If you’ve never been to Plovdiv, you can enjoy a new European destination while soaking in world-class cultural events from contemporary art and dance to theater, food, and music. We’ve written about our love of Plovdiv before, and now we’re excited to see what happens in 2019 and the coming years.

Plovdiv is planning on going all out with parades, educational forums, and community workshops. The festivities are already underway, but the real fun kicks off on the weekend of January 11, 2019, in the center of the city with an exciting show filled with dance, light, and music.

But what exactly is a European Capital of Culture?

The official flag of Plovdiv 2019.

European Capital of Culture

The idea was conceived in 1985 as a way to bring Europe closer together through cultural and artistic events and honor the rich diversity of the continent. Since the idea was launched, more than 40 cities have been chosen for the honor.

Impact of being a European Capital of Culture

Being named a European Capital of Culture has been a driving force in raising the profile of several cities across the continent. Along with offering the local population a point of pride, the event can attract thousands of new visitors to a city. In the early years, big cities like Athens, Paris, and Berlin were chosen. In subsequent years, the designation moved on to more-under-the-radar destinations like Tallin, Lille, and Essen.

2019 Cities

For 2019, two cities have been selected: Plovdiv, Bulgaria and Matera, Italy (recently featured in the New York Times). This is a huge opportunity for both cities to showcase their beauty and culture. But it’s especially the case for Plovdiv, which has long stood in the shadow of the capital city, Sofia. It really is a once-in-a-lifetime chance for Plovdiv to make a name for itself and attract more visitors from around Europe and the world.

The official slogan for Plovdiv 2019: Together.

Plovdiv 2019

Recently, I had the chance to visit Plovdiv to check in on the preparations for 2019 and learn more about this fascinating city. As one of the oldest in the world, dating back more than 8,000 years, Plovdiv is located at the crossroads of East and West. With Roman ruins expertly integrated into the city, an attractive old town filled with lovely examples of Bulgarian National Revival architecture, and lively street life, Plovdiv is a pleasant surprise for visitors who come from all over the world.

The charm of the city is easy to find. You just need to stroll down the main pedestrian street, sip a cocktail in the hip neighborhood of Kapana, or climb up the hill in the Old Town for amazing views. You’ll never need to hop on a bus or even worry about crosswalks — most of the main attractions in the city are in fully pedestrianized zones.

Even without the exciting events planned for next year, Plovdiv is worth your attention. If you’re looking for a new weekend city getaway, Plovdiv should be near the top of your list.

The Tobacco City has the potential to be a vibrant part of the city again through art and culture.

The 2019 festivities are bringing old neighborhoods to life including Tobacco City, a series of warehouses that have fallen into disrepair but are now starting to be revitalized. The re-thinking of urban spaces is a big part of Plovdiv 2019, and the events offer a unique opportunity for locals to interact with their own city in new ways.

As a city boasting a vibrant local art scene, Plovdiv 2019 will also offer the chance for local artists to show off their talents. During my visit, there were musicians playing from patios along the main street, performers on the street, and public concerts in the main square to kick off the 2019 celebration. You can expect a lot more of that next year.

Celebrating the opening night program.

2019 Capital of Culture Events in Plovdiv

The talented team behind the festivities are pulling out all of the stops with an impressive lineup of activities. The events are divided into four categories: Fuse, Transform, Revive, and Relax.

A few of the highlights include:

• “Chitalishta” Project
• Listen to Us – Artistic Intelligence
• “European Odyssey 2019. The Travelling Man”
• Ayliak Parade
• Love Swing Dance Festival

Check out the full program in Plovdiv here and sign up for updates on their newsletter.

Plovdiv travel tips

Get a jump on the fun before the crowds start flocking to Plovdiv. If you need more information on visiting this vibrant city, check out our budget guide to visiting Plovdiv.

You can also search and book more than 600 hotels in Plovdiv. Rates for nice rooms with a private bathroom start under $30! One of our favorites is the spectacular Guest House Old Plovdiv, one of the finest hostels in the world.

For more information on the 2019 Culture of Capital cities, you can check the official websites for Plovdiv 2019 and Matera 2019.

The hilltop view of Plovdiv from Alyosha Monument.

Your experiences

Have you ever been to a European Capital of Culture? Let us know in the comments below.

The post European Capital of Culture: Plovdiv 2019 appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Packed with old-world architecture, an impressive ancient Roman theater, and one of the longest pedestrian streets in Europe, Plovdiv is an excellent choice for budget travelers with a taste for culture.

And speaking of culture, Plovdiv is scheduled to be the European Capital of Culture in 2019, so you can expect to hear a lot more about this magnificent city. Plan a trip now before everyone has it on their European itinerary!

Here’s how to visit Plovdiv on a budget.

Getting to Plovdiv

From London: Direct flights from London Stansted Airport are offered on Ryanair (3.5 hours, one-way fares from $40).

Search for cheap flights to Europe

From Sofia: You can take a train to Plovdiv in 2.5 hours, but most locals prefer the bus because the train timetable is not always reliable. The bus leaves from the Central Sofia Station every hour, and the ride takes 2 hours to reach Plovdiv. A one-way fare is around $10.

Tip: Keep your ticket handy to check for your seat assignment.

Old Plovdiv Guesthouse is a paradise for budget travelers. Photo: Craig Nelson

Where to stay

It’s easy to find good deals on hotels across Bulgaria but Plovdiv has especially low prices. You can stay in a modern luxury hotel for half the price of many European cities, but what really stands out are the cozy and affordable guesthouses. Private rooms in these charming accommodations go for an incredibly low price — under $50 a night. Here are a few of our favorites in the Old Town:

Guest House Old Plovdiv
There’s an appealing old-world feel to this budget hotel with free breakfast. Rooms are furnished with antique furnishings and vintage art. The super friendly staff will welcome you with open arms (and a cold glass of lemonade). Read about our “hotel crush” on Guest House Old Plovdiv.

Residence Art Guest House
Behind the colorful facade, you’ll find modern rooms that feature city views and Wi-Fi. The price is hard to beat with double rooms with a private bathroom coming in under $20 and triple rooms for less than $30.

Guest House Maison 21
You can find double rooms with shared bathrooms for under $30 at this guesthouse in the heart of old town. Cheapos will love the shared kitchen to make meals. Groups or families may want to book one of the apartments for extra space.

Search over 700 hotels in Plovdiv on EuroCheapo

Getting around Plovdiv

If you love to walk, then you’ll love exploring this city. The main tourist areas are very compact and easy to navigate without a car. In fact, the Old Town has gates preventing most vehicles from entering. One of Europe’s longest pedestrians routes runs right through the central city stretching for over a mile.

Tip: Wear comfy shoes because the city is built on seven hills and there are many cobblestone streets.

Enjoy the view from Nebet Tepe, one of the seven hills of Plovdiv. Photo: Craig Nelson.

Free and cheap things to do

Free Plovdiv Tour
This 3-hour walking tour is a fantastic introduction to the history and layout of the city. If you can join this tour on your first day in Plovdiv, you’ll get a good feel for the city. Tours leave at 11 am and 6 pm every day of the week. There is no charge, but you are encouraged to tip the guide if you enjoy the experience. Check out the Free Plovdiv Tour website for more details.

Plovdiv Old Town
Wander the cobblestone streets of this historic district filled with spectacular architecture, churches, museums, and gift shops. Walk through an amazing history that stretches from Roman times to the beautifully preserved houses from the 19th century. Most of the hotels we recommend are based here.

Kapana (The Trap)
Despite its ominous nickname, this neighborhood is bustling with a creative energy. Visit Kapana during the day to check out trendy boutiques, eateries, and galleries, then come back when the sun goes down to explore the nightlife scene.

Discover cafes and galleries in the Kapana neighborhood. Photo: Craig Nelson

Ancient Roman Theater
Holding up to 7,000 spectators, this spectacular landmark is one of the best preserved ancient theaters in the world and a highlight of Plovdiv. Mountains frame the backdrop of the stage flanked by gigantic columns. It makes for a dramatic setting, and yes, they still host live performances (see the culture section below).

Tsar Simeon Gardens
On a sweltering day, the lake and fountains of this public park make a cool spot to take a break from sightseeing. On Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings, you can watch the Singing Fountains light up the night  at 9:30 pm.

Regional Ethnographic Museum
Documenting the rich culture and history of Plovdiv, the Regional Ethnographic Museum features displays on traditional crafts, agriculture, clothing, and much more. Even if you don’t have time to check out the exhibits, the historic house and gardens are an attraction all themselves. The architecture is an outstanding example of Baroque design from the mid-19th century. Entry costs about $5.

Discover local culture at the Regional Ethnographic Museum. Photo: Craig Nelson

The main pedestrian street
Stroll past countless shops and restaurants along “Knyaz Aleksandar”, a vibrant street that stretches over a mile long. Keep an eye out for the Dzhumaya Mosque that dates back to the 15th century and the ancient Roman stadium ruins that are hiding beneath your feet. Grab a seat at a cafe or follow the locals’ lead and just wander at your own pace.

Nebet Tepe
For a lovely view of the city, make a detour from the winding cobblestone streets of Old Town to one of the spots where ancient Plovdiv began. Situated amid archaeological ruins, Nebet Tepe (Prayer Hill) is a sweet little park where you can relax and soak in the view.

Shopska salad and a cold beer at Restaurant Rahat Tepe. Photo: Craig Nelson

Eating and drinking

Old Town is brimming with restaurants — and tourists — so the prices here can be higher than elsewhere in the city. There are a few affordable options, but you might want to wander outside this district to find the best deals. Here are a few cheap eats that we like in Plovdiv:

Restaurant Rahat Tepe
Up the street from the Ethnographic Museum is Restaurant Rahat Tepe, a lively eatery and beer garden. You can sample traditional cuisine like grilled meats or just sip a Kamenitza (a popular beer in Bulgaria) at one of the outdoor tables. A full meal with appetizer, drinks, and main course won’t run you more than $10.

Grazhdanski Klubb
Take a seat on the patio for heaping portions of classic Bulgarian dishes. If the weather isn’t cooperating, head for the comfy dining room. This is one of the most affordable restaurants in Old Town.

Restaurant Megdana
Want a side of Bulgarian folk dancing with your meal? Try Restaurant Megdana for a night of traditional cuisine and fun entertainment. Despite the popularity with tourists, the prices are very reasonable. Be prepared to dance!

Tip: Head to Kapana (The Trap) neighborhood that’s filled with small restaurants and cafes. Pick one where the locals are spilling out onto the street.

Culture on the cheap

Plovdiv has an energetic arts scene with literature events, gallery openings, opera, chamber music, and live theater. Check the Visit Plovdiv Culture Calendar to see what’s going on.

Balabanov House
This architectural gem is open for tours, but the real draw at Balabanov House is the wide range of live performances from theater to classical music. The Balabanov House Music Days festival brings world-class talent to the city every spring and autumn.

A live opera on the stage of the Ancient Roman Theater. Photo: Craig Nelson

Ancient Roman Theatre
On my first day in town, the Free Plovdiv Tour took me right by the theater when they were rehearsing for an opera. I made a note to come back later that evening. Tickets were available ($5-20), but instead, I just grabbed a table at an outdoor cafe that overlooked the stage. A glass of raki (a traditional spirit) and a live performance cost me no more than $5. The surprising fireworks display was a brilliant conclusion to my introduction to Plovdiv!

Have you been to Plovdiv? Share your tips in the comments!

The post A Budget guide to Plovdiv, Bulgaria appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

You can easily find plenty of nice modern hotels for under $75, but I wanted to stay in the Old Town (Stari Grad) where the hotels and surrounding streets have a little more character. One affordable hotel stuck out when I began looking at reviews on Booking.com and TripAdvisor — Old Plovdiv Guest House. The enchanting neighborhood is also great for exploring Plovdiv with a good location for visiting the ancient Roman theater, the lively Kapana district, and one of the best views in the city.

Related: A budget travel guide to Plovdiv

I was happy when I walked up to the front door and found a handsome historic house. After a quick snapshot of the front entrance, I stepped into the lobby and was greeted by a sweet little cat on the rug. A self-described “boutique hostel”, Old Plovdiv has a friendly staff running the show. The clerk behind the front desk pointed out the handmade sign they had made for me that I totally missed on my way in. As we sat out on the patio to talk about the details of the hotel, she grabbed me a glass of cold lemonade. Later on, I met the very friendly owner and we exchanged tales about New York. He also told me how the hotel was once the home of a wealthy tobacco merchant and dates back to 1838.

Guest House Old Plovdiv offers a charming location in the heart of the old city. Photo: Craig Nelson

Spacious rooms with historic touches

The private single room I stayed in cost €30 (including tax) for the night. It was more than spacious with two twin beds on either side of the room, hardwood floors that are over 130 years old, and free Wi-Fi. I was traveling on my own, but if you had two people, there was more than enough room to spread out and enjoy a bit of privacy. The shared bathroom was clean and right outside the door which was very convenient for washing up at night or an early morning shower.

The antique furnishings are a very nice touch, and the bed was surprisingly comfortable. Photo: Craig Nelson

True to its name, there were old furnishings and touches everywhere you looked. I loved the antique details such as the old-time radio and period sitting chairs. On the walls, there were framed historic photos and newspaper clippings from years ago.

When I visited Plovdiv in June, there was a big heat wave across the country with temperatures soaring over 100 degrees. Luckily, my room had one amenity that was very modern — efficient air-conditioning! It came in handy as I popped back in and out to cool down throughout the day.

Cheapo tip: If you want to save even more, you can get a bed in a dorm room for around $10.

A personal greeting was a wonderful way to start my visit. Photo: Craig Nelson

Beautiful common spaces

The 2nd-floor common room felt more like an elegant library in a private club than a space in an budget hotel. Spending a few minutes during the heat of the day reading about Plovdiv was an excellent use of my time. You can also connect to the free Wi-Fi from here.

The elegant common room at Guest House Old Plovdiv. Photo: Booking.com

Free breakfast on the outdoor patio

Your stay comes with a traditional European breakfast that offers a Bulgarian twist. The nice spread of items included your basic meats and breads but also local delicacies like feta cheese and olives. The coffee machine is always on, so you can grab an espresso or latte at any time of day. When I first arrived in the afternoon, it was nice to get a little shot of caffeine before heading out to explore Plovdiv.

Free breakfast on the patio is a perfect way to start your day in Plovdiv. Photo: Craig Nelson

If you have time, it’s worth ordering a beer or glass of wine at the bar to sip on the leafy patio. It’s just one of the many features that makes this hotel an excellent value for your money. Yes, I have a major crush on Guest House Old Plovdiv!

The patio is open all day, and you can order a cold beer from the bar for less than $1.

Want to enjoy your own adventure in Plovdiv Old Town? Search for available dates and book a room at Guest House Old Plovdiv.

The post Bulgaria Hotel Crush: Guest House Old Plovdiv appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.