Plovdiv Bulgaria
Plovdiv is Bulgaria’s second-largest city and one of Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited cities. It is known for its Old Town, Roman heritage, creative districts, and strong cultural identity, and it gained even more international attention as European Capital of Culture in 2019. Unlike Sunny Beach, Plovdiv is not a seasonal seaside resort. It is a year-round city destination with history, food, culture, and events in every season.
Plovdiv is located in southern Bulgaria. The main visitor area is centred around Knyaz Alexander I pedestrian street, Central Square, Tsar Simeon Garden, the Roman Stadium, Kapana, and the Old Town, which makes the city easy to explore on foot. Plovdiv Airport is around 12 km southeast of the city, and the city has roughly 341,000 to 343,000 residents.
Best Tours and Day Trips in Plovdiv
Old Town Walking Tour
Ancient Theatre and Roman Stadium Tour
Kapana Food and Wine Walk
Bachkovo Monastery and Asen’s Fortress
Rhodope Mountains Day Trip
Wine and Gourmet Experiences
More tours.
Events in Plovdiv
Depending on the week, visitors can find live music in Kapana, theatre and opera performances, exhibitions, wine tastings, guided city tours, and seasonal festivals in the Old Town and central areas.
More events.
Activities, Classes and Things to Do in Plovdiv Bulgaria
Wine tasting
Bulgarian cooking experiences
Photography and street art walks
Cycling and outdoor activities
Hiking in the Rhodope region
Sport and leisure at the Rowing Canal
More activities you can find here.
Airport Transfers Plovdiv
Transfer from Plovdiv Airport to Plovdiv city centre
Transfer from Plovdiv Airport to hotels and apartments
Regional transfers from Plovdiv to nearby destinations
Private car and group transfer options
More airport transfer information you can find here.
Best Restaurants in Plovdiv
Traditional Bulgarian restaurants in the Old Town
Wine bars and modern bistros in Kapana
Stylish dining around the pedestrian centre
Family-friendly restaurants in different parts of the city
Garden restaurants and live-music venues
Find out more restaurants in Plovdiv here.
FAQ about Plovdiv Bulgaria
Is Plovdiv Bulgaria worth visiting outside summer?
Answer: Yes. Plovdiv is a year-round cultural city, not a summer-only resort.
What is the best area to stay in Plovdiv?
Answer: The city centre, Kapana, and the Old Town are the most convenient areas for sightseeing, food, and nightlife.
What are the main places to see in Plovdiv?
Answer: The Old Town, Ancient Theatre, Roman Stadium, Bishop’s Basilica, Tsar Simeon Garden, and Kapana are among the city’s best-known highlights.
Other frequently asked questions and expert answers you can find here.
Guest Experiences
Things to do in Plovdiv. Excursions & Private Tours
Dear visitors, welcome to Plovdiv & Thrace region. Our team invites you to explore with us the best rated Day trips from Plovdiv for small groups and private tours. Our offer includes UNESCO sites like Plovdiv Old town and ancient Roman Theatre, Bachkovo monastery and Assen’s Fortress, Rhodope mountains and wonderful bridges, Perperikon and wine tasting in Starosel. Rose fields and more. Plovdiv is centrally located and amazing destinations are just a short drive away. Whether you seek history, art, nature, or culture, each tour offers a unique experience.
Here are the best events in Plovdiv 2025.
- Plovdiv Old town tour and ancient Roman Theatre | Duration – 3 h 30 min | Price 29 BGN / 15 Euro
- Bachkovo monastery and Assen’s Fortress | Duration 8 h 30 min | Price 76 BGN / 39 Euro
- Rhodope mountains, Bachkovo and wonderful bridges | Duration 12 h | Price 147 BGN / 75 Euro
- Perperikon and wine tasting in Starosel | Duration | Price 127 BGN / 65 Euro
- Koprivshtitsa and Thracian thombs | Duration 8 h 30 min | Price 115 BGN / 59 Euro
- Rose valley abd Kazanlak Tombs | Duration – 9 h | Price 135 BGN / 69 Euro
- Belashtitsa Monastery and Countryside | Duration – 4 h | Price 49 BGN / 25 Euro
All our excursions, Day Trips and events in Plovdiv include:
- Hotel pickup
- Licensed guides
- Flexible schedules
- Comfortable buses
- Free cancellation up to 24h
- Online booking
Things to do in Plovdiv in 2026
Top 10 Activities Events and things to do in Plovdiv for Foreign Visitors:
Ancient Roman Theatre: This well-preserved Roman amphitheater is still used for concerts and performances today.
Kapana Creative District: Plovdiv’s artistic hub, full of trendy cafes, galleries, and artisan shops.
Old Town: Wander through the cobbled streets of Plovdiv’s Old Town and admire the beautifully preserved houses from the Bulgarian Revival period.
Roman Stadium: A large Roman stadium partly uncovered in the city center, offering insight into Plovdiv’s ancient past.
Nebet Tepe: This hill offers panoramic views of Plovdiv and is an archaeological site with ruins dating back to the Thracians.
Bachkovo Monastery: Just outside the city, this beautiful monastery is one of the oldest in Bulgaria and a peaceful retreat.
Alyosha Monument: A symbol of the city’s Soviet past, this monument offers great views over Plovdiv.
Ethnographic Museum: Learn about Bulgarian traditions and folk culture in this beautiful 19th-century house.
Plovdiv Regional Historical Museum: Discover the city’s long and varied history through its extensive collections.
Rowing Canal: Enjoy a relaxing day by this large artificial canal, perfect for picnics, walks, or rowing activities