Top 15 Must-Do Activities in Plovdiv, Bulgaria

Plovdiv and its renowned hills have been continuously inhabited for 8,000 years, rendering it one of the oldest cities in the world. The Ancient Thracians dominated the region for several millennia prior to Roman conquest, which led to the construction of a magnificent array of monuments that are still being unearthed today in this Bulgarian city.

The Roman Theatre is among the most preserved ancient theatres globally, while the city’s hillside Old Town resembles an open-air museum adorned with ancient churches and mansions built by prosperous merchants from the city’s history, welcoming visitors into their historical realms. This amalgamation creates a captivating environment where Western and Eastern cultures have intertwined for centuries.

Let us delve into the most notable attractions in Plovdiv:

1. Ancient Theatre

Recognized as one of the world’s most intact ancient theatres, this structure continues to be utilized nearly 2000 years after its inception.

With a seating capacity for up to 7000 individuals, the theatre is carved into the hillside of Taksim Tepe, one of Plovdiv’s six hills. As visitors descend towards the terraces, they are greeted with breathtaking views of both the city and the Rhodope Mountains in the background.

This theatre was rediscovered in the 1970s following a landslide on the hill.

If visiting during summer, do not miss the opportunity to witness an opera or theatre performance in this enchanting setting.

2. Plovdiv Roman Stadium

This 2nd-century stadium once accommodated 30,000 spectators, though today only remnants of the structure are visible.

It is located beneath parts of Plovdiv’s Old Town and, similar to the Roman Theatre, was unearthed in the 20th century.

Optimal views can be enjoyed from Dzhumaya Square where visitors can gaze over the railings, overlooking a significant section of the stadium’s seating.

Venturing down offers the chance to navigate a vaulted passageway beneath the northern curve.

Additionally, be sure to visit the visitor center for insightful information regarding the stadium’s historical background.

3. Plovdiv Old Town

The pedestrian-friendly cobblestone streets of Old Plovdiv are a delight, where traditional residences harmonize with the Roman ruins of Plovdiv.

Most homes here, particularly along Ulitsa Saborna, feature half-timbered designs, and some of the more luxurious examples are vibrantly painted.

Notable among them is the House of Stepan Hindliyan, constructed in the mid-1800s, adorned in blue with distinctive delicate sgraffito patterns around its window frames.

Visitors can enter this charming historical house, along with several others in Old Town, to admire the extravagant interior decorations.

Incredible attention to detail can be found in the murals of a single room in Stepan Hindliyan’s House, which took six months to hand-paint!

4. Bachkovo Monastery

Located just outside Plovdiv in the town of Asenovgrad is this monastery established in 1083.

Bachkovo is the second-largest and oldest Eastern Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria, harmoniously integrating Bulgarian, Georgian, and Byzantine religious traditions.

The oldest surviving section of the original complex is the ossuary, situated a few hundred meters from the primary buildings.

This area features frescoes from the 1300s, with one depicting Tsar Ivan Alexander of the Second Bulgarian Empire.

Inside the Holy Virgin Church, there is an icon of the Virgin Mary that was transported from Georgia in the early 14th century.

5. Regional Ethnographic Museum

This attraction, housed in a mid-19th century merchant’s residence belonging to Argir Kuyumdzhioglu, who hailed from Bulgaria, enhances the cultural experience of Old Town.

Upon entering, visitors are greeted by the ornate Baroque sgraffito above the entrance and the flowing lines of the building’s roof.

The museum has accumulated over 40,000 items representing Bulgarian folk culture across centuries.

Exhibits include authentic musical instruments, textiles, clothing, handicrafts, and agricultural tools.

Additionally, one can compare rural village life depicted in the Rhodope room with urban opulence in the Plovdiv guest room.

6. Ancient Philippopolis

Adjacent to Plovdiv’s post office lies the remnants of the city’s Roman forum that intersected the two main thoroughfares, the cardo maximus and decumanus maximus.

This area must have been spectacular during its prime, when visitors would advance through three majestic archways, or propylae, to access the square.

Currently, what remains are evocative pieces of Doric columns. Just next door is the odeon, which served as the meeting place for Plovdiv’s council, signifying the city’s historical significance within the region.

This site offers a view of a semi-circular arena with numerous rows of seating in pristine condition.

7. Mevlevi Hane

This building served the Mevlevi Order of Sufis, a rather unique feature in Bulgaria.

The Mevlevi order existed during the Ottoman era but faded in Plovdiv by the late 19th century.

What remains is the hall, or ‘tekke’, where the Sufis conducted their revered liturgical dances. This structure dates to the Renaissance period but has undergone some Ottoman-era modifications.

The Hane is especially noteworthy as it is located next to the old city’s fortifications, with some artefacts retrieved from archaeological excavations displayed downstairs in the Puldin restaurant.

8. The Clock Tower

Perched atop Sahat Tepe, one of Plovdiv’s six hills, this fortified tower is emblematic of the city.

Visitors can reach this site within a few minutes from the Roman Stadium, where the structure features a conical lead roof resting atop a gallery that is over 300 years old.

Various minor alterations have occurred over the years; in 1883, the prominent clock presently visible was fitted, crafted specifically in Vienna.

9. Asen’s Fortress

A brief drive or bus ride southeast of Plovdiv leads to a medieval castle that precariously perches on the edge of a ridge overlooking the Asenitsa River.

As you approach, this striking structure can be seen prominently against a backdrop of limestone formations and pine foliage.

The fortress walls zigzag down the steep mountainsides, guarding a strategic position that has been a fortress for over 6,000 years, dating back to the Thracians.

The structures visible today originate from the 1200s, with the most well-preserved portion being the Church of the Holy Mother of God, showcasing exquisite but partially damaged murals from the 14th century.

10. Church of St. Konstantin and Elena

This site, situated on the Acropolis, is one of Plovdiv’s earliest representations of Christian heritage, dating back to the 4th century.

Historical records indicate that it was established approximately 30 years following the martyrdom of Severin and Memnos for their Christian beliefs while paganism still prevailed.

The interior reflects the Bulgarian National Revival period in the 1800s and is decorated in an ornate neo-baroque style.

11. Dzhumaya Mosque

Following the Ottoman conquest of the city in the 1300s, this mosque was constructed over a previously existing cathedral.

After several centuries, it was renovated during Sultan Murad II’s reign, resulting in the structure visible today.

A notable enhancement occurred in the 1800s when the northern side of the mosque was refurbished with wooden kiosks.

12. Plovdiv Aviation Museum

After a day or two immersed in ancient ruins and historical churches, a change of atmosphere may be preferable.

This attraction, located at the city’s airport, is particularly appealing to those interested in Bulgaria’s communist history and Cold War era.

The outdoor collection exhibits Mikoyan-Gurevich (MiG) and Yak aircraft, allowing for close interactions.

However, the most significant aircraft on display is the Arado 196 A-3, a German seaplane manufactured in 1938, which stands as the last existing model worldwide.

13. Walk Plovdiv’s Hills

The six hills of Plovdiv rise prominently from the urban landscape.

Originally seven, one, Markovo Tepe, was quarried for syenite stone during the 19th and 20th centuries.

Much of the paving stone found throughout Plovdiv consists of this syenite, so as you traverse the city streets, one could say that you are essentially walking on Markovo Tepe!

The taller hills among the remaining six are forested, and locals suggest that climbing each of them presents unique sunset views.

However, if time is limited, consider Dzhendem Tepe, a natural landmark and the highest hill at over 300 meters.

14. Traditional Bulgarian Fare

While Plovdiv offers a wide array of international cuisines and fast food options, indulging in local cuisine is highly recommended.

At a traditional Bulgarian Mehana, guests can enjoy authentic dance performances while dining.

This experience is not solely tourist-oriented; rather, it reflects a common cultural practice in this region. Megdana in Plovdiv is renowned for such experiences.

A typical dinner includes generous servings of grilled meats, clay pot stews, skewered mushrooms, halloumi cheese, yogurt, and fresh Shopska salad made with tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and peppers.

15. Mavrud Wine and Rakia

Two notable local drinks define the beverage landscape of Plovdiv, one being somewhat more sophisticated than the other.

The first, Rakia, a potent fruit brandy, is widely appreciated throughout the Balkans and exhibits variations depending on the region.

This drink has been distilled in Bulgaria since at least the 1000s and is best complemented by a light Shopska salad.

Additionally, numerous tour operators in Plovdiv facilitate excursions to the Thracian Lowland wine region encircling the city. You can find a list of available tours right here.

This region is home to the indigenous Mavrud red grape, which is often blended with other varieties but also features its own distinct varietals, commonly found in local restaurants in Plovdiv.