Useful Information

Discover Sofia

Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, is a vibrant city where history, culture, and modern life come together. Located at the foot of Vitosha Mountain, the city offers a mix of historic landmarks, green spaces, restaurants, and cultural attractions.

Attendees can explore highlights such as Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the historic city centre, St. George Rotunda, the National Palace of Culture, and Boyana Church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Vitosha Mountain is also easily accessible from the city and offers beautiful views and outdoor activities.

Sofia Airport is approximately 10 km from the city centre and has direct connections to many European destinations. The airport is connected to the city by metro, while buses and taxis are also readily available.

Check out Visit Sofia and Bulgaria Travel to help you plan your visit.

Currency & Payment

The official currency is the Bulgarian lev (BGN). Major credit and debit cards, including Visa and Mastercard, are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, shops and other venues. Contactless payments are also common.

We recommend carrying a small amount of cash for smaller businesses, markets and other places where card payments may not be available.

Business & Dining Hours

Typical business hours are 09:00-18:00, Monday to Friday, although individual businesses may have different opening times. Restaurants generally serve lunch from around 12:00-15:00 and dinner from approximately 18:00-22:00. Many restaurants in central Sofia remain open later in the evening.

Time Zone

During RIPE 93, Sofia will operate on Eastern European Time (EET/UTC+2).

Electricity

Bulgaria uses 230V / 50Hz electricity. The standard plug types are Type C and Type F (two round pins). Delegates travelling from countries with different plug types may need a travel adapter.

Weather in October

October in Sofia brings typical autumn weather, with daytime temperatures generally around 12-18°C (54-64°F) and cooler mornings and evenings, particularly towards the end of the month.

Weather conditions can change during the day, so delegates are advised to bring layers, a warm jacket and a waterproof jacket or umbrella. If you are planning to visit Vitosha Mountain, temperatures may be significantly lower than in the city.

Emergency Services

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for police, fire or medical assistance. The number is free of charge and operates throughout Bulgaria.

Taxis

Licensed taxis are widely available in Sofia, including at the airport and major transport hubs. Taxis are generally an affordable way to travel around the city.

For your convenience and safety, use licensed taxis and check that the meter is running. Taxi-booking apps are also available.

Public Transportation

Sofia has an extensive public transport network, including metro, buses, trams and trolleybuses.

The metro is particularly convenient, providing a direct connection between Sofia Airport and the city and offering easy access to many central areas.

Tickets and travel passes are available for public transport, and contactless payment options are available on parts of the network. For frequent journeys during your stay, a daily or multi-day pass may be convenient.

The official Sofia public transportation website is the Sofia Urban Mobility Centre.

It provides information on routes, timetables, service changes, ticket prices, online tickets and travel cards.