What currency is used in Sofia?

Sofia uses the Euro (EUR), which replaced the Bulgarian lev in January 2026.

How much does a day in Sofia cost?

Roughly $30-50 a day in US dollars on a backpacker budget (a hostel or shared room, street food and public transport), and $80-130 mid-range (a private room and restaurants). These are broad estimates, last reviewed October 2026.

Is Waypacker free to use in Sofia?

Yes. Joining is free and stays with hosts carry no nightly rate or booking fee.

Are Waypacker hosts ID-verified?

Every host's ID and selfie are checked by hand by a real person before they can host. Nothing is sent to an AI service.

Can I meet locals in Sofia without staying with anyone?

Yes. You can join meetups and city groups, or ask locals for tips, without booking a stay.

Will anyone see my exact location?

No. Hosts and meetups appear as a neighbourhood-sized area about a kilometre wide, and exact addresses are never stored.

Sofia travel guide

Bulgaria

Roman ruins, Orthodox domes and Soviet-era blocks share the streets of a capital that sits at the foot of a mountain. Sofia is relaxed, affordable and easy to pair with hiking.

Essentials

Language: Bulgarian, written in Cyrillic; English is common among younger people
Currency: Euro (EUR), which replaced the Bulgarian lev in January 2026
Plugs: Type C and F, 230 V
Emergency number: 112
Tipping: Around 10% is customary in restaurants and cafés with table service.

Rough daily budget

Approximate spend per person per day, in US dollars:

Backpacker: $30-50, with a hostel or shared room, street food and public transport.
Mid-range: $80-130, with a private room and restaurant meals.

Last reviewed: October 2026

Where to stay in Sofia

City centre around Vitosha Boulevard: the pedestrian main street, with cafés, shops and the big landmarks within walking distance.
Oborishte: leafy streets near the Doctors' Garden with independent cafés and older townhouses.
Lozenets: a residential district closer to the mountain, with good restaurants and calmer nights.

Getting around Sofia

The metro, trams and buses cover the city cheaply, and the metro reaches the airport. Use metered taxis from known companies or a ride app rather than cars touting at the airport and station.

Best time to visit Sofia

May to June and September to October for walking and hiking; December to March brings snow on Vitosha.

Top things to do in Sofia

Visit the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and the icon collection in its crypt
See the 13th-century frescoes at Boyana Church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the city's edge
Walk through the excavated Roman streets of Serdica around Serdika metro station
Hike on Vitosha mountain, from the Zlatni Mostove boulder river up towards Cherni Vrah
Browse the Ladies' Market (Zhenski Pazar) for fruit, spices and everyday local life

What to eat in Sofia

Banitsa: flaky filo pastry baked with egg and white cheese, eaten for breakfast
Shopska salad: tomato, cucumber and pepper under a snowfall of grated sirene cheese
Tarator: a cold soup of yoghurt, cucumber, garlic, dill and walnuts
Kebapche: a grilled, spiced minced-meat sausage served with chips or bread

Day trips from Sofia

Rila Monastery: Bulgaria's most famous monastery in a mountain valley, about two hours by car
Plovdiv: a Roman theatre and a hilly old town, around two hours by bus or a little longer by train
Vitosha Nature Park: forest trails and summit views, 30 to 45 minutes from the centre

Local etiquette

Bulgarians traditionally shake the head for yes and nod for no, so confirm with words if a gesture is unclear. Cover shoulders in churches.

Staying connected

EU roaming applies, prepaid SIMs from the main operators are easy to buy with ID, and Wi-Fi is standard in cafés.

Staying safe

Watch for taxi overcharging and pickpockets on crowded trams and around the central sights. Pavements can be uneven, so mind your footing after dark.

A local tip

Fill a bottle with warm mineral water from the public taps outside the Central Mineral Baths, as locals do.

Visas:rules depend on your nationality and change often – check your own government's official travel advice before you go.

Meet people in Sofia on Waypacker

Waypacker is a free travel community: stay with ID-verified local hosts, join meetups and city groups, and ask people who live in Sofia for advice. We are new here, so if you live in Sofia, you could be one of the first hosts.

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Questions about Sofia

What currency is used in Sofia?: Sofia uses the Euro (EUR), which replaced the Bulgarian lev in January 2026.
What is the emergency number in Sofia?: In Sofia, call 112.
When is the best time to visit Sofia?: May to June and September to October for walking and hiking; December to March brings snow on Vitosha.
How much does a day in Sofia cost?: Roughly $30-50 a day in US dollars on a backpacker budget (a hostel or shared room, street food and public transport), and $80-130 mid-range (a private room and restaurants). These are broad estimates, last reviewed October 2026.
Is Waypacker free to use in Sofia?: Yes. Joining is free and stays with hosts carry no nightly rate or booking fee.
Are Waypacker hosts ID-verified?: Every host's ID and selfie are checked by hand by a real person before they can host. Nothing is sent to an AI service.
Can I meet locals in Sofia without staying with anyone?: Yes. You can join meetups and city groups, or ask locals for tips, without booking a stay.
Will anyone see my exact location?: No. Hosts and meetups appear as a neighbourhood-sized area about a kilometre wide, and exact addresses are never stored.

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