PLOVDIV Economic Travel Guide
A Bulgarian city of Seven Hills: Plovdiv (or Plovdiv) Plovdiv)
Plovdiv, that is Plovdiv, is one of Bulgaria’s 2 largest. city. It is located 130 km from the capital Sofia. In this city, which has a history of 4000 years, the Kingdom of Macedonia, the Kingdom of Thrace, the Roman Empire, the Byzantine Empire and the Ottoman Empire ruled for centuries. He was named after Alexander the Great’s father, King of Macedonia II.. buys from Filip. It was called Plovdiv or Philippopolis until Bulgaria declared its independence in 1908.. Bulgarians don’t like being called Plovdiv.. It’s not because of that, but from now on, we will continue to say Plovdiv in our article, sorry
The city is still known by its Turkish names Cehennem Tepe, Saat Tepe, Taksim Tepe, It consists of seven hills named Bunarcık Tepe, Nöbet Tepe, Cambaz Tepe and Marko Tepe.. The Meriç River, which runs through the middle of the 2019 European Capital of Culture, Plovdiv, has added a different warmth and beauty here, as it does in every city that mingles with water.
The city is every European city. As in the city, it has been separated as the old town, that is, the historical old city and the new city where modern cafes, shopping places and restaurants are located.. It is possible to still see the Ottoman influence in the old city center.. In the new city center, Plovdiv is a very surprising city with its colorful buildings, lively streets, cafes, green and clean parks. You can get along better by speaking Turkish.. In addition to having many words in common, it is certain that they will understand you better when you speak Turkish due to the large number of people of Turkish or Turkish origin residing in the city.
HOW TO REACH PLOVDIV: ‘HOW TO GET THERE?
By car: You can get to Kapikule in 2.5 hours from Istanbul, and then to Plovdiv, aka Plovdiv, 2 hours later after passport control. The road is very convenient for people who will travel with their own vehicle.. It may take some time to get through the passport control, but we’re sure you’ll make it in the end. Starting from Istanbul, we made a tour of Bulgaria with our own vehicle.. After passing many cities on our route such as Burgas, Omurtag, Razgrad and the small villages between these cities, we arrived in Plovdiv and were very impressed with the modern look of the city.. The impression of “poor Bulgaria” we saw along the way was suddenly replaced by a highly developed European city.. By bus: Many companies such as Metro Turizm organize bus services.. The bus is a very comfortable alternative, but you can wait at least 2-3 hours more than those traveling with their own vehicle at passport control.. By train: The sleeper train to Sofia and Bucharest departs from Sirkeci Train Station in Istanbul at 22:00 at night, arrives at Plovdiv Train Station at 7:57 in the morning.. Sleeper train fare is 10-15 TL more than buses, but it will definitely be worth the pleasure, comfort and scenery that will accompany you along the way..
PLOVDIV URBAN TRANSPORTATION
Taxi: Taxis passing by or waiting at the bus stop It is recommended to call taxi companies instead.. Because taxis waiting at the bus stop can be more expensive.. Therefore, it would be wiser to get advice from locals, call a 4-digit number such as 6665, 6155, 6142, 9199, call a taxi, and find out the price before taking a taxi.. Taxi drivers will try to deceive you, so keep your eyes on the meter.
The most effective urban transportation method is buses.. You can use public transport easily and quite cheaply.
If you are going to travel in the city with your own vehicle, you should be very careful because Plovdiv is one of the cities with a high accident rate.
PLOVDIV ACCOMMODATION: WHERE TO STAY IN PLOVDIV?
We did not stay in Plovdiv. We stopped by here on our way and met our close friend Vanina, whom we know from France, and after visiting the city, we continued our journey.. But as we have seen as a result of a short research on the internet, the most recommended hotel Ramada Plovdiv Trimontium Hotel. A luxury hotel in the heart of the city. However, those looking for a more economical accommodation can also prefer hostels located a little outside the old city center.. Of course, you should check out booking.com for the most suitable accommodation alternatives.
THINGS TO DO IN PLOVDIV
Free walking tour: By participating in free walking tours organized in the city, you should visit this city step by step with local tour operators and get accurate information about its history.. These tours are also organized in many cities of Europe.. University students who usually work to improve the English of tour operators and earn their pocket money. That’s why tours are also enjoyable.. This is a system that works with the tip given at the end of the tour.. Therefore, you should not neglect to give whatever your heart desires at the end.
Soak the sun on one of the hills. You should walk to any hill of this city of seven hills and watch the romantic sunset.
WHAT TO EAT IN PLOVDIV? WHAT TO DRINK?
Plovdiv is quite cheap compared to Istanbul. In fact, Bulgaria is generally much cheaper than us in terms of food and beverage, and despite this, both the places are very stylish and the food is of high quality.
Food cultures are quite parallel to ours.. You can order a classic Bulgarian menu at Dayana, one of the most famous restaurants in the city. Afreddo is one of the alternatives we can recommend as a very popular cafe.
Beer is almost as cheap as water here.. We filled our luggage with boxes of Bulgarian beers on our return from Bulgaria and luckily we did not have any problems crossing the border.. We think it’s worth the risk because even if the beers are confiscated, you will lose maybe 30-40 TL.
SHOPPING IN PLOVDIV >
Rose.. Rose soap, rose water, rose perfume… You can buy all kinds of rose-made objects identified with Plovdiv as gifts.
Antiques in Plovdiv are also quite assertive.. You will find many antique shops, especially in the old city centre.
PLOVDIV CITY TOUR
You can finish the must-see places in Plovdiv in half a day. However, this city is a place worth spending at least one night to see and more importantly understand not only the historical and touristic places, but also the lifestyle, local life.
You can click here for the half-hour walking route we have drawn for you. In summary, the historical district located between tourist information and 6-ti septemvri boulevard. It is also the busiest area of the city in terms of cafes, restaurants, historical buildings, hotels, bars and clubs, galleries and shops here.
Old Ottoman District: Ottoman architecture The houses, which are still preserved, have been restored and used as museums, galleries, workshops and restaurants.
Saat Tepe: When you go up in the Ottoman quarter, you will see the 16th century name on it..
Roman Antique Theatre: 2.000 located between Taksim Tepe and Cambaz Tepe This annual theater was built by the Roman emperor Trajan II.. It was built at the beginning of the century and had a capacity of 7,000 people.. Various events are still held in the theatre.
Roman Stadium: Another Roman monument located in Cumayata Square in the center of the city.. The stadium, of which only a small part can be seen today, was built during the reign of the Roman Emperor Hadrian, the successor of Trajan, and had a capacity of 30,000 spectators.
Friday Mosque: next to the Roman Stadium , which gave its name to Cumayata Square, I. There is the Dzhumaya Mosque, that is, the Hüdavendigar Mosque in Turkish, or the Friday Mosque, which was built during the reign of Murad II.. This mosque is one of the oldest mosques in Europe and the oldest open to worship in Europe.
Knyaz Alexander (Prince 1. Aleksander Avenue): This street, which is closed to vehicle traffic at the beginning of Friday Square, is also ideal for shopping.. Istiklal Street in Plovdiv. A wide street full of shops, cafes, historical buildings.
Lamartine’s house: This is one of the characteristic houses of Plovdiv from the Ottoman period.. Its importance is that the French poet Alphonse de Lamartine lived here for a while.
Nöbettepe: The houses with bay windows definitely remind of Safranbolu for those who leave from Turkey.. You can enjoy a unique view from the cobblestone streets to the castle.
Stefan Stambolov Square: One of the frequent destinations of families going for a walk with their children.
ENTERTAINMENT AND NIGHT LIFE IN PLOVDIV
There are many nightclubs in the city besides the bars.. Planeta Payner is one of the popular ones as a fairly large nightclub.. The price of alcoholic drinks in Bulgaria is quite affordable. Young people are in the city, and Bulgarians like to drink.. As such, lively night outings will be waiting for you in Plovdiv.
OTHER PLACES TO VISIT CLOSE TO PLOVDIV: ALTERNATIVE TOURS
Plovdiv is 2 hours from the capital Sofia, 4 hours from Varna, 2.5 hours from Burgas. If you are planning a Bulgaria tour, you should definitely include these cities in your route.
While you’re here, you can even go to Kavala, which is 3.5 hours away, and eat cookies.
PLOVDIV TRAVEL NOTES
- Bulgarians are actually as cold as people think they are not people. They adhere to their own customs and traditions, but they take a step back, they are introverted and seem cold to us from the outside.
- English with people in Bulgaria and especially in Plovdiv You can try to communicate in Turkish instead.. It will be both very enjoyable and more effective.
- Plovdiv is a place you will definitely enjoy and think I’m glad I came. Although it is ignored by many, it is a city that attracts surprise and sympathy instead of prejudice.