Plovdiv Old Town

Plovdiv, in central Bulgaria, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Europe, with over six thousand years of history layered beneath its streets. Its beautiful old town, spread across cobbled hills, is a picturesque ensemble of grand, colourful nineteenth-century National Revival mansions, art galleries and craft workshops, all wrapped around its greatest treasure: a magnificent and remarkably preserved ancient Roman theatre, dramatically sited on a hillside and still used for performances today.

What you actually see

• The Roman Theatre - the magnificent, still-used ancient amphitheatre.
• The National Revival houses - the colourful ornate old mansions.
• The Roman Stadium - the ancient stadium remains beneath the main street.
• The Kapana district - the trendy craft-and-cafe quarter.

When to go

Spring and autumn for the mildest weather; the old town is atmospheric year-round, and the Roman theatre hosts open-air performances in the warmer months. Plovdiv is a relaxed, walkable city best enjoyed strolling its cobbled old-town hills.

Honest expectations

The old town is charming but small, seen in a day, and its cobbled hills are steep and tiring on the feet. The trendy Kapana district and the buried Roman stadium under the modern pedestrian street add interest. It is an easy trip from Sofia and, as a European Capital of Culture, has a lively arts scene. Its layered history and relaxed vibe are the draw.

Nearby

The Bachkovo Monastery, the Rhodope Mountains and Sofia are within reach.