring a refillable bottle and save money on bottled water.