8 Best Bars in Plovdiv, Bulgaria

Get ready for Plovdiv’s best bars!

Everyone in Plovdiv knows that Kapana means The Trap but it has a different individual meaning for every visitor. Some see it as the old crafts district, others love its graffiti, some even come to admire the architecture. No matter what every person likes about Kapana there’s one thing that all of them have fallen for – the bars. Time to buckle up and see if will make it out sober!                          

Cat and Mouse

The first place that comes to mind when you think of beer bars in Plovdiv is Котка и Мишка aka Cat and Mouse. Right in the heart of Kapana there is all the variety of craft beer in a single place. Since you’re visiting Bulgaria it makes sense to try our Bulgarian craft beers. By asking the bartenders about Hills, Glarus (Herring gull), Lale (Tulip), Byal Shtark (White Stork) and of course- Cat and Mouse, you’ll learn what makes these brands so distinctive. Choose wisely!

Arsenal of Art

You don’t like galleries, well give this one a chance, you will not regret it! There is something special happening on Wednesday evenings; Arsenal of Art comes to life. Don’t imagine the paintings to start dancing, though. Instead listen to the very talented musicians who will certainly enchant you with their Jazz.

After listening to some music, there’s nothing better than a glass of wine.

DeGUSTOstation

Let’s first try and understand the name of your future favourite wine bar. Дегустация (Degusatsiya) is simply tasting, Gusto on the other hand is an original feeling that only the locals of Plovdiv understand fully. Don’t delay asking your hosts about it! Overall, it’s not just wine tasting, but a secret short- cut to understanding our slang better. Order a glass of the Thracian goddess Bendida’s wine and place it on your table, ops, your table is actually a barrel! I bet you’d love to return to this unusual little place on your next trip to Plovdiv.

Сандъкъ

Whisky- lovers, we haven’t forgotten you! If you know what Сандък means then it would be hard not to notice this pub. As soon as you spot the graffiti- painted military chests, stop and find the entrance! Instead of grenades, inside Сандъкъ  (The Chest) you are going to find a good collection of top- quality, old whiskies. Once again, we encourage you to interact with the staff, they know what they’re talking about.

Gingertale

Since we have found something for all beer, wine and whisky lovers now it is cocktails’ turn! Isn’t it the purpose of a good cocktail to set you in the mood of dancing? If you agree, then that’s where you can do both. The Swingin’ Thursdays are the weekly event that brings all swing- lovers to gather and have fun together! Join them and let the rhythm take over.

Marmalad

Enough dancing! Finally the time for singing has come! Singing is not among your talents, well if you’ve been following our guidance strictly and devotedly, then now you are no longer aware of that. On Fridays Marmalad has the best karaoke, in other words- your time to shine! Marmalad is known for serving Bulgarian food too. Trying our Bulgarian cuisine is a must, so don’t hesitate to order a Shopska salad.

No Sense

It’s time to lose your senses at the party centre of The Trap. The ultimate ice- breaker is alcohol, we all know, keeping this in mind there’s one shot that would do wonders for you- Ruska Zakuska (Russian breakfast). Have a shot or two and we promise you won’t come back to your senses. Ready for some table football? Great! We are going upstairs to find an entire floor dedicated to sport fans. Check out the unique ceiling and see if your favorite football team has a scarf there!

Art Club Nylon

Wait! Party’s not over yet. No party ever ends without a visit of The Nylon. Known as a rock bar, it attracts a lot of the local rock lovers. It might surprise you that some of the staff even play in famous Plovdivian rock bands. Speaking of concerts, acoustic performances are very frequent at this pub. If you would like to light a cigarette, while enjoying a show, that’s the only pub, from the above mentioned, that allows you to do that.

Afterparty- The Plovdivian Way

Party’s over! When the morning comes, the true Plovdivians don’t go to sleep. Instead, we either eat a traditional Shkembe chorba (Tripe soup) at the authentic Bulgarian restaurant – Diana or have a kebab at the Hali District, while listening to the techno sound coming from the nearby pub.

Tips

That should be good enough for a beginner! Here are some helpful tips before you undertake this journey:

• Prepare Cash when you go to Kapana because most of the bars do not accept credit cards
• The prices in Kapana are a bit higher than in other Bulgarian places of similar kind.
• You can get a discount at some of these places, as well as in many other restaurants and shops, and also get free admission to Plovdiv’s best museums and galleries with Plovdiv City Card.
• Most importantly, drink responsibly. Наздраве!