Plovdiv travel guide
Plovdiv Tourism | Plovdiv Guide
You're Going to Love Plovdiv
Perhaps the oldest city in all of Europe, Plovdiv is home to fantastic architecture and a bustling economy.
As Bulgaria's second-largest city, Plovdiv is an important cultural hub. The region has many sites of archaeological interest, too (as well as a fantastic Archaeology Museum), thanks to its ancient history.
From the Plovdiv International Fair to weekly markets, there is always something going on in this city.
Top 5 Reasons to Visit Plovdiv
1. Rich History
From Alexander the Great to the Enlightenment, Plovdiv has played a major role in numerous empires and revolutions.
2. Fantastic Architecture
As a result of being part of many empires, right up to the end of the 20th century, Plovdiv has amazing architecture.
3. The Hills
The city is surrounded by hills, which make for great public spaces from which to enjoy sunset.
4. Bulgarian Rose Products
The local craftspeople make all sorts of items out of roses - from cosmetics to perfumes.
5. Affordable Food Options
Food stands can cost as little as лв1, while even mid-range restaurants charge лв10 - лв15 for salad, main courses, dessert, and drinks.
Where to Eat in Plovdiv
Cheap street food can be found everywhere. Top-rated Bulgarian establishments in town include Megdana and Hebros. The cost of an inexpensive meal is лв10.
When to visit Plovdiv
Plovdiv has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and snowy winters. Spring and fall are the most pleasant times to visit.
How to Get to Plovdiv
Plane
Plovdiv Airport (PDV) services flights to London, Frankfurt, and Moscow. There isn't a public transit option, but the taxi fare should be from лв10 to лв15.
Train
Both national and international trains frequent Plovdiv. The ride to Sofia takes about 2.5 hours with express trains and four hours with standard ones. Average prices are about лв6.
Car
Plovdiv sits just off the E80/A1, which connects to Sofia and the border with Greece and Turkey. Sofia can be reached in about 80 minutes from the city.
Bus
Buses regularly link to Plovdiv from all over Bulgaria, and some connect all the way to Istanbul. It takes about seven hours from Istanbul and costs about лв20.
Airlines serving Plovdiv
Where to stay in Plovdiv
The city center is probably the best place to stay. Hostels such as The Crib and Star Hotel are popular with travelers.
Popular neighbourhoods in Plovdiv
Old Town - there are no cars and plenty of art in this 24/7 cultural hub, which has fantastic architecture and many shops and cafes.
Glavnata - Plovdiv's main street has pleasant shops, galleries, and restaurants, and is a great place to walk around.
Karshiaka - a peaceful area with a pleasant riverside boulevard popular with expats and foreigners.
Where to stay in popular areas of Plovdiv
Most booked hotels in Plovdiv
How to Get Around Plovdiv
Public Transportation
Buses cover most of the city with an efficient service that costs лв1 for a one-way ride.
Taxi
Taxis can be found easily but many try to scam tourists. The charge per mile is about лв1.5. It is recommended to call a cab and wait for it rather than hail a taxi and try to negotiate a price.
Car
Driving is easy in Plovdiv and car rental companies abound. The cost of an economy car is about лв10 a day.
The Cost of Living in Plovdiv
Shopping Streets
There are many shopping centers in Plovdiv such as Mall Plovdiv and the Grand Trade Center. A summer dress will cost about лв40 in a department store in town.
Groceries and Other
Groceries are easy to find in Plovdiv; a Lidl is not far from downtown. A loaf of bread costs under лв1, while a dozen eggs costs лв2.5.