Updated 30 April 2018
A trip to Plovdiv Bulgaria has been on my list since I can remember. Being so far from my home city in Bulgaria, it wasn’t as easy to visit Plovdiv when I was a kid or equally when I was going home for the holidays. This July however me and my parents decided it was time to explore the south of Bulgaria and visit the ancient city. I call it the ancient city as it’s believed that Plovdiv is one of Europe’s oldest cities. A lot of the history can still be found today as you walk along the streets of Plovdiv’s Old Town.
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Where is Plovdiv Bulgaria?
The one thing I probably love the most about Plovdiv is its location. Being right at the bottom of 7 hills, the city has the best views over the Bulgarian Rhodope mountains. Regardless of which way I turned, I was seeing the mountains, spanning from one side to the other. I remember thinking over and over again how I could see myself waking up to these views every day. Coming from London, I was so grateful to see that even in a big city, I could still find undisturbed nature.
Plovdiv Bulgaria is only 2 hours on a bus from Sofia so it’s pretty easy to reach by public transport. A company called Union Ivkoni does 3 daily trips from Sofia to Plovdiv and you can buy a one way ticket at the main bus station in Sofia for as little as EUR 6 (12 BGN). Alternatively you can drive from Sofia which is also just under 2 hours. Even better, why nоt fly directly to Plovdiv. Ryanair tends to offer pretty cheap deals from most major European cities.
What’s There to See?
We had only one and a half days to spend in Plovdiv Bulgaria before we had to head up north so we had to squeeze everything in a day. But don’t worry, it actually is manageable.
Explore the Old Town
We started our tour at the city’s Old Town. This was the place I knew I would love the most so we rushed to see it first thing in the morning. I was sooo right. This place got me wondering whether I was still in Bulgaria I used to know. The place was stunning, so different from anything I had seen back home. In fact the Old Town is a historic preservation site which made it into the UNESCO preservation list in 2004. It’s mostly known for its Renaissance architecture, the Roman amphitheater, Nebet Tepe and its remarkable craftsmen shops where we could still see craftsmen weaving rugs, making jewelry and finishing off traditional ornaments.
We were slightly unlucky because we visited Plovdiv Bulgaria in August when most craftsmen shops were closed for the summer season with artists going away on holidays. So what is normally a very buzzing, lively area full of people exhibiting their art and showing their trade, was a bit quiet. Luckily one shop was still open. We were greeted by two lovely ladies who welcomed us into their workshop. They wanted to show us what they do and most importantly how they do it. One of the ladies was crafting all sorts of different home ornaments whilst the other was making handmade scarfs from a vary fine wool which she had to press with a rolling pin to give it the smooth texture and feel. It was actually a pretty incredible experience.
I just wished all craftsmen shops were open so I could enter each and every single one of them and learn about the people and their art because this is what really makes the Old Town so special!
Roman amphitheater
At the heart of the Old Town you’ll find Plovdiv’s Roman amphitheater. What amazed me about the theatre was not so much the fact that it’s one of the best preserved ancient theaters in the world but the fact that being as old as it is (built in 90s of the 1st century AD), the theater is still in use today. In fact we saw a band rehearsing for a performance that evening and I was only wishing I could be there to see it. Being able to take a seat at a place built so many years ago, enjoying a Bulgarian theater performance, whilst indulging in the mountain views at the backdrop, is something I will be back in Plovdiv for.
Nebet Tepe
This is one of the hills you’ll find in the Old Town and is where the first people of Plovdiv used to live. Aside from the remains we saw at the top of the hill, this place opened up to incredible panoramic views over the city. In fact this is one of two places in Plovdiv Bulgaria where you can see the best free views. Nebet Tepe can be easy to miss so make sure to walk up the hill until you reach Rahat Tepe restaurant first and then the stunning views. Rahat Tepe by the way offers amazing views over the other side of the city if you’re looking to have a dinner with a view.
Bunardzhik Tepe
If you haven’t hiked to the top of Bunardzhik hill, it’s like you haven’t seen Plovdiv. Quite literally! Hiking to the top can be a challenge as you have to go up quite a few steep slopes and stairs but the views are simply astonishing. From here not only can you see the whole of the city but you can also get that bit closer to the highest hill in Plovdiv called Dzhendem hill which stands at 143 meters above the city level. It’s the perfect spot in Plovdiv for a romantic moment or just a quiet one as the people who make it to the top surprisingly don’t seem to be a lot. Even a better reason to reach the top!
Other things to do
There is a lot you can do it Plovdiv Bulgaria once you get out from the Old Town and head into central downtown.
Have a stroll along the main street
A walk along the main street ”Knyaz Alexander I” is an absolute must. The one thing that I love about Bulgarian cities is that they all have a central pedestrian street where all you can find are shops, restaurants, souvenier shops, nightclubs, street musicians and hotels. Pretty much any time apart from the cold winter, you can find a lot of Bulgarians on the main street just strolling along not really going anywhere. This is ideal in the evenings after a day of exploring so definitely have some strolling whilst in Plovdiv.
Visit the Dzhumaya Mosque
On the main street you will find the Dzhumaya Mosque. Built in 1363, the mosque is one of the oldest on the Balkans and certainly among the largest. The temple is active not only on holidays but daily as well and surprisingly to me, muslims are happy for tourists to go in and take a peek into the building, as long as you cover yourself. This was the first time I went into a mosque and I definitely did not feel unwelcome or anything like that. So if you’re curious, go in and take a look around. Put away the camera though 🙂
Listen to the singing fountains
Your walk along the main street will lead you to the gorgeous singing fountains right at the heart of Plovdiv’s Garden of Tsar Simeon. They’re the perfect end of a nice long day of touring around. Grab a drink, have a seat on the benches in the garden and enjoy the free performance.
Favourite Places to Eat
My absolute favourite is a restaurant called Central Park, and no, we’re not in New York (yet) 😀. It’s actually in the Garden of Tsar Simeon, close to the fountains. If you ever go there, have some houmous if you’re into chickpeas 😀 That was the best houmous I’ve had in Bulgaria so definitely worth the try. Oh and the place is not pricy despite the prime location.
Another good place to check out is called Restaurant Dayana also close to the central garden. It’s ideal in the summer as you can sit in the outside garden which has a very traditional feel and is surrounded by trees and plants all around. Definitely makes up for a very relaxing athmosphere for lunch or dinner. Food is not as nice as at the Central park though, at least from my experience!
Wander around Kapana, the Trap
Last but not least, make your way to Kapana, The Trap. This is a pretty cool district where you’ll find a lot of places to have dinner or just a drink. To find the area, which can be a bit tricky even though it’s very near the center, look for the corner between Georgi Benkovski street and Yoakim Gruev street. One place you must definitely check out is the ‘Happy pancakes workshop’ (in Bulgarian Работилница на Веселите Палачинки). I’ve tried their pancakes in Sozopol and they’re simply the best.
My time in Plovdiv was simply wonderful. It’s definitely worth the time and money so don’t just stay in Sofia when you visit Bulgaria. Venture out of the capital and see what the country really is like – green, picturesque and welcoming 🙂
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Aww, this place looks so cute and quaint! Totally putting it on my list of places to go now.
Aaaw Christina <3 You'll absolutely love Plovdiv! You can do so much travelling around as well, Vacha Reservoir being one of the many beautiful places you can reach easily from Plovdiv. Let me know when you plan your trip and I'll give you lots of tips 🙂
We came to Plovdiv for a day. It was enough to fall in love with this charming city. I, actually, liked it more than Sofia. We are thinking about spending another 3 months in Bulgaria. This time though, we would be based in Plovdiv instead of Sofia.