Bulgarian autumn – colorful fairytale near Plovdiv
October 27, 2026
Whether you joined our Free Plovdiv Tour the day before and have another day to walk around or decided to explore the city on your own, we’ve put together a few suggestions to help you make the most of your time in Plovdiv. From ancient landmarks and charming streets to beautiful architecture and panoramic viewpoints, here’s a quick guide to the places worth adding to your Plovdiv itinerary.
1. Step Inside a Beautiful Revival-Era House
You can’t really say you’ve explored Plovdiv’s Old Town without stepping inside at least one of its remarkable Revival-era houses. These homes are among the finest examples of Bulgarian National Revival architecture, but what makes the ones in Plovdiv particularly impressive is their size, elegant interiors and remarkable decorations. Expect richly painted ceilings, intricate woodcarvings, colorful wall ornaments and spacious rooms that reflect the wealth and taste of the merchants who once lived here.
There are several wonderful houses to choose from, each with its own character and history:
- Hindliyan House – famous for its richly decorated interiors, beautiful wall paintings, a rose-water fountain and an impressive bathroom.
- Nedkovich House – a glimpse into the lifestyle of a wealthy 19th-century merchant family, with original furniture and elegant European influences.
- Klianti House – one of the oldest and most remarkable houses in the Old Town, featuring beautifully preserved painted ceilings and intricate decorative details.
- Balabanov House – a spacious and elegant home with a stunning reception hall, often used today for exhibitions and cultural events.
Pick the one that catches your eye – or visit more than one if you have the time. Each offers a different perspective on Plovdiv’s architectural and cultural heritage.
Pictures: Dimitra Lefterova
2. Visit a Roman Theatre or Discover a Stadium Under H&M
Plovdiv offers two pretty unusual ways to get up close to its Roman heritage.
You can visit the Ancient Theatre, one of the best-preserved ancient theatres in the world. Walk down to the stage, take a seat among the ancient rows of marble seats and imagine what it must have been like to attend a performance here nearly 2,000 years ago. And yes, you can actually stand on the stage!
Or head to the Roman Stadium, where part of the ancient structure is preserved right beneath the H&M store on the Main Street. Not every day do you get the chance to discover Roman ruins inside a shopping mall! It’s a rather unexpected encounter with the city’s past – and a great reminder of how many layers of history lie beneath modern Plovdiv.
3. Enjoy Lunch in Kapana
It’s time for a lunch break! Kapana is one of the most popular neighborhoods in Plovdiv, loved by both locals and visitors. Its colorful streets are full of cozy restaurants and little eateries where you can enjoy delicious food in a lively and unique atmosphere. Whether you’re in the mood for traditional Bulgarian cuisine or something more international, you’ll find plenty of tempting options here.
Take your time, grab a table outside if the weather is nice, and soak up the creative spirit of the neighborhood!
Pictures: Dimitra Lefterova
4. Discover the Bishop’s Basilica and Its Magnificent Mosaics
The Bishop’s Basilica of Philippopolis is one of Plovdiv’s most remarkable archaeological sites and well worth a visit. Dating back to the 4th–6th centuries, this impressive Early Christian church has a fascinating, multi-layered history, with different periods of construction and layers of ancient mosaics waiting to be discovered.
The real highlight is its spectacular mosaic floors, covering more than 2,000 square meters and featuring intricate geometric patterns, flowers, plants and beautifully depicted birds. The basilica is also part of a cultural heritage site included in Bulgaria’s UNESCO Tentative List, together with the Small Basilica and the Late Antique Building known as the Eirene Building.
It’s a unique opportunity to step into the world of early Christianity and admire some of the finest examples of Late Antique mosaic art in the Balkans.
Pictures: Dimitra Lefterova
5. Enjoy a Panoramic View from One of Plovdiv’s Hills
No visit to Plovdiv is complete without climbing one of its famous hills. For a beautiful panoramic view over the city, head to Nebet Tepe or Bunardzhika Hill. Both offer a different perspective of Plovdiv’s distinctive skyline, with its red rooftops, church towers and the surrounding hills.
If you can time your visit for sunset, even better! Watching the city bathed in the warm evening light is a wonderful way to wrap up your day in Plovdiv.
Pictures: Dimitra Lefterova
One Day, Countless Reasons to Come Back
Of course, there’s much more to discover in Plovdiv than we can cover in this quick guide. Its history stretches across thousands of years, its neighborhoods each have a character of their own, and there are always more hidden corners, museums, galleries and little streets waiting to be explored.
Think of this itinerary as a starting point rather than a checklist. Take your time, follow your curiosity and enjoy the city at your own pace. And if one day isn’t enough – don’t worry. Plovdiv will be happy to welcome you back!
Cover picture: Dimitra Lefterova
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