With less than a week to go until the start of Plovdiv’s mandate as European Capital of Culture, the city has been getting more and more exposure, drawing the eyes of passionate nomads and casual travelers alike. There’s a lot to Bulgaria that can only be experienced first-hand, but it’s no secret that it’s a small country with small cities, and you might find yourself wondering whether it’s worth the trip.

Plovdiv’s unique atmosphere can only be fully understood through immersion, but if the rich history and culture, wonderful cuisine, local nightlife and fun events leave you with a bit of free time, here are a few suggestions on how to broaden the scope of your vacation:

Go on a day-trip to the Bachkovo Monastery, the second largest in Bulgaria

Only half an hour away from Plovdiv, in the lush forests of the Rhodope Mountains, lies an architectural gem steeped in history. Founded all the way back in the 11th century, Bachkovo Monastery is well-loved for its tranquil atmosphere, beautiful design, the intricate wall murals within its main church, and an icon that is said to perform miracles. The cobbled road that leads up to the monastery is lined with market stalls selling trinkets and traditional crafts, and the restaurants serve some of the best traditional Bulgarian food in the region. Isolated from the bustling cities and quant villages that surround it, the monastery blends perfectly into the mountainscape, and it’s not unusual for visitors to take a short detour to the nearby Bachkovo Waterfall.

Protip: An hour’s drive away is the Wondrous Bridges natural landmark – three natural bridges formed by the passage of a river through the mountainside, and one of the most breathtaking landmarks in the Rhodopes. A good addition to your trip to Bachkovo if you have extra time on your hands.

Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Karlovo in Bulgaria’s Rose Valley

It only takes an hour to reach Karlovo from Plovdiv, and it’s well worth the visit. Karlovo is steeped in culture, its main attraction being its Old Town architectural reserve. This is one of the best places to learn about the history of Bulgaria, with historic house-museums that belonged to important historical figures, and houses built in the style of the Bulgarian Revival period – similar to the ones in Plovdiv’s Old Town, but with their own unique twist to them. Some of the houses have workshops in them that allow visitors to craft small dolls and try their hand at using an old-timey printing press.

Karlovo is also one of the most significant towns in the Rose Valley, and a wonderful gateway into the world of Bulgarian rose oil, derived from the delicate blossoms of the Damascena Rose that grow in the fields around the town.

Protip: If you’re curious to try Bulgaria’s famed rose products, don’t stop at the rose water and perfumes – try rose rakia (a type of brandy) and rose jam from one of the many gift shops.

See the remnants of Ancient Rome and the Thracian civilization in one short trip

The peaceful towns of Starosel and Hisarya are the perfect tag-team when it comes to archeological discoveries.

The ancient Thracians are known for the their complicated burial tradition that involved entombing important members of their society along with their most prized possessions and burying these tombs in earth, allowing them in time to become part of the surrounding landscape. Starosel is home to the oldest Thracian burial complex to ever be discovered in Bulgaria – it dates to the 5th century BC, making it 7000 years old! The smaller of the two tombs is the only one in Bulgaria with a colonnade.

Nearby is the town of Hisarya, once an important Roman settlement due to the mineral water springs in the area. The Roman fort wall that winds around the town is impressively intact, and the Roman thermae (large public bathhouses) near the park are amongst the best preserved in the Balkans.

Protip: If you find yourself in Starosel, drop by Starosel Winery – a gorgeous winery built in the style of a Thracian tomb. Exquisite wine, style and good service – what more can a wine enthusiast ask for?

Visit Bulgaria’s wine capital

The village of Belashtitsa has one very important feature – it’s in the heart of the Thracian Plain, a place with thousands of years of winemaking tradition! The area is known for its high-end wineries that give you the chance to delve into the world of Bulgarian wine. You might want to check out Todoroff Winery – the first boutique winery in Bulgaria. Of course, it’s not hard to find wine all over Plovdiv, but there’s something about the atmosphere of a winery and the way the vineyards stretch as far as the eye can see that turns a simple wine tasting into an unforgettable experience. Besides, you get a tour of the wine cellar!

Protip: Todoroff winery has a wonderful restaurant that’s just perfect for a romantic lunch or dinner.

Learn about Plovdiv’s quirkier aspects

Plovdiv is a multi-faceted city – it takes a while to get to know it. If you have a niche interest or a hobby such as photography, you might want to step off the beaten path and immerse yourself in some of this city’s lesser known areas. Plovdiv’s creativity is embodied in the graffiti strewn across its smaller streets, and the fact that you never know what you’ll see around the corner turns the hunt for beautiful street art into an adventure. Its hills that tower over it have witnessed its millennia-long history, and that is best felt on their rocky slopes. You can devote a whole day to the local cuisine at traditional restaurants, and try some foreign cuisine while you’re at it – Plovdiv’s got it all.

Protip: Plovdiv is just as exciting past sunset as it is during the day – try the local nightlife at any (or all) of it dance clubs, bars and restaurants.

Just immerse yourself in the spirit of Plovdiv

Our top pick is, as always, Plovdiv itself. The Old Town, the Main Street, the Tsar Simeon Garden and the Kapana art district comprise the beating heart of a city full of beauty and wonder. There’s an event scheduled almost every day of the upcoming 2019, from colorful festivals to concerts and performances. History, culture, art and an unwavering friendliness are the building blocks of the 2019 European Capital of Culture, and we suggest travelers devote at least 2-3 full days to exploring it, mingling in with the locals and immersing themselves in its lifestyle.

Protip: Look up an event schedule to help time your visit just right.