"Bulgaria's city of art and "fashion"" Plovdiv by ellielou

Plovdiv Travel Guide: 441 reviews and 1,259 photos

Bulgaria's "second city" and "cultural capital"

Plovdiv is a fantastic city for art, architecture, and people watching, especially if you want to know what Bulgaria's fashionistas are wearing this season!

Many of the sights are in the "Old Town," a charming, hilly place of cobblestone streets and great Bulgarian Revival, or "Plovdiv Baroque" period buildings, where it's both easy and fun to get lost.

Living up to its "cultural capital" moniker, we lucked out, being in city for its "Night of Museums and Galleries," where just about all the museums and galleries of the city were open and free, from 8pm until 3am. We were also there during a jazz festival, and, while we only caught a show one night, it was great.

Pros and Cons

Pros:great arts, architecture, food
Cons:always walking uphill
In a nutshell:great for a few days of sightseeing AND hanging out

Last visit to Plovdiv: Sep 2006
Intro Updated Oct 26, 2006
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Reviews (12)

the local chain Restaurants (2)

This is soooo not my kind of place. It's a chain. Ok, it's a Bulgarian chain, and when I saw it, I realized that I had... more travel advice

to go...but maybe not far Restaurants (2)

Plovdiv is one of those great cities for getting cheap, interesting, and flavorful food fast! There are numerous little... more travel advice

aimlessly wander Things to Do (6)

Old Plovdiv is perfect for those who like to wander through atmospheric, old, cobblestone streets, and gaze at... more travel advice

all politics is NOT local Favorites (1)

So, I'm walking around the in the old part of the city, and do my eyes deceive me, I see a bumper sticker that wouldn't... more travel advice

Shopping (1)
where to get those awesome tomatoes!

Hotels (2)
See All another hostel

Comments (18)

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johngayton Jan 10, 2011 at 5:25 PM

I'm a big fan of "Happy" and what they've done is turned the Bulgarian "Mehana" menu into an international restaurant style whilst still keeping with the local produce. I'm a big fan of Plovdiv even though I've only ever seen it in the snow!
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850prc Jan 4, 2008 at 6:43 PM

I'm with you, I am a sucker for town markets, too. I could spend hours at Viktuelenmarkt in Munich. Very nice Plovdiv page, I enjoyed my visit.
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unaS Nov 5, 2007 at 12:30 AM

Great To Do tips. Many thanks. Also a really great intro to Plovidiv.
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raytor Jul 12, 2007 at 7:17 PM

Not back completely, but I am single now. That is the first step. :-)
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Hexepatty May 6, 2007 at 9:06 AM

After I explained what stemware was (don't laff!) to Future roommate, he told me not to sell it. He has a breakfront in the dining room filled with non-sentimental stuff. He'll get rid of them to make room for my familly crystal. Sweet man, eh?
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bijo69 Jan 10, 2007 at 8:17 AM

Beem to Plovdiv a couple of times, but it never quite struck me as the fashion capital. Will have a closer look next time :).
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travelfrosch Dec 9, 2006 at 8:31 AM

Plovdiv looks like a fascinating city. Thanks for taking us along! Cheers, Mark
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FruitLover Dec 7, 2006 at 1:39 AM

Interesting perspectives. I was 3 times in in this city, have a couple local friends , heard since childhood about it, and still enjoyed your page. Shame on me, not yet have been to Atanas Krastev House. Thanx, Avi
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alza Nov 24, 2006 at 7:14 AM

Very atmospheric pics. And a place I never heard of, familiar and remote at the same time. It's great to read about less-targetted destinations.
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Dabs Nov 21, 2006 at 2:05 PM

Plovdiv has been on my list for awhile, hope I get there someday! And cucumbers and corn on a pizza? Sacrilege!