Plovdiv Walking Route: Old Town to Ancient Theater
This 19 km route through Plovdiv, Bulgaria traces the city's ancient heritage from the Old Town to the Ancient Theater, passing through Tsar Ivailo Street and exploring sites connected to King Philip II of Macedon's historical impact on the region.
- Distance
- 19.0 km
- Duration
- 3 h 48 min
- Mode
- route
- Start
- Plovdiv
- End
- Ancient Theater
- Stops
- 5
- Video author
- travmap
- Updated
Stops on this route
- Plovdiv — Second largest city in Bulgaria and oldest city in Europe with 8000 years of habitation dating back to 6000 BC
- King Philip II of Macedon historical context — Father of Alexander the Great who conquered and unified Macedonia, leaving his mark on Plovdiv's ancient history during the 4th century BC.
- Walking across Tsar Ivailo Street — Charming pedestrian thoroughfare lined with restored Ottoman-era architecture, cafes, and shops connecting Plovdiv's historic old town quarters.
- Old Town — Historic old town area of Plovdiv with preserved ancient structures
- Ancient Theater — Ancient Roman theater ruins in Plovdiv, built atop the ancient city of Philippopolis founded by King Philip II of Macedon
Useful for your trip
- Where to stay
- Stay Hotel offers rooms for 55 euros per night with good internet, TV, double bed, fridge, and safe. Location is excellent near pedestrian area and restaurants. Bathroom is compact with shower draining to floor.
- Food
- Happy Bar and Grill is a reliable restaurant near Stay Hotel offering decent food at good prices. They serve non-alcoholic summer drinks (elderflower, raspberry, mango, lemon squash), desserts, and main courses like zucchini fritters and chicken with mushrooms.
- Save money
- Orange juice costs 4.60 BGN (approximately 2.30 USD) for a large bottle. Use conversion: 10 BGN equals approximately 5 USD and 12 cents.
- Tip
- Ancient Theater ticket costs 5 BGN (approximately 2.50 USD). The theater was constructed in the 1st century AD by Romans and can seat 5,000-7,000 spectators. It is still in use today.
- Tip
- Laundry services available in city. White Point Laundry offers wash, fold, and full service laundry. Cost was 16.11 BGN for a full load (approximately 8 USD).
- Tip
- Visit Ethnographic Museum in Baltabanov House (dating from mid-18th century, Bulgarian Revival period) to see traditional 18th century Bulgarian lifestyle and architecture.
- Timing
- Weather in July is warm and pleasant: around 27°C (81°F). Not excessively hot. Good time for walking and exploring the city and ancient sites.
- Tip
- Plovdiv's Old Town is largely quiet during daytime but becomes more active in evenings with restaurants and music. Consider visiting in late afternoon or evening for more atmosphere.
- Tip
- Tsar Ivailo Street is a pedestrian walking street in the main tourist area with central square, many restaurants, and cafes. It's a block away from Stay Hotel.
Video on this route
PLOVDIV, BULGARIA | Oldest City in Europe | 6000 BC