Bulgaria
Plovdiv
Bulgaria
Plovdiv
Updated Sun, Aug 17, 2025
Overview
Plovdiv captivates visitors with its layered history spanning millennia. The Old Town showcases colorful Revival houses and ancient Roman theater still hosting performances. Beyond tourist sites, locals gather in mahala neighborhoods, craft workshops thrive in hidden courtyards, and traditional meyhanes serve authentic Bulgarian cuisine with live folk music.
Best time to visit. Visit May through September for warm weather and outdoor festivals. June offers perfect temperatures for exploring cobblestone streets, while September brings harvest season with wine tastings and fewer crowds.
City stats
Population
346,893
Land area
39 sq. mi.
Currency
Bulgarian lev
Year founded
4000 BCE
Official langauge
Bulgarian
English speaking
Somewhat spoken, esp. in hospitality
State/Province
Plovdiv Province
Timezone
Eastern European (UTC+2)
Driving side
right
Website
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Average weather
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Major annual events
Cultural tips
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Work friendly
| Month | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 39°F - 25°F | 34°F - 18°F | Cloudy | 7:51 am | 5:23 pm | 8 days 1.5 in | 12 days 6.0 in | 7 mph |
| February | 45°F - 28°F | 41°F - 21°F | Partly Cloudy | 7:25 am | 6:02 pm | 7 days 1.4 in | 8 days 3.5 in | 9 mph |
| March | 57°F - 36°F | 55°F - 32°F | Partly Cloudy | 6:41 am | 6:41 pm | 9 days 1.7 in | 3 days 0.8 in | 9 mph |
| April | 68°F - 45°F | 67°F - 43°F | Partly Cloudy | 5:54 am | 7:20 pm | 10 days 1.9 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 7 mph |
| May | 77°F - 54°F | 77°F - 54°F | Sunny | 5:18 am | 7:53 pm | 11 days 2.3 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 7 mph |
| June | 84°F - 61°F | 86°F - 63°F | Sunny | 5:03 am | 8:14 pm | 9 days 2.1 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 7 mph |
| July | 88°F - 64°F | 92°F - 67°F | Sunny | 5:12 am | 8:09 pm | 6 days 1.4 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 7 mph |
| August | 88°F - 64°F | 91°F - 66°F | Sunny | 5:43 am | 7:37 pm | 5 days 1.2 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 7 mph |
| September | 79°F - 57°F | 80°F - 57°F | Sunny | 6:19 am | 6:52 pm | 6 days 1.4 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 7 mph |
| October | 68°F - 46°F | 67°F - 43°F | Partly Cloudy | 6:57 am | 6:02 pm | 7 days 1.6 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 7 mph |
| November | 54°F - 36°F | 50°F - 30°F | Cloudy | 7:37 am | 5:19 pm | 8 days 1.8 in | 1 days 0.3 in | 7 mph |
| December | 43°F - 28°F | 38°F - 21°F | Cloudy | 7:58 am | 5:04 pm | 9 days 1.7 in | 8 days 3.7 in | 7 mph |
| Name | Date | Description | Travel rating | Closure rating | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | January 1 | Celebration of the new year with fireworks, parties, and traditional foods. | Avoid travel, most places closed. | ||
| Liberation Day | March 3 | Commemorates Bulgaria's liberation from Ottoman rule in 1878 with parades. | Expect crowds at historic sites. | ||
| Orthodox Easter | Varies (usually April) | Major religious holiday with church services, egg painting, and family gatherings. | Limited services, but festive atmosphere. | ||
| Labor Day | May 1 | Celebration of workers' rights with parades and political speeches. | Some closures, but many events to enjoy. | ||
| St. George's Day | May 6 | Honors St. George and the Bulgarian Army with military parades and celebrations. | Good day to experience local culture. | ||
| Saints Cyril and Methodius Day | May 24 | Celebrates Slavic alphabet creators with school ceremonies and cultural events. | Interesting cultural displays, minimal impact. | ||
| Unification Day | September 6 | Commemorates the unification of Bulgaria and Eastern Rumelia in 1885. | Mild impact, enjoy patriotic celebrations. | ||
| Independence Day | September 22 | Marks Bulgaria's independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1908 with festivities. | Expect patriotic events and some closures. | ||
| Christmas Eve | December 24 | Traditional family gathering with special dinner and religious observances. | Limited services, focus on local traditions. | ||
| Christmas Day | December 25 | Religious holiday celebrated with church services and family gatherings. | Avoid travel, most businesses closed. | ||
| Second Day of Christmas | December 26 | Continuation of Christmas celebrations with family visits and relaxation. | Limited services, but improving from Dec 25. |
| Name | Date | Description | Travel rating | Closure rating | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plovdiv International Fair | May | Major trade and business fair attracting international exhibitors and visitors | Busy period with higher hotel prices | ||
| Verdi Festival | June | International opera festival celebrating Giuseppe Verdi's works and legacy | Great cultural experience, book early | ||
| Kapana Fest | June | Arts and culture festival in the Creative Quarter with music and exhibitions | Vibrant atmosphere, excellent timing | ||
| Sounds of Ages Festival | July | Music festival featuring performances in the Roman Theatre and Old Town venues | Perfect summer cultural experience | ||
| Plovdiv Jazz Festival | August | International jazz festival bringing renowned musicians to historic venues | Great music in beautiful settings | ||
| One Dance Week | September | Contemporary dance festival featuring international performers and workshops | Minimal impact on regular tourism | ||
| Night of Museums and Galleries | September | Annual event when museums and cultural sites open late with special programs | Excellent opportunity for culture lovers |
1 | Bulgarians nod for 'no' and shake their heads for 'yes', opposite to Western customs. Be aware of this to avoid misunderstandings in conversations with locals. |
2 | Remove your shoes when entering someone's home. It's customary to leave footwear at the door. Hosts may offer slippers, but it's polite to bring your own indoor shoes. |
3 | Tipping is expected in restaurants, usually 10-15% of the bill. Round up taxi fares. It's not necessary to tip in cafes or bars, but leaving small change is appreciated. |
4 | Bulgarians are proud of their culture and history. Show interest in local traditions and customs. Ask about historical sites or traditional foods to engage in meaningful conversations. |
5 | Public displays of affection are generally frowned upon, especially in smaller towns. Keep intimate gestures private to avoid offending locals or drawing unwanted attention. |
6 | Learn a few basic Bulgarian phrases like 'hello' (zdravei) and 'thank you' (blagodarya). Locals appreciate the effort, even if your pronunciation isn't perfect. |
7 | Dress modestly when visiting churches or monasteries. Cover shoulders and knees. Women may need to cover their heads in some Orthodox churches. |
8 | Be cautious with hand gestures. The 'OK' sign (thumb and index finger forming a circle) is considered vulgar in Bulgaria. Use a thumbs-up instead to show approval. |
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