Multi-Day Trips in Plovdiv: A Comprehensive Guide

Overview

Plovdiv, often referred to as “The City of Seven Hills,” is Bulgaria’s second-largest city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its rich history spans over 6000 years, making it one of the oldest cities in Europe. This guide provides valuable information for those planning multi-day trips in Plovdiv.

Day 1: Ancient Plovdiv

• Start your day at the Old Town. Explore the cobbled streets lined with beautifully restored houses dating back to the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman periods.
• Visit the Ancient Theatre. Dating back to the 2nd century AD, this impressive theatre still hosts concerts and performances during the summer months.
• Explore the Ethnographic Museum. Located in a traditional Bulgarian Revival house, it provides an insight into the lifestyle, customs, and traditions of the Bulgarians from the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Day 2: Modern Plovdiv & Surroundings

• Museum Hill (Tsar Simeon’s Garden). This area offers a panoramic view of the city. Visit the National Revival Architecture Reserve, the Plovdiv Regional Ethnographic Museum, and the Dzhumaya Mosque.
• Plovdiv Art Gallery. Located in a former industrial building, this gallery showcases contemporary Bulgarian art.
• Take a stroll along the Kapana District. Known as the " creative district," it’s full of colorful street art, independent shops, and cozy cafes.

Day 3: Beyond the City

• Bachkovo Monastery. About an hour drive from Plovdiv, this is one of the largest and most important Eastern Orthodox monasteries in Bulgaria.
• Philippopolis (Kazanlak). Famous for its Rose Valley and the Thracian Tomb of Kazanlak, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Perperikon. An ancient city believed to have been the capital of the Odrysian Kingdom during the 5th century BC. It offers breathtaking views and a glimpse into the past.