A perfect itinerary for one day in Plovdiv (+ a map of all popular attractions, my favourite restaurants and tips on how to see Plovdiv on a day trip from Sofia).
Plovdiv, Bulgaria’s second-largest city, is situated along the banks of the Maritsa River. Like Rome, the city is built on seven hills, but it’s much older. Actually, Plovdiv is the oldest continuously inhabited city in Europe and the sixth oldest in the world! The city is famous for its Old Town with its beautifully restored 18th-century houses in the Bulgarian National Revival architectural style.
Plovdiv began as a Thracian settlement around 4,000 BC. Over the centuries, it was conquered by the Macedonians, Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans, each leaving their distinct imprint on the city. As you walk around, you’ll notice how its history is layered, with each civilisation building upon the remnants of the previous one. Ancient Thracian ruins and Roman amphitheatres stand alongside colourful 18th-century houses, creating a one-of-a-kind architectural mix.
Perfect 1-day Plovdiv Itinerary
Many people take a day trip to Plovdiv from Sofia, as it’s just a 2-hour bus ride away. While you can explore the city in a few hours, I recommend staying overnight. Plovdiv has several great museums located in beautifully restored 18th-century houses, which you’ll miss in a short visit. Additionally, the colourful Kapana neighbourhood, with its many restaurants and bars, is a must-see after dark.
This 1-day itinerary for Plovdiv includes all the must-see attractions, along with the most interesting historic houses to visit in the Old Town. I’ve also included some of my favourite restaurants and brunch places, with recommendations on what to order so you can enjoy the best of Bulgarian cuisine.
One Day in Plovdiv Itinerary (for first-timers)
- Waffles at Afreddo
- Bishop’s Basilica of Philippopolis
- Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis
- Roman Stadium
- Meatballs at Pavaj
- Hindliyan House
- Regional Ethnographic Museum
- Church of St. Constantine and Helena
- Klianti House
- Cocktails and street art in Kapana
In my view, spending one full day in Plovdiv gives you a great introduction to the city and the delicious Bulgarian cuisine. You’ll have time to explore its top attractions, such as the Roman Amphitheatre, the Bishop’s Basilica of Philippopolis, and Klianti House. If you’re taking a day trip from Sofia, I’ve included some tips right after this 1-day itinerary. And for those planning to stay two days, you’ll find additional recommendations on what to see and do.
Tips for your 1-day Plovdiv itinerary
Stay overnight – I highly recommend staying overnight in Plovdiv if your travel plans permit, rather than taking a day trip from Sofia. Although Plovdiv is just a 2-hour bus ride away, you’ll need additional time to reach Sofia’s central bus station, resulting in about 6 hours of travel in total. In my experience, this can be quite tiring, so I always opt to stay overnight when I visit the city.
💖 My favourite hotel in Plovdiv: Vizualiza Residence Hotel
Perfect for: exploring Plovdiv – walking distance to the Old Town and plenty of restaurants
What I loved: modern rooms with comfy beds, fantastic restaurant
Check details & prices: Booking.com | Expedia
Sightseeing – Plovdiv, along with Bulgaria in general, isn’t a very popular tourist destination, so there’s no need to purchase skip-the-line tickets in advance. You can buy tickets directly at the attractions. However, I recommend purchasing a combined ticket, which gives entry to five attractions for the price of three.
Currency – Bulgaria recently joined the Eurozone, so the old lev (BGN) is no longer valid. Make sure you have euros for your trip.
Plovdiv itinerary map
Here you’ll find a map of this 1-day Plovdiv itinerary, complete with attractions and restaurant links.
One Day in Plovdiv Itinerary
Morning
Dedicate your morning to exploring the Roman history of the city. You’ll visit its most famous ruins, which date back to the 1st century AD!
Breakfast at Afreddo
Duration: 40 min 🕒 09:00 AM – 09:40 AM
Start your day with breakfast at Afreddo, one of my favourite brunch places in Plovdiv. They serve amazing waffles and crêpes with different toppings! I especially love their waffle with caramel sauce and bananas, and the crêpes with Milan ham and Scamorza cheese. Be sure to try the espresso – it’s sourced from Trieste, the coffee capital of Italy.
For a traditional Bulgarian breakfast, visit Chochko. While they specialise in desserts and cakes, they also offer an excellent breakfast menu. In addition to classic egg dishes, you’ll find mekitsi (traditional Bulgarian fried dough pastries) and parzheni filiyki (Bulgarian-style French toast). I highly recommend the parzheni filiyki, which is one of my favourites.
Bishop’s Basilica of Philippopolis
Duration: 1 h 🕒 09:50 AM – 10:50 AM
The Bishop’s Basilica of Philippopolis is truly one of the most impressive ancient Roman sites you’ll find in Bulgaria. It dates back to the 4th-6th centuries AD, when Plovdiv was known as Philippopolis.
This isn’t just any basilica – it’s one of the largest early Christian churches in the entire Balkans. What I found truly impressive were the mosaic floors, which span over 2,000 square meters. The mosaics feature intricate patterns, floral designs, and over 100 different types of birds, all depicted with incredible detail.
I found the interactive displays really helpful, as they offer detailed explanations of the mosaics and their symbolic meanings. The entrance fee to Bishop’s Basilica of Philippopolis is €8.
Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis
Duration: 30 min 🕒 11:00 AM – 11:30 AM
The Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis is the city’s most iconic landmark. It dates back to the end of the 1st century AD, during the reign of Emperor Trajan. With a capacity of up to 7,000 people, it was the place where people gathered to watch gladiatorial games and theatrical performances.
The Ancient Theatre continues to come alive with concerts and shows each summer! I’ve had the pleasure of attending performances by world-famous artists such as Placebo, Apocalyptica, and Paradise Lost at this historic venue.
The entrance fee is €4. I highly recommend buying a combined ticket for €11, which grants access to 5 tourist attractions. In this way, you’ll get 2 attractions for free.
Roman Stadium
Duration: 20 min 🕒 11:40 AM – 12:00 PM
One of the most fascinating sites in Plovdiv is the Roman Stadium, which lies right beneath the modern city! Built in the 2nd century AD during Emperor Hadrian’s reign, this stadium once hosted athletic games and gladiatorial contests. Imagine, it could accommodate up to 30,000 spectators, making it one of the largest Roman stadiums in the Balkans.
Stretching about 240 meters long and 50 meters wide, the stadium was designed in the classic Greek style. Today, only a portion of it is visible, as much of it lies beneath the main pedestrian street.
I highly recommend taking the time to visit the underground museum, as you’ll miss much of the stadium’s grandeur if you only view it from outside. Head down the stairs to the information centre, where you can also watch a 3D movie about the stadium’s history. The price is €4 for the movie.
Lunch at Pavaj
Duration: 1 h 20 min 🕒 12:00 PM – 01:20 PM
For lunch, I highly recommend Pavaj, one of my favourite spots in Plovdiv. Their Meatballs Mimi Ivanova are some of the best in town, and the French fries with Bulgarian white cheese are a must-try. I also suggest trying the zucchini balls and the aubergine salad – both delicious!
Afternoon
After lunch, make your way to the Old Town. Nestled in the heart of Plovdiv, this historic area sits atop three hills – Nebet Tepe, Dzhambaz Tepe, and Taksim Tepe. The narrow, winding cobblestone streets give this place its unique charm. It’s my favourite area to wander and get lost in Plovdiv. Just remember, it’s quite hilly, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes.
The Old Town is famous for its well-preserved houses from the Bulgarian National Revival period (18th-19th centuries). They are characterised by colourful facades, ornate wooden decorations, and large bay windows. Many of these houses were built by wealthy merchants during the Ottoman Empire. Today, they’ve been turned into museums and galleries where you can visit and get a glimpse of life from centuries ago.
On my recent trip to Plovdiv, I visited many of these historic houses. In this Plovdiv itinerary, I included the three that I think are must-sees. You won’t have time for more anyway. However, if you’re planning to stay longer, you’ll find more information about the other houses in the following section – More ideas for one day in Plovdiv. Also note that most of the houses are closed on Mondays (see all opening hours here).
Hindliyan House
Duration: 30 min 🕒 01:30 PM – 02:00 PM
Hindliyan House is one of the most impressive houses in the Old Town. It was built in 1835 by an Armenian merchant named Stepan Hindliyan. The house features a richly decorated blue facade with traditional Revival motifs.
The interior of Hindliyan House is equally impressive. I loved the detailed wooden elements and the beautiful wall paintings, featuring landscapes from Constantinople, Venice, and others.
Regional Ethnographic Museum
Duration: 40 min 🕒 02:10 PM – 02:50 PM
The Regional Ethnographic Museum occupies a beautifully preserved 19th-century mansion known as the Kuyumdjiev House. This building is a fine example of the Bulgarian Revival architecture. It was constructed in 1847 by Georgi Kuyumdjiev, a wealthy merchant who played a significant role in Plovdiv’s economic and cultural life.
Inside, the museum holds over 40,000 items that bring Bulgarian folk culture to life. You can see traditional Bulgarian costumes, unique carpets, daily utensils and many more. One of my favourite parts is the collection of Bulgarian folk costumes and embroidery – it’s truly a highlight of the museum.
I also found the audioguide very helpful if you want to learn more about Bulgarian traditions and daily life.
Church of St. Constantine and Helena
Duration: 20 min 🕒 02:50 PM – 03:10 PM
Dating from 337 AD, the Church of St. Constantine and Helena is one of the oldest in Plovdiv. It stands on the very spot where Saints Severin and Memnos were executed for their Christian faith. Over the centuries, the church has been rebuilt several times, with its current Baroque-style interior from 1832.
What I find truly captivating are the beautifully gilded iconostasis (icon screen) and the 19th-century frescoes.
Klianti House
Duration: 30 min 🕒 03:20 PM – 03:50 PM
Built in 1816, Klianti House is one of the oldest preserved gems from the Bulgarian Revival era. It was once home to the Greek merchant Georgi Klianti and his family. What I love most about the house is the richly decorated wooden ceilings and wall paintings with landscapes from Vienna and Constantinople.
If you’re only visiting one house, choose Klianti House. To me, it’s the most stunning example of Bulgarian Revival architecture.
Church Sveti Arhangeli
Duration: 20 min 🕒 03:55 PM – 04:15 PM
Just steps from the Klianti House, you’ll find one of the newest temples of the Plovdivska Mitropolia. The Church of Sveti Arhangeli may be just a few years old, but it’s built on the site of a 16th-century church. Even though it’s new, the interior is absolutely stunning, filled with gold details and colourful frescoes. Honestly, it’s one of the most beautiful churches I’ve seen in Bulgaria! It’s completely free to visit, so make sure to step inside.
Right in front of the church, there’s also a viewpoint with amazing views over Plovdiv’s Old Town – don’t miss it!
Dinner at Restaurant Festival
For dinner, make your way to the colourful Kapana. Founded during the Ottoman era, the neighbourhood was home to local craftsmen. You can still see this reflected in the street names. For example, there’s Kozhuharska (Furriers’ Street), Zhelezarska (Smiths’ Street), and Zlatarska (Goldsmiths’ Street).
Today, Kapana is an art district, packed with cocktail bars and small, charming restaurants. It is the best place to end your long day of sightseeing, in my opinion.
Start your evening at the Restaurant Festival, one of my favourite spots. Their homemade meatballs with fries and lyutenitsa (a traditional Bulgarian veggie relish) are amazing. Also, be sure to try their salads with fresh pink tomatoes and Bulgarian white cheese. The desserts are always changing with the seasons, but if the chocolate cake is available, you’ve got to try it!
After dinner, treat yourself to some cocktails at one of the many bars in Kapana.
Kapana is full of street art, so take your time to explore the neighbourhood. Also, the area frequently hosts various events and festivals, so be sure to check the schedule here before you visit Plovdiv.
Sound and light show
End your day in Plovdiv with a spectacular fountain light show at Tsar Simeon Garden. It’s my favourite park in the city, ideal for a stroll, especially on a warm summer evening.
However, the main attraction here is the Singing Fountains. The sound and light show runs every evening in the summer between 9:30 PM and 11 PM, once it’s dark.
More ideas for one day in Plovdiv
Dzhumaya Mosque
Duration: 20 min
Dzhumaya Mosque, also known as the Friday Mosque, is one of the oldest mosques in the Balkans. It was originally built around 1363, right after the Ottomans took over the city. However, the mosque we see today dates back to the 15th century when Sultan Murad II fully reconstructed the building.
It’s possible to visit the mosque, and the entrance is free of charge. Just keep in mind that it’s an active place of worship, so dress modestly. Also, the mosque is beautifully lit up at night, so take a moment to check it out.
Roman Forum and Odeon
Duration: 20 min
The Roman Forum and Odeon are two historic sites situated on either side of the central post office. Built around the 1st century AD, this complex is the largest of its kind in Bulgaria. It was once the centre of civic life in ancient Philippopolis (now Plovdiv). Today, walking through the Roman Forum feels like stepping back in time, where you can still see the remnants of columns and stroll along the ancient paved streets.
Plovdiv’s iconic statues
As you explore the city, you’ll come across several statues of smiling figures. These statues, created by the sculptor Danko Dankov, are based on real people. I find the statues of Milyo and the artist Tsanko Lavrenov particularly interesting.
You can spot Milyo’s statue on the main pedestrian street. He was a colourful local character from the 1960s, famous for being the go-to source for the latest gossip and always ready to share a story with anyone who would listen.
Over in the Old Town, you’ll find the statue of Tsanko Lavrenov. He was a prominent Bulgarian artist of the 20th century, known for his significant contributions to the art world.
Balabanov House
Duration: 30 min
Just next door to Hindliyan House is Balabanov House. It was built in the early 19th century by the wealthy merchant Hadji Panayot Lampsha. However, the house is named after its last owner, the tradesman Luka Balabanov.
I’ve always admired the house for its stunning wood-carved ceiling and beautiful antique furniture. Currently, the ground floor features a permanent display of modern Bulgarian art. If that’s not really your thing, I’d suggest heading directly to the upper floor to enjoy its beautifully restored rooms.
History Museum – Bulgarian National Revival Exposition
Duration: 40 min
If you’re into history like I am, you’ll definitely want to check out the Bulgarian National Revival Exposition. This exhibit, part of the History Museum, is set in the former home of a wealthy craftsman. It covers the history of Plovdiv from the 15th to the 19th century, when the country was under Ottoman occupation.
The house itself is also worth a visit. Built in 1848 for the wealthy craftsman Georgi Kendindenoglu, it’s a beautiful example of the Bulgarian National Revival period. However, the house bears the name of his son-in-law, Dimitar Georgiadi. He was a rich Greek merchant from Plovdiv whose successors lived here till the middle of the 20th century.
Philippopolis Art Gallery
Duration: 40 min
Philippopolis Art Gallery is one of my favourite museums in Plovdiv. If you’re into art, you’ll definitely want to check it out. However, it is much more than just an art gallery! The collection occupies the former home of the wealthy merchant Hadzhi Aleko. Built in 1865, this house is one of the first with solid walls in Plovdiv.
Inside, you’ll find a great collection of over 200 works of famous Bulgarian artists from the 19th century to the present day. You can also see paintings by Bulgaria’s most famous artist, Vladimir Dimitrov – the Master. What I love most is how the original wooden decorations and furniture are still well-preserved. It really feels like stepping back into the 19th century as soon as you walk through the door.
Nedkovich House
Duration: 30 min
Nedkovich House is another great example of the Bulgarian National Revival architecture. Built in 1863, it belonged to the successful fabric merchant Nikola Nedkovich from Karlovo. What makes it special is that it’s one of the few places where you can still see artefacts belonging to the original owners. Make sure to pay attention to the unique ceiling carvings, beautiful murals, carpets and its collection of period furniture.
Pharmacy Museum Hippocrates
Duration: 30 min
The Pharmacy Museum Hippocrates is a unique museum where you can step back in time and see how early pharmacists and apothecaries worked. I love that it’s set in the original home and pharmacy of Dr Sotir Antoniadi from the 19th century.
The collection is fascinating, featuring vintage apothecary tools, medicinal jars, old pharmaceutical books, and antique drug containers. It’s really cool to see how medications and pills were made by hand using natural ingredients like herbs, minerals, and essential oils.
Enjoy the best views of Plovdiv
Plovdiv, like Rome, is built on seven hills, but today, only six remain. The seventh, Markovo Tepe, was destroyed, and its syenite rocks were used to pave the city’s streets.
One of my favourite spots is Nebet Tepe, the highest hill in the Old Town. There, you can explore the ancient Thracian fortress of Puldin and enjoy panoramic views of the Old Town of Plovdiv.
For the best views of the city centre, you can’t miss Bunardzhik Hill, also known as Liberators Hill. It’s the second-highest hill and is home to the Monument of Russian Liberators and a striking statue of a Russian soldier. The views from the top are simply amazing.
Taste some pastries and gelato
My top spots for pastries in Plovdiv are Kapana Bakery and Bluestone Doughnuts. Kapana Bakery offers delicious French pastries and cakes. For amazing doughnuts, you have to visit Bluestone Doughnuts, where the flavours change daily. I especially love their pistachio doughnut.
For the best gelato in town, head to Savi Gelato. Their artisanal gelato rivals many of the ones I’ve tried in Italy (and believe me, I’ve sampled hundreds). I particularly love the Crema Savi, Bio Rose, and Lavender flavours.
Best pass for your 1-day Plovdiv itinerary
If you plan to visit more than three museums, I highly recommend purchasing the combined ticket. For just €11, it grants you free access to 5 of the following attractions:
- Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis
- Roman Stadium
- Hindliyan House
- Klianti House
- Balabanov House
- Nedkovich House
- Pharmacy Museum Hippocrates
- Stambolyan house
- Zlatyu Boyadzhiev Gallery
Each individual attraction costs €4, so with the combined ticket, you’ll essentially get access to 2 sites for free. The ticket is valid for 2 days, but in my experience, you can easily visit all five sites in a single day. If you choose to follow my 1-day itinerary, you’ll visit four of the sites, which means you’ll get at least one for free.
Plovdiv on a day trip from Sofia
While it’s technically feasible to visit Plovdiv on a day trip from Sofia, I wouldn’t recommend it. The quickest option is by bus, but even then, you’ll spend about 2 hours travelling each way. Taking the train is even slower, nearly 3 hours one way. This means you’ll end up spending 5-6 hours of your day just on travel.
Still, if you’re short on time, I suggest taking the first bus in the morning. I usually travel with Karat S, as their buses are generally in good condition, and you can conveniently buy tickets online. I highly recommend purchasing your tickets in advance, as they often sell out.
If you’re visiting Plovdiv on a day trip from Sofia, you can follow the above itinerary with a few adjustments. I recommend viewing the Roman Stadium from the outside only and skipping the Regional Ethnographic Museum. In my opinion, Hindliyan’s House and Klianti House are far more impressive and worth your time.
Another option I highly recommend is taking this organised tour from Sofia. It includes transportation to Plovdiv and a guided tour of the city. After the tour, you’ll have an additional 2 hours to explore on your own. I find it’s a perfect choice because you can skip the hassle of arranging logistics and just enjoy your visit.
Plovdiv day trip
- Waffles at Afreddo
- Bishop’s Basilica of Philippopolis
- Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis
- Roman Stadium
- Meatballs at Pavaj
- Hindliyan’s House
- Church of St. Constantine and Helena
- Klianti House
2-day Plovdiv itinerary
Staying overnight in Plovdiv will allow you to see all the city’s famous attractions and enjoy the cool atmosphere of the Kapana neighbourhood in the evening. I highly recommend this option if your travel plans allow it.
Use my Plovdiv itinerary for the first day. On the second day, you can visit Philippopolis Art Gallery, Pharmacy Museum Hippocrates and Balabanov’s House. Also, be sure to stop by Bluestone Doughnuts for fantastic doughnuts.
2 days in Plovdiv
- Day 1: Bishop’s Basilica of Philippopolis, Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis, Roman Stadium, Hindliyan’s House, Regional Ethnographic Museum, Church of St. Constantine and Helena, Klianti House, Kapana
- Day 2: Bluestone Doughnuts, Philippopolis Art Gallery, Pharmacy Museum Hippocrates, Balabanov’s House
Where to stay in Plovdiv
The best place to stay in Plovdiv is the city centre. For a perfect location, look for accommodation between Tsar Simeon Garden and the Kapana neighbourhood. Anywhere just a few minutes from the pedestrian Knyaz Alexander I Street is ideal. You’ll be within easy walking distance of popular attractions and great restaurants. This is my favourite area to stay in Plovdiv, as everything I need is right at my doorstep.
I wouldn’t recommend staying in the Old Town if you have mobility issues. While it’s the most picturesque part of Plovdiv, it’s also quite hilly. This can be challenging, especially in the intense summer heat of around 40°C (104°F). However, it’s a great area for sightseeing and dining out if you’re up for the walk.
Also, avoid Kapana if you prefer a quieter stay. It’s a lively nightlife area with numerous bars and restaurants, which can be very noisy.
Doubletree By Hilton – Best 4-star
Just 5 minutes away from the Bishop’s Basilica of Philippopolis, the Doubletree By Hilton is a perfect base for an overnight stay. The modern rooms are spacious and feature comfy beds. You’ll have two dining options – Il Monte Trattoria for modern Italian cuisine and Open for international dishes. Breakfast is very good, and you can unwind after a day of exploring in the sauna.
Gallery 37 – Best 5-star
Located in the heart of the Old Town, Gallery 37 is just a few steps away from the Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis. The hotel features uniquely designed rooms, a restaurant and a garden. It’s a fantastic place to stay if you want to truly soak up the Old Town’s atmosphere.
Plovdiv City Center Hotel – Best 3-star
This budget-friendly hotel is located right on the main pedestrian street, just a short walk from the Old Town. Plus, the lively Kapana district with all its great restaurants is just minutes away. The rooms are modern, spacious, and perfect for a short stay.
SOHO Apart House – Best apartments
If you need more space, consider the SOHO Apart House. This aparthotel offers modern apartments with fully equipped kitchens, as well as spacious rooms. Its location is perfect for sightseeing, just a 5-minute walk from the city centre. Don’t miss the Don Antonio pastry shop right next to the hotel entrance!
Getting around in Plovdiv
Plovdiv is a charming, compact city where everything is conveniently located in the city centre and the Old Town. You can easily walk to all the attractions within 15 minutes, so you won’t need to rely on public transportation.
Just a heads-up: the Old Town is pretty hilly, so make sure to bring comfortable shoes.
How to get to Plovdiv
Plovdiv is easy to reach from Sofia and other major Bulgarian cities by train or bus. If you’re coming from Sofia, there are several buses (and trains) per day. I’d suggest taking the bus – trains are slower and many are very outdated.
The bus ride takes around 2 hours. You’ll need to catch a bus from Sofia Central Bus Station (find the schedule here). I recommend using City Lines, which offers an easy online booking option here. In Plovdiv, the bus stops in front of the Central Railway Station. From there, it’s a 20-minute walk to the city centre and a bit further to the Old Town.
Best time to visit Plovdiv
Most of Plovdiv’s attractions are outdoors, and you’ll be doing a lot of walking through the Old Town. For the best experience, I’d recommend visiting in April, May, June, September, or October when the weather is usually quite pleasant.
Even though Plovdiv is never really crowded, try to steer clear of July and August if you can. The temperatures often reach 40°C (104°F), and exploring the hilly streets of the Old Town in that kind of heat can be pretty tough.
FAQs about visiting Plovdiv
The distance from Sofia to Plovdiv is approximately 150 kilometres (93 miles) by road. The drive typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. If you’re travelling by train or bus, the journey generally takes about 2 to 3 hours.
The best way to get from Sofia to Plovdiv is by bus. You can catch a bus from Sofia Central Bus Station, and the journey typically takes around 2 hours. I recommend using Karat S for a comfortable ride, and you can easily buy tickets online.
Yes, Plovdiv is definitely worth visiting. It’s one of Bulgaria’s oldest cities and is known as the cultural capital of Bulgaria. Plovdiv is famous for its beautifully preserved Roman ruins and a charming Old Town with colourful 19th-century houses.
I’d suggest spending about 1 to 2 days in Plovdiv. This gives you enough time to explore the main attractions like the Old Town and its colourful houses, the Roman Theatre, and the Kapana Arts District.
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