Popular Tourist Attractions to See and Things to Do in Plovdiv

September 12, 2021 Mustafa Natalwala 2136 Views

Plovdiv sits on the banks of river Maritsa in Bulgaria. The city is built upon the historic settlement of Thrace and its archaeological site is one of the most important historical places to visit in Plovdiv. It is the second largest city in the country and also its cultural capital. It was also crowned as European Cultural Capital in 2019. The city’s history involves many kingdoms and civilizations. The history of human civilization in the region goes back to 6th century BCE. The neolithic settlement was followed by Thracians, Persians, Greeks, Celts, Romans, Byzantines, Goths, Huns, Bulgars, Slavs, Crusaders and Ottomans. History of these empires in the regions can be explored at various Plovdiv attractions like the Ethnographic Museum, Archeological Museum and National History Museum.

Owing to so many different empires ruling over the region, the city has developed a unique culture which blends influences of cultures and traditions from the ruling clans. The old town area of the city is one of the best Plovdiv attractions to explore to see influences and amalgamations of the different cultures upon the city. On the other hand, if you want delve into to modern culture of the city, you should explore Kapana Creative District during Plovdiv sightseeing. This hip and happening area is the hub for quirky and contemporary aspects of art, food, performances, dance and design.

Another major aspect of Plovdiv travel are the surrounding hills. It is known as the “City of Seven Hills”. These lend a beautiful landscape to explore around the city for those who enjoy hiking and camping. Besides adventure and outdoor things to do in Plovdiv, these hills hold great amount of history and are an integral part of the legends and stories related to the city. There are a few archaeological sites from Thracian and even Neolithic periods which you can visit while exploring the surroundings of the city when you visit Plovdiv.

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Table of Contents

The Best 14 Places to Visit in Plovdiv, Bulgaria

1. Roman Theatre of Philippopolis

This theatre was built under the Roman rule in the 1st century A.D. and is one of the most popular places to visit in Plovdiv. This historical monument is still in use today for various performances and major events. The amphitheater has been restored many times but it still retains much of its original glory. You will need about an hour for this ancient marvel during Plovdiv trip.

2. Roman Stadium of Philippopolis

Yet another Roman marvel among things to see in Plovdiv. This one was built a century later under the reign of Hadrian. You can watch a 3D film about that period of time when you visit Plovdiv at this theatre. You should keep an hours time for this ancient monument.

3. Bachkovo Monastery “Uspenie Bogorodichno”

This is the oldest Eastern Orthodox monastery in the country and also the second largest. The monastery was founded in 1083 and shows blend of Georgian, Bulgarian and Byzantine religious traditions. It is also included among Plovdiv attractions for the beautiful frescos of Tsar Ivan Alexander. You will need 30 to 45 minutes for this monastery.

4. Regional Ethnographic Museum

This museum will provide great insight about the history and culture of the region. It is among the first places to visit among Plovdiv tourist attractions to gain perspective about rest of the places. You will need 2 hours for this museum.

5. Mevlevi Hane (Dervish Monastery)

This hall depicts what remains of the Mevlevi order of Sufis which resided here during the Ottoman rule. It is an interesting and almost forgotten aspect of the city’s history which can be revisited making it unique addition to Plovdiv sightseeing. You will need 15 to 20 minutes for Mevlevi Hane.

6. Nebet Tepe

If you are wondering what to see in Plovdiv outside the city, your question is answered by Nebet Tepe, literally meaning the prayer hill. The hill is home to the archeological sites of Eumolpias and Thracian settlements. This area is also quite popular for hiking and other outdoor things to do in Plovdiv. You will need 2 to 3 hours to explore various offering of this hill.

7. Asen’s Fortress (Asenova Krepost)

This fortress stands on the ridge of Asenitsa River and will require a short trip during Plovdiv travel to visit. The fortress goes back 6,000 years and used to be a stronghold of Thracians. You will need about 2 hours to explore this fortress.

8. Dzhumaya Mosque

The name of this mosque translates as Friday Mosque and is one of the best places to explore Turkish elements of Bulgarian culture when you visit Plovdiv. The mosque was first built during 1300s under Ottoman rule. While you explore it, you should also check out the cafes, shops and restaurants around it. You would need 20 to 30 minutes for this mosque.

9. Aviation Museum

This museum features Arial prowess and conquests of the country. It is closely linked to the communist and cold war history of Bulgaria. You will need about an hour for this museum.

10. Garden of Tsar Simeon

This is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Plovdiv. It was designed by Lucien Chevalas, a Swiss Landscape Architect. One of the biggest highlights of this garden is the Singing Fountain. It is a wonderful show which you can enjoy here without being charged a penny. You will need 30 to 45 minutes to enjoy this place.

11. Balabanov House Museum

This mansion is revered for Bulgarian revival architecture and lush interior decor which can be considered art by itself. The house also displays amazing works of contemporary Bulgarian art. It is one of the most popular Plovdiv attractions for art admirers. It will take you an hour at least to explore this museum.

12. Kapana Creative District

This area has been developed as cultural and creative hub of the city. It exhibits all quirky elements you would expect from such a district. Kapana, literally means the trap because of its criss-crossing streets. You will find many wonderful things to do in Plovdiv while exploring this district.

13. Regional Archaeological Museum

This museum exhibits the evolution of human settlement in the region over the centuries. This museum has more than 100,000 artifacts from different periods in the regions history and belonging to different civilizations. You will need 2 hours to explore this museum.

14. Church of St. Constantine and Helena

This church is dedicated to Emperor Constantine and his mother Helena. It is the oldest church in the city and sits atop a fortified hill. The church was also the site of tragic beheadings of christian martyrs and bears great religious and cultural significance. You will need an hour and a half to explore it during Plovdiv travel.

If you already seen above mentioned all place and still your heart and mind wants to see and do something more in Plovdiv then we suggest please check our below mentioned list of other things to do and see in Plovdiv.

Things to do in Plovdiv

Monuments, Museums & Historical Places to Visit in Plovdiv

Ancient City of Plovdiv
Ancient Theatre of Philippolis
Regional Ethnographic Museum
Ancient Stadium of Philippopolis
Nebet Tepe
Alyosha Statue
Dzhumaya Mosque
History Museum of Plovdiv
Balaboc’s House
Regional Archeological Museum
Aviation Museum
Bishop’s Basilica of Philippopolis
Museum of Natural Sciences
St. Konstantin Church
Museum – Gallery of Philippopolis
House Museum of Hindliyan
The Assumption of Holy Virgin Church
Hisar Kapia Gate
City Gallery of Fine Arts
Hillock of Fraternity
Small Basilica with Baptistery
Roman Forum and Odeon
The Statue of Milyo
Sveta Marina Church
The Eastern Gate of Philippopolis
Klianty House Museum
Clock Tower
Exposition Zlatyu Boyadzhiev Museum
Roman Forum
Dervish Monastery
Chifte Ottoman Baths
House Museum of Atanas Krastev
Historical Museum of Renaissance Exhibition
Plovdiv Synagogue
Lamartine’s House
Belashtitsa Monastery
The House of Veren Stambolyan
Museum Center of Contemporary History
Chalakov House

Nature & Wildlife Tourist Spots in Plovdiv

Dzhenhem Tepe Hill
Sachat Tepe
Lauta Park

Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Spots in Plovdiv

Aqualand Aquapark
Garden of Tsar Simeon
Singing Fountains
Trakart Cultural Center
Dragomir Winery Estate
Children’s Railroad
Plovdiv International Fair
Villa Vinifera
FLUCA Austrian Culture Pavilion
Youth Hill
Retro Photo Old Plovdiv
Dondukova Gradina Park
Monument of Unification
Nedelya Church
Ancient Plovdiv Municipal Institute
Princess Casino
Ritz Casino
Plovdiv Zoo
Rowing Canal

Shopping in Plovdiv

Knyaz Alexander I Street
Mall Plovdiv
Rayko Daskalov Street
Excelsior Shopping Center
Shopping Center Mall
Trakia Forum
Shopping Center Grand
Plovdiv Market Center
Markovo Tepe Shopping Center

Offbeat Places & Adventure Activities to Do in Plovdiv

Hiking
Buggy Ride
Horseback Riding
Rowing

Sightseeing in Plovdiv

Stefan Stambolov Sqaure
Danov Hill
Kapana Creative District

Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Plovdiv

Rahat Tepe
Central
Pavazh
Odean
Salt & Pepper
Smokini
Hemingway
Grebeca
Memory
The Theatre
Zlatna Krusha
Gerdjika
Jagerhof
Le Patite Paris
Sombrero
Philippopolis
Dolce Fellini

Where to Stay in Plovdiv?

Here we have listed Top Rated Luxurious, Mid-Range and Budget Hotels in Plovdiv. You can check below listed hotels for your perfect stay in Plovdiv.

Luxurious Hotels

Mid-Range Hotels

Budget Hotels

Custom Tours Package in Plovdiv

How to Reach Plovdiv?

By Air

The easiest option for Plovdiv travel is through the city’s international airport. The airport is about 20 minutes drive away from the city and you can get cabs, buses and shuttle buses to get to the city from the airport. You can get direct flights to visit Plovdiv from London, Dortmund, Dublin and Memmingen.

By Road

You can get direct trains for Plovdiv trip for Istanbul and Sofia. There are several international trains and busses which connect Plovdiv via these two cities. The bus network to reach Plovdiv is more widespread, but it can be expensive.

If you are planning for Plovdiv trip by road, you should first seek route A1, which is the closest major highway to the city. Other major routes connecting to Plovdiv include 8,58 and 56.

By Water

Being a landlocked city, there are no direct water routes for Plovdiv travel.

Image Reference

Roman Theatre of Philippopolis – Dennis Jarvis / Flickr
Roman Stadium of Philippopolis – Dennis Jarvis / Flickr
Bachkovo Monastery “Uspenie Bogorodichno” – Piotr Krawiec / Flickr
Regional Ethnographic Museum – Jeroen Kransen / Flickr
Mevlevi Hane (Dervish Monastery) – Михал Орела / Flickr
Nebet Tepe – Vladimir Bazović / Flickr
Asen’s Fortress (Asenova Krepost) – Krisztina Papp / PixaBay
Dzhumaya Mosque – David Jones / Flickr
Aviation Museum – Vislupus / Wikimedia Commons
Garden of Tsar Simeon – David Jones / Flickr
Balabanov House Museum – Mariusz Godlewski / PixaBay
Kapana Creative District – Siggy Nowak / PixaBay
Regional Archaeological Museum – VladislavNedelev / Wikimedia Commons
Church of St. Constantine and Helena – Leon Yaakov / Flickr