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Plovdiv is the oldest continually inhabited city in Europe, with a history of habitation going back over 8000 years. Originally it had seven tall hills, some of which were used for quarries. When it was controlled by the Romans and it was called Trimontium (the Three Hills - as the city was much smaller in terms of area compared to today). It was also formerly known as Philipopolis from the world "phili" /which means sections/ and "polis" which means city. There is a statue of Philip in the centre today. During the long occupation by the Ottoman Empire, a large mosque was built, still present in the centre area as well. During Communist times, a statue of the unnamed Russian soldier was erected on one of the three main hills which overlooks the city.
Today, Plovdiv is a famous tourist destination itself and also serves as a gateway to many other points of interest. Plovdiv is well-known for hosting the Plovdiv International Fair twice a year and for its ancient sites.
While you are in Plovdiv, you can get help and more information about the city from one of the two Tourist information Centers in the city. The first one is located in the center of the city, right next to the post office; when arriving in the city via train or bus through "Ugh" or "Rhodopi" stations, this is one of the first buildings you'll come across in the center of the city. The second one is located in the old city, on the main street (Saborna St), a little bit before the Etnographic museum and the Church of Saint Konstantin and Elena.
Tourist information centers can help you with all kinds of information including city maps, information about concerts, bus and train schedules, and finding a place to sleep. There is also free wifi in bus stations and train stations.
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By plane
Plovdiv has a small airport originally called Krumovo, now Plovdiv International Airport. There are flights from/to [wiki=59ead8d1e124ccfb79f3ace06f43e703]London[/wiki], [wiki=437d461430ecc08e2d51abbcf5ce9b3c]Milan[/wiki]/[wiki=3a8f916e8f8560773ac9b8eb6349b1c4]Bergamo[/wiki], [wiki=4312d5c8cdda027420c474e2221abc34]Frankfurt[/wiki], [wiki=7e35e74e610188414ad24235dd787c78]Moscow[/wiki] and [wiki=d47ca499d35f70d3ef9a1c8dd6c76539]Rostov-on-Don[/wiki] in [wiki=5feb168ca8fb495dcc89b1208cdeb919]Russia[/wiki].
There is a bus that goes from the airport to the central "Yoog" bus station after every flight.
On the way back to the airport you can take a taxi or bus. A taxi and will cost you about 15 leva /about 7.50 euro. The bus leaves from the "Yoog" station towards Asenovgrad and tell the driver, that you want to go to the airport. Then the bus is going to stop at KCM, and there will be another vehicle waiting to take you to the airport.
Update (25.Mar. 2012): If you take the Bus to Asenovgrad you have to walk the last 3 kilometer from the Bus stop to the Airport. The fare is 1.20 leva.
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By train
There are many national and international trains from and to Plovdiv.
There are many daily trains to and from [wiki=654cd76590cebe0ba37e8d4cce8a96ee]Sofia[/wiki]. Duration is from about two and a half hours for the express ones to four hours for the slow ones. There is also one daily train to/from [wiki=0ef8f876d62a45352e28410454e3634b]Istanbul[/wiki] in Turkey which takes about 11 hours. As of March 2013, the Istanbul train leaves from the Halkali station outside of Istanbul. The train leaves around 22:30 and there is not much easily accessible around Halkali station, so come prepared! Halkali can be reached by buses BN1 and BN2. Tickets plus reservations are around US$30.
You can check the timetable on [url=http://razpisanie.bdz.bg/site/search.jsp]bdz.bg[/url]
The railway station is located near the city center, it takes around 10-15 min walk to the centre.
Rail travel and ticketing in Bulgaria is unique. After buying a return trip ticket, before boarding the train on the return you have to obtain a stamp on your ticket at the cashier. Otherwise you will have to pay a fine to the conductor or be kicked off the train to get the stamp.
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By car
The A1 expressway/motorway connects Plovdiv westward to Sofia and eastward to Stara Zagora and Yambol. It is expected to be fully finished in 2013 and to connect Plovdiv to Burgas.
Other destinations require two-lane roads, such as the most direct route to [wiki=8756fcac0fe68405cfc8dbb4af089279]Pleven[/wiki], which is the somewhat adventurous Troyan pass road.
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By bus
Plovdiv has 3 bus stations - "Jug"/("Yoog"), "Sever", and "Rhodopi". There are many buses for cities all around Bulgaria and to some that are outside the country.
Jug station has an ATM located just outside so you can easily get local currency there if you're arriving by bus from abroad.
Buses run approximately hourly from Sofia, and are slightly faster than the trains. Many also have free wifi! Price is 14 leva. The final stop for this bus is the Yug (south) station. Use the 'See' section for a map of the town.
Metro Turizm is a Turkish bus company that runs daily bus service to and from Istanbul in Turkey. Buses going from Plovdiv to Istanbul depart from Jug Station daily at 11:00, 14:00, 19:00, 22:30, and 01:00. The trip costs 40 leva (as of Aug 2013) and takes roughly 6 to 7 hours, depending upon the vagaries of traffic and the border crossing. Metro buses also depart daily for Bursa, Turkey at 19:00. A second bus line (Alpar) also has a daily bus from Jug Station to Istanbul that departs at 22:30.
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By boat
There is no boat transportation to Plovdiv.
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Taxis and buses are prevalent. Downtown has a large pedestrian zone.
Taxis (2015) prices are about 0.85 BGN/km. An average ride within the city costs about 4-5 BGN. The taxi arrives in about 3-5min. Remember to order the Taxi from the companies that offer the best deals and wait for it. Generally taking the taxi that is already waiting will cost you more, avoid them or ask for flat price that fits you! Learn who offers best prices from the locals who often use taxis. Most of the taxi companies has 4-digit numbers on them, remember some and use it if you need a car, for example: 6665, 6155, 6142, 9199 and so on.
Beware of fake taxis that will do tricks to their counters. Keep an eye to the counter and if it starts going too fast, get off the car and threaten the driver with a police call.
Public bus tickets cost 1 BGN. Buses don't run very late, most of the lines close between 21-22 hr.
If you are driving your own car - beware! Plovdiv is one of the cities in Bulgaria with the highest rate of road accidents!
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The old Plovdiv is compact and walkable, with the main downtown road blocked to car traffic. There is a good collection of Bulgarian revival buildings in use as museums, hotels, and restaurants etc. and is worth a visit if you have chance. The nearby Roman Amphitheater, discovered in the 1970's during a construction project, is part of the pedestrian zone, and typically has merchants selling art and other items nearby. Wander the cobblestone streets near the downtown to find the centuries old St. Marina church with a unique wooden tower, a mosque from the Ottoman Empire, and on the nearby hill the old town center. The old town center was walled, and has a famous gateway entrance. Nearby Puldin Restaurant has subterranean rooms where the old wall and historic artifacts can be seen. Continuing up the hill several older houses are now museums and the Roman amphitheater with an overlook of the town below is partially restored and still used for concerts and other occasions.
In the new center of the city (at the street heading up into the old town) you will find the Roman stadium which dates back to the late 1st/early 2nd century. It had a capacity of 30,000 people; and as the Roman laws dictate that the city stadium should have seating for at least half the population, it summarily shows the town had 60,000 inhabitants during Roman times. In addition, the ancient theatre is capable of seating 6,000 people at once--again, Roman laws dictated that the theatres should accommodate one-tenth of the population at a time.
When you go to the other end of the predestrian street, next to the Tourist Information Center and the post office, you will see the Roman Odeon and Forum. The forum was to Romans the downtown of today. This one had three sides of 13 shops on each side, and a fourth one for the bank, library, and other institutions of this sort.
Maps of Plovdiv can be printed or saved for offline use from the Visit Plovdiv website.
http://www.plovdiv.bg/en/туристи-2/планирай-своето-пътуване/карти-и-брошури/
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Plovdiv offers many things to do, and most are easily walkable.
*Walk The Hills - For starters enjoying the sunset from all the different hills is a must. Walk all the way to the top in the late afternoon, pick something to drink and stay there for the sunset. Go down to enjoy the nightlife once it's dark.
On the Mladeshki there is a miniature train that can be ridden up and down. It costs 1 lev.
On the Bunardjik Hill you can see the monument of the unknown russian soldier - it's dedecated to all the russian soldiers who died in the russian-turkish war.
*Old Town - Another must is the old town of Plovdiv which is full of art, free of cars and very enjoyable. Go take a walk try it at day, try it at night it's amazing. Try some of the bars there are life performances sometimes there. You might be even lucky enough to catch an opera performance in the old roman theater.
*Center - Enjoying the central park during the day, especially if it's a very, very hot day, and the night - the gorgeous singing fountains. Once the weather settles hit the main street and the bars/discos.
*Check for concert showings in the symphony hall across from the main post office. Tickets are 3-5 euros, and the quality is good.
*There is a free tour of the city every Wednesday. It starts at 9:30 from the tourist information center, which is located next to the post office. Tours are conducted in Bulgarian and English and by professional tour guides. It takes around one hour and half to two hours. Have yourself registered in advance - this has to be done until 5PM the previous day. More information on Department of Tourism's website
The Free Plovdiv Tour started walking as of July 2012. The free English-language tour is every day at 2PM (despite any bad weather, even on holidays). Starting point - Central Post Station. Ending point - Nebet Hill. Organized by guides from "Free Sofia Tour" non-profit organization. No need for reservation, just show up! More information on Free Plovdiv Tour's website
*The International Festival Plovdiv Jazz Nights is a low key but high quality 3 day event featuring some of the nation's best musicians along with some regional talents. Be there to witness a riot of colourful improvisations from great musicians. A variety of genres, styles, instruments are used although the music revolves around the central theme of Jazz and Blues. In 2011, It was held from 6th to 8th Oct.
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You can buy many different souvenirs from Bulgaria that represent the country.
*Antique shops can be found all over the old town, with a variety of objects from from the Russo-Turkish War up to World War 2.
*Bulgarian rose products tend to be one of the most popular souvenirs from the country. You can buy all kinds of rose stuff - mostly cosmetics from soaps to shampoos, gels, oils, and perfumes.
Cutlery made of wood or clay might also be worthwhile to look for.
Or perhaps you might be looking for a painting or even a musical instrument?
*Next to main post office, on the back of main tourist info office, looking over Roman Odeon site. They have several English (and a few German and French) books. Most times you may pay about half of their initial price.
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Generally speaking eating in Plovdiv should be cheap for the westerner's pocket. Fast food is available and of high quality (in general), though make sure to try Bulgarian cuisine as well. Stewed meats, fresh salads and cheeses, and good local wine.
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Budget
The cheapest fast food could cost as little 0.50-1.00lv to 2-3lv and can be found along the main street. There are plenty of such places offering pizza, traditional food, and kebabs.There are McDonalds, KFC, Kastello, Verde and other popular restaurants.
* Excellent soups. It is located close to one of the entrances of the big park, Tsar Simeonova gradina.
* Lots of options of nice cooked food. Free parking for clients.
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Mid-range
There are some low-end restaurants that will be fairly affordable pay attention to the menu and think about 10-15lv for a full meal (salad, main course, dessert, drink(s)).
* Erevan (29 Otets Paisiy Street, parallel to the main shopping street), Armenian food. Their keshkek is excellent, as is their coffee.
* The best pizza ever.
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Splurge
Paying more will probably get you a slightly better food than the options above but most of the cost will definitely go towards the overall experience. The priciest places are located in the old town, on top of the hill. Expect to pay a bit more say 20-30lv and above. There are also a few restaurants outside the center.
* It is a beer restaurant offering mainly Bavarian/BBQ cuisine.
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Club Zanzibar is the ideal place to drink in Plovdiv. It contains a stylish African interior Cocktail Bar which offers the best drinks in the city and at night time offers the largest nightclub in all of Plovdiv.
*Good coffee, free wifi, lots of young people, and a great view of the square.
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The Crib is located directly in the center - only 2 minutes away fro Plovdiv's main attractions. It provides a homely atmosphere and the staff is always welcome to help you out. Nice rooftop terrace. Breakfast included.
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Budget
Less than 10 minutes walking from the central train and bus stations, less than 5 minutes walking to the old town. Friendly and helpful staff who speak good English, clean, relatively new place, wifi everywhere, space for tents, kitchen for use, lockers (not key card like described on the website). Washing service available. Also, garden isn't too nice. Overall, it's a great value for the place.
*The Crib is located on the two top floors of a building directly in the city center: Enjoy the great view from its beautiful rooftop! Quality Dorms and Private rooms available, breakfast included. Contact: timelesscrib@hotmail.com
*Hiker's hostel [url=http://www.hikers-hostel.org/pd/]]- very helpful and friendly staff. 22 lv per person per night with free breakfast. Very centrally located and if there is no room they will provide tents in the garden. Will also organise trips to a number of local attractions if you can find a few people to go with you.
*Hotel Plovdiv Guest [url=http://www.plovdivguest.com[/url],]20 Saborna Street, +359 32 622 432 (e-mail: [mailto:info@plovdivguest.com info@plovdivguest.com[/url]). Twelve rooms in the heart of the touristic zone - The Old Town of Plovdiv. Not just a hotel but also a place for cultural activities and meetings where one can also find a tourist information center, exhibition hall with a stand for selling pieces of art and souvenirs, art cafe with an art gallery where various cultural events and seminars take place. The art cafe (24 seats) is also used for breakfast and at the same time it's a perfect place for exhibitions, seminars, literature readings and other cultural events. The rooms are very clean and shiny. Each has got own its colour and spirit.
*Star Hotel [url=http://www.starhotel.bg/?page=home&lang=eng],]Patriarh Evtimiy Str. 13. Star Hotel is located right in the middle of the main shopping street. 15 minutes walk from the bus station, 10 minutes walk from the old town, and 2 minutes from the Central Post Office (where the free Plovdiv Walking Tour starts) as well as Plovdiv's Tourist Center. Rooms are large and clean, and the staff is polite and helpful. Decor is dated but charming, much like a Disneyland version of a haunted hotel. About 30 euros per night for twin beds.
*Ulpia House [url=http://www.ulpiahouse.com/en/index.php[/url],]17 Tsar Kaloyan square (which does not look like a square) corner of Ruski Blvd. + 35932/ 39 23 60, mobile +359 897 48 96 65 (e-mail: [mailto:ulpiahouse@gmail.com[/url]). This is a Guest House, not a hostel - 7 minutes walk from Roman Stadium, singles 15 Euros, doubles 25 Euros, also 3 and 4 bed rooms. Possible discounts for longer stays and low season. Use of kitchen, free coffee. Nice own garden. Fast free Wifi. Family who runs it speak good English
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Splurge
Trimontium Hotel [http://www.thetravelling.com/2009/07/dedeman-trimontium-princess-plovdiv.html] - Probably the best service you will ever receive and the most luxurious rooms to ever stay in, some complete with jacuzzi. There is a price to pay for luxury and the Trimontium is around 100 USD per night.
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Generally speaking Plovdiv is a safe place. Avoid the ghetto area and you will be very safe. Old town and the main street are generally very busy and safe. Parks are safe, but use common sense when walking trough them at night.
Avoid picking a verbal fight with locals!
Avoid wearing football shirts or scarves of the Plovdiv or Sofia-based football teams, especially on match days.
If you are using public transport always keep an eye on your personal belongings. Pickpockets take advantage of overcrowded buses (like bus line 1, e.g.).
There are lots of beggars in the streets. If you are sitting on one of the many coffee shops in the center, you might encounter beggars or florists going trough the tables. They are people and individuals like everyone else which we must show human dignity and respect so politely decline and they will move on.
Also, if you walk down the Ivan Vazov str (the street that connects the bus/train station to the central square) it is very likely to meet beggars. A popular scam scheme is that the man will carry various documents "proving" that they need the money for some medical procedure. Those can be very convincing and heartbreaking. If someone tries to stop you there, it is better to avoid contact at all.
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Bgrazpisanie.com is an excellent site for checking bus timings [url=http://www.bgrazpisanie.com/en].]It is useful to note down Bulgarian names of places as buses display their destination only in Cyrillic.
*Bachkovo Monastery (Bulgarian: Бачковски манастир, Bachkovski manastir [[Bachkovo Monastery[/url])|A small monastery up the valley from the nearby town of Bachkovo. Minibuses leave hourly (except for 12pm) from platform 1 (towards Smolyan. Bulgarian: Смолян) at the Rhodopi bus station (across the tracks from the train station, use the underpass) and the trip takes about 40 minutes. Tickets are 4 leva (as at Aug 2013) each and can be purchased from the driver. The monastery is small but has a lovely chapel and some paths for easy walks in the surrounding area. However, photography is not permitted. There is a fountain outside the monastery gate, as well as vendors selling jams, honey, and other Bulgarian souvenirs (such as gyuvech, traditional Bulgarian clay pot) though not all sellers are the actual producers.
Farther into the Rhodope mountains one can find ski resorts and other natural attractions, such as the impressively narrow gorge and caves leading to Trigrad, not far from the mountainous Greek border.
*Asen's Fortress (Bulgarian: Асенова крепост, Asenova krepost) [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asen%27s_Fortress]]
Located in Asenovgrad (Bulgarian: Асеновград), this can be done in conjunction with Bachkovo Monastery as they are only about 10 minutes / 10 km apart by bus/car. While it is also possible to walk from Bachkovo Monastery by foot, keep in mind that there is another 2 km hike from the foot of the hill to the entrance of the fortress. Magnificent views of the area and mountains from the top of the fortress.
[wiki=8ede473cf68b6a9b4a7958075ee7ea5c]de:Plowdiw[/wiki]
[wiki=44a8515b5883e6cc2a14c43206b8350c]fi:Plovdiv[/wiki]
[wiki=9e45b98abe0148584e0ec9f51746e585]fr:Plovdiv[/wiki]
[wiki=20bdd79fc0f6f8be32cb2879fb0a759e]it:Plovdiv[/wiki]
[wiki=5b291bf4176f9f446e98966724681405]nl:Plovdiv[/wiki]
[wiki=cf7e8a16eb138b70b795d8db8a2d762e]pl:Płowdiw[/wiki]
[[WikiPedia:Plovdiv]]
[wiki=90371de63bb8076d1cc4bcff463144c9]Dmoz:Europe/Bulgaria/Localities/Plovdiv/[/wiki]
[wiki=9c5861f0a5ee4bb4d21b12460643536d]World66:europe/bulgaria/plovdiv[/wiki]
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