Is Sofia expensive to visit?
Sofia is a smaller spot that entices a mix of tourists, showcasing various travel styles, financial habits, and budget considerations. Accommodation options range from budget-friendly hostels to mid-range hotels to high-end luxury properties.
Sofia can definitely get expensive if you let it, but you have options to reduce costs, including looking for discounts and coupons.
On average, budget travelers spend $33 (ư59) per day, mid-range travelers spend $80 (ư142) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $181 (ư324) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Sofia.
Within Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, Sofia is a reasonably affordable destination compared to other places. It is in the top 25% of cities in Europe for its affordability. You can find more affordable cities such as Novi Sad, but there are also more expensive cities, such as Avignon.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Sofia Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Sofia?
The average Sofia trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Sofia travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Sofia cost?
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
Setting realistic expectations for your travel budget is important. While some think they can visit Sofia with minimal expenses, most people don't enjoy traveling that frugally. Consider what you prioritize on vacation. Do you prefer luxury hotels or budget stays? Hostels or hotels or vacation rentals? Are fun activities and dining out important to you? Your overall budget will depend on all of these questions.
Sofia on a Shoestring Budget?
You might consider yourself a budget traveler, but if you're not ready to give up some comforts, prepare to spend a lot more than the $33 per day that younger budget travelers manage.
Backpackers will usually stick to this shoestring budget by staying in hostel dorms, dining at the cheapest spots such as fast food places, using public transit, and mostly visiting free attractions.
Luckily, Sofia has plenty of hostels, including Hostel Mostel, Hostel N1 in Sofia - Stay & Play by the Rules, and Hostel Ivory Tower. Here, you can enjoy budget dorm accommodation along with a friendly, social vibe, but amenities are quite limited.
Do You Fit the Profile of an Average Traveler?
If you're a couple or family taking a fun trip, you'll probably prefer a mid-range hotel, enjoy meals at favorite restaurants, and visit the main museums and attractions that require entry fees. A trip to Sofia wouldn't be complete without visiting its major attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. Most activities have costs involved. Thus, it's realistic to expect your daily budget to be closer to $80 per person, per day.
There are a wide range of hotels and vacation rentals in Sofia. If you're traveling with others, you'll share your hotel with a partner, friend, or your children, so costs will be split accordingly, saving money. When traveling as a family, you'll want to find hotels and restaurants that cater to kids. Casa Ferrari Bed & Breakfast is a good kid-friendly option, and Metropolitan Hotel Sofia is also terrific. Couples visiting Sofia will appreciate the romantic setting at Metropolitan Hotel Sofia. You'll find more hotels that cater to families and couples in our hotel guide for Sofia here.
Want to Experience a Luxurious Trip?
If you're looking for a luxurious getaway that offers top-notch amenities and exceptional service, you should budget around $181 per day. To enjoy a nicer hotel, dine at renowned restaurants, indulge in extravagant activities, and use taxis or private drivers to explore the destination, prepare for a luxury price tag. Many high-end visitors also prefer unique experiences such as Rila Monastery and Boiana church private tour - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Sofia
In Sofia, the price of hotels can really surprise you. Some are much more expensive, offering higher luxury and amenities. Peak season rates soar, with off-season averages around $45 and peak season rising to an average of $84. Prices typically range from $30 to $129, but hostels remain cheaper, especially in dorms. To save money, book during the low season or take advantage of special promotions and advance deals.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Sofia for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $83 (ư148). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $41 (ư74) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Sofia? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Sofia include:
- VIKO Boutique Apart Hotel starting at $112
- Metropolitan Hotel Sofia starting at $61
- Crystal Palace Boutique Hotel starting at $84
- Rosslyn Central Park Hotel Sofia starting at $77
- Art 'Otel starting at $72
By traveling in the off-peak times like the low or shoulder season, and steering clear of , you'll find cheaper lodging and smaller crowds.
Transportation Budget in Sofia
Calculated from travelers like you
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On average, past travelers have spent $8.62 (ư15) per person, per day, on local transportation in Sofia. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Sofia is significantly more than public transportation.
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Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$8.62
ư15
Public transportation in Sofia is well established and efficient. There are buses, trolleys, trams, and a subway. In all, there are 15 tram lines, 9 trolley lines, 93 bus lines and two metro lines. It is helpful to know that bus #84 runs from the airport to the city center. There is also a subway line that connects to the airport. The entire public transportation system operates between the hours of 5 am and 12 am. After that time you must take a taxi. The city's taxi's are yellow and they can be flagged down on the street or called by phone. They are usually fast, reliable, and affordable.
More Information
If you want to learn more about Bulgaria, check out
55 Facts About Bulgaria that will Leave You Speechless.
If you're driving, check that your hotel has parking available.
Some of the standard transportation options and hotel transfers include:
- Transfer Sofia Airport/city to Plovdiv with a sedan 3+1 for $111 details
- Private transfer from Sofia to Plovdiv or vice versa for $161 details
- Transfer from Sofia to Stara Zagora for $209 details
How much does it cost to go to Sofia? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Sofia will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Sofia
For many, the local food is a significant part of the travel experience, so don't miss the chance to enjoy it.
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in Sofia can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Sofia is $32 (ư58) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
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Food2
Meals for one day
$32
ư58
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Sofia is around $32 (ư58) per person, with previous travelers spending from $13 to $76. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Sofia are as follows:
- Breakfast: $3 to $10
- Lunch: $5 to $13
- Dinner: $10 to $23
- Coffee: $3
- Fast Food or Street Food: $5
There are plenty of restaurants in Sofia, and it easily has the best food selection in all of Bulgaria. If you're on a particularly tight budget, fast food options are abundant and many places offer a convenient take away service. Pizza is ubiquitous in Sofia and is often one of the cheapest options available. Also consider trying some of the interesting pastry options available around town, many of which are filled with a hearty meat filling. Salads are another great option in Sofia. They usually do not include lettuce, but instead have an impressive diversity of ingredients that are fresh and delicious. The feta style cheese in particular is quite good. Also, plenty of Vegan restaurants can be found in Sofia, too. You can find some more traditional restaurants around Sofia as well. Many are more expensive, but have a fun atmosphere with folk music or some form of live entertainment. International restaurants are often more expensive than you might expect, but the food is usually good and a nice break from the options available elsewhere in Bulgaria.
Numerous hotels provide breakfast as part of your stay, although others may charge you extra for it. The price and quality can vary from hotel to hotel. Being informed ahead of time can assist you in determining if you need to budget extra funds. The hotel buffet might be worth your money, or perhaps a cheaper option at a nearby bakery or cafe would suffice.
Bring a water bottle instead of buying beverages everywhere. It helps the environment, too.
Be sure to check which meals are part of your tour before you go. You might be responsible for some of your own food costs, which could stretch your budget further.
If you're looking to experience the culinary culture in Sofia, taking a food tour or cooking class is a terrific way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. Some of the best food-related activities here include:
- Market Food Tour for $50 details
- Sofia by Night Panoramic Tour with Dinner and Folklore Show for $158 details
- Private Sofia Night Tour with Bulgarian Folklore & Dinner for $116 details
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Sofia
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Sofia typically cost an average of $6.09 (ư11) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
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Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$6.09
ư11
The city itself has some wonderful museums, galleries, parks and gardens. Popular sights include the National Assembly of Bulgaria, Sofia University, the National Palace of Culture, the National Museum of Military History, St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Boyana Church and the Church of St. George, among others.
If you're in town on a weekend you can easily find an interesting street market. Booths will line the street with vendors selling knickknacks of varying quality. Some items are fascinating representations of the Communist era and can make for a unique souvenir.
Activities in Sofia include the opera and ballet, citywide tours, swimming areas and spas. Popular festivals include the Sofia Film Festival, Sofia Design Week, and the Water Tower Art Fest, among others. Do take note that during major national holidays such as Christmas or Orthodox Easter, the city is completely deserted and many places are closed.
A nice way to explore destinations in Sofia is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Half Day Tour around Sofia and the mountains with Thermal Spa for $194 details
- 2 Hours Walking Tour in Sofia City and Tasting for $46 details
- Plovdiv, Asen's Fortress and Bachkovo Monastery small group tour with pickup for $88 details
Sofia, Bulgaria
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.