Plovdiv in a day

The city

Conquered in the 4th century BC by Philip of Macedon, who named it Philippopolis, the city was called Trimontium in Roman times. It grew up around seven hills, six of which survive: Nebet, Taksim and Dzhambaz form the heart of Old Plovdiv. On Sahat hill, the clock tower dates from the 16th century.

The Old Town is an architectural and historical reserve, run by the municipal Old Plovdiv Institute; the reserve marks its 70th anniversary in 2026. Many of its restored National Revival houses are still lived in.

The route

• From Sofia, take the Trakia motorway (A1) east to the Plovdiv exits.
• The motorway limit is 140 km/h unless signs say otherwise; on some sections of the Trakia, average speed is measured between two points.

Allow about 145 km and 1 h 45 from central Sofia, as a guide. The motorway is part of the network that requires a vignette, already included on every one of our cars.

Parking

Central Plovdiv is a blue zone, from Monday to Saturday, 8:30 to 18:30. An hour costs €1.02, paid at a parking meter, with a ticket or by SMS.

• SMS: send the registration number, exactly as it appears on the plate, to 1332 straight after parking. The service is only for customers of Bulgarian mobile operators.
• A reply SMS confirms the parking; check the plate in it. Shortly before the hour ends, a reminder SMS arrives: a new SMS extends parking by one hour.
• If no confirmation comes, pay at a parking meter or with a ticket.
• In the Kapana district, between Zhelezarska, Yoakim Gruev and Knyaz Bogoridi streets, the green zone is for residents only.

According to the municipality, removing a wheel clamp costs €20.45, plus €1.02 per hour parked. The Old Town’s cobbled streets are narrow and steep: it is easier to park in the centre and walk up.

What to see in the Old Town

• The Ancient Theatre, built in the 90s of the 1st century under Domitian and uncovered by excavations from 1968 to 1979: about 3,000 seats, and still a venue for performances and concerts.
• The Roman Stadium, from the 2nd century, under Hadrian: about 240 m by 50 m, with some 30,000 seats. Only its northern end, the sphendone, is visible and free to visit; a paid projection hall completes it.
• The Odeon, with 300 to 350 seats, in the north-west corner of the ancient forum, south of the Central Post Office.
• The National Revival houses, including the Balabanov, Hindliyan and Nedkovich houses, and the old Hippocrates pharmacy.

Opening hours and tickets

Each site closes for half an hour at midday. A single-site ticket costs €3.58 per adult and the combined ticket for five sites €10.74; entry is free for children under 7. Prices and hours as published by the Old Plovdiv Institute, which also sells tickets online.

Driving tips

To make the most of the day, leave Sofia in the morning: from November to March, the sites close at 17:30. The way back is on the same motorway. If you are staying longer in Bulgaria, Plovdiv is also a stop on our one-week itinerary.

With our cars

We hand over the car in Sofia or at the airport, for a day or longer; delivery to Plovdiv is on request, with a quote. Our cars never leave Bulgaria.