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.

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, for example City Art Gallery.

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, as Medical University of Plovdiv, 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. The PFK Lokomotiv Plovdiv football club has almost a century of history.

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 theater is still used for concerts and theatrical performances - it has a capacity of up to 7,000 spectators. The theater was only discovered in 1972 during a landslide caused by heavy rain. After extensive archaeological excavations and restoration work, the theater reopened in 1981 and is still used for cultural events, concerts and festivals, including the annual International Folklore Festival.
Address: 4 Tsar Ivaylo Street, Staria grad, Plovdiv.

Roman Stadium - The Roman Stadium in Plovdiv, built in the 2nd century AD during the reign of Emperor Hadrian, is one of the most impressive ancient monuments in Bulgaria. The stadium could hold up to 30,000 spectators and measured an impressive 240 meters in length. It was used primarily for gladiatorial fights and sports competitions. Most of the stadium lies beneath the main pedestrian zone of the city, but its northern part has been uncovered and restored. An underground museum has been built under the surface of the square, where visitors can see some of the original seats and the stadium structure.
Address: Rimski Stadium Square, Plovdiv. (The entrance to the underground museum is located on the main pedestrian street Knyaz Alexander I).

Ancient Forum - The Ancient Forum of Plovdiv, also known as the Roman Forum, was the main public space of the ancient city of Philippopolis (present-day Plovdiv) during the Roman era. The forum was discovered by chance in 1971 during excavations for a new shopping mall. Archaeologists uncovered a vast complex here, covering an area of ​​over 11 hectares, making it the largest ancient forum on the Balkan Peninsula. The forum included shops, administrative buildings, and even a mint where coins were minted for the entire province of Thrace.
Address: Maria Luiza Street 2, Plovdiv.

Plovdiv Old Town - A historic district with narrow cobbled streets and traditional Bulgarian houses from the National Revival period. Here you can admire the unique architecture called "Plovdiv Baroque" or "National Revival", which combines Bulgarian, Greek and Turkish influences. Many houses have characteristic protruding upper floors, richly decorated facades and inner courtyards. The most notable examples include the Kuyumdzhiev House from 1847, which now serves as the Ethnographic Museum. The house is known for its beautiful wall paintings and carved wooden ceilings.
Address: The Old Town is located on three hills in the center of Plovdiv. The main entrance is from Saborna Street 24, Plovdiv.

Ethnographic Museum - Housed in a wealthy 19th-century merchant's house, the museum presents traditional Bulgarian culture, costumes, furniture and tools. The Ethnographic Museum of Plovdiv is located in one of the most beautiful houses from the Bulgarian National Revival period - Kuyumdzhiev's House, built in 1847. Its interior is decorated with more than 130 wall paintings with floral and geometric motifs. These paintings were discovered and restored in the 1970s during the transformation of the house into a museum. The museum houses over 40,000 exhibits representing traditional Bulgarian culture and crafts. Among the most valuable exhibits is a collection of more than 300 traditional Bulgarian costumes from different regions of the country.
Address: Dr. Stoyan Chomakov Street 2, Staria grad, Plovdiv.

Plovdiv State Opera - The opera was founded in 1953. It has become famous for its innovative productions and unique performances. One of the most interesting events is the annual summer festival "Opera Open", which takes place in the ancient Roman amphitheater of Plovdiv. Launched in 2010, the festival combines classical opera with an impressive historical setting and modern technology, creating an unforgettable experience for the audience.
Address: Plovdiv State Opera: Tsar Boris III Obedinitel Street 30, Plovdiv.

Church of St. Constantine and Helena - One of the oldest Christian churches in Plovdiv with a rich history. The current building of the church stands on the foundations of an older Byzantine basilica from the 4th century. During the Ottoman rule, the church was rebuilt and expanded several times. In the 19th century, the prominent Bulgarian revivalist and revolutionary Nayden Gerov worked here as a teacher in the adjacent school. The church is famous for its valuable icons, some of which date back to the 16th century. Among the most famous is the icon of St. Constantine and Helena from 1850, the work of the famous Bulgarian icon painter Zachari Zograf.
Address: Saborna Street 24, Staria grad, Plovdiv.

Maritsa River - The Maritsa River, known in antiquity as Hebros, is the longest Bulgarian river, measuring 472 km (322 km of which flow through Bulgaria). The Maritsa played a key role in the mythology of the ancient Thracians. According to legend, the river witnessed the tragic fate of the legendary singer Orpheus.
The Maritsa is an important source of water for irrigation in the fertile Upper Thracian Plain, where rice, cotton and vegetables are mainly grown.

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.

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. If you want to taste traditional Bulgarian cuisine in the center of Plovdiv, you can visit the restaurant "Pavaj".
Address: Zlatarska street 7, Plovdiv.

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 like the Kapana district or the main pedestrian street, Knyaz Alexander I.

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.

You can read current information and the weather forecast for Plovdiv for the next 7 days in our table:

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.