Over a million people reside in Bulgaria’s capital, the ancient-yet-increasingly-modern city of Sofia, and there are many means of Sofia transportation. The city, over 7,000 years old and located in western Bulgaria, provides something for every kind of traveler. Whether you’re in the mood to admire the city’s ancient architecture, shop till you drop, or listen to live music and dance all night long, you’ve got lots of options when it comes to getting around.

On Foot

Sofia is a fairly pedestrian-friendly place with a compact city center and countless attractions within walking distance. Be a bit cautious when crossing the streets, though – drivers won’t automatically stop for pedestrians. And, if you venture outside of the city center, be aware that some of the walkways are uneven, rough, and have treacherous potholes.

By Taxi

To avoid those uneven walkways, grab a cab! Taxis in Sofia are inexpensive and not difficult to find. Check the fare sticker that you’ll find in the taxi as the prices will vary a bit, depending on whether you hail the taxi from a taxi stand, the street or order one by phone. And, make sure to choose a taxi that has been officially licensed. You’ll be able to tell it’s a legal vehicle because it will be yellow with a ‘taxi’ sign on the roof.

Public Transportation

Sofia offers a fairly reliable and recently renovated public transportation system. Choose from buses, trams, trolleys or the subway. Public transportation is available for a large part of the day, and it is not terribly expensive.

And, of course, you can always rent a car in Sofia to get around. But, expect traffic jams and some pretty aggressive driving.