What Is There To Do In Plovdiv, Bulgaria?

Nestled atop Bulgaria’s geographic center is Plovdiv, a city known for its well-preserved old town and ancient ruins. As the second-largest city in Bulgaria, there’s a plethora of activities available for everyone from the active explorer to the family in need of a cultural getaway. In this article, we’ll provide readers with a full rundown on the best things to do in Plovdiv.

Explore The Ruins Of The Ancient Roman Theater

At the top of any list of must-see Plovdiv destinations is the ancient Roman theater, located in the heart of the old town. Built during the reign of Emperor Trajan, the theater is one of the most significant archaeological remains from the Roman era in Bulgaria and is estimated to have once had a capacity of around 8,000 seats. Despite its age, much of the theater’s original structure remains intact, making it one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions.

Usable for theater performances until it was damaged during the Ottoman invasion in the late 15th century, the theater remains open to visitors throughout the year. During winter, special concerts and plays are often held in the historic space.

Behold The Majestic Monuments In Tsar Simeon Garden

Tsar Simeon Garden is a park in Plovdiv located beneath the hills where the old city lies. Named for Tsar Simeon of Bulgaria and built during his rule in the 12th century, Tsar Simeon Garden became one of Plovdiv’s most beloved sights in 1925. It contains numerous monuments dedicated to the city’s history and culture alongside stunning floral arrangements provided by some of eastern Europe’s finest gardeners.

Throughout summer and autumn months, Tsar Simeon Garden comes alive with events dedicated to music, art, and local culture. Visiting here could be a pleasant part of your city exploration, as you can spend leisure time and observe many beautiful art pieces and sculptures.

Enjoy A Traditional Bulgarian Meal In The Old Town’s Restaurants

Spend an evening wandering the streets of Plovdiv’s old town, which contains a wealth of restaurants serving traditional Bulgarian fare. Here are some of the area’s more popular spots:
Novoselski Han is known for its hearty beef soup and variety of homemade wines; Mezze Plovdiv won Bulgaria’s Restaurant of the Year Award in 2019; Bistro Anvi was recently awarded TripAdvisor’s Certificate of Excellence; and Boulevard Restaurant has a reputation for its incredible handmade desserts.

Bulgarian cuisine ranges from hearty stews to salads made with white cheese, so you’re sure to find something to satisfy your craving. Many restaurants also offer delectable vegan and vegetarian options – a rare treat for travelers heading to southeastern Europe.

Take A Tour Of The City’s Historic Landmarks

Be sure to spend some time exploring Plovdiv’s host of cultural landmarks that date from different eras. One of the most beautiful buildings in Plovdiv is undoubtedly the Church of Nativity of the Virgin Mary, built in 1863. Its grey speckled walls and tall towers make it an imposing sight – particularly when viewed against Plovdiv`s old town skyline.

The Plovdiv Regional Ethnographical Museum occupies two historic buildings near Tsar Simeon Garden and features a collection of exhibits which showcase traditional Bulgarian culture. Here you can find artifacts left by prehistoric tribes, as well as tools used by craftspeople from long ago.

Take Part In The Aylak Pub Crawl

If you’re looking for an interesting night out on the town in Plovdiv, we highly recommend signing up for Aylak Pub Crawl. This exciting tour takes participants to some of the city’s best bars and clubs while giving fun facts about local nightlife and its history. During this tour, participants will get to sample delicious Bulgarian alcoholic drinks such as rakija (strong alcoholic drink made by distillation of fermented fruit juices) and tuica (a plum brandy), as well as taste traditional Bulgarian snacks like lukanka (smoked sausage).

Booking with Viator will guarantee you a spot in Aylak Pub Crawl’s three-hour guided tour that promises an unforgettable night out in Plovdiv.

Memorable Activities for Families

If you’re looking for family activities in Plovdiv, you have plenty of options to choose from. Families can enjoy outdoor activities like visiting Plovdiv’s Zoo, which is home to a variety of exotic animals including giraffes, elephants, tigers and lions. After that you can take a stroll through some of Plovdiv’s beautiful parks like Park Bunardzhika or Park Zhenda.

Children and adults alike can also visit some of Plovdiv’s museums like The Ethnographical Museum and The Museum Of Plovdiv History which are sure to keep everyone entertained. If you are visiting during hot weather, you can also cool off at Plovdiv Water Park or Aquapolis, one of Bulgaria’s largest waterparks featuring fun attractions for all ages.

Conclusion

Plovdiv is a vibrant city full of exciting things to do and see, from taking part in a traditional pub crawl to visiting its ancient theater and local landmarks such as Tsar Simeon Garden. With an abundance of cultural institutions, local eateries and activities designed for families, Plovdiv is an ideal destination for anyone looking to explore eastern Europe and take in all it has to offer. So don’t miss out on amazing experiences during your next trip – book your Pub Crawl Plovdiv experience now!