5 Parks to Visit in Plovdiv

Plovdiv is famous for its ancient history, colorful neighborhoods, and vibrant cultural life, but the city also offers plenty of green spaces where visitors can relax and escape the summer heat. From elegant urban gardens to forested hills and quiet neighborhood parks, here are five parks worth visiting during your stay in Plovdiv.

Tsar Simeon Garden

Located in the heart of the city, Tsar Simeon Garden is probably the most famous park in Plovdiv. It was created by the renowned Swiss landscape architect Lucien Chevalas for the First Bulgarian International Exhibition, held in Plovdiv in 1892 — the first major international fair in Bulgaria after the Liberation.

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Today, the park remains a favorite gathering place for locals. Wide alleys, elegant fountains, colorful flower beds, and shady trees make it perfect for a relaxed walk. One of its main attractions is the Singing Fountains — a popular water and light show held during the warmer months.

The garden is also home to cafés, playgrounds, and several monuments, making it lively both during the day and in the evening.

Pictures: Dimitra Lefterova

Bunardzhik Hill (Liberators’ Hill)

If you are looking for panoramic views over the city, Bunardzhik Hill is one of the best places to visit. Officially known as the Hill of the Liberators, it is one of Plovdiv’s seven hills and offers beautiful walking paths surrounded by nature.

At the top stands the famous Alyosha Monument — a large Soviet soldier statue that has become one of the symbols of Plovdiv. The hill is especially popular at sunset, when visitors gather to enjoy the view over the city skyline.

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Bunardzhik is also one of the best places in central Plovdiv for observing urban wildlife. The park is home to many squirrels and a surprising variety of birds, which makes the area feel peaceful despite being so close to the city center.

Pictures: Dimitra Lefterova

Lauta Park

Located in the southeastern part of the city, Lauta Park is one of the largest parks in Plovdiv and a favorite place for sports and outdoor activities. Unlike the historic atmosphere of Tsar Simeon Garden, Lauta feels more natural and spacious, with long forest paths, picnic areas, bicycle routes, and open green fields.

The park becomes especially lively during weekends, when locals come for jogging, cycling, barbecues, or family walks. It is also home to sports facilities, playgrounds, and seasonal events.

If you want to experience a more local and less touristy side of Plovdiv, Lauta Park is an excellent choice.

Pictures: Lost in Plovdiv

Dondukov Garden (The City Garden)

Often overlooked by visitors, Dondukov Garden is one of the oldest green spaces in Plovdiv and the city’s first public garden with representative and social functions. It is dedicated to Prince Alexander Dondukov-Korsakov, who served as the temporary governor-general of San Stefano Bulgaria after the Liberation.

Located near the Old Town and the Maritsa River, this small but charming park offers a quieter atmosphere than the larger gardens. Its shaded alleys, benches, and relaxed atmosphere make it a pleasant place for a short break while exploring the nearby historical areas.

Pictures: Dimitra Lefterova

Rosarium Park (Brotherhood Mound Park)

Situated near the Brotherhood Mound memorial, Rosarium Park is a spacious green area popular among locals for walks, sports, and relaxation. The park offers large open lawns and gazebos. Interestingly, during the 1970s there was an ambitious idea to plant 700,000 roses in the area and transform it into a massive rosarium. Unfortunately, the project was never fully realized.

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Today, the park is especially popular among runners, families with children, and people looking for a calmer atmosphere away from the busiest parts of the city. During the warmer months, it becomes a lively social space filled with cyclists, skaters, and people enjoying the evening air.

Picture: Lost in Plovdiv

Plovdiv may be best known for its ancient ruins and lively cultural scene, but its parks reveal another important side of the city — slower, greener, and deeply connected to everyday local life. Whether you prefer panoramic hills, elegant historical gardens, or spacious parks filled with joggers and families, these green spaces offer a different way to experience Plovdiv beyond the tourist landmarks. Sometimes the best way to discover the spirit of the city is simply to slow down and take a walk beneath the trees.

Cover photo: Dimitra Lefterova