Plovdiv

Plovdiv is the second-largest city in Bulgaria and one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Europe. It is located in the southern part of the country on the Maritsa River and is known for its rich history, Roman monuments, colourful Old Town, the artistic Kapana district and a pleasant Balkan atmosphere. The city stretches across seven hills, offering beautiful views and many places for walks. Plovdiv is an ideal destination for a long weekend, a cultural trip and discovering southern Bulgaria.

Flights from Bratislava

You can fly from Bratislava to Plovdiv with direct Wizz Air flights to Plovdiv Airport, with the airport code PDV. The direct air connection between Bratislava and Plovdiv operates 2 times a week – on Tuesdays and Saturdays. The flight from Bratislava to Plovdiv takes approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes.

Transport from the airport

• Bus – from Plovdiv Airport, you can reach the city centre by bus line 15, which connects the airport with the main bus station in Plovdiv. The journey takes approximately 30 minutes and the ticket costs around €1–2.
• Taxi / private transport – a taxi or private transfer is a convenient option for travelling directly to your hotel or the city centre. The journey from the airport to the centre of Plovdiv takes approximately 20–25 minutes, depending on traffic.
• Transfer / shuttle – you can also use a pre-booked transfer, which is practical especially when arriving later, travelling with larger luggage or in a bigger group.
• Car rental – you can rent a car directly at the airport. This is a suitable option if you plan trips outside Plovdiv, for example to the Rhodope Mountains, Bachkovo Monastery, wine regions or other parts of southern Bulgaria.

What not to miss in Plovdiv

When visiting Plovdiv, you should definitely not miss these places and experiences:

• Plovdiv Old Town – a historic district with cobbled streets, colourful houses in the Bulgarian National Revival style and a pleasant atmosphere.
• Roman Theatre – one of the city’s most famous landmarks, which still serves as a venue for concerts and cultural events.
• Ancient Stadium of Philippopolis – remains of a Roman stadium located directly in the city centre.
• Kapana district – a creative and artistic part of Plovdiv full of cafés, bars, galleries, small shops and street art.
• Nebet Tepe – one of the city’s seven hills, with archaeological remains and views of Plovdiv.
• Knyaz Alexander I main pedestrian street – a lively promenade with shops, restaurants and historic buildings.
• Ethnographic Museum – a beautiful historic building in the Old Town that presents Bulgarian culture and traditions.
• Bachkovo Monastery – one of the most important Orthodox monasteries in Bulgaria, suitable for a trip from Plovdiv.
• Bulgarian gastronomy – taste banitsa, kebapche, Shopska salad, kavarma, local cheeses, Bulgarian wines and traditional rakia.

Did you know?

Plovdiv is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Europe, with a history stretching back thousands of years. The city was the European Capital of Culture in 2019 and is still known for its lively art scene. When visiting, it is worth taking a walk through the Old Town in the early evening, when the streets are quieter and the views from the hills are among the most beautiful.