Plovdiv Guide 

Sights and attractions – What should you visit in historical Plovdiv? Roman amphitheater, ancient forum, Old Town.

Accommodation – Where to stay in Plovdiv? Here you can read tips for accommodation from luxury to classic to the cheapest options.

Typical food and drink – What should you try in Plovdiv? Grilled fish, Shopian salad or delicious local wine.

Practical tips – Here you can learn more about local transport, safety, cultural activities and more.

Weather – What temperatures and precipitation can you expect in the four seasons in Plovdiv?

Celebrities – Which famous personalities lived and worked in Plovdiv.

AI poem – What did artificial intelligence come up with about Plovdiv and its history?

Plovdiv, the second largest city in Bulgaria, is located in the central part of Bulgaria in the Maritsa River Valley on seven hills. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. The city's history dates back more than 6,000 years, making it a unique cultural and historical center of the Balkans. The city is characterized by a rich heritage, where Thracian, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman influences mix. It has a population of around 350,000.

Plovdiv is famous for its picturesque Old Town, full of cobblestone streets, colorful houses from the Bulgarian National Revival period and important monuments. Among the most important are the Roman amphitheater, which still serves as a venue for concerts and theater performances, as well as the Roman stadium, reminiscent of the city's ancient past. The modern part of Plovdiv offers a dynamic atmosphere, lively streets full of cafes, restaurants and galleries.

Thanks to its convenient location in the Maritsa River Valley, it is an important transport hub. Local industries include food processing, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering and chemical industries. Plovdiv's logistics zones and industrial parks are among the most developed in the country.

Plovdiv is home to several universities and an art academy.

Plovdiv has a well-developed sports infrastructure, including stadiums, sports halls and cycle paths. Popular sports include football, basketball, canoeing and rowing on the Maritsa River.

Plovdiv was selected as the European Capital of Culture in 2019, which highlighted its importance on the cultural map of Europe.

Monuments and attractions

Ancient Theatre (Roman Amphitheatre) - One of the best-preserved structures of its kind in the world. Built in the 2nd century during the reign of Emperor Trajan, the theatre is still used for concerts and theatrical performances.

Roman Stadium - Located in the city centre. Built in the 2nd century. The stadium had a capacity of up to 30,000 spectators and is partially open-air.

Ancient Forum - Remains of a Roman public space that show the importance of Plovdiv during the Roman era.

Plovdiv Old Town - A historic district on a hill with narrow cobblestone streets and traditional Bulgarian houses from the National Revival period.

Ethnographic Museum - Housed in a wealthy merchant's house from the 19th century, it presents traditional Bulgarian culture, costumes, furniture and tools.

Plovdiv Opera and Theatre - Offers regular performances of classical music, opera and dramatic works.

Church of St. Constantine and Helena - The oldest church in the city, founded in 337.

Singing Fountain in the Garden of King Simeon - A popular place for relaxation.

Plovdiv Hills (Tepe) - The city is surrounded by six hills (Bunardzika, Sahatt Tepe, Nebet Tepe and others). For example, on Nebet Tepe you can admire the ruins of an ancient fortification and a beautiful view of the city.

Maritsa River - Promenades along the banks of the river invite you to walk and do sports.

Accommodation

You can stay in one of almost 600 accommodation capacities in Plovdiv. You can choose from apartments, hotels, guesthouses, hostels or holiday houses. Everyone from luxury lovers to backpackers looking for the cheapest accommodation will choose here.

You can enjoy luxury at an affordable price, for example, in the 5* Hotel Royal Plovdiv. This hotel is located a short distance from the city center and offers free private parking, airport transfers and a 24-hour reception. You can relax in the fitness center with a hot tub, in the garden or on the terrace. There is also a bar and restaurant.

The historically furnished 3* boutique Hotel Evmolpia offers comfortable accommodation right in the heart of Plovdiv. The hotel offers accommodation in double and family rooms, free parking, concierge services and luggage storage. You can taste local wine and cheese for free at the bar.

If you prefer to stay in an apartment with your own kitchen rather than a hotel, check out Skyler Vintage Apartments in the city center. You can choose a one- or two-bed apartment. The accommodation allows pets. You can relax while walking around the city or in the garden.

For cheap accommodation near the center of Plovdiv, for example, the small guesthouse Vesi's Rooms offers double and family rooms. The guesthouse has a shared kitchen or terrace. They can store your luggage on request.

For accommodation for solo travelers in shared rooms, Hakuna Matata Guest House offers accommodation. This hostel is located in the city center. The price already includes breakfast and you can also buy lunch or dinner. Guests have access to a common room, a shared kitchen, a sun terrace and an outdoor grill. The 24-hour reception will be happy to provide you with tourist information or arrange laundry.

For a complete offer of accommodation in Plovdiv, we recommend using A-HOTEL.com or Booking.com. 

Typical food and drink

Grilled fish - Plovdiv is located on the Marica River, so the local cuisine often includes fresh fish, grilled or baked with herbs.

Tarator - Cold soup made from yogurt, cucumbers, dill, garlic and nuts. Ideal for refreshing on hot days.

Shopski salad - Salad made from tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, peppers and white Balkan cheese. This national specialty is the basis of Bulgarian cuisine.

Kebapče and kyufte - Minced meat (most often pork and beef) shaped into rolls (kebapče) or meatballs (kyufte), grilled over an open fire and served with mustard or ajvar.

Meze - A selection of small appetizers such as olives, dried meats, cheeses and pickled vegetables, ideal with local wines or rakija.

Sour milk with honey and nuts - Traditional Bulgarian yogurt served with honey and walnuts.

Bulgarian wine - Plovdiv is known for its vineyards and the production of quality red and white wines. Local favorites include Mavrud and Melnik.

Boza - A sweet fermented drink made from grains that has a specific taste and lower alcohol content.

Coffee - Traditionally prepared in the Turkish style - strong and sweet.

Traditional mehana (taverns) offer an authentic atmosphere and food.

Practical travel tips

Plovdiv has its own airport (Plovdiv International Airport), but most international flights land in Sofia. From there, you can get to Plovdiv by bus, train or car (about 1.5-2 hours).
Buses between Plovdiv and other cities run frequently and on time.
The city center and main sights are easily accessible on foot.
For longer distances, you can use local buses or taxis. Taxis are cheap, but always insist on turning on the taximeter.

The old town has cobblestone streets that can be slippery, so be sure to pack comfortable shoes. If you are going to Plovdiv in the summer, take sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses. Also, layer your clothes - although it can be warm during the day, it often gets colder in the evenings, especially in spring and autumn.

Most sights have entrance fees between 5-10 leva. Opening hours may be limited during holidays, so check availability in advance. You can buy combined tickets for some events and museums.

Learn some basic Bulgarian phrases, as not everyone speaks English.

Most shops and restaurants accept credit cards, but it’s best to have some leva in cash for smaller businesses.

Plovdiv is generally a safe city, but be careful with your valuables, especially in busy areas.

Plovdiv is also famous for its cultural festivals. If you can, time your visit to one of them, such as the Plovdiv Jazz Festival or the Night of Museums and Galleries.

Weather

Plovdiv is located in an area with a continental climate, characterized by hot summers and cold winters. The climate is influenced by the proximity of the Rhodope Mountains to the south, which moderates temperature extremes.
In summer, temperatures can reach 30–35 °C. It rarely rains.
In autumn, you can enjoy pleasant weather with temperatures between 15–25 °C. The autumn colors in the parks and surrounding mountains add to the beauty of the city.
In winter, temperatures drop to 0°C or below freezing. It snows occasionally.
In spring, you will be greeted by mild and pleasant weather with temperatures ranging from 10 to 20°C and more frequent precipitation.

Famous personalities

Philip II of Macedon (382 - 336 b.c.) - Father of Alexander the Great, who conquered the city in the 4th century BC and renamed it Filippopolis. His reign left a significant mark on the development of the city.

Ivan Vazov (1850–1921) - National poet and writer of Bulgaria, author of the novel Under the Yoke. Plovdiv played a significant role in his work and literary activities. The National Library was named after him.

Georgi Bozhilov (1935–2001) - A prominent Bulgarian painter of the modern era, nicknamed "The Elephant". His works influenced the art scene of Plovdiv, where he was born.

Zlatyu Boyadzhiev (1903–1976) - A famous painter whose works often depicted the Bulgarian countryside and life in the Plovdiv region. His artwork is exhibited in the city gallery.

Hristo Stoichkov (1966) - A famous footballer and Golden Ball winner who was born and spent part of his career in Plovdiv.

Yordan Yovchev (1973) - A legendary Bulgarian gymnast, multiple Olympic medalist, hails from Plovdiv.

Teodosi Spassov (1961) - A musician and innovator of traditional Bulgarian music. His unique style on the kaval instrument is recognized all over the world. He studied music in Plovdiv.

A poem about Plovdiv and its history invented by artificial intelligence

Plovdiv, an ancient pearl

On seven hills where time flows silently,
Plovdiv fills the heart, like a song in a silent breath.
From the ancient times of the Thracians to the present day,
the history of the city sounds like an echoing voice.

Philip of Macedon renamed the city here,
Philippopolis, he said, and focused on glory.

Rome left behind arenas and paved roads,
where the footsteps of history remain unerased to this day.

Byzantium and the Ottomans, each left their mark,
and Plovdiv, despite the struggles, never lost its pride.

The Bulgarian Revival, the breeze of freedom,
revived the city, brought new forms.

The old city breathes magic, time trembles in the streets,
wooden houses, galleries, where history still watches.

The Maritsa River sings its eternal song,
accompanying Plovdiv both on earth and in the heavens.

Today the city shines as a cultural center,
with artists, festivals that draw the world in.
Plovdiv is a pearl that always warms the heart,
a city where the past and the future merge.

Let us celebrate Plovdiv, a city of ancient times,
where beauty and history are like rivers flowing with clear streams.
May its name continue to ring throughout the world,
Plovdiv, a city of dreams that remains in the heart forever.