Why you should visit Bulgaria’s second city dubbed a ‘European gem’ – and flights are £36
AS Bulgaria’s second-largest city, Plovdiv is a captivating blend of old and new.
It mixes ancient sites with modern art and buzzing neighbourhoods, making it an ideal holiday destination — with budget-friendly prices, too.
Here we look at the history-rich hidden gem and all the reasons to make it your next city break . . .
WHY SHOULD I GO?
STROLL through Roman ruins, explore the Ottoman-influenced Old Town and discover a hip culinary scene where traditional flavours meet modern innovation.
This European gem is easy on the eyes and the wallet.
STREETS MADE FOR WALKING?
YOU won’t need Plovdiv’s excellent public transport as most sights are easily reachable on foot.
Keep an eye out for unique street mosaics, which are large-scale propaganda art depicting scenes from everyday life under communist rule.
Start by heading to the Old Town where you can get a glimpse of what the city would have been like when it was a thriving trade hub.
Former merchant houses now serve as museums, including the Kuyumdzhiev House which is now the Ethnographic Museum, offering a look into traditional life.
The Kapana district has the city’s best eateries, bars, boutiques and artisan craft shops.
The main Knyaz Aleksandar I Street is among Europe’s longest pedestrian-only streets, stretching over a mile, It is best to start at the covered bridge that crosses over the Maritsa River and then slowly meander through the crowds and soak up the atmosphere.
ANYTHING FOR THE BUCKET LIST?
AS Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited city, dating back to the 6th century BC, Plovdiv offers all sorts of archaeological treasures.
The Roman amphitheatre is well worth the walk up steep, narrow, cobbled streets that lead to its entrance.
It hosts open-air concerts with views across to the Rhodope mountains.
Book ahead if you fancy a night at the opera.
For something a little off the radar, take a visit to the 16th-century Sveta Marina Church with its impressive Old Testament murals.
WHERE SHOULD I EAT?
IN the heart of Plovdiv’s vibrant Kapana district, a word that aptly translates as “the trap”, cobbled streets overflows with trendy bars and contemporary restaurants.
Once there, you will discover that it is hard to leave.
To sample the city’s emerging modern food scene, check out contemporary restaurant Pavaj, the product of two friends’ passion for promoting Bulgarian dishes.
Much of the produce comes from a family farm in the nearby mountains.
The result is a seasonal menu of intriguing dishes, such as aubergine katak, beetroot risotto, pork chops with grilled corn salad and meatball mimi ivanova.
A three-course meal for four cost us £60.
For Bulgarian food with a twist, Aylyakria is a great summer-time option.
Its outdoor tables are perfect for people watching while enjoying sticky pork ribs or simple, yet flavoursome, bean stew with porcini mushrooms — all washed down with a glass of crisp, local wine.
For those after exclusivity and romance, Philippopolis restaurant is perched high on the edge of the Old Town with wonderful views and a mix of classic Bulgarian and European cuisine.
FANCY A DRINK?
BULGARIA’S wine scene is on the rise, particularly its rich reds, though there are fine rosés to be enjoyed too, especially those from family-run Bendida Winery, which also has a small bar in Kapana.
Prefer an ice cold beer?
Cat And Mouse serves more than 150 different craft beers and ales from around the world in a stylish old warehouse.
Bulgarian Wine Tours offer half- day (starting from £55.64) and full- day (starting from £72.76) tours and tastings that showcase the region’s best wineries.
And for a caffeine fix try either Monkey House or Dwell Coffee House.
WHERE SHOULD I STAY?
GALLERY 37 offers luxury with its modern elegance, art and history.
There are eleven unique rooms, the pick of which have terraces overlooking the Roman amphitheatre.
Alternatively, try Vizualiza Residence Hotel, a 19th-century stately home with the best views over the Old Town.
It boasts a sauna and family-sized rooms.
GO: Plovdiv
GETTING THERE: Wizz Air flies to Plovidv from £36 each way.
See wizzair.com.
STAYING THERE: Gallery 37 costs from £40pp per night based on two sharing.
Vizualiza Residence Hotel is from £59pp per night for two sharing.