Plovdiv

Plovdiv Bulgaria - Old Plovdiv

[https://туристи-2/ Plovdiv (Bulgarian: Пловдив) is the second-largest city in Bulgaria, and second oldest (if not the oldest) city in Europe. It is located in the large plain between the Rhodope Mountains on the south and the Balkan Range (Stara Planina - "Old Mountain") that runs through the center of Bulgaria to the north. Both ranges are visible on clear days. The Maritsa River flows through the city on its way southeast before forming the Greece|Greek/Turkey border to the Aegean Sea.

Plovdiv Halal Explorer

European Capital of Culture logo - 120px|

Plovdiv is debatably the oldest continually inhabited city in Europe, with a history traced back to 6000 BC. Originally it had seven tall hills, some of which were used for quarries. It was originally a Thracian settlement by the name of Eumolpias. The city has changed its name many times with new settlers and rulers: from Philippoupolis and Pulpudeva ("the city of Philip" and the father of Alexander the Great), through Trimontium ("the three hills"), to Pəldin, Pləpdiv (Плъпдив) and Plovdiv. They also left their marks behind: there are several Roman ruins that can be seen in or near the downtown area. During the long occupation by the Islamic Ottoman Empire, a large mosque, still present, was built in the center of the city. During Communist times, a statue of the unnamed Russian soldier was erected on one of the three main hills which overlook the city.

Today, Plovdiv is a famous tourist destination itself and also serves as a gateway to many other points of interest. Plovdiv is well known for hosting the Plovdiv International Fair twice a year and for its ancient, medieval and enlightenment sites.

When you are in Plovdiv, you can get help and more information about the city from one of the two tourist information centers in the city. The first one is located in the middle of the city, right next to the post office; when arriving in the city via train or bus through the "Yug" or "Rhodope" stations, this is one of the first buildings you'll come across in the downtown. The second one is located in the Old City, on its main street (Saborna St), close to the Ethnographic museum and the beautiful church of Saint Konstantin and Elena.

Tourist information centers can help you with all kinds of information including city maps, information about concerts, bus and train schedules, and finding a place to sleep.

Plovdiv is a " European Capital of Culture]" for 2019, an honour it shares with Matera.

Travel to Plovdiv

Buy a Flight ticket to and from Plovdiv

• Plovdiv International Airport - originally called Krumovo, IATA Flight Code: PDV 42.067778, 24.850833 - Plovdiv Airport Plovdiv airport - New terminal building There are Flights from/to London-Stansted and Frankfurt-Hahn via Ryanair, and Moscow-Domodedovo via Plovdiv Airport#Airlines and destinations|S7 Airlines.

There is a bus, that goes from the airport to the central bus station "Yug". There are buses after every flight. On the way back to the airport you can choose from one-way or return tickets.

You can also go there by taxi and it will cost you about 15 leva (about €7.50) from the downtown.

Muslim Friendly Rail Holidays in Plovdiv

The train station GPS 42.13449,24.74138 is located near the downtown; it takes around 10-15 min walk to the center.

There are around 15 daily train services to and from Sofia. Duration is between 2-3 hours for the express ones and up to 4 hours for the slow ones (which require a change). You can check the timetable at bdz.bg

There is also one daily train to/from Istanbul in Türkiye which takes about 7 hr.

By car

The A1 expressway/motorway connects Plovdiv westward to Sofia, and eastward all the way to Burgas on the Black Sea. Other destinations require two-lane roads, such as the most direct route to Pleven, which is the somewhat adventurous Troyan pass road.

Travel on a Bus in Plovdiv

Plovdiv has 3 bus stations: Yug GPS 42.13556,24.74426, Sever GPS 42.16436,24.7359, and Rhodope GPS 42.13326,24.74242. There are many buses for cities all around Bulgaria and to some that are outside the nation. Buses to destinations near Plovdiv run from Rhodope station. Both the Yug and Rhodope stations are within five minutes walking distance from the main train station.

Yug station has an ATM located just outside so you can easily get local currency there if you're arriving by bus from abroad. Buses for Sofia leave from this station.

Buses run hourly from Sofia and are slightly faster than the trains (approx. 14 leva).

Metro Turizm is a Turkish bus company that runs daily bus services to and from Istanbul in Türkiye. Buses going from Plovdiv to Istanbul depart from Yug Station daily at 11:00, 14:00, 19:00, 22:30, and 01:00. The trip costs 1020 TL (as of the summer of 2023) and takes around 7 hr, depending upon the vagaries of traffic and the border crossing. Metro buses also depart daily for Bursa, Türkiye at 19:00. A second bus line (Alpar) also has a daily bus from Yug Station to Istanbul that departs at 22:30.

Eurolines runs a bus to Thessaloniki via Sofia that leaves at 08:00 from the Yug station, tickets can be purchased on board. Metro Turizm runs a similar service at 08:30, tickets can be purchased from the office at the station.

How to get around in Plovdiv

GPS 42.1455|24.7496

Taxis and buses are prevalent. Downtown has a large pedestrian zone. Taxis are (Summer 2010) as affordable if not cheaper than bus rides when split between 3-4 people in general. A 5-7 kilometers of traveled distance was charged at around 5 leva (charge for kilometers is 0.75 leva daily and 0.95 leva nightly); an average ride within the city costs around 3 leva. The taxi arrives in about 3-5 min. Remember to order the Taxi from the companies that offer the best deals and wait for it. Generally taking the taxi that is already waiting will cost you more (sometimes up to 5 times more) avoid them or ask for a flat price that fits you! Learn who offers best prices from the local residents who often use taxis. Most of the taxi cars have 4-digit numbers on them, remember some and use it if you need a car, for example: 6155, 6142, 9199 and so on.

As of summer 2022, if your taxi ride costs more than 5 leva, you are entitled to a 20% discount off the fare.

Public bus tickets cost 1 lev.

What to see in Plovdiv

Main Street and Ancient Roman Stadium - 272x272px|The Roman Stadium (viewed from the seats) is literally under the city streets of Plovdiv.

Old Plovdiv is compact and walkable, with the main downtown road blocked to vehicle traffic. There is a good collection of Bulgarian revival buildings in use as museums, hotels, and restaurants etc. and is worth a visit if you have a chance.

• Roman Amphitheatre 42.146839, 24.751006 - Plovdiv Roman theatre Antique-theater-plovdiv - The Roman Amphitheatre, discovered in the 1970s during a construction project, is part of the pedestrian zone, and typically has merchants selling art and other items nearby.

• St. Marina church 42.146189, 24.750561 - Sveta Marina, Plovdiv A with a unique wooden tower

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Wander the cobblestone streets near the downtown to find, a mosque from the Islamic Ottoman Empire, and on the nearby hill the old town center. The old town center was walled, and has a famous gateway entrance. Nearby Puldin Restaurant has subterranean rooms where the old wall and historic artifacts can be seen. Continuing up the hill several older houses are now museums and the Roman amphitheater with an overlook of the town below is partially restored and still used for concerts and other occasions.

In the new center of the city, right before you go up into the old city, you will see the Roman Stadium GPS 42.14771,24.74807, which dates back to the late 1st/early 2nd century. It had a capacity of 30,000 people, and as the Roman laws dictated that the city stadium should have seating for at least half the population, it summarily shows the town had 60,000 inhabitants during Roman times. In addition and the ancient theatre is capable of seating 6,000 people at once, and yes, as you already guessed, Roman laws were dictating that the theatres should accommodate one-tenth of the population at a time.

When you go to the other end of the pedestrian street, next to the Plovdiv Tourism Board Centre and the post office, you will see the Roman Odeon and Forum. The forum was to Romans what the downtowns are to modern human. This one had three sides of 13 shops on each side, and a fourth one for the bank, library, and other institutions of this sort. There's also a nice park with kid playgrounds and colour+music fountains.

Best things to do in Plovdiv

Plovdiv offers many things to do, and most are easily walkable.

• The Hills - For starters enjoying the sunset from all the different hills is a must. Walk all the way to the top in the late afternoon, pick something to drink and stay there for the sunset. Go down to enjoy the nightlife once it's dark.
• Kids train, On one of the hills there is a kids train (don't worry it's not for kids) that goes up into the hill and gets back down. It costs 1 lev and it's located on the Mladeshki hill. On the top of the Bunardjik Hill, you can see the monument to the Soviet Army, known by local residents simply as Alyosha.
• Old Town - Another must is the old town of Plovdiv which is full of art, free of cars and very enjoyable. Go take a walk. Try it at day, try it at night - it's amazing. Try some of the bars - there are life performances sometimes there. You might be even lucky enough to catch an opera performance in the old Roman theater.
• Center - Take a stroll up and down the main walking street of Plovdiv, known as "Glavnata" (The Main). It is full of shops, galleries, and cafes. Enjoy the urban oasis during the day or at night, especially if it's a very hot day. Once the weather settles hit the main street and the bars/discos. On summer evenings, many local residents gather to enjoy the recently renovated marvelous singing fountains, located in a large pond on the western edge of the park (show starts at 22:00 every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday).
• Attend a Folk/Jazz music festival. The International Festival Plovdiv Jazz Nights is a low key but high-quality 3-day event featuring some of the nation's best musicians along with some regional talents. Be there to witness a riot of colorful improvisations from great musicians. A variety of genres, styles, instruments are used although the music revolves around the central theme of Jazz and Blues.
• Visit {{Marker|type=doBachkovo Monastery GPS 41.942222,24.849444 Panorama_Bachkovo_Monastery - and Asenovgrad Krepost, a perfect day trip. There are many bus connections Asenovgrad by bus from the Rhodope bus station. Bachkovo Monastery is a small monastery up the valley from the nearby town of Bachkovo. Buses leave from platform 1 at the Rhodope bus station (across the tracks from the train station). The monastery is small but has a lovely chapel and some paths for easy walks in the surrounding area. Also many chances to buy jams and honey, though not all sellers are the actual producers.

Panorama Bachkovo Monastery - Bachkovo Monastery

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Plovdiv

You can buy many different souvenirs from Bulgaria that represent the nation.

Bulgarian rose products tend to be one of the most popular souvenirs from the nation, you can buy all kinds of rose stuff — mostly cosmetics from soaps to shampoos, gels, oils, and perfumes.

Cutlery made of wood or clay might also be worthwhile to look for.

Or perhaps you might be looking for a painting or even a musical instrument?

Many great antique shops that have things from the Russo-Turkish War up to World War 2.

Halal Restaurants in Plovdiv

Generally speaking, eating in Plovdiv should be affordable for the westerner's pocket. Fast food is available and of high quality (in general).

There are McDonald's (Please do not support McDonald's as McDonald's supports Israel. Shun this restaurant group and go for altertative brands and if possible for a Muslim owned restaurant), KFC, Kastello, Verde and other popular restaurants. The cheapest fast food could cost as little 0.50-1.00 leva to 2-3 leva and can be found along the main street. There are plenty of such places offering Pizzas, traditional food, and Kebab.

The small bakeries sell pastries for about one lev, which make great breakfasts if you're on the move. There are some low-end restaurants that will be fairly affordable pay attention to the menu and think about 10-15 leva for a full meal (salad, main course, dessert, drink(s)). Paying more will probably get you a slightly better food than the options above but most of the cost will definitely go towards the overall experience. The priciest places are located in the old town, on top of the hill. Expect to pay a bit more say 20-30 leva and above. There are also a few restaurants outside the center.

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• Smokini - Otets Paisiy 12 42.146976, 24.748823 on the street parallel to the main pedestrian strip, 200 m south of the Dzhumaya mosque ☎ +359 999 000 996 - BGN 20-50 - Previously called "Chuchura". Features a mixture between traditional Bulgarian cuisine and international delicacies. The interior is spacious with industrial and vintage decoration.

• Zanzibar ul. Peshtersko shose 88 42.1332, 24.7080 ☎ +359 88 424 2200 - Club Zanzibar is the ideal place to drink in Plovdiv. It contains a stylish African interior Cocktail Bar which offers the best drinks in the city and at night time offers the largest nightclub in all of Plovdiv.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Plovdiv

Plovdiv - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Plovdiv, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Plovdiv. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Plovdiv and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Plovdiv. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Plovdiv. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inPlovdiv: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Plovdiv.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Plovdiv: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Plovdiv, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Plovdiv.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Plovdiv, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Plovdiv, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Plovdiv and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Plovdiv, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Plovdiv, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Plovdiv without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Plovdiv is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Plovdiv.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Plovdiv is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Plovdiv, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Plovdiv Media: info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

• The Crib Hostel - Timeless@ Kiril i Metodiy 2 42.142968, 24.752467 two blocks from Dzhumaya Mosque, Main Street Check-in: 12 / Check-out: 11 €9 with breakfast - 2 min walk from the downtown with a fantastic view of the Old Town from the rooftop and every bedroom. Friendly staff is always available. Clean, modern, cheerful place with free Wi-Fi everywhere, a nice common room, and a great top floor and tiled roof to chill on. Open kitchen for use, free lockers, and free washing service available.

• Hiker's hostel - 42.149203, 24.752175 - 22 leva per person per day with free breakfast Very helpful and friendly staff. Centrally located and if there is no room they will provide tents in the garden. Will also organize trips to a number of local attractions if you can find a few people to go with you.

• Hotel Plovdiv Guest - 20 Saborna Street ☎ +359 32 622 432 ( . Twelve rooms in the Old Town. Not just a hotel but also a place for cultural activities and meetings, a tourist information center, exhibition hall with a stand for selling pieces of art and souvenirs, art cafe with a gallery. The art cafe (24 seats) is also used for breakfast and at the same time, it's a perfect place for exhibitions, seminars, literature readings and other cultural events. The rooms are very clean and shiny. Each has got own its color and spirit.

• Trimontium Hotel - Around US$100 per day. - Some rooms with jacuzzi.

Stay Safe

Generally speaking, Plovdiv is a very safe place. Avoid the ghetto area and you will be very safe. Old town and the main street are generally very busy and safe. Parks during the day are safe to avoid them at night unless you are with a larger company.

Avoid picking a verbal fight with local residents!

Avoid wearing football shirts or scarves of the Plovdiv or Sofia-based football teams, especially on match days.

Beggars have many forms, including people holding documents and having badges from "charity foundations". If such people try to stop you, just say firmly "No" and don't stop.

Overall the city has improved in terms of safety over the past years.

If you are using public transport always keep an eye on your personal belongings. Many pickpockets take advantage of overcrowded buses (like bus line 1 for example).

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Consulates in Plovdiv

• Greece - Preslav Str. 10 ☎ +359 32 625 366, +359 895 533 990 (Emergencies) +359 32 268 818 Opening Hours: Monday - F: 08:30-16:00

Travel Next

• Take the narrow-gauge train to Bansko|Bankso, a gorgeous ride to a great doorway to the Pirin Macedonia|Pirin, which offer some of Bulgaria's best hiking and skiing.
• High speed trains will take you to Burgas or Sofia, making them quickly accessible options. Travel by bus to Burgas takes about 5 hr, by not-so-high-speed train about 5½ hours (may delay i.e. up to 6½ hr; about 15 leva for a person).
• Farther into the Rhodope Mountains you'll find ski resorts and other natural attractions, such as the impressively narrow gorge and caves leading to Trigrad, not far from the mountainous Greek border.

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