Plovdiv Old Town

Plovdiv, in Bulgaria, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Europe, over 6,000 years, and its Old Town is a beautifully preserved hillside quarter of cobbled lanes, colourful 19th-century National Revival mansions, Roman ruins, and artists' studios. The undoubted highlight is the remarkably intact Roman theatre (Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis), a 2nd-century amphitheatre with marble seating and stage, still used for performances, with sweeping views over the city. Elsewhere, a Roman stadium lies partly beneath the modern pedestrian street, and grand revival-era houses (some now museums) line the cobbled hills.

A European Capital of Culture, Plovdiv blends ancient layers with a creative, café-filled present, especially in the bohemian Kapana ('the Trap') artists' district. It's a wonderfully atmospheric, walkable city, wander the Old Town's lanes, see the Roman theatre, and soak up millennia of history.

Don't miss

• The intact 2nd-century Roman theatre
• National Revival painted mansions (some now museums)
• Cobbled hillside lanes and artists' studios
• The partly-buried Roman stadium
• The bohemian Kapana creative district nearby

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit Plovdiv Old Town

Cheapest way inSelf-guided Plovdiv Walking Tour To Old Town And Roman Landmarks4.5★ · 14 travelers2–3 hoursFree cancellationFrom$12 per personSee dates →Best full dayMust-See Plovdiv Day Tour from Sofia4.6★ · 370 travelers~9 hoursFree cancellationFrom$22 per personSee dates →Private & flexiblePrivate Tour from Sofia to Plovdiv4.9★ · 12 travelers~8 hoursFree cancellationFrom$151 per personSee dates →

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How travelers rate it

Know before you go

• The Roman theatre is the must-see, still used for summer performances.
• Wear good shoes; the Old Town is steep and cobbled.
• Don't miss the bohemian Kapana creative district for cafés and art.
• It's an easy day trip from Sofia, or a worthy overnight.

A bit of history

Founded over six millennia ago and known to the Greeks and Romans as Philippopolis, Plovdiv has been ruled by Thracians, Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans. Its Roman theatre dates to the 2nd century AD; the Old Town's distinctive painted mansions are from the 19th-century Bulgarian National Revival. Plovdiv was a 2019 European Capital of Culture.