29 Best Things to See in Plovdiv, Bulgaria

by | Dec 19, 2023 | Bulgaria, Plovdiv

What Are the Best Things to See in Plovdiv?

Plovdiv, Bulgaria has many amazing sights and attractions. If you’re interested in architecture, the best things to see in Plovdiv are:

    1. Ancient Theatre
    2. The Bishop’s Basilica of Philippopolis
    3. House of Stepan Hindliyan
    4. Roman Stadium
    5. The House of Veren Stambolyan
    6. Dzhumaya Mosque
    7. House of Nikola Nedkovich
    8. The Small Early Christian Basilica
    9. Archaeological Complex Nebet Tepe
    10. Ancient Peristyle Building “Eirene”
    11. Roman Forum of Philippopolis
    12. Hissar Gate
    13. The Odeon of Philippopolis
    14. Metropolitan Church St. Martyr Marina
    15. Pharmacy Museum Hippocrates
    16. The Holy Assumption Cathedral
    17. House Dr. Stoyan Chomakov
    18. Church of Saints Constantine & Helena
    19. Balabanov House
    20. St. Paraskeva Church
    21. Clock Tower
    22. Lamartin House
    23. St. Dimitar Church
    24. Klianti House
    25. House of Georgi Danchov–Zografina
    26. Pavliti House
    27. Saint Nedelya Church
    28. Street of Crafts in the Old Town
    29. Saint Louis Cathedral

We spent all of July visiting the sights in Plovdiv. Based on our experience, we compiled this list of the best things to see.

If you don’t have a month to explore, you can follow our suggested Plovdiv Walking Tour and easily see all the top things on our list in one day.

This website contains affiliate links that may earn us a small commission at no additional cost to you.

      Best Things to See in Plovdiv

      Ancient Theatre

      The Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis is a Roman theatre located in the city of Plovdiv. It is well-preserved and was discovered by archaeologists before being reconstructed in the 1980s. The theatre boasts 28 rows of marble seats and a horseshoe-shaped orchestra surrounding the stage. It was originally used for various performances and could accommodate up to 6,000 spectators.

      Today, the Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis is a symbol of Plovdiv’s rich culture and is widely used for opera, music, and drama performances. It is also a venue for several festivals, including the International Folklore Festival, the Opera Festival “Opera Open,” and the Rock Festival “Sounds of Ages.”

      The Bishop’s Basilica of Philippopolis

      The Bishop’s Basilica of Philippopolis was uncovered during archaeological excavations from 1982 to 1986 and was fully discovered in 2016-2017. The basilica is a three-nave structure with an apse located to the east and a uniquely designed narthex and atrium towards the west. It measures approximately 83 meters in length and 36 meters in width. The interiors are lavish, with mosaic floors covering over 2000 square meters. The mosaic floors are unique, blending various influences, local cultures, traditions, and resources.

      This basilica is one of the largest 4th- 6th-century basilicas in Bulgaria, and it’s one of the most representative early Christian sites that provides invaluable information about the history of early Christianity and the development of Christian art in the Balkans and Europe.

      Since January 20, 2018, the Bishop’s Basilica of Philippopolis has been included in the UNESCO Cultural and Natural Heritage Tentative list for the Republic of Bulgaria as part of the Serial property “The Bishop’s Basilica and Late-Antique Mosaics of Philippopolis, Roman Province of Thrace.”

      House of Stepan Hindliyan

      Stepan Hindliyan’s house is a rare example of a symmetrical design still present in Plovdiv. It was built between 1834 and 1835 and belonged to Stepan Hindliyan, a well-known merchant and founder of one of the wealthiest families of Armenian descent. His regular business trips to India earned him the nickname “Hindliyan.”

      The house boasts a yard with various farm buildings, a bathroom, and a basement. The house’s interior is artistically decorated with elaborate lines covering the walls and ceiling. The master builders, Moko and Mavrudi, spent over six months painting all the rooms inside and outside, with pilasters, garlands, vignettes, still lives, and landscape compositions.

      Roman Stadium

      The ancient stadium of Philippopolis was built during the early 2nd century A.D. under the rule of Emperor Hadrian. It’s situated between the western slope of Taximtepe and the eastern slope of Sahattepe and is considered one of the city’s most impressive structures from that period.

      The stadium is approximately 240 meters long and 50 meters wide, with the capacity to hold up to 30,000 spectators. The seats are arranged in 14 tiers, with stepped aisles that lead to the track. Made of white marble, some of them are ornamented with stylized lion paws. Only the northern part of the stadium (the sphendone) is accessible to the public, as it was excavated in the 1970s.

      The House of Veren Stambolyan

      Veren Stambolyan’s house, constructed in the latter half of the 19th century, is a large symmetrical two-story building on the eastern slope of Dzhambaz Tepe. This building was a creative hub for several years, utilized by the Union of Bulgarian Artists and the Society of Plovdiv Artists.

      Dzhumaya Mosque

      The Dzhumaya Mosque is a significant Muslim shrine in the heart of the pedestrian zone. It was constructed on the site of an old church after the Ottoman army captured the city. The present mosque, known as Ulu Dzhumaya Mosque, was erected during the reign of Sultan Murad II and is one of the oldest Ottoman buildings in the Balkans.

      The mosque features nine domes covered with lead sheets, a diagonal square grid of red bricks on a white stucco background, and intricate plant ornamentation adorning the interior. The mosque is a lively place of worship for the Muslim community in Plovdiv, who frequently visit it.

      House of Nikola Nedkovich

      Nikola Nedkovich’s house was built in 1863 in the historic reserve. It has original artifacts and is a typical symmetric Plovdiv house. The ground floor has preserved ceiling carvings and murals, while the upper floor features period furniture. The yard has an underground tunnel connecting the cellar to the street and a covered passage to the main building.

      The house was restored from 1964 to 1969 and made into a museum. In 2005, it was restored again with the help of a Bulgarian-Japanese program and is now an immovable cultural and historical value.

      The Small Early Christian Basilica

      Archaeologists discovered the small early Christian basilica during the construction of “Maria Louisa” Boulevard. The basilica is adjacent to a fortification wall with a tower dating back to the 2nd to 4th century AD. The basilica comprises a central nave with two aisles, one apse, and a narthex. It was built in the second half of the 5th century AD and has rich architectural decorations, including marble colonnades, a marble altar wall, and a synthronos.

      The building was destroyed by fire but was later reconstructed and renovated. The basilica was operational until the end of the 6th century AD. During the excavation works, two donor inscriptions were discovered. One was carved on the lining marble slab from the altar of the basilica, while the other was in the form of a mosaic of red tesserae on a white background opposite the altar apse.

      Archaeological Complex Nebet Tepe

      Archeologists discovered the remains of the earliest known settlement at the peak of Nebet Tepe on the Three Hills. This settlement gradually turned into a town during the 12th century BC and is now believed to be the ancient Thracian town of Eumolpia. Eumolpia was one of the earliest urban centers in Southeastern Europe. The site contains fortifications from various ancient periods.

      Ancient Peristyle Building “Eirene”

      Archaeologists recently made a significant discovery in ancient Philippopolis, located at the center of Plovdiv, under the “Archaeological” underpass. During the underpass construction, archaeologists found a peristyle building belonging to a man named Desiderius. The building was a residential complex, and the beautiful mosaics on its floors indicated that Desiderius was far from ordinary.

      The peristyle building was on an entire block, or “insula,” surrounded by four streets. The main representative rooms surrounded the courtyard in the eastern part of the building. The service buildings, which contained many broken pieces of pottery, were situated in the southwest corner of the insula. Later on, an apse was added as part of the main entrance space of the representative area.

      All rooms in the representative part of the house had colorful mosaic floors created using the opus tessellatum technique. The central room featured a mosaic image of a woman with the inscription “EIRHNH” beneath it, which was the source of the building’s name.

      Roman Forum of Philippopolis

      The agora (also known as the Forum) of ancient Philippopolis can be found at the southern foothills of the Three Hills. This remarkable architectural structure covers a large square area, measuring about 100 meters by 112 meters. The area is paved with polished marble plates and surrounded by an arcade with Corinthian pilasters. The columns are evenly spaced at six-meter intervals and support a broad awning that covers a traffic alley known as the ambulatio. Trade premises are located next to the alley. The entire area is enclosed within a single, impressive construction, forming a square. According to archaeological research, this is the largest complex discovered in the territory of ancient Thrace.

      Hissar Gate

      There has been a gate at this location since ancient times. Beneath the street pavement (made of cobblestone), there are foundations from the Roman period, probably dating back to the 2nd century AD.

      The Hissar Gate (also known as Hisar Kapia) underwent significant alterations during the medieval period, between the 11th and 13th centuries, which shaped its present appearance. The outer arch of the gate displays a unique construction technique where red brick pieces surround each stone, held together with plaster. This construction style is typical of the Bulgarian mastery during the Second Bulgarian Empire.

      The Odeon of Philippopolis

      The Antique Odeon and Antique Forum is the largest forum complex in Bulgaria and served as the center of the ancient city’s administrative, economic, cultural, and religious life. The complex is located on the southern side of the central post office, with public works on the northern side. The first city Treasury of Moesia and Thrace was also located within the complex.

      Within the northwest corner of the complex lies the Odeon, a covered theatre building that could accommodate between 300 and 350 people. Numerous discoveries have been made within the complex, including precious marble fragments, an inscription on the base of an emperor’s statue, a gallery with preserved antique walls, original marble semi-columns, and 87 old silver coins that may have been hidden during the Gothic invasion.

      Metropolitan Church St. Martyr Marina

      The Metropolitan Church of St. Martyr Marina was constructed in 1851 by the masters from the Bratsigovo school, supervised by Nikola Tomchev-Ustabashiyski. The church is a basilica, typical of the Renaissance period, with three naves separated by two rows of columns with capitals and semicircular arches. Its dome is polyhedral in shape.

      In 1858, painter Nikita Odrinchanin inscribed biblical scenes on the open colonnade-narthex in the temple’s western part. The church’s iconostasis was removed while constructing a new and bigger temple, but it was placed again when the church was completed. The iconostasis’ left side has an icon of the Mother of God, the Blessed Virgin Mary, with the Divine Infant, while the right has an icon of Christ the Savior. Stanislav Dospevski painted both icons in 1868.

      The wooden steeple of the St. Marina church is located in the northern part of the yard, over the entrance. It was completed in 1869-1870 and was refurbished in 1953.

      Pharmacy Museum Hippocrates

      The house was built in 1872 by Dr. Sotir Antoniadi, one of the first people in Plovdiv to hold a medical degree. The ground floor of the house had a pharmacy that was directly accessible from the street. The house was large and had an asymmetrical layout. To enter the residential area, one had to go through a small courtyard. The family lived on the floor above, which could be reached by a narrow corridor and a double-wing staircase. The ceilings were plastered and adorned with rosettes and floral ornaments. The overall design of the house reflected the modern functionality that was typical of intellectuals during the National Revival period.

      The old pharmacy, which was once on the ground floor, has since been transformed into a museum exhibition called “Old Pharmacy Hippocrates.” The interior decoration of the exhibition is reminiscent of the antique romantic style that was popular during the National Revival period in Plovdiv.

      The Holy Assumption Cathedral

      The Holy Assumption Cathedral is a Bulgarian church with a long history, dating back to the 9th and 10th centuries. Unfortunately, it was destroyed during the Ottoman invasion. However, in the 19th century, it was rebuilt with impressive dimensions and beautiful architecture. It was again restored to honor the 2000th anniversary of the Nativity of Christ. Today, the church has a unique ornamentation, which adds to its exceptional grace.

      House Dr. Stoyan Chomakov

      Dr. Stoyan Chomakov was a significant public figure during Bulgaria’s National Revival era. He advocated for an independent Bulgarian Church. The Chomakov House is a notable monument located in Plovdiv’s Old Town. It was built between 1862 and 1865 and features an impressive Neoclassical exterior. The interior includes a hall, a spacious hayet, four symmetrical rooms, two pantries, and a corridor leading to a bath and kitchen with a large fireplace.

      After Bulgaria gained independence, Dr. Chomakov’s heirs offered the house to Tsar Ferdinand as his residence. They emphasized its impressive appearance and central location in Trimontium’s architectural ensemble.

      Church of Saints Constantine & Helena

      The Church of Saints Constantine and Helena is an ancient Christian church in the center of the Old Town of Plovdiv. It was built to honor the holy martyrs Severin and Memnos, who were beheaded in 304 for their Christian faith. The temple has been destroyed and rebuilt several times over the centuries, with the latest reconstruction carried out by Todor Moravenov and Valko Chalakov in 1810.

      The church’s unique iconostasis is made in the Baroque style, and the first row of icons was painted by the renowned Bulgarian painter Zahari Zograf. From 1864 to 1866, the church was completely painted by Stefan Andonov and Atanas Gyudzhenov of Pazardzhik.

      Since July 2007, a priest has been appointed to perform regular ministrations, and the temple has been functioning continuously since then.

      Balabanov House

      The Balabanov House is a stunning symmetrical building with intricate architectural designs. It was constructed in the early 19th century and is quite spacious, boasting a glassy saloon and four unique rooms on its upper floor. Each room showcases antique furniture and fabrics. Although the house was demolished in the 1930s, it was reconstructed in the 1970s by architect Hristo Peev.

      Today, the house’s ground floor features a permanent exhibition of modern Bulgarian art. In contrast, the second floor displays a Revival period interior and is a popular venue for cultural events.

      St. Paraskeva Church

      Legend has it that Tsar Ivan Asen II built a magnificent cathedral in Plovdiv dedicated to St. Petka of Epivates. However, when Lala Shahin Pasha conquered Plovdiv, he transformed the cathedral into a great mosque. The Orthodox population then built a new temple dedicated to St. Petka of Epivates but amended to St. Martyr Paraskeva, revered by the Greeks.

      The temple was rebuilt in 1836, with the contribution of locals and surrounding Bulgarians. It remained closed until 1906, when it became Bulgarian again. The church’s greatest attractions are its icons, including eight icons of the iconostasis created by Zahari Zograf. The Metropolitan’s throne is another unique artifact with inlays of nacre and ivory.

      Clock Tower

      To the west of Three Hills, you’ll find Sahat Tepe, home to the well-known Clock Tower. It’s just a 5-6 minute walk from the Roman Stadium Square. The Tower has been around since at least 1623. It was built in its current form in 1812, standing at 17.5 meters tall. In 1883, a brand new large clock, made in Vienna, was installed.

      The best things to see in Plovdiv are the Revival Houses

      Lamartin House

      Lamartin House is a beautiful symmetrical building in Plovdiv’s old city. It was constructed between 1829 and 1830 and is renowned for its unique adaptation to the complex terrain. The house has four symmetrical rooms of different sizes, well-glazed and richly decorated with geometric wood-carving.

      In 1833, the famous French poet Alphonse de Lamartine stayed in the house for three days and wrote about its hospitable hosts. On the first floor is a small museum exhibition dedicated to Lamartine.

      St. Dimitar Church

      The St. Dimitar temple, located on a terrace on the north side of Dzhambaz tepe, is the tallest Christian church in Plovdiv. High stone walls enclose the temple; within it, there is a small chapel-holy spring and a belfry designed by Josef Schnitter.

      The temple’s architecture features a three-nave pseudo-basilica built by Stoyu Ivanov, six pairs of stone columns, Rhodope travertine vaults, white marble slabs, and a marble iconostasis. The icons of the old church are well-preserved, including images of the Virgin Mary and Jesus Christ.

      It is worth noting that the temple was granted to the Russian colony in the city for a while following the departure of the Greeks.

      Klianti House

      The Klianti House is a historic two-story building in the Old Town Architectural and Historical Reserve of Plovdiv, Bulgaria. It was constructed in 1816, making it one of the oldest surviving houses from the Bulgarian Revival period. The house underwent significant renovations in 1846 when it was expanded to the north, creating a covered yard. The same skilled artisans who built The Holy Mother Assumption Church were responsible for constructing this building.

      In 1882, the western portion of the house was destroyed, leading to the creation of two separate houses. In 1920, a part of the southeast corner was also removed. Despite these changes, the Klianti House remains an important architectural element within the reserve.

      The house is renowned for its artistic decoration, particularly on the residential floor. The ceilings feature numerous wooden sculptures, polychrome geometric patterns, and colorful inlays dating back to 1817. The walls have richly decorated niches, cupboards, and backgammon wooden doors. Monumental compositions of vegetable ornaments adorn the house.

      Initially, the building was a residential property for Georgi Klianti and his successors. Nowadays, the Klianti House is owned by the municipality and continues to be a cherished part of the cultural heritage of Plovdiv.

      House of Georgi Danchov–Zografina

      Danchov’s House is a significant cultural heritage site in Plovdiv’s Old Town. The house is an excellent example of an asymmetrical Plovdiv house and features beautiful wood-carved ceilings. It was built in the late 18th century and was once home to the famous Bulgarian painter and photographer Georgi Danchov-Zografina, who was a well-known revolutionary, an associate of Vasil Levski, a Diarbekir exile, and a volunteer during the Liberation War.

      The house has been restored using authentic technologies, thanks to a joint project by the Chambers of Crafts in Koblenz and Plovdiv Municipality.

      Pavlity House

      Pavliti House

      Pavliti House, also known as the Blue House, was built between 1849 and 1850 and originally belonged to Georgi Pavliti (Politoglu), who was from Peshtera. The building is an excellent example of Early Revival residential architecture and has a symmetrical design. It is famous for its unique architectural elements, such as semicircular window openings, iron shutters, arched cornices, and rich artistic decorations.

      Pavliti House is considered one of the most prominent buildings in Old Plovdiv and is officially recognized as an architectural, constructional, and artistic monument of culture. It is classified as an immovable cultural property of “national significance.”

      Over the years, the building has served many purposes, including being a representative hall for the Committee for Art and Culture. It has also been home to the “13 Centuries of Bulgaria” National Endowment Fund, the Student House, and the Municipal Foundation “Plovdiv 2019.”

      Saint Nedelya Church

      The St. Nedelya Church is a large and spacious church built in the Revival style by chief master Petko Petkov-Boz. It has three naves and a three-apse altar, separated by six pairs of wooden columns. St. Nedelya was consecrated on September 19, 1832, by Plovdiv Metropolitan Nicephorus. In 1894, some architectural changes and additions were made, including the construction of a giant dome, which was completed in 1905.

      Street of Crafts in the Old Town

      The Street of Crafts is located in the Old Town on Strumna Street. This street descends from the Hissar Kapia gate on the northern slope of Nebet Tepe. Along the narrow cobbled street, you can find several Revival houses with skilled masters of traditional Bulgarian crafts. These craftsmen specialize in weaving, pottery, and woodcarving. If you visit this street, you can purchase unique souvenirs typical of the city and old folk art.

      Saint Louis Cathedral

      Saint Louis Cathedral is an important Catholic church located in Bulgaria. Until the beginning of 2006, it was the largest church in the country. The church is dedicated to its patron saint, Louis IX.

      The church was constructed in the 1850s and boasts a neoclassical facade designed by architect Kamen Petkov. It originally had the first organ in Bulgaria, built in 1861, but later replaced by a larger one. The church suffered damage in a wildfire in 1931, but was rebuilt with a new pipe body added in 1991.

      The bell tower, constructed in 1898, has five bells made in Bochum, Germany. The right side of the cathedral contains the tombstone of Bulgarian Princess Marie Louise, a frequent guest of the Bishop of Plovdiv and who had a strong spiritual connection with the Roman Catholic Church.

      If you’re still on the fence after reading about the 29 Best Things to See, check out “Is Plovdiv Worth Visiting.” We review a long list of factors you should consider before reserving a room and booking your flight.

      Plovdiv Walking Tour

      If you only have one day (or even just a few hours) in Plovdiv, we suggest visiting the recommended historic sites in the following order:

        1. Dzhumaya Mosque
        2. Roman Stadium
        3. Clock Tower
        4. Roman Forum of Philippopolis
        5. The Odeon of Philippopolis
        6. Metropolitan Church St. Martyr Marina
        7. Ancient Peristyle Building “Eirene”
        8. The Bishop’s Basilica of Philippopolis
        9. Saint Louis Cathedral
        10. The Small Early Christian Basilica
        11. The House of Veren Stambolyan
        12. House of Georgi Danchov–Zografina
        13. Saint Nedelya Church
        14. Street of Crafts in the Old Town
        15. Hissar Gate
        16. House of Nikola Nedkovich
        17. House Dr. Stoyan Chomakov
        18. Archaeological Complex Nebet Tepe
        19. Balabanov House
        20. House of Stepan Hindliyan
        21. Pavliti House
        22. Church of Saints Constantine & Helena
        23. Pharmacy Museum Hippocrates
        24. Lamartin House
        25. St. Paraskeva Church
        26. Klianti House
        27. St. Dimitar Church
        28. Ancient Theatre
        29. The Holy Assumption Cathedral

      Following the suggested itinerary will take you past all 29 of the Best Things to See in Plovdiv and through most of the City Center and the Old Town! Depending on your level of urgency, you could complete the walking tour in less than 3 hours. This estimate allows time to stop for photos and take a peak inside the churches, but it does not include any tours or museum visits.

        Map of Things to See in Plovdiv

        Our suggested Plovdiv Walking Tour starts at the Dzhumaya Mosque on the edge of the Kampana District, climbs Sahat Tepe to visit the Clock Tower, spans much of the main pedestrian street in the City Center, then heads into the Old Town to see the sites including a visit to Nebet Tepe, before ending with the famous Ancient Theatre and the beautiful Holy Assumption Cathedral.

        City Tours in Plovdiv

        Want to learn about the history of Plovdiv with a guide? Book a highly-rated city tour while visiting Plovdiv!

        One Day in Plovdiv

        How do you spend a day in Plovdiv?

        To spend a day in Plovdiv, start by exploring the Old Town. Wander through its narrow cobblestone streets and admire the well-preserved Bulgarian Revival architecture. Visit the Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis, one of the city’s most iconic landmarks.

        Next, head to Kapana, a vibrant neighborhood filled with art galleries, trendy cafes, and boutique shops. Take a leisurely stroll and immerse yourself in the creative atmosphere.

        For lunch, try some traditional Bulgarian cuisine at a local restaurant. Don’t miss out on dishes like banitsa (cheese-filled pastry) or kebapche (grilled minced meat). Pair your meal with a glass of Bulgarian wine for an authentic experience.

        In the afternoon, visit some of Plovdiv’s museums and cultural sites. The Regional Ethnographic Museum showcases traditional Bulgarian crafts and artifacts. The Plovdiv Roman Stadium is another must-visit attraction, offering a glimpse into the city’s ancient past.

        As evening approaches, make your way to Nebet Tepe Hill for panoramic views of Plovdiv at sunset. Take in the breathtaking scenery before heading to one of Plovdiv’s lively bars or restaurants for dinner. End your day by enjoying live music or performances at one of the city’s many cultural venues.

        Remember to take breaks throughout the day to relax and soak in the unique atmosphere of this charming Bulgarian city.

        Plovdiv Information and Travel Tips

        Hotels in Plovdiv

        If you are planning a trip to Plovdiv, there are plenty of excellent places to stay. However, for the best experience, we strongly recommend staying in Kapana. It’s the trendy neighborhood between the Old Town and the City Center. The charm and ambiance of the Old Town are nice, but there are far more food and drink options in Kapana – and a pedestrian tunnel connects the two together! The castle marker on the map below is the heart of the Kapana District, with the best restaurants nearby. We suggest staying as close to it as possible, depending on your budget and preferences.

        The below interactive map provides hotel and apartment options that can be filtered to meet your needs. Select your travel dates to get specific availability and prices.

        Book your stay now!

        Best Cellular for a Plovdiv Visit?

        Do you need cellular data during your trip and don’t want to pay for roaming? We use eSIMs from Airalo during our travel and highly recommend them. They are cheap, easy to set up, and allow you to leave your primary sim card in your phone (so you don’t lose it). Click below for more info.

        Where is Plovdiv?

        Plovdiv is in south-central Bulgaria, approximately 90 miles (145 km) southeast of Sofia and 155 miles (250 km) from the Black Sea. It is located in the southern part of the Plain of Plovdiv on the banks of the Maritsa River.

        FAQs About Best Things to See in Plovdiv

        Is Plovdiv worth seeing?

        Absolutely! Plovdiv is definitely worth seeing. It is the second-largest city in Bulgaria and has a rich history dating back thousands of years. Plovdiv is known for its well-preserved old town, which features Roman ruins, Ottoman-era architecture, and charming cobblestone streets. The city also offers a vibrant arts and cultural scene, with numerous galleries, museums, and theaters to explore. In addition, Plovdiv was named the European Capital of Culture in 2019, further highlighting its significance as a destination for art and culture lovers. Whether you’re interested in history, architecture, or simply immersing yourself in the unique atmosphere of this ancient city, Plovdiv is definitely worth a visit.

        What is special about Plovdiv?

        Plovdiv is a city in Bulgaria that is known for its rich history, unique architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. Here are some things that make Plovdiv special:

        1. Ancient History: Plovdiv is one of the oldest cities in Europe, with evidence of human settlement dating back over 6,000 years. It has been inhabited by Thracians, Romans, Byzantines, Ottomans, and others, resulting in a diverse and layered history.

        2. Roman Ruins: Plovdiv is home to an incredibly well-preserved Roman amphitheater, which dates back to the 2nd century AD. This stunning archaeological site is still used for concerts and performances today.

        3. Old Town: Plovdiv’s Old Town, known as “The Trap,” is a maze of narrow cobbled streets lined with colorful houses from the National Revival period. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers visitors a glimpse into the city’s past.

        4. Cultural Capital: In 2019, Plovdiv was named the European Capital of Culture, shining a spotlight on its thriving arts and cultural scene. The city hosts numerous festivals, exhibitions, and events throughout the year, attracting both local and international artists.

        5. Creative Districts: Plovdiv has several creative districts that have been revitalized in recent years. Kapana, meaning “The Trap” in Bulgarian, is a former craftsmen’s neighborhood that has been transformed into a trendy area filled with boutique shops, cafes, art galleries, and street art. It is a hub for creativity and a must-visit for art enthusiasts.

        How many days to see Plovdiv?

        Plovdiv is a beautiful city in Bulgaria with many attractions to explore. The number of days you need to see Plovdiv depends on your interests and how much time you have available.

        If you are looking to experience the main highlights of Plovdiv, such as the Old Town, Roman Theater, and Kapana District, a couple of days should be sufficient. This will give you enough time to wander the charming streets, visit museums, and enjoy the local cuisine.

        However, if you want to delve deeper into the city’s history and culture or take day trips to nearby attractions like Bachkovo Monastery or the Rhodope Mountains, you may want to allocate more time. Four to five days would allow for a more leisurely exploration and provide opportunities to discover hidden gems beyond the main tourist areas.

        Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide how much time you would like to spend in Plovdiv based on your preferences and schedule.

        Ryan

        Ryan

        Author

        I graduated from Murray State University in 2000 with psychology and criminal justice degrees. I received my law degree, with a concentration in litigation and dispute resolution, from Boston University School of Law in 2003. For nearly two decades, I represented contractors and subcontractors in construction defect disputes involving commercial and residential buildings. In 2022, my lifelong passion for travel, food & wine, architecture, and photography overtook my ambition to be a litigation attorney. So, my wife, Jen, and I sold our home in Austin, Texas, and set out to explore the world with our French Bulldog, Gus!