Plovdiv, Bulgaria: Explore the Ancient European Aura

You have heard about Milan, Venice, Tbilisi, Paris, Rome, and Vienna. But, you have yet to learn about the ancient city of Europe- Plovdiv, Bulgaria. So, we have taken some time out to tell you all about this hidden gem of Europe.

Throughout this post, you will get to know everything about Plovdiv. From things to do to places to see and foods to eat, it has everything you should know about Plovdiv. So, let's start this journey of knowing Plovdiv with us.

About Plovdiv - A Brief Introduction

Plovdiv, the largest city in Bulgaria, is the cultural capital, bursting with cultures, traditions, medieval, historical sites, adventures, and much more. Plovdiv is a lively hub of historical delights and modern charm. It is considered one of the oldest cities in the whole European region.

The history here spans millennia and can be traced back through its numerous dynasties and empires. Its streets, old towns, and ancient buildings tell the stories of its past. Plovdiv exudes unspoiled nature and a classic vibe throughout the city that cannot be missed. There are many attractions and things to do in Plovdiv that you must experience.

The city offers many reasons for tourists to visit, such as architecture, hills, rich history, culinary delights, and Bulgarian rose products. Plovdiv is a multicultural city which is an ideal place to explore galleries, museums, and theatres.

Best Time to Visit Plovdiv

Plovdiv is an all-year-round destination in Bulgaria. Every season has something for travelers to enjoy and explore. There are four seasons- summer, spring, winter, and autumn. Choosing the right season lets you relish the best time in the city. If you choose the summer season to visit Plovdiv Bulgaria, you will face extreme crowds and hot weather.

Summer is the peak season when everyone visits Plovdiv for a pleasant vacation. However, the best seasons to visit Plovdiv are spring and autumn, when the tourist footfall is low and the weather is favourable.

In the spring season, the city gets covered in vibrant hues of blooming flowers and green valleys. Every landscape gets rich with beautiful vistas that are worth capturing. The temperatures are cool and breezy enough to make you explore the streets and sites more properly.

Likewise, the autumn season brings the arrival of winter, when every portrait is yellowish, and the weather is pleasant. It is the perfect time for a quiet and serene vacation in Plovdiv, Bulgaria. So, if you want a peaceful holiday in this ancient European city, fly during the spring and autumn season.

Best Places to Visit in Plovdiv

Plovdiv has a wealth of attractions to see and explore. If you are confused by all the places you can visit, here is the list of must-see places in Plovdiv.

• The Old Town

The most impressive place in Plovdiv is the Old Town. It is one of the stunning places to visit in Plovdiv. To explore the old town, you must take a 40-minute long walk. The best way to tour this beautiful town is on your foot. Walk on the cobbled streets adorned with vibrant buildings exuding old architecture and pretty little shops. It will make your heart happy and full with all the ancient magic these houses have.

These flamboyant houses in Plovdiv Bulgaria work perfectly as a backdrop for your Instagram-worthy photographs. Some of the most pleasing houses in Plovdiv’s Old Town are Hindliyan House, Nedkovich House, Klianti House, Balabanov House, and House of Stambolyan.

• The Roman Theatre of Philippopolis

One of the most spectacular attractions in Plovdiv is the Roman Theatre, which looks like a big stadium. It is among the best-preserved historical Roman theatres in the world. The Roman Theatre is one of the top places to visit in Plovdiv, which was built during the 1st century AD.

It can house between 5000-7000 spectators at one time. This Roman theatre depicts the Plovdiv’s close bond with its Roman past. It was destroyed during the 4th or 5th century and rediscovered during 1968-1979. Today, it hosts multiple shows and performances.

• Dzhumaya Mosque

Another striking attraction in Plovdiv is Dzhumaya Mosque. Constructed in 1363-1364, Dzhumaya Mosque is one of the oldest in the Balkans. It is not a tourist spot but travelers are allowed to go inside the mosque and admire the serene air. Dzhumaya Mosque is the famous cultural heritage of Bulgaria.

One of the most eye-catching things about this mosque is its Ottoman and Bulgarian-rich architecture. Its incredible architecture makes it a sight to behold. Settled amidst the beautiful streets of Plovdiv’s Old Town, Dzhumaya Mosque is one of the top places to visit in Plovdiv.

• Ethnographic Museum

The Ethnographic Museum is one of the popular attractions in Plovdiv. Nestled on the streets of Old Town, the museum has a vast collection of handicraft tools like pottery, musical instruments, copper utensils, ancient weapons, shepherd’s wood carving, etc. Besides the exhibits, the museum’s architecture is one of the things to admire. If you are in Plovdiv, add this to your best places to visit in the Plovdiv list.

• Nebet Tepe

Nebet Tepe is the ancient hills of Plovdiv. It has a profound history. Nebet Tepe is one of the three hills where a town was located approximately 6000 years ago. Today, it is a tourist location where people visit for unparalleled views of Plovdiv and its surroundings. It falls among the splendid places to visit in Plovdiv.

The name of this attraction refers to the hill of guards, which comes from the Turkish words Nevbet and Tepe.

Top Things to Do in Plovdiv, Bulgaria

If you are in Plovdiv, you get many chances to make memories through the things you can experience here. Here is a list of things you can do in Plovdiv on your holiday:

• Explore the Street Art of Plovdiv

As Plovdiv is a cultural, traditional, and artistic city, you will find a lot of incredible street art here. Exploring the streets filled with vibrant street art is one of the fascinating things to do in Plovdiv. At every turn, you will come across a street whose walls are swamped with unique art. Plovdiv has embraced the street art culture by allowing artists to paint the walls, post boxes, drain pipes, etc.

• Hear the Fountain Sing

There is a place called the Singing Fountain in Plovdiv. Located in the heart of Plovdiv’s Garden of Tsar Simeon, it is one of the best places to experience something surreal. Listening to the singing fountain is one of the most beautiful things to do in Plovdiv. Imagine sitting on a bench in the garden and listening to fountain music with your eyes closed.

This natural fountain show is so pretty that you will come back to this garden time and again. At night, this fountain can outshine every attraction you may have liked in the daytime.

• Discover the Ottoman-era Houses

The famous Old Town of Plovdiv has many jaw-dropping houses blessed with Ottoman-era architecture. All these houses on the cobblestone streets of Old Town are no less than landmarks. Traversing these houses is one of the most impressive things to do in Plovdiv. The old-world charm of these buildings transports tourists to the bygone era.

Some architecturally rich houses are Hindliyan House and Klianti House. These houses are bathed in vibrant glory that smells like ancient times.

• Try Thracian Wine in Plovdiv

Plovdiv has rich grape varieties that produce different wines. It is one of the best places to try Thracian wine in Bulgaria. You can also go on Bulgaria wine-tasting tours. These wine-tasting tours are fun and beautiful. Trying wine is one of the most enjoyable things to do in Plovdiv. At every nook and corner, you will find various bars & shops selling these wonderful wines.
 
• Go on a Local Craft Shopping

One of the famous local shopping streets in Plovdiv is Magura Street. Nestled in the neighborhood of Plovdiv, Kapana, you can buy local souvenirs and handmade crafts in Magura Street. Shopping here is one of the joyful things to do in Plovdiv, as the street is bustling with so many things to buy, food to eat, etc.

From sandals to leather bags, jewelry, designer shoes, and handmade belts, Magura Street is brimming with all this and more. This local street market showcases the art of talented artisans of Bulgaria.

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Things to Remember Before Heading to Plovdiv

There are a few things that tourists need to remember before flying to Plovdiv. It helps them to enjoy the trip more appropriately. Here are the tips you can skim through before heading to Bulgaria:

• Plovdiv requires tourists to take a visa before visiting the country. So, you must follow visa requirements for Bulgaria.
• The next important thing to do is to check the weather forecast and pack your clothes accordingly. If you are going during the winter, be ready for harsh winters. Likewise, summers are also extremely hot.
• Plovdiv Bulgaria is a city rich in culture and traditions, so it is also important that you follow religious sentiments while visiting sacred places. Dress accordingly at religious places.
• Always bring some cash with you. Although many shops and restaurants accept credit/debit cards, it is advisable to have cash in hand.
• Plovdiv has a good transport system. You can easily travel within the city on a bus as its connectivity is incredible. If you want a more relaxing experience, rent a car for a day.
• One of the most important things to remember while holidaying in Plovdiv is to avoid littering waste on the roads or sites. Use public dustbins to throw garbage. Carry a bag with you to collect the wrappers of junk you eat.

Wander in Plovdiv with Dook

Plovdiv is an awe-inspiring destination in Bulgaria that brims with European culture, ancient heritage, and unparalleled landscapes. This historical city exudes an ancient charm that you must experience. If you want to book your Plovdiv trip, check out Dook International’s official website. We have countless Bulgaria tour packages that are always on discount and offer a great deal to our travelers.

Besides, our travel packages are carefully designed to match the traveler's preferences. You can personalize your travel experience with our Bulgaria holiday package. Our bespoke tour packages include everything you want in a holiday. So, be ready to experience the best of Plovdiv with Dook’s travel packages.

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