The historic city of Plovdiv may not be as well-known as cities like Varna or Sofia, but it is definitely worth a visit on your trip. Plovdiv is one of the oldest cities in Europe, even older than ancient Rome. This beautiful Bulgarian city has been home to people for over 8,000 years and shows the passage of time through a wide variety of elements from world history.
The incredibly long history of this city is also reflected in the many sights you can explore during your visit. Let yourself be enchanted by the Old Town and visit the Ancient Theatre. Also worth seeing is the Roman Stadium of Philippopolis or the Bishop's Basilica of Philippopolis. But there's so much more!
The cultural and historical heart of the city is shaped by the impressive Old Town. It is no coincidence that Plovdiv was named European Capital of Culture in 2019 and became known especially as a multicultural place. While exploring Plovdiv, you’ll also notice that the streets of the Old Town are almost car-free. You can roam the winding alleys undisturbed and be fascinated by Plovdiv’s ancient charm.
You definitely shouldn’t miss taking photos in front of this architectural masterpiece. Visit the Ancient Theatre of Plovdiv and be surprised by the oldest ancient theatre in the world. The theatre was built during the reign of Emperor Trajan, around 116 to 117 AD.
Especially interesting: This now-famous theatre was only discovered in the 1970s when a landslide revealed it to the citizens. To this day, the ancient theatre still hosts events with space for up to 7,000 people. Fans of opera and theatrical performances will certainly get their money's worth here. But even without a show, it is worth a visit just to see the structure. The striking building is made of white marble and is located between the southwestern slope of Dzhambaz Hill and Taksim Hill. Plovdiv features six different hills, with Plovdiv Hill being an especially good viewpoint.
Today, the Roman Stadium is only a remnant of the former city of Philippopolis, now better known as Plovdiv. But during Roman times, the current remains formed a stately stadium modeled after the Roman Forum in Rome—a place where citizens gathered. It’s no surprise that the Roman Stadium of Philippopolis could host up to 30,000 spectators.
Today, only fragments of this once lively and spectacular place remain, blending almost surrealistically into the urban setting of the Old Town. Like the Ancient Theatre, the Roman Stadium was only discovered in the 20th century. So feel free to stroll along Plovdiv’s shopping street and take a short detour to this impressive Roman-era landmark.
The Bishop’s Basilica dates back to the fourth or fifth century and now houses a modern museum that is especially great for families. At the same time, the basilica is a remarkable sight in its own right, as it is considered the largest early Christian church in the Balkans. For years, archaeologists worked to uncover the mosaics on the site so that the building's uniqueness could continue to be admired in the future. These mosaics can now be viewed during a visit to the basilica as you walk over a glass floor. But the Bishop’s Basilica doesn’t just feature stunning mosaics—it also offers fun for both young and old in the form of virtual reality adventures.
This church is located in the center of the Old Town and is one of the oldest Christian churches in Plovdiv. Over time, the church was repeatedly destroyed and rebuilt. The original church likely dates back to the 4th or 5th century, while the current structure of Saints Constantine and Helena Church dates to 1832. Visit this historic building and explore the large-scale wall paintings on the exterior walls.
The Church of the Holy Mother of God, also known as “Sveta Bogoroditsa,” was built in 1844 with the help of donations. This church marked the beginning of the autonomous Bulgarian church, where a worship service in the Bulgarian language was held for the first time in 1859. Particularly noteworthy are the gilded wood carvings and original 19th-century icons.
Although this building now houses only a restaurant, it is still a unique feature in the Bulgarian city. It is the only dervish monastery of its kind, which—although technically Muslim—is part of the Persian religious order of the Whirling Dervishes, also known as “Mevlevi.” Their presence disappeared at the end of the 19th century, but their building has survived. Inside the dervish monastery, you’ll find the hall where the famous liturgical dances once took place. The building also contains various Sufi wall paintings that are well worth a look. If you’re unfamiliar with Sufism: it is a mystical branch of Islam focused on direct personal experience of God.
But it wasn’t only the Romans who left their mark on Plovdiv—the Ottomans did as well. In the 14th century, the Ottoman army built the Dzhumaya Mosque, replacing the former Cathedral of St. Petka Tarnovska. During the reign of Sultan Murad II (1421–1451), the mosque was expanded and modified. The current Dzhumaya Mosque is considered the oldest surviving Friday mosque in Ottoman architecture.
Most of the grand buildings in this category were constructed in the early 19th century, a time when the Bulgarian people began to distinguish themselves from the Ottoman Empire. This spirit of awakening led to a collective feeling of national revival. Thus, these buildings came to be known as “Revival Houses,” which were carefully restored as symbols of Bulgaria’s rebirth. Today, the Revival Houses serve as museums and offer insight into the history of Plovdiv. Before your trip, check which houses might be of particular interest to you and be inspired by their variety.
Considered the oldest settlement in the city area, Nebet Tepe is one of Plovdiv’s seven hills. Here you can find evidence that the first settlements were established as early as the 12th century BC—as the ancient Thracian city of Eumolpia, later expanded by Philip of Macedonia. Because of this, Nebet Tepe is also referred to as the Acropolis of the city. Enjoy the magnificent views as you encounter the tiny remnants of earlier civilizations.
Ever wondered what pharmacies looked like around 150 years ago? You can find out in Plovdiv. The old pharmacy "Hippocrates", dating back to 1872, has been restored to its original state and is a unique historical site in the city. Even today, you can see firsthand how medicine was practiced during Bulgaria’s National Revival period.
This museum offers a wonderful insight into Bulgarian folk culture and impresses both inside and out. The Regional Ethnographic Museum is housed in a former merchant's mansion and features an ornate and playful exterior facade. Discover the culture of the Bulgarian people through musical instruments, handicrafts, and agricultural tools from a bygone era.
If you’re planning a longer stay in Bulgaria and want to explore not only Plovdiv but also the interesting locations around it, you should definitely try the delicious Bulgarian wines at one of the local wineries or embark on a hiking adventure in the Rhodope Mountains. Additionally, the Bulgarian capital Sofia is only a two-hour drive from Plovdiv and is also worth visiting.
All around Plovdiv, you’ll find many traditional wineries offering delightful wine tastings. You’ll especially enjoy yourself in the old Thracian Valley, where you can discover a 5,000-year-old winemaking tradition and savor unique wines in a picturesque Thracian landscape. Tours are particularly well-suited for visiting these wineries, as they also provide insights into the history of Bulgarian viticulture.
The Rhodope Mountains border the Thracian Valley and stretch to the edge of the city of Plovdiv. This stunning mountain range is famous for its unique flora and fauna. So it’s no surprise that many hiking enthusiasts visiting the city also venture out to the nearby Rhodopes. Explore the various hiking routes and discover the Trigrad Gorge, a spectacular limestone canyon. Just as breathtaking is the Devil’s Throat Cave, a unique dripstone cave featuring an underground waterfall. Another highlight is the Buynovo Gorge, the longest canyon in Bulgaria.
Note, however, that these three natural wonders are located a bit farther from Plovdiv. If you want to see not only the mountains but also the gorges and the cave, a two-day trip is likely your best option. The attractions are close to one another and can easily be combined. The drive from Plovdiv to the Buynovo Gorge takes about 4.5 hours by car. The first gorge can be reached after about 3.5 hours and lies directly along your route.
If you’d like to get to know Bulgarian culture even better and Plovdiv isn’t enough for you, you should definitely visit Sofia. Sofia is Bulgaria’s capital and still not overrun with tourists. Like Plovdiv, Sofia is considered one of the oldest cities in Europe and impresses visitors with its unique landmarks. You can find more information in our guide to Sofia.
If you would like to visit Plovdiv, the best time to plan your trip is between May and early October. The summer months are particularly ideal for a city trip, as they also allow for a hiking adventure in the cooler Rhodope Mountains. In general, however, Plovdiv can be visited year-round. After all, the city also hosts wonderful Christmas markets during the holiday season, and it’s especially peaceful in winter. Please note, though, that hiking in the Rhodopes is not recommended in winter due to unsuitable weather conditions.
We wish you lots of fun on your trip to Bulgaria and your exploration of Plovdiv. Order your digital vignette for Bulgaria from us now and enjoy worry-free driving on the country's highways. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us by email: [email protected]
