The article presents the results of a scientific project pursuing an alternative to traditional beekeeping, enabling the cultivation of Apis mellifera in urban settings. In Bulgaria, beekeeping is a traditional activity in all areas of the country. Sofia is a good and preferred bee-growing city. About 200 beekeepers have been raising their bees within the city over the last two years. One of the aims of the project is to trace and prove that the urban environment is suitable for growing bee families and the production they produce is fit for human use. For this purpose, 10 bee families were used in different populated areas. The influence of the urban environment on the development of bee families, their strength and honey productivity is monitored. The results we have obtained provide opportunities to promote urban beekeeping and prove that bee families are developing well in urban settings.