Best Things To Do In Plovdiv, Bulgaria

things to do in plovdiv
Marina
Marina 
Updated
| 4 min read

It just takes a quick stroll through the arresting city of Plovdiv, to realize how special and unique this place genuinely is. From the authentic Old Town quarter to the incredible landscapes and heavily crowded attractions, Plovdiv will surely become your favorite Bulgarian destination. If you’re looking for an extraordinary family holiday filled with enchantment, put Plovdiv on your list for your next Bulgarian holiday!

1. The Regional Ethnographic Museum: The 2nd largest museum in Bulgaria

Plovdiv-ethnographic-museum
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Leon.anavi used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Regarded as the second largest Ethnographic Museum on Bulgarian territory, this regional institution is thought to be an inspirational source of knowledge and culture. Established in the 90’s, it’s a cultural and symbolical monument that reveals the nation’s immense culture and traditions. Inside, visitors are able to enjoy the rich collections and exhibits on crafts, agriculture, furniture, exteriors, textiles, materials and more.

Come around: Learn more about the past of the Bulgarian nation, while walking through the museum. Tip: the institution is free of charge on the first Thursday of each month, for students and retirees.

The Regional Ethnographic Museum

Address: 2 Stoyan Chomakov

Website: The Regional Ethnographic Museum

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2. Feel like a bird at the Eagle’s Eye platform

Posted by Панорамна площадка " Орлово око " on Monday, 19 September 2016

Have you ever wondered what it feels like to be a bird, floating through the air? Perhaps, you can experience it very soon, thanks to the great Eagles’ Eye platform, in Plovdiv! One of the top attractions in the beautiful city, the so-called Eagle’s Eye platform offers a fabulous view of the whole city. Tip: reach the attraction through the route: Plovdiv - Krichim - Jagodina.

Enjoy magnificent views: For all of you nature-lovers, the Eagle’s Eye platform will surely become your favorite memory of the authentic city of Plovdiv!

The Eagle’s Eye platform

Address: Route: Plovdiv - Krichim - Jagodina.

Website: The Eagle’s Eye platform

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3. The holy city of Perperikon: Walk through the rocky city

Posted by Страницата на Лорчето on Monday, 12 September 2016

The ruin of the holy city of Perperikon is an immensely popular site and definitely one of the most crowded spots in the region as it is deeply loved and acknowledged for its greatness, by both visitors and locals. Sitting on a rocky peak at 1,400 ft (426 meters), the city of Perperikon is an exceptional collection of ancient structures and thought to be the location of the Temple of Dionysus. Human activity is estimated to trace back here to the year 5000 BC. At the very entrance, newcomers and guests will be caught off guard by the quite odd shape of the opening itself.

Get to know it: Many are the stories and legends surrounding the holy city of Perperikon. Don’t miss the chance to learn some of the riveting facts behind them, while on holiday, in Plovdiv.

Perperikon City

Address: 15 km (8.7 miles) northeast of Kardzhali

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4. Kamenni Gabi aka the Stone Mushrooms

Каменните гъби

Posted by Detelina Tiholova on Tuesday, 18 April 2017

The prominent formations of Kamenni Gabi are also known as the Stone Mushrooms and were formed due to the effects of water and wind. The Stone Mushrooms are extraordinary and unique formations, nearby Beli Plast – a small village nestled in the embrace of the Zornitsa countryside. Kamenni Gabi features high rocks that offer a striking resemblance to wild mushrooms.

Come around: Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the nature of this area and to check out the vastly popular “stone mushrooms”, which can only be seen in Plovdiv, Bulgaria.

Kamenni Gabi

Address: On the road between Haskovo and Kardzhali, near Beli Plast.

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5. Bachkovski Monastery: The second largest monastery in Bulgaria

Posted by Aleksandeer Evstatiev on Wednesday, 15 March 2017

Located on a riverbank, the second largest Bulgarian monastery is only 10 km (6.2 miles) away from the beautiful and legendary Asenovgrad, another pretty city and a worthwhile tourist spot. The noteworthy Bachkovski Monastery is easily reached which automatically makes it one of the most visited attractions, in and around the lustrous city of Plovdiv. Engulfed in a picturesque setting, the Bachkovski monastery sits about 440 m (1444 ft) above sea level.

Visit it: Once you arrive, you’ll simply adore this place, for its magical scenery, fresh air, and friendly locals.

Bachkovski Monastery

Address: 86, 4251 Plovdiv and the Valley of the Kings

Website: Bachkovski Monastery

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6. Asen’s Fortress: Discover the medieval fortress


As a solemn reminder of rich Bulgarian history and culture, Asen’s Fortress is perched at a height of 280 m (918.6 ft). From a historical viewpoint, the earliest remnants of the fortress are believed to date to the period of the Thracians and the fortress was ruled by the ancient Romans as well. This significant fortress bears the name of the great Tsar, Ivan Asen II. During his reign, the Asen fortification was used as a border, to keep the Latin raiders at bay.

Don’t miss it: Visit one of the most essential and historically significant attractions for all Bulgarians, that reflects the nation’s glorious past.

Asen’s Fortress

Address: Asen’s Fortification, near Asenovgrad, Plovdiv-Region

Website: Asen’s Fortress

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7. The symbolical and ancient Stadium of Philippopolis

Червената линия с кашпите отбелязва линията на акведукта

Posted by The Ancient Stadium of Philippopolis on Tuesday, 10 April 2012

Built somewhere around the beginning of the 2nd century AD, the ancient Stadium of Philippopolis is located within close reach of the famous Taksim Tepe and Sahat Tepe terrain. The stadium is comprised of solid marble seats for 14 rows of spectators. Panoramic walls and formidable pillars at the entrance lend to the impressive scene and it is a must-visit stop, when visiting Plovdiv.

Visit it: Travel back in time to get an idea of what the ancient stadium of Philippopolis looked like, back in 2nd century!

Stadium of Philippopolis

Address: Dzhumaya Square

Website: Stadium of Philippopolis

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8. Plovdiv Roman Theater: A perfectly-maintained roman theater

PLoveDiv👑🏟👑

Posted by Zlatina Pashova on Wednesday, 12 April 2017

The renowned Roman theater, in Plovdiv is amongst some of the perfectly maintained structures, that walk us back to the time of the Romans. Also recognized as the platform of Trimontium, it falls amid the best preserved ancient theaters and is situated near the city center of lovely Plovdiv. Constructed in ancient times, the Roman theater was believed to host up to 7000 spectators.

Come around: An astonishing fact is that the Ancient Roman theater is still in use, so if you’re interested in getting a better feel for its authentic vibes, don’t hesitate to visit.

Plovdiv Roman Theater

Address: 4000 Plovdiv

Website: Plovdiv Roman Theater

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What to expect

Plovdiv is one of the largest cities in Bulgaria and offers a lovely variety of options and top attractions, all of which are easily accessible. In case you’re wondering where to start your thrilling sightseeing tour, you can always check out this short but useful guide to Plovdiv’s best city highlights. Enjoy!

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
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Marina Yoveva is a creative thinker, adventurer, and a poetry lover. In her spare time, she loves reading, writing on her personal blog and spending time with her family and friends. She's also a...Read more

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