Stefania’s travels have taken her all over the world, and this summer took her to Bulgaria. Read all about her impressions of her trip with fellow travelogger Francisco:

Colorful, Instagrammable buildings, Roman historical sites, hipster cafès and an overnight trip to a wine estate: check out the best things to do in Plovdiv, Bulgaria.

Did you know that Plovdiv is the 2019 European Capital of Culture? It’s easy to understand why when you visit this historical city, which is without a doubt the cultural capital of Bulgaria.

This means that in 2019 Plovdiv will host daily musical, theatrical and artistic events, and it’s one more reason to visit asap.

But even if you can’t make it in 2019, there are tons of things to do in Plovdiv in 2 days or a long weekend. Together with Enjoy Plovdiv, I’ve created the perfect itinerary for your first time in the city visiting the best Plovdiv attractions. Check out this list of the best 7 places to visit in Plovdiv.

## 1| EXPLORE THE CITY CENTRE AND STROLL DOWN PLOVDIV’S MAIN STREET Plovdiv’s main street is called Knyaz Alexander Battenberg I. This street has a great history dating back to centuries ago and it’s where locals meet and go for a walk.

If you are a foodie, then this street offers many options for you. There are have restaurants, ice-cream houses and many more fast food stalls here. You can have Italian cuisine or fine Belgium chocolate, all here on this street. There are also bars and clubs here if you’re planning to enjoy the nightlife, as well as all major fashion brands shops and a number of independent boutique shops.

2| VISIT PLOVDIV’S HISTORICAL SITES

Plovdiv, Bulgaria and its well-known hills are more than 8,000 years old. Thracians ruled here for some thousand years but after them, Romans took over and changed the complete architecture and look of Plovdiv. There are many locations that tell the history of Plovdiv, and you shouldn’t miss them:

Roman Amphitheatre

This was built during the reign of Emperor Trajan, and was later uncovered during a freak landslide in 1972. When you visit this place, you can feel relive the scene a matador fighting a bull in the arena to show his abilities to the king and his fellow citizens.

It’s a place with great historical presence which hosts numerous events in the summer and fall. Try and grab a ticket for one of them!

Roman Stadium

This is another example of how fond Romans were of hosting and playing games that demanded bloodshed.

It is estimated that the Roman Stadium was 240 m long and 50 m wide, and it could accommodate 30000 spectators at once. The stadium is partially restored, and visitors can walk around it. There’s also a scale model of the stadium outside, that makes you understand how huge this place was!

Church of the Holy Mother of God

This orthodox church is one of the most important ones in the city of Plovdiv. Built in the 9th century, the church features beautiful, colorful interiors and it’s definitely worth a quick visit even if you are not religious.

Read more about her tour of Plovdiv and Midalidare estate and enjoy the wonderful pictures she took on her website HERE