Plovdiv, Bulgaria's ancient and colourful city
One of the oldest inhabited cities in the world, Plovdiv layers Roman ruins, painted merchant houses and a buzzing arts district into a city you can explore on foot.
The old town of Plovdiv
Merchants once competed to paint their homes in the most expensive colours they could find.
Why visit Plovdiv?
Plovdiv is Bulgaria's second largest city, and one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in the world, with a history stretching back around 8,000 years. Thracians, Romans, Byzantines and Ottomans have all left their mark, and in Plovdiv you can see those layers side by side as you walk through the centre.
Yet it is far from a museum. Plovdiv was a European Capital of Culture in 2019, and its cafés, galleries and small bars give it a relaxed, creative energy. Read Picolo's full story on how to step 8,000 years back in time in colourful Plovdiv.
Plovdiv old town: wear good shoes
The old town climbs up from the lowest part of the city along narrow cobbled streets, ending at a viewpoint over the whole of Plovdiv. On the way up, you pass traces of every era the city has lived through, from antiquity and the Middle Ages to the Ottoman period and the 20th century.
Many of the beautifully decorated houses now hold museums, where you can see art, mosaics, churches and a mosque. Look out for the bright colours on the façades: local merchants used to bring home the most expensive paint they could find on their travels, and the colour of your house said something about your wealth.
Cobbled lanes
The steep streets of the old town reward you with views over the whole city.
The Roman theatre of Philippopolis
Near the top of the old town lies one of Plovdiv's most impressive sights, the Roman theatre of ancient Philippopolis. Built in the first century, it is remarkably well preserved, and yet it lay hidden under several metres of soil until a landslide revealed it in the 1970s.
Today it is back in use. In summer, the theatre hosts opera, concerts and plays, and watching a performance on the ancient stone seats as the sun goes down is one of the highlights of any trip to Bulgaria.
Roman theatre
Summer performances bring the ancient theatre back to life.
Kapana: the creative heart of Plovdiv
Right on the edge of the old town, the Kapana district is where Plovdiv comes to relax. Not long ago this was an area of car parks and run-down buildings, but since the mid-2010s it has been transformed into a lively quarter of cafés, bars and small independent shops.
Wander the colourful streets and you will find everything from wooden crafts and clothes to local delicacies. Chili Hills, a shop dedicated to Bulgarian chilli products, is a fun stop for anyone who likes it hot.
Local shops
Small independent shops sell local food, crafts and souvenirs.
Things to do in Plovdiv's city centre
Down in the modern centre, history appears again. Below the main shopping street lie the remains of the Philippopolis stadium, where up to 30,000 spectators once watched games and contests. Only part of it is visible today, but it is worth a look.
The pedestrian street above it, Knyaz Alexander I, is said to be one of the longest in Europe. It is lined with shops, restaurants and cafés, and leads you past the historic Dzhumaya Mosque. Plovdiv is about two hours from Sofia by road or rail, so it combines easily with the capital. Find more ideas in our guide to Bulgaria holidays.
When is the best time to visit Plovdiv?
Spring and early autumn are the best times to visit Plovdiv, with mild weather that is ideal for walking the hilly old town. Summer is hot, but it is also the season for performances in the Roman theatre and long evenings in Kapana. Winter is quiet and cool, good for museums and cosy cafés.
Plovdiv: frequently asked questions
Is Plovdiv worth visiting?
Yes, Plovdiv is well worth visiting. It is one of the oldest cities in the world, with a beautifully preserved old town, a Roman theatre still used for concerts and a lively creative district in Kapana. It is compact, walkable and relaxed, and it rewards a slow pace with long lunches and evening walks.
How do you get from Sofia to Plovdiv?
You can get from Sofia to Plovdiv by bus, train or car, and the journey takes roughly two hours. Buses run frequently throughout the day, and the train is a scenic and relaxed alternative. Plovdiv also has its own airport, although most international visitors fly into Sofia.
How many days do you need in Plovdiv?
Two days is a good amount of time in Plovdiv. That lets you explore the old town and its museums at a gentle pace, see the Roman theatre and stadium, and spend an evening in Kapana. With a third day, you can take a trip into the nearby Rhodope mountains or visit local wineries.
What is Plovdiv famous for?
Plovdiv is famous for being one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. It is known for its colourful old town with painted merchant houses, the Roman theatre of Philippopolis and the Kapana arts district. The city was also a European Capital of Culture in 2019.