What to See in Plovdiv
Plovdiv is becoming more and more popular among travellers, and you might find yourself wondering – what do people do here? Does the European Capital of Culture title refer to its modern art scene, festivals, or folk tradition? The answer is a resounding yes to all of the above, and we’ve taken it upon ourselves to give you a rundown of the most interesting things to see in Plovdiv:
The Historical Landmarks
Plovdiv is the oldest continually inhabited city in Europe. Its history starts with the Thracian civilization around 6000 BC and continues full force to this day. There are countless remnants of past historical periods all over the city, and each and every one of them is worth seeing. Fans of the Roman Empire can explore remarkably preserved ruins such as the Ancient Theatre and the Roman Stadium, the Odeon and the Forum, or the countless pillars strewn across the city. Those who want to delve deeper into the past can visit the Thracian landmarks uncovered on the territory of Plovdiv or the artifacts preserved in its museums. There’s even quite a bit of the Byzantine Empire left – the Small Basilica is on its way to becoming e UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Great Basilica is already drawing crowds from all over the world despite being under restoration.
Special mention goes to the Old Town – an architectural reserve, where nearly every house is a historic museum and an example of the striking architectural style that characterized Bulgaria’s Revival Period. It spans 3 of Plovdiv’s famous hills, and its old-timey style and cobbled streets give it a feel of being completely removed from the modern city that lies below, like its own little world. In-between the 18th and 19th century houses lay many of the aforementioned Roman and Thracian landmarks, making the Old Town one of the best things to see in Plovdiv.
The Main Shopping Street
Also known as the Main Street, the Main Pedestrian Street and the heart of Plovdiv’s Centre, this is one of the most popular hangout spots in the city. 1,72km in length and lined with stores, cafes and restaurants from top to bottom, the Main Street is also surrounded by historical landmarks on all sides, making it the most quintessentially Plovdiv location you can ask for. Many of the places on this list are either in the Main Street or adjacent to it. People love it because of its modern style, beautiful architecture and lively atmosphere, and it’s just perfect for a walk or to – you guessed it – go shopping! If you’re still wondering what to see in Plovdiv, just stop by the Main Street and look around. There’s a bit for any taste.
Plovdiv’s Art Scene in the Kapana District
Plovdiv’s Art District can be two things, depending on who you ask – an arts and crafts neighborhood teeming with quaint little shops and cafés, each bearing its own unique and quirky style, or a hipster hub. Truth be told, it’s a bit of both. It’s a place where retro pop meets modern art, where crafts peacefully coexist with street graffiti and colorful cafes transform into moody bars past sunset. It’s one of the best places in Plovdiv to go out for a drink and hang out with friends. It’s often a venue for all sorts of concerts and festivals, including its very own Kapana Fest.
Food, Fun and Festivals
There are so many events scheduled in Plovdiv year-round, it’s hard to keep track. Concerts (sometimes held at the Roman Theatre!), travelling markets, food fests and art performances, Plovdiv has it all. If you’re wondering what to see in Plovdiv, just have a look at an online even calendar and check out what the city has in store during your trip, or simply check out our event page – best picks only.
The Nightlife
Plovdiv is already a bustling, lively city, so it may come as a surprise that by night, it actually becomes even more exciting. Its wild party scene awakens late in the evening and rages all the way to early morning. What to see of Plovdiv’s nightlife, you ask? How about everything – the clubs, the bars, the live entertainment, even the Main Street itself! Whether you’re a fan of cocktails, dancing, or just catchy bops, it takes little searching before you find exactly what you need to make your nights in Plovdiv as fun as your days.