Top 10 Sights In Plovdiv You Simply Can't Afford To Miss

Top 10 Sights In Plovdiv You Simply Can’t Afford To Miss

April 15, 2019

If you are planning your first visit to our ancient city, you are probably wondering right now what to see in Plovdiv. While the city is relatively small (about 400 000 inhabitants), it has a rich history spanning several millennia. And since there are so many places to choose from, sightseeing could become something of an ordeal. Here are top 10 sights in Plovdiv you simply can’t afford to miss:

1/ Ancient Roman Theatre

One of the world’s best-preserved Ancient Theatres

The Ancient Theatre is one of the best places to visit in Plovdiv. It was found in the early 1970s and it quickly became the most well-known symbol of Plovdiv. Natural disasters destroyed it several times, eventually burying it underground. It lay there hidden and forgotten for over 16 centuries.

After the rediscovery of the theatre, its restoration was carried out by the Bulgarian conservation school who did an amazing job! Now the theatre is considered one of the best preserved Roman theatres in the world.

Here’s how to get there from the Tourist Information Centre >

A Museum and a concert venue

Nowadays the Ancient theatre of Plovdiv is back to its former glory, functioning not only as a museum but also as a full-fledged concert and theatrical venue. Visit it to enjoy its spectacular white marble beauty and a marvellous view over the town.

Be sure to check what events are taking place in the Roman theatre while you are in Plovdiv. Some of the highlights include the annual International Folklore Festival, Opera Open Festival and the hard rock/metal music festival Sounds of the Ages.

Here’s a list of events taking place in Plovdiv >

2/ Roman Stadium

The Roman Stadium is among the largest and best-preserved buildings from the time of the Ancient Rome in the Balkan peninsula

The Roman Stadium was a place of lavish spectacles, sporting competitions and thrilling gladiator fights. In its heyday, this grand structure could have seated 30 000 people, while the arena was approximately the size of 2 and a half modern-day soccer fields! Much like the Ancient theatre, this imposing building lay forgotten beneath the ground, until it was accidentally discovered in the early 20th century. Nowadays it has been partially uncovered, though most of its seats lay still intact underground, beneath the buildings of the main pedestrian street.

Here’s how to get there from the Tourist Information Centre >

3/ Main Pedestrian Street

The longest pedestrian street in all of Europe

Some locals say that Plovdiv has a long pedestrian street so that all the fashionistas in town will be able to show off at a single site. Whether that is true or not – nobody knows! Though the stylish residents going about their business often transform the street into an informal 1750 meter-long catwalk.

One thing is certain: Plovdiv’s main street is currently the longest pedestrian street in Europe and possibly in the world! Flanked by charming buildings from the early 20th century, it is a great place for shopping therapy, meeting friends, or just absorbing the chill atmosphere of the town. Along the street, you will find countless little cafés, where you can sit in the sunshine or shade, sip your coffee with pleasure, gossip away and enjoy the great Plovdiv weather.

Here’s how to get there from the Tourist Information Centre >

4/ Old Town Houses

The Architectural and Historical Reserve of the Old Town is like a living museum

The Old Town is the pride and joy of locals. This quaint neighbourhood showcases the lavish houses of 19th century Plovdiv moguls. While some are still residential homes, others are museums where you can travel back in time and see how people lived.

Prepare yourself for oriental ostentatiousness, European furniture, extensive murals and richly carved (sometimes even gilded) ceilings. Every house is a colourful jewel in its own right. And while the Old town is still partially a residential area, many of the buildings have been transformed into museums and galleries and are open for visits year-round.

One of the most famous house museums in the Old Town is the Balabanov house. The Balabanov house is home to one of the most exciting classical chamber music festivals in town. Its next door neighbour, Hindliyan house, is one of the most unique in the area: it is the only Revival house which has an original indoor bathroom.

If you wish to explore further, check out our quick itinerary in the Old Town >

Here’s how to get there from the Tourist Information Centre >

5/ Tsar Simeon Garden & Singing Fountains

One of the most popular places for walks and relaxation for the citizens of Plovdiv

Tsar Simeon’s Garden is a must visit place for anyone visiting Plovdiv. The park’s designer was none other than the famous 19th-century Swiss landscape architect Lucien Chevalas – a former employee of the Ottoman Sultan himself!

Tsar Simeon’s garden quickly became a popular spot to hide from the sweltering summer heat, meet with friends or simply read your favourite book. Nowadays the park is a National treasure. It’s most famous feature is the Singing fountains – a small artificial lake with water, music and light show which entertains locals and visitors alike in the warm summer evenings.

Here’s how to get there from the Tourist Information Centre >

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