Plovdiv is one of those cities that has the ability to capture you with its beauty and charm in a matter of seconds. To prove our point we’ve gathered 20 incredible Plovdiv photos from the city’s rich past and present – enjoy! 

1/ The Ancient Theatre

The Ancient theatre of Philippopolis is a 2000-year-old Roman amphitheatre that is still very much in use today. It’s one of the symbols of Plovdiv as well as a popular venue for concerts, plays and festivals. 

2/ The Old Town of Plovdiv

The Old Town of Plovdiv is a place often referred to as a ‘’living museum’’. Its another well-known symbol of the city and it bears special meaning to the locals here. The historical reserve consists of many museums, galleries, architectural masterpieces from the National Revival era and a very important hill – Nebet Tepe, where the history of Plovdiv began. 

3/ Balabanov House

The Balabanov house is a remarkable example of Bulgarian Renaissance architecture and one of the most frequented Plovdiv sightseeing locations.

4/ Ethnographic Museum

The house of the Ethnographic Museum is one of the most picturesque spots in the Old Town. The museum preserves the region’s habits, traditions and customs during the 18th – 19th centuries. You can see typical traditional crafts on display here.

5/ Nebet Tepe

Nebet Tepe is the original birthplace of Plovdiv. The earliest settlements there were by Thracian tribes more than 6000 years ago. Nowadays there are many ancient ruins still existing there. It’s a popular spot often visited by locals and tourists who come to take pictures and enjoy the incredible panorama that can be seen from the top. 

6/Church of St Constantine and Helena 

The St. St. Constantine and Helena Church is one of the ancient Christian temples of Plovdiv. This beautiful church is situated in the Old Town and contains many rare icons and valuables.

7/ The Kapana District

Kapana (meaning ‘’the trap’’) is the art district of the city where young artists, musicians and craftsmen like to gather. It used to be a popular craftsmen centre over 5 centuries ago when the city thrived in the crafts and trade.

8/ Main Pedestrian Street

The main pedestrian street in the centre of the city is no doubt the local’s favourite place for walking around, shopping, eating, drinking and sightseeing. On warm weekends (even weekdays) and nights, the street (the longest pedestrian street in Europe) is filled with people socializing and enjoying themselves with friends and family.

9/ The Roman Stadium 

The Roman Stadium in Plovdiv is amongst the largest and best-preserved buildings from the time of Ancient Rome on the Balkan peninsula. Located beneath modern Plovdiv at the original level of ancient Philippopolis, the Stadium was commissioned by Emperor Hadrian in the 2nd century.

10/ Roman Odeon

Plovdiv is one of the few modern cities with a well preserved Roman Forum and Odeon. The forum was a commercial, administrative and religious centre of the ancient city. It was a place for meetings, debates, festivals, government affairs. You can find the ruins of the Ancient Forum located behind the central post office.

11/ Stefan Stambolov Square

Located at the beginning of the main pedestrian street, this central square is one of the most popular spots in Plovdiv. Locals love to hang out here with friends and family and sit at one of the outdoor cafes. 

12/ Dzhumaya Square

Before the excavations in the 1970s, which uncovered the Roman Stadium from underground, Dzhumayata was the most popular public square in Plovdiv. It has carried many names throughout the years but its last one comes from the neighbouring Dzhumaya Mosque (located within the square), which is the main Muslim temple in Plovdiv. 

13/ Panoramic views of Plovdiv from above

Plovdiv is often referred to as the city of the Seven Hills. Nebet Tepe, Youth hill and Bunardzhik hill are all great spots to visit if you’re looking for some breathtaking panoramas of Plovdiv and the region. 

14/ The Rowing Channel 

This is the largest rowing base on the Balkans, where racing competitions of national and world rank sports are held. The long lanes around the channel are great for exercise, riding a bike and long walks. In the warm months (especially weekends) you’d often see locals there just walking around with their friends and families or relaxing at one of the cafes, eating deeply fried sprats (tsatsa) with chips and beer (it’s kind of a tradition).

15/ The Singing Fountains

The singing fountains are the highlight of Tsar Simeon’s Garden. During the summer months, you can enjoy a spectacular show with music and light which takes place there every Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening at 21:30 (summer season only).

How about a flash from the past? Take a peek at Plovdiv’s old archives and see how the city looked like in the past:

16/ Aleksandar Stamboliiski Square 

17/ The Ancient Theatre back in the 1970s

18/ The Dzhumaya Square back in the day 

19/ View from one of Plovdiv’s Hills

20/ Kniaz Boris Square

Exploring Plovdiv is certainly a unique experience you’re not likely to ever forget, so if you do ever find yourself visiting this ancient city, be sure to see as much of these incredible sights as possible. With Plovdiv City Card you will get free admission to some of them, as well as amazing deals on food, drinks and entertainment!