Money, tipping, and prices in Sofia-Grad
Sofia runs on the lev but takes cards almost everywhere. A sit-down dinner with wine averages $18. Tip 10%.
Bulgarian lev banknotes fanned on a wooden bar top
Cards vs cash
Cards accepted at every restaurant, hotel and supermarket. Contactless is standard. Carry about $30 equivalent in cash for markets (Zhenski Pazar, Central Market grills), small bakeries, the Rila Monastery museum on a card-signal-lost day, and taxi tips. ATMs are everywhere — use bank-branded machines (UniCredit, DSK, Postbank) and refuse the dynamic currency conversion prompt; it costs you 4-6%.
Typical prices
Espresso $1.80, cappuccino $2.50, local craft beer $3, cocktail $6-8. Banitsa breakfast $2. Kebapche and salad lunch $5. Full sit-down dinner with a glass of wine $18. Museum entry $3-6. Metro ride $0.90. 24-hour transit pass $2.20. 4-star hotel double $95. Rila day tour $30 group, $130 private. These are current 2025 numbers and shift slowly.
Tipping
Restaurants: 10% is standard and appreciated. Round up at cafes. Taxi drivers: round up to the next lev, no more. Free walking tour guides: $8-10 per person for a two-hour tour. Hotel housekeeping: $2 a day if you stay a week. Hairdressers and spa: 10%. Bulgarians are not big tippers themselves; the industry does not depend on it but staff notice.
Frequently asked questions
What people ask before they set off on this one.
The Bulgarian lev, pegged to the euro. Every price on this site is quoted in $ for clarity.
Almost. Markets, some bakeries, and monastery museums may be cash only. Keep $30 in your pocket.
10%. Some places print a service line; check before adding cash.
Yes at bank branches. Avoid the standalone Euronet machines in tourist areas — high fees and always push dynamic currency conversion.
Hotels in Sofia-Grad
Hotels we cover across Sofia-Grad
- Hotel Cheap 2★ · 4.2/5
- Best Western Plus Bristol Hotel 4★ · 4.1/5
- Hotel Sofia Palace 4★ · 4.1/5
- Legends Hotel 4★ · 4.1/5
- Art Hotel Simona 3★ · 4.1/5
- Art Plaza Hotel 3★ · 4.1/5
- Hotel Forum Free Parking for cars 3★ · 4.1/5
- Lion Hotel Sofia 3★ · 4.1/5
- Montecito Hotel 3★ · 4.1/5
- B1 Boutique Hotel Sofia 4★ · 4/5
- Ramada by Wyndham Sofia City Center 4★ · 4/5
- All Seasons Residence Hotel 5★
- Impresamente Art Hotel 4★ · 4.9/5
- Boutique Hotel Aurora Sofia 3★ · 4.9/5
- Juno Hotel Sofia a Member of Design Hotels 5★ · 4.8/5
- Hotel Via Serdika 4★ · 4.8/5
- Grand Hotel Millennium Sofia 5★ · 4.7/5
- Hyatt Regency Sofia 5★ · 4.7/5
- InterContinental Sofia by IHG 5★ · 4.7/5
- Family Hotel Agoncev 3★ · 4.7/5
- Grand Hotel Sofia 5★ · 4.6/5
- Casa Boyana Boutique Hotel 4★ · 4.6/5
- Novotel Sofia 4★ · 4.6/5
- VIKO Boutique Apart Hotel 4★ · 4.6/5
More guides to Sofia-Grad
All guides
Itineraries · 7 min read
48 hours in Sofia-Grad
Two days is enough to walk the yellow-brick core, eat 3 proper Bulgarian meals, and still get a soak at the mineral baths.
Itineraries · 9 min read
One week in Sofia-Grad
Seven days lets you do Sofia properly, add Rila, Plovdiv and Koprivshtitsa, and still have a lazy Sunday at the baths.
Itineraries · 7 min read
Sofia-Grad in 3 days on a budget
Sofia is one of Europe's cheapest capitals. Three full days here on under $50 a day is comfortable, not painful.
Browse the areas, compare real prices under $50, and book knowing every stay funds a verified tonne of carbon removal.