It is one of the most beautiful cities in Bulgaria with many “hidden treasures” and countless archaeological sites waiting for you to discover them. The city of Philippi has a huge history and unique beauty. Walk through every alley of the city to enjoy the magnificent houses, temples, mosques and unique architecture. Tour the neighborhoods to smell the delicious local delicacies and explore hidden corners that have a unique history.
Currency: Bulgarian Lev
Calling Code: +359
Nearest airports from city center: Plovdiv Airport (14km), Sofia Airport (147km), Alexandroupoli Airport (229km), Burgas Airport (256km), Varna Airport (363km), Skopje Airport (366km), Craiova Airport (395km), Bucharest Airport (416km), Thessaloniki Airport (451km).
TOP – 10 SIGHTSEEING
*** ANCIENT THEATER (TsentarPlovdiv Center, ul. Tsar Ivaylo 4, 4000 Plovdiv)
It is one of the best preserved ancient theaters in the world. Historians claim that it was built in the 1st century AD. and is one of the most important Roman period buildings. Many cultural events are now hosted in the Ancient Theatre.
*** ANCIENT STADIUM (Staria gradPlovdiv Center, ul. “Hristo G. Danov”, 4000 Plovdiv)
It dates from the 2nd century AD. and is one of the most important sights of the city that you should definitely visit.
*** THE REGIONAL ETHNOGRAPHIC MUSEUM (TsentarPlovdiv Center, ul. “Doctor Stoyan Chomakov” 2, 4000 Plovdiv)
Visit one of the most beautiful museums in the Balkans. It has over 60,000 exhibits related to the traditions and culture of the people of Plovdiv.
*** PLOVDIV OLD TOWN
One of your first choices should be to explore the old town nestled between three hills. See the impressive mansions that are museums and travel back in time.
*** ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM (TsentarPlovdiv Center, pl. “Saedinenie” 1, 4000 Plovdiv)
It was officially opened in 1882 and has a huge collection of hundreds of thousands of exhibits that include coins, objects, paintings, historical documents, church signs, etc.
*** ALYOSHA MONUMENT (Bunardjika, 4000 Plovdiv)
Admire the 11.5 meter tall granite statue of a Soviet soldier who fought in World War II to liberate Bulgaria.
*** CHURCH OF ST CONSTANTINE AND HELENA (TsentarPlovdiv Center, ul. “Saborna” 24, 4000 Plovdiv)
It is one of the most historic churches in Bulgaria and tourists have it first in their preferences. The foundation stone was laid in 337 and it was opened in 1832.
*** “TSAR SIMEON GARDEN” PARK (Plovdiv Center, ul. “Veliko Tarnovo” 11А, 4000 Plovdiv)
It dates from 1892 and is one of the most visited places in the city. Also enjoy the restored fountain of the Goddess Demeter and the restored lake with the Singing Fountains.
*** DJUMAYA MOSQUE (pl. “Jumumayta”, TsentarPlovdiv Center, ul. “Zhelezarska” 1, 4000 Plovdiv)
It dates from 1363 and was built by the Ottoman army on the site of the Cathedral of St. Petka Tarnovska. It is the main Muslim shrine of the city and took its current form in 1451 instead of the original mosque built in 1363.
*** SMALL EARLYCHRISTIAN BASILICA (TsentarPlovdiv Center, boulevard “Knyaginya Maria Luiza” 31, 4000 Plovdiv)
It is worth visiting the Basilica that was built in the 5th century AD. It has mosaics and an aura that will seduce you.
ΤΗINGS TO DO
*** Great Basilica is one of the most historic churches of the city dating from the 4th century AD.
*** Bachkovo Monastery is one of the most beautiful monasteries that we would recommend you to visit. It is about half an hour drive away from the city center.
*** Sveta Marina Church and Sveta Bogoroditsa Church are two churches that deserve your attention.
*** Singing Fountain is one of the most popular attractions in the city.
*** Philippopolis Art Gallery and Museum is another place to get a taste of Plovdiv culture.
*** Another option to have a good time is Balabanov’s House.
FOOD AND DRINK
Plovdiv has excellent cuisine and we would recommend you to try their traditional dishes. Taste the classic tarator soup, kapama, panagyurski poached eggs, sarmi, shkembe, moussaka, bob chorba and mish mash. If you like mixed meats then order Meshana Skara. From salads try the local shopska, shepherd’s salad and for the road eat the traditional cheese pie banitsa. Of course you will find in the city many restaurants with cuisines from all over the world. The traditional drink of Bulgaria is Rakia. We would recommend you drink Boza as well.
WHERE TO STAY
You can find accommodation and hotels both in the city center and at a distance of 1-2 kilometers at relatively good prices. It has many options for all budgets.
FUN AND SHOPPING
*** Mall Plovdiv is one of the most popular places for your shopping.
*** Plovdiv Plaza Mall is another place where you will find everything you want for your shopping.
*** It is also worth visiting Shopping Center Hali for your purchases.
*** Glavnata is one of the most popular streets to do your shopping.
HOW TO GET AROUND
The most beautiful way to get around the city is on foot or by bus.
CITIES NEAR PLOVDIV
Major cities close to Plovdiv are Sofia (146km), Burgas (253km), Razgrad (322km), Varna (361km), Skopje (382km), Craiova (391km), Bucharest (391km), Thessaloniki (432km).
