With thousands of years of history, Plovdiv is one of Europe’s oldest cities. That heritage shines through in Plovdiv Old Town, with its bright-hued Bulgarian Revival mansions, Roman theater, and antique shops. But Bulgaria’s second city also boasts a vibrant nightlife, and a dynamic food and wine scene. Some of the best things to do in Plovdiv, however, are a little way out of the city: further-flung delights include the Thracian Valley wine region; the Rhodope Mountains; Asen’s Fortress; and the 11th-century Bachkovo Monastery.
After often snowy winters and cool springs, most travelers visit Plovdiv between May and September, when the weather is drier and sunnier—though some find the July–August temperatures too warm for city life. Accommodation prices are lower midweek than at weekends, but Bulgarian museums generally close on Mondays. There’s a rich calendar of events almost year-round, from a Christmas market to jazz and theater festivals.
Most travelers spend almost all their time in Plovdiv’s compact and walkable Old Town. But Bulgaria’s second city has an efficient network of cheap public buses—you’ll need Bulgarian cash to pay the small fares. Ridesharing apps are banned in Bulgaria, so yellow taxis are the way to go: the Eko, Taxi 1, and Taxi Stars companies have apps.
Thrace was famous for its wines as far back as Greek and Roman times, and today the region’s boutique wineries offer some spectacular varietals that are hard to find outside Bulgaria. Mavrud, a bold, spicy red, is the region’s most distinctive grape. Try it alongside other local wines in Plovdiv at the deGUSTOstation wine bar, or pay a visit to the Bendida winery in the village of Brestovitsa.
