Plovdiv Old Town

Plovdiv Old Town is a hillside district of cobbled lanes and 19th-century Bulgarian National Revival houses in Plovdiv, about 150 km southeast of Sofia in southern Bulgaria. The city is one of Europe's oldest continuously inhabited places, and the Old Town spreads across three hills, with Roman, Thracian and Ottoman layers visible throughout. Getting there is simple. Buses from Sofia Central Bus Station to Plovdiv Sever take about 1h45 and cost around EUR 6-10 (USD 7-11), while the BDZ train takes about 2h40 and costs EUR 5-8 (USD 6-9). A car on the A1 Trakia motorway takes about 1.5 hours. From the stations, the Old Town is a short taxi ride or a walk along the pedestrian Knyaz Alexander I street. The main sights include the Roman Theatre of Philippopolis, still used for concerts, the Ancient Stadium beneath the main street, and colourful merchant houses such as the Balabanov House and the Kuyumdzhioglu House, now the Regional Ethnographic Museum. The Church of Saints Constantine and Helena and the Nebet Tepe hilltop fortress add history and views. A suggested day begins with the morning train or bus, a coffee near Dzhumaya Square and a walk through the Roman stadium before climbing to the Old Town around 11:00. After lunch at a taverna, the afternoon can cover the Roman Theatre, the houses and gallery visits, followed by an evening stroll in the Kapana creative district, known for cafes, craft shops and bars. The return buses and trains run into the evening, so a late return is possible. April to October offers the best weather, with May and September particularly pleasant. July and August can be hot, while winter is quieter and cooler. Food stops in Plovdiv include traditional Bulgarian tavernas serving grilled meats, shopska salad and local wines, and Kapana is the best area for relaxed coffee. House museums charge small entry fees, generally a few euros, and many close on Mondays. The cobbled streets are steep in places and comfortable shoes are essential for a full day on foot.