Plovdiv: De 9 things to do and see in this cultural city
Plovdiv, located in the south of Bulgaria, is a city full of history, culture, and a vibrant atmosphere. It boasts rich architecture, ancient ruins, and a lively artistic scene. This cultural capital of Europe (2019) is the longest-inhabited city in Europe. Inhabited for 8000 years, you can feel the history in its beautiful streets and historic downtown. With these tips, you’ll discover all the beautiful sights of Plovdiv.
Plovdiv City Card
Explore the city with the Plovdiv City Card. With this card, you can visit many museums and attractions for free. But that’s not all, as you also get a free audio tour when you download the app. In addition to all this, there’s also a free wine tasting for Bulgarian wine, and you get discounts at many restaurants and bars. Doing Plovdiv without this card is a waste of your money.
1: Explore the Old Town (Plovdiv Old Town)
Plovdiv is one of the best-preserved ancient cities in Europe and a popular tourist attraction. Therefore, be sure to visit the old part of Plovdiv. Stroll through the cobbled streets and discover the beautiful architecture, historic buildings, and charming squares. Enjoy a terrace or explore the authentic shops in this lovely part of Plovdiv.
2: Visit the Etnografic Museum
The museum is already a gem before you step inside. The building is an old merchant house from 1847. Inside, you’ll learn about Plovdiv’s recent past and see many materials from the late 19th century. This is definitely worth a visit for both the inside and the outside.
3: Nature and culture outside the city
Just outside the city, visit the Bachkovo Monastery from 1083. Most of this monastery has been added since the 17th century, and you can admire various styles in the second-largest monastery in Bulgaria. Many frescoes and wall paintings are still well-preserved here. With a rental car, you can also visit Asen’s Fortress a fifteen-minute drive away. A fortress with a great history, a beautiful adjoining church, and stunning views. From here, drive on to the Wonderful Bridges, the natural bridges. Formed by a river that used to flow through a cave. If you want to see this without renting a car, we recommend booking this tour.
4: Discover the Kapana District
Kapana, meaning ‘The Trap,’ is a trendy and artistic district in the center of Plovdiv. It is known for its cobbled streets, colorful buildings, boutiques, galleries, cafes, and lively street art. Explore the narrow streets, stop at cozy cafes, and discover local craft shops and art galleries.
5: Visit the Ancient Stadium of Philippopolis
The ancient stadium of Philippopolis is an archaeological site in Plovdiv dating back to the 2nd century AD. It is one of the best-preserved stadiums from Roman times in the Balkans. Explore the remains of the stadium and learn more about the history of the ancient city. The stadium is still used for concerts and events, making it one of the most beautiful attractions in Plovdiv.
6: Enjoy the cultural scene
Plovdiv has a vibrant art and cultural scene. Visit the Plovdiv City Art Gallery for modern art, the Ivan Vazov National Theater for performances, and the Ancient Plovdiv Municipal Historical Museum for historical exhibitions. Plovdiv also hosts many events. Unfortunately, there are too many to mention here, but if you want to know what’s happening in Plovdiv, click on this link.
7: See the (debated) statue of Alyosha
This statue is a tribute to the men and women who fell for the liberation from communism. The Red Army is honored here. There is much debate about whether this statue should remain, partly because a Ukrainian model posed for it. The city has considered changing it into a Coca Cola bottle, and there have been many attempts to destroy it. This is also one of the most controversial sights in Plovdiv and Bulgaria.
Next to the statue, this small square offers a stunning viewpoint over the city, and you can take a beautiful walk to get there. It involves many stairs, so it’s quite a climb. The easiest way to reach here is via the street “ul. Peter Bonev.
8: Taste the local cuisine
Don’t forget to experience the delicious Bulgarian cuisine during your visit to Plovdiv. Try dishes such as “shopska salata” (a refreshing salad with tomatoes, cucumber, onions, and cheese), “kebapche” (seasoned minced meat), “banitsa” (a savory phyllo pastry), and enjoy local wines at one of the many restaurants and taverns. Below, we highlight some of Plovdiv’s tastiest restaurants. Clicking on the name will take you directly to Google Maps!
- Smokini restaurant: A very imaginative menu and a pleasant ambiance. You’ll always leave full here, even without dessert. For a unique experience and delightful dishes, this is the place to be.
- Aylyakria Restaurant: A beautiful restaurant in a lovely setting, where you can enjoy outdoor dining with Bulgarian and Mediterranean dishes. Definitely check it out if you love unique restaurants and delicious food.
- Hemingway Restaurant: Make sure to reserve a table here, or you might not get into this beautiful luxury restaurant. A Mediterranean menu prepared in an excellent manner. Don’t forget to order a good Bulgarian wine; it’s highly recommended here.
- Pavaj Restaurant: On the edge of the charming Kapana, you’ll find this restaurant with a relaxed atmosphere and beautiful decor. They work a lot with organic products, and the service is excellent. Be sure to include this restaurant in your plans!
9: Relax and enjoy the Park Tsar Simeon
This park is beautifully illuminated in the evening with lovely fountains and colors. For a delightful evening stroll, you should definitely go here. The park is located in the heart of Plovdiv and is surrounded by good restaurants. Many of Plovdiv’s attractions can be seen and reached from here. On the east side, the park is connected to Roman ruins and the long Main Street shopping area. The park is well-maintained and is a great area to relax and unwind on one of the many benches.
Sleeping in beautiful Plovdiv
- Boutique Guest House Coco. A beautiful guesthouse in the center of Plovdiv. A lovely, comfortable, and service-oriented guesthouse. Besides its perfect central location, the decor is also vibrant.
- Park & Spa Hotel Markovo. A hotel with numerous facilities and pools. Perfect for a family stay when exploring the beautiful Plovdiv. Or if you simply enjoy a refreshing swim after a perfect day in Plovdiv.
- Hotel Ego. Spacious rooms in this modern hotel. With its strategic location and excellent facilities, your stay in Plovdiv will be enjoyable. A noteworthy detail is that there is no carpet in the rooms, but hardwood floors, which is more hygienic and pleasant to stay on. A perfect accommodation during your visit.
- Venis House. These apartments are spacious, allowing you to relax and prepare your own meals. It is located just outside the center, offering a peaceful environment, yet everything is within walking distance.
Wondering where else to stay in Bulgaria? Which places do we recommend? Check out that article here.
Vervoer in Plovdiv
In Plovdiv, buses are the primary mode of transportation. They run regularly to every beautiful spot in the city. You may not reach every destination with regular bus lines, so a taxi can be handy. Make sure to hail a legitimate taxi, recognizable by the clear price list prominently displayed in the car (often by the window) and the clearly visible meter inside the car.
Another option is the use of Marsrutki or route taxis (see the photo below). This is a combination of a taxi and a bus. You can hail them anywhere like a taxi, but they follow a fixed route. These white vans are recognizable by the text “МАРШРУТНА ЛИНИЯ” above the window. They are very convenient and affordable. Do not confuse these with regular bus lines; they are separate.
Tip: You can view the bus lines and route lines here.
Using Moovit for buses
Buses do not always adhere strictly to the schedule. In this case, you can use the Moovit app or website. Buses are tracked via the GPS network and community input. It’s also, as they say, community-driven. This allows you to track the buses, making it clearer when a bus is approaching your stop. If you plan to travel extensively by bus in Plovdiv, this app is certainly handy to download.
These are just a few highlights of what you can do and see in Plovdiv. The city offers a rich blend of history, culture, and a lively atmosphere that will undoubtedly enchant you during your visit. Click here for all the tours you can take and enjoy the sights of Plovdiv in multiple ways.