Travel tips · Sofia · Bulgaria
Sofia travel tips: what to know before you go
The etiquette, money and practical details that make the first day easier.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Quick answer
Sofia is an easy-going, outdoor capital where people meet in parks and cafés and head to Vitosha at weekends. Bulgarians use the Cyrillic alphabet, which originated in the medieval Bulgarian state, and celebrate it every 24 May. Orthodox traditions and name days shape the calendar.
Key facts
- Language
- Bulgarian
- Currency
- EUR
- Plugs
- Type C and F sockets, 230 V, 50 Hz
- Tap water
- Tap water is safe to drink, and public taps near the Banya Bashi Mosque supply…
- Emergency
- 112 (European emergency number)
Things to know
- A nod of the head can mean 'no' and a side-to-side shake 'yes'; confirm with words if in doubt.
- In March, people wear red-and-white martenitsa bracelets and tie them to a blossoming tree once they see a stork or a tree in bloom.
- Greet with 'Dobar den' in shops and restaurants.
- Look people in the eye when toasting with 'Nazdrave'.
- Dress modestly and keep quiet in churches; in some, lighting a candle is the custom.
- Most central churches, Roman Serdica and the parks are free.
Tipping
Leaving about 10% in restaurants is customary for good service; in cafés and bars, rounding up is common.
Language
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Zdravei | Hello |
| Dobar den | Good day |
| Blagodarya | Thank you |
| Molya | Please / you're welcome |
| Nazdrave | Cheers |
| Smetkata, molya | The bill, please |
What to wear
Casual and practical; bring layers, as Sofia's altitude makes evenings cool even in summer, and boots for Vitosha.
Practical details
- Plugs and voltage
- Type C and F sockets, 230 V, 50 Hz
- Drinking water
- Tap water is safe to drink, and public taps near the Banya Bashi Mosque supply warm mineral water.
- Emergency number
- 112 (European emergency number)
- Phone and internet
- EU roaming applies to European SIMs, mobile data is fast, and free Wi-Fi is common in cafés and some public spaces.
- Time zone
- Europe/Sofia
Sofia is generally relaxed for visitors, but watch for pickpockets on crowded trams, the metro and Vitosha Boulevard, and check taxi rates before setting off. Pavements are often uneven, so watch your step at night.
Entry requirements
Visa and passport rules depend on your nationality and change often. Check Bulgaria's official government guidance and your own government's travel advice before booking.
Plan the trip
Questions travellers ask
+Do you tip in Sofia?
Leaving about 10% in restaurants is customary for good service; in cafés and bars, rounding up is common.
+Can you drink the tap water in Sofia?
Tap water is safe to drink, and public taps near the Banya Bashi Mosque supply warm mineral water.
+What plugs are used in Sofia?
Type C and F sockets, 230 V, 50 Hz
+What language is spoken in Sofia?
Bulgarian.