Plovdiv City Guide

Try Banitsa, Shopska Salata, and Kebapche. The city has growing international cuisine with vegetarian and vegan choices mainly in Kapana. Some spots open late, especially on weekends.

Kapana and the main pedestrian street have bars and clubs for all tastes, from quiet beer spots to dance venues.

Strong coffee scene with specialty cafes especially in Kapana. Mix of traditional and modern styles.

Tipping of about 10% is usual in restaurants and appreciated for services. Rounding up fares in taxis is common.

Buy SIMs at A1, Yettel, or Vivacom stores in malls or downtown. Registration needs ID or passport. eSIMs are becoming available.

Generally clean city center and tourist spots. Waste collection and recycling in place.

Some pharmacies on rotating 24/7 schedule and many minimarts open all night. Late-night food is limited but available.

Large supermarkets (Billa, Kaufland, Lidl, Fantastico) have international products. Central Market offers fresh local produce. Stores usually open 8/9 AM to 9/10 PM, with reduced hours on Sundays.

Card payments work in most supermarkets, restaurants, and big shops. Smaller places and some taxis prefer cash, so carry some on you.

ATMs are common in banks and malls like UniCredit Bulbank, DSK Bank, and Raiffeisenbank. Expect some withdrawal fees from local ATMs and your bank.

Local Bulgarian schools are common. A few private international schools exist but options are limited compared to Sofia.

A small but growing scene with meetups mainly through Facebook. Many cafes and coworking spaces support remote work.

Good green spaces like Tsar Simeon's Garden and Lauta Park with shaded paths and running routes.

Safe daytime running at Tsar Simeon's Garden, Maritsa River embankment, and hills. Air quality varies with seasons.

Many gyms with various training options.

Tennis courts at clubs with clay and hard surfaces. Equipment rental and coaching available.

Padel is less common but growing in popularity.

Several yoga studios offer a variety of classes with some English-speaking instructors.

Clubs offer Taekwondo, Karate, Judo, BJJ, and Muay Thai. Drop-in classes often available; some English instruction.

Ski resorts like Pamporovo and Chepelare are 1.5-2 hours away. Slopes suit all levels, with equipment rental available. Season runs Dec to April.

Limited water sports nearby, such as kayaking on local rivers.

No surfing; Plovdiv is inland.

No diving; the city is inland.

Public healthcare is basic; private clinics offer better care with some English-speaking staff. Pharmacies are widespread; a few run 24/7. Emergency number is 112.

Tap water is safe to drink, though some prefer bottled water due to taste or old pipes.

Parks like Tsar Simeon's Garden have playgrounds. Kid-friendly cafés and restaurants exist. Museums and the Roman Theatre offer family-friendly outings.

More conservative than Western Europe, limited venues, and legal protections. Some inclusive bars and cafés exist.

Pet-friendly parks and cafés, vets and pet stores available. EU pet import rules apply.