Plovdiv Travel Guide

Plovdiv is the second largest city in Bulgaria after the capital Sofia and is one of the oldest cities in Europe, even older than Constantinople and Rome.

Because of its geographical location not far from the Bulgarian border with Turkey Plovdiv is a place where west and east meet giving it a unique and interesting view of times of old. In ancient times the city was a major stop of the trade routes from Persia to central Europe and has been a city of interest ever since.

History

In the years before Christ Plovdiv was a major settlement for the Thracians, this was until the time of Philip of Macedon II who took Plovdiv and named the city Philippoupolis (city of Philip).

Later on the city became one of the farthest reaches of the Roman Empire and was rename Trimontium meaning the city of three hills, although there are more than three hills in the city.

Because of its rich history the city has become a place of much interest and benefits visitors with a wonderful array of historical monuments and sites to visit.

Sights

Plovdiv Roman Theatre – Unearthed by a landslide in 1970 the Roman theatre is the best preserved in the Balkans. The theatre held around 7,000 citizens when it was built in the second century AD under the rule of Trajan the Roman Emperor.

Plovdiv Roman Stadium – With a capacity of 30,000 and at over one hundred and eighty metres in length the Roman Stadium of Plovdiv is a magnificent reminder of Plovdiv’s Roman past. The stadium is only partially uncovered with the majority lying under the main street of Plovdiv city centre.

National Revival – In the old town of the city there are many beautiful nineteenth century houses built in the renaissance style that are majestic to look at and really take one back in time to when Bulgaria became independent from Ottoman Rule.

City Garden – B the centre square of the city is the wonderful city gardens that are beautifully cultivated and provide a tranquil and serene place for tourists and the people of Plovdiv to enjoy.

Further to the above there are hundreds of Roman ruins dotted around the city that you can view at your pleasure, there are also many wonderful Orthodox Churches and Islamic Mosques to see and a number of different museums.

Retaurants and Shops

There are many amazing restaurants in the centre of Plovdiv all serving regional food from the Balkans such as Banitza, Shopska salad and Sarmi.

One of the favourites to visit are Dreams during the day which is on the main street by the City Gardens, here you can indulge in cakes, coffee, sandwiches’ and other meals while basking in the sun and watching the world walk by. Another favourite is Happy Bar Grill where you can sit inside and sample all the delicacies of Bulgaria from salads to Meze and hot meals all washed down with the beverage of your choice.

Plovdiv has many small boutiques selling a range of clothes, cosmetics and other products as well as having two small shopping malls. The shopping malls offer everything from sports clothing to regional souvenirs and jewellery.

Nightlife

At night the city comes alive with activity as the many bars, clubs and casinos light up enticing everyone to visit. Some of the great places in the centre include bar nonsense where you can enjoy beer and shots in an informal setting or the more upmarket cocktails bars where you can sample many handmade cocktails to great music.

Hotels




Novotel Hotel





Sankt Peterburg Hotel
Dedeman Trimontium
Alliance hotel
Gabi Hotel
Noviz Hotel





Dafi hotel New
Apart Complex
Avion hotel
Belle Ville Hotel
Best Western Hotel Bulgaria
Bright House
Business Hotel Plovdiv
Ego Hotel
Elite Hotel
Expo Hotel
Famous House Hotel
Hebros hotel
Kendros Hotel
Leipzig Hotel
Metropol Hotel
Nord Hotel
Noris Hotel
Odeon Hotel
Park Hotel Imperial
Real Hotel
Rodopi Hotel
Romantica Hotel
Russalka Hotel
Seven Hills Hotel

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