The golden domes of Alexander Nevsky, metro stations built over Roman ruins, and some of Europe's lowest prices.
Last updated: 2026-07-16
Tourist traps, SIM cards, cash vs card, taxis and safety — the city's reality in five questions.
Using Sofia only as a transit stop — half a day at Vitosha and Boyana Church changes the whole story.
A1/Yettel kiosk SIMs are very cheap; EU roaming plans also work.
The lev is the currency; cards are common but markets and small diners are cash-first. Nods are reversed — confirm verbally at the till!
OK Supertrans or the TaxiMe app; use the official kiosk at the airport against pirate cabs.
The centre is safe; avoid park shortcuts north of Lions Bridge at night.
Turn the dial to any hour and it tells you where you should be.
Pull the day dial; the estimated per-person cost is calculated instantly.
Figures are per-person daily USD estimates compiled from BudgetYourTrip, Numbeo and recent traveller reports. Flight/ferry tickets not included.
Things you won't find on the first page of a search engine.