Crime in Sofia, Bulgaria

Crime rates in Sofia, Bulgaria

Level of crime
41.49 Moderate
Crime increasing in the past 3 years
48.47 Moderate
Worries home broken and things stolen
43.52 Moderate
Worries being mugged or robbed
33.09 Low
Worries car stolen
41.44 Moderate
Worries things from car stolen
48.23 Moderate
Worries attacked
33.52 Low
Worries being insulted
35.27 Low
Worries being subject to a physical attack because of your skin color, ethnic origin, gender or religion
30.97 Low
Problem people using or dealing drugs
45.01 Moderate
Problem property crimes such as vandalism and theft
50.05 Moderate
Problem violent crimes such as assault and armed robbery
30.40 Low
Problem corruption and bribery
83.96 Very High

Safety in Sofia, Bulgaria

Safety walking alone during daylight
82.60 Very High
Safety walking alone during night
54.42 Moderate

Contributors: 449

Last update: March 2023

These data are based on perceptions of visitors of this website in the past 3 years.

If the value is 0, it means it is perceived as very low, and if the value is 100, it means it is perceived as very high.

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3 Comments so far
A local on Sep 24, 2021:
Except the fantasy comments and trolls here a brief overview from a local who was born and raised in Sofia.

Gun ownership is extremely rare and when owned it's part duo the occupation, security, police, being a hunter and so on... It's huge news if there's ever a shooting, can't recall the last time it happen.

The biggest threat would be drunks if you're a female, and ego fighters boys in front of discotheques, clubs and . etc.

I've never witnessed robbery in my life, pickpocketing could happen in the public transportation, watch out for gypsies that's not a racist remark, but more a cultural one.

Scams like fake taxis is the most common. I recommend "Yellow Taxi". Just find them through Facebook and follow contacts.

Overall enjoy your stay in the country and don't ruin it by anxiety. The city is SAFE.
Anonymous on Feb 07, 2021:
Sofia is not the safest city in the world but much safer compared to cities such as L.A. or New York. The murder rate per 100k inhabitants is significantly lower then any major city in America and most in Europe. It is very unlikely to be a victim of a violent crime but scams, robberies (there are no armed robberies unless you have mafia connection but that is also as rare as a unicorn) and vandalism is something the city need to be working harder to fix. Be aware of pick pocketing by gypsies or junkies on crowded public transport or crowded public spaces. The city is safe to walk around during the day and mostly at night. If you are walking all alone at night there might be some opportunity crimes if you are in a bad neighborhood (mugging). The big issue of Sofia and the whole country is corruption and it is everywhere not just the police or the courts or politicians. I personally I had several encounters with corrupt doctors extorting you to pay them extra to safe your life or the life of a love one.
Anonymous on Aug 17, 2020:
Sofia is an extremelly safe city. For 30 years I've never been a victim of a crime and I've always felt safe being outside no matter if its day or night. Its an amazing city to walk around and explore its beauty and to enjoy it with your friends or kids. That being said, please remember to avoid the usual dangers (as in any other country) such as going into the getto (in Sofia's case the outside neighborhoods-central to north neighborhoods are the good/safe ones), avoid gypsies (a lot of them are great people, but if someone is gonna scam you its them). Be careful with taxi rides as there's fake taxi's out there that will charge you double and more. Just google the number of a real taxi company and call a taxi to pick you up rather than picking one from the street (example: 912-63).
From what I've seen is a lot of tourists book a hotel in a bad tourist neighborhood just because its cheap and than cry that they didn't feel safe...spend a few more bucks and rent a good hotel in the north neighborhoods (you will be close to all the tourist places, all the big parks and everything you need). I would recommend the zone between National Palace of Coulture and district Lozenetz which puts you in a very short walking distance from everything you might want to see in the city. There's a Hemus and Hilton hotel in that zone too.
Relax and enjoy Sofia - its a safe and beautiful city that offers a lot of fun.