Discovering Plovdiv, Bulgaria's Second City

[Maria Athanassopoulou]

You will find Plovdiv at an hour’s distance from Sophia, Bulgaria. It’s the second most populated city of the country, built on both banks of the Maritsa River. The very first impression is pure urban as you approach the city -- multi-floor flats, concrete and steel.. However, things quickly get quite different!

Plovdiv bears in its arms lots of archaeological sites, 30 of which have been categorized as extremely important ones. The visitor has a chance to visit the ancient theater, the Ottoman baths, the medieval wall, churches and the Old Town – preserved since the period of the National Renaissance, a full trip in time to the culture and traditions of the area.

The ancient theater of the city is probably the most well-known archaeological site in Bulgaria. It was built in the beginning of the second century A.D. during Emperor Traianos' years. The theater has an occupancy of 7,000 spectators!

The Old Town of Plodviv, is famous for historically preserving the style of architecture and buildings of the Bulgarian Renaissance. Lots of narrow, paved streets guide the visitor to well preserved mansions, museums, churches and picturesque corners of unique beauty. All buildings share the traditional architectural style, so the visitor will enjoy a short trip through time while walking on these narrow streets, a trip through the Balkan traditions that are still alive at the heart of Plovdiv’s Old Town.  

Plovdiv offers many accommodation choices and various level hotels. We will mention four hotels of three, four and five stars, just to give you an idea of what to expect once you arrive in Plovdiv.

A few useful details:

Hotel Restaurant Hebros – A different Hotel – A 19th Century Renaissance House

It’s a wonderful five-star hotel right at the heart of the Old Town, one that offers a magical journey to another era. The hotel is fully operative in a Renaissance building of 200 years, furnished to match its era with unique antiques. Staying at Hebros, your life will seem to have spanned around a fairytale somewhere in the Old Town. The hotel offers a restaurant and winery as well. 

Imperial Hotel - Four-Star Service

This very nice hotel around four kilometers from the Old Town has beautiful rooms and great services. It’s a large hotel that will cover all your needs, including a restaurant, cafeteria, bar, conference halls and spa. The restaurant food is of excellent quality and highly recommended.

Landmark Creek Hotel & Spa – Allow yourself to enjoy a relaxing premium stay

Another 4-star hotel, brand new, built next to an artificial lake, Landmark Creek offers relaxation and rejuvenation. Located 3,5 kilometers from the Old Town, it has spacious rooms, beautifully furnished and large comfortable beds. The hotel lobby is elegantly decorated to be a vast comfortable area of relaxation, and it’s also the area where the spa and rejuvenation services are offered.

Park Hotel - close to the heart of the city, yet isolated from its bustle…

This nice 3-star hotel features comfortable rooms and a smiling staff. It has a great restaurant and elegantly decorated public areas. Park Hotel also offers services of beauty and rejuvenation in its spa area.

Paldin Restaurant

It’s one of the very best restaurants in Plovdiv. Located right in the heart of the Old Town, it offers excellent dishes. You will enjoy your dinner with no regrets.