A PLOVDIV MINIGUIDE: FEATURING THE BEST HOTELS & TOP SIGHTS
- Feb 7
- 5 min read
Known as one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Europe, Plovdiv, Bulgaria is a must visit ancient village that dates back over 6,000years ago.
This miniguide will highlight all the top sights to do while you're there and of course a roundup of only the best and most highly rated hotels that covers all ranges of budgets.
POPULAR PLACES TO STAY IN PLOVDIV
THE OLD TOWN & CENTRAL PLOVDIV
The Old Town is a small yet vibrant and colorful area of Plovdiv, characterized by its cobbled streets, beautifully restored historic houses, charming shops, cafes, and museums. A must see when visiting Plovdiv.
Located at the southern end of the central district lies Knyaz Alexander I, a bustling pedestrian only street lined with shops, Roman ruins and impressive architecture. This street also connects several of the city’s most significant landmarks.
KAPANA "THE TRAP"
Adjacent to the central district lies Kapana, also referred to as “The Trap.” This name originates from the maze-like network of winding streets. Once a traditional industrial zone, Kapana has transformed into a lively cultural quarter, brimming with cafés, bars, art murals and quaint handicraft shops. A haven for artists and artisans, this vibrant area is also a foodie paradise, and you will find many culinary gems here. I've highlighted a few of the popular restaurants here.
TOP SIGHTS OF PLOVDIV:
ROMAN AMPITHEATRE
The Roman Amphitheatre in Plovdiv is dated back to 98-117AD but has only recently been discovered through archaeological excavations from 1968 - 1979 by the Plovdiv Archaeological Museum.
The Amphitheatre is not only an important piece of Plovdiv history but due to being carefully restored and preserved it is also functional and in use today. Throughout the summer you can enjoy various shows and performances. Tickets can be found here.
If you don't have time to stay in Plovdiv and are only travelling to Sofia, this is a great tour that takes you to Plovdiv where you have free time to explore the city before being taken back later that day.
Top Tip: On every first Thursday of the month admission is free for students and retired people.
REGIONAL ETHNOGRAPHIC MUSEUM
Once a residence to a merchant from Plovdiv (Argir Hristov Kuyumdzhioglu), the building is now used as the Regional Ethnographic Museum and gives visitors a special insight into the history and everyday life of Plovdiv's residents.
Bulgaria's cultural diversity is featured through its displays of traditional costumes, textiles, and detailed folk art and crafts.
Some of the exhibitions are permanent and others only temporary. All the information can be found here.
ASEN'S FORTRESS (AND BACHKOVO MONASTERY) A great day trip from Plovdiv is visiting Asen's fortress and Bachkovo Monastery. This is easiest done on a tour like this highly rated one here. Both hold great cultural and historical significance to Bulgaria. Bachkovo Monastery is the 2nd largest monastery of Bulgaria and Asen's fortress was a strategically built fortress that is perched on a rocky ridge only 10km away.
FOOD IN PLOVDIV
Stroll the streets and enjoy an array of traditional Bulgarian food such as Banista (pictured) or Kavarma. Plovdiv being the heart of Bulgaria's wine region means visiting the several cellar doors to sample the local wines is also a must.
This is a great food tour you can take to try the best of the food from a local's perspective.
Popular restaurants to try:
Aylyakria Restaurant, Pavazh Restaurant and Smokini
MUSEUM HOUSES
Visit the Bulgarian National Revival museum houses. These houses were built by wealthy merchants in the 18th & 19th century and reflect an important part of Plovdiv's history and showcase its intricate architecture.
Most houses charge a small entry fee to enter, however a multi ticket can be purchased which gives you access to 5 sites. Some of the more popular houses to visit are Balabanov House (pictured), Hindliyans House, the House of Nedkovich, Klianti House, Atanas Krastev, and the house of Veren Stamboylan.
THE 7 HILLS OF PLOVDIV Plovdiv was built around several hills and is known as the city of the 7 hills (however one has since largely been destroyed). These hills are called "tepes" which is Turkish for hill. Each hill offers different outlooks, monuments and plays a different part in Plovdiv's history. A favorite activity for locals and tourists alike is to buy some local beer/wine and hike up to the top of a hill for sunset views over the town. The best spot for this is Danovs Hill - a short walk to the shops and easy to walk up.
The 7 Hills of Plovdiv:
Nebet Tepe (Guard Hill)
Taxim Tepe (Hill of the Distribution)
Dzhambaz Tepe (Hill of the Tightrope Walkers)
Sahat Tepe ("Clock Hill" or Danov's Hill)
Bunardzhik (Hill of the Liberators)
Dzhendem Tepe (Youth Hill) - highest hill, also great for sunset
Markovo Tepe (Marko's Hill) - mostly now destroyed
OTHER SIGHTS TO SEE:
Night of the galleries - September 28th
Knyaz Aleksander I - baroque buildings, go for stroll
Free walking tours (tip expected)
Cultural center Thrakart
Philippopolis Art Gallery.
Sveta Marina Church
Explore “The Trap” neighborhood of Kapana
Ancient Roman Stadium ruins
Dzhumaya Mosque
The Red Church - great spot for photographers if go at the right time.
Church of St. Konstantin and Elena
Tsar Simeon Garden - singing fountains
Medieval Hisar Kapia Gate
Plovdiv National Archaeological Museum
Plovdiv Regional Historical Museum
Museum of Natural Sciences
HOTEL MAP
Here is the full list of the best hotels in Plovdiv that we will cover in the list below. You can click on the tags to go straight to the hotel or scroll through for the full pricing, photos, and descriptions. Don't forget that each hotel is color coded to indicate price. For the full price breakdown go to my hotel map page here.
OLD TOWN & CENTRAL PLOVDIV
3🟡Hillhouse Plovdiv 4🟡Hotel Gallery 37 Powered by ASTON 5🟡Vizualiza Residence Hotel 6⚪Boutique Hostel Old Plovdiv
KAPANA 11 🟡Felix Kanitz apartments 12🟡Luxury City Center Apartments 13🟣ArtCity Villa 14⚪Skyler Guest House 15⚪Yes For You 16🟡SP Urban Apartments
HOTELS IN PLOVDIV SPECIAL NOTES:> REMEMBER THE COLOR CODING FOR PRICING WHICH CAN BE FOUND IN MORE DETAIL HERE
> THE COLOR CODING ALWAYS INDICATES THE MAX PRICE BRACKET YOU WOULD PAY FOR A ROOM IN PEAK SEASON.
BEST HOTELS OLD TOWN & CENTRAL PLOVDIV:
🟡VILLA FLAVIA HERITAGE BOUTIQUE HOTEL
🟡PLOVDIV CITY CENTER HOTEL
3. 🟡HILLHOUSE PLOVDIV
4. 🟡HOTEL GALLERY 37 POWERED BY ASTON
5. 🟡VIZUALIZA RESIDENCE HOTEL
6. ⚪ BOUTIQUE HOSTEL OLD PLOVDIV
7. ⚪ HOTEL EVMOLPIA
8. 🟣SLONA HERITAGE HOME
9. 🟡 DOUBLETREE BY HILTON PLOVDIV CENTER
10. ⚪ 8 1/2 ART GUESTHOUSE
BEST HOTELS KAPANA
11. 🟡FELIX KANITZ APARTMENTS
12. 🟡 KAPANA LUXURY CITY CENTER APARTMENTS
13. 🟣 ART CITY VILLA
14. ⚪SKYLER GUESTHOUSE
15. ⚪ YES FOR YOU
16. 🟡 SP URBAN APARTMENTS
Just a heads up: Please note that some of the links here are affiliate links (to be safe assume all). This helps me to be able to spend more time giving you great hotel recommendations. There is no cost to you but means I get a small commission from every booking made. If you plan to book through these sites anyway it would be much appreciated - but hope in the very least, you found somewhere to stay that you might not have otherwise. Thanks, Kirrily 😊
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