Plovdiv Walking Tour: Roman Ruins, Old Town & Kapana Art District

Summary

Discover Plovdiv’s Ancient Landmarks & Creative Neighborhoods

You’ll walk through centuries of history—from Roman stadium seats to Thracian ruins—while discovering Plovdiv’s creative side in lively Kapana district. Local stories bring each stop alive, making this tour perfect if you want more than just sightseeing photos.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing that hit me in Plovdiv was the mix of old and new. We kicked things off at Tsar Simeon Garden—locals just call it “the park.” There were kids darting between fountains, older folks playing chess under chestnut trees, and a faint smell of roasted corn from a street vendor near the main lane. Our guide pointed out a statue I’d have missed otherwise—apparently it’s a favorite selfie spot for students from the nearby university.

From there, we wandered over to the ancient Stadium of Trimontium. Most of it’s hidden beneath modern shops and cafés, but you can actually sit on the original marble seats up top. Some still have Greek names carved into them—our guide explained those were reserved for VIPs back in the day. There’s even a small model showing how massive this place used to be. Hard to imagine 30,000 people cheering here two thousand years ago.

The Old Town is where things really get interesting. Cobbled streets wind past houses painted in faded blues and yellows, with wooden balconies hanging overhead. We stopped at the Roman Theatre—still used for concerts today—and I could see why performers love it. The view stretches all the way across Plovdiv’s rooftops to the Rhodope Mountains on clear days. Our guide told us about “Opera Open,” their summer festival; apparently tickets sell out fast.

We ducked into St. Constantine and Helena Church next. It’s tucked behind a stone wall—easy to miss if you’re not looking for it. Inside smelled faintly of beeswax candles, and sunlight caught on gold-leaf icons painted by Zahari Zograf (a name I only learned thanks to our guide). The church has been rebuilt so many times that you can spot layers of history in every corner.

Hisar Kapia Gate was another surprise—it looks like something out of a medieval storybook, wedged between pastel Revival houses built right into the old fortress walls. Just around the corner is the Regional Ethnographic Museum inside a Baroque mansion; we saw everything from carved shepherd pipes to rosewater fountains that once scented entire rooms.

Nebet Tepe was my favorite stop for views—you climb up past wildflowers and broken stones to reach what’s left of an ancient Thracian fortress. Up there, you can see almost all of Plovdiv spread below you: minarets, tiled roofs, even distant smokestacks if the air is clear enough.

We also peeked inside Balabanov House and Hindliyan House—both packed with hand-painted ceilings and furniture from Bulgaria’s Revival era. The Hindliyan place even has murals showing cities like Venice and Istanbul; our guide said they were copied from postcards brought home by the merchant who lived there. In one room there’s still a working rosewater fountain—the scent lingers long after you leave.

The tour wrapped up in Kapana district—a maze of cobblestone alleys filled with art studios, tiny coffee shops (try Monkey House for espresso), and murals that change every few months. Street musicians played near an old bakery where we grabbed banitsa pastries before heading out.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Plovdiv's Historic Sites

• Visit Tsar Simeon Garden
• See Stadium of Trimontium
• Walk through Plovdiv Old Town
• Tour Roman Theatre
• Visit Church of Constantine and Helena
• Pass by Medieval Gate
• Explore Plovdiv Regional Ethnographic Museum
• Climb Nebet Tepe Hill
• Visit Balabanov House
• Tour Hindliyan House
• Stroll Kapana Art District

Top questions

Is this walking tour suitable for families with young children?

Yes! The route is mostly flat with plenty of stops for breaks or snacks along the way. Just keep in mind some cobbled streets may be tricky with strollers.

How long does the tour last?

The full experience usually takes about 3–4 hours depending on group pace and questions at each site.

Are there any accessibility concerns?

The Old Town has uneven cobblestones and some steep sections—it might not be ideal for travelers with mobility issues.

Can I join if I have a service animal?

Absolutely! Service animals are welcome throughout the tour route.

Is public transport available nearby?

Yes, several bus lines stop close to both the starting point and end of the tour in central Plovdiv.

What’s included

Your local guide leads you through all major sites: Tsar Simeon Garden, Roman Stadium, Old Town highlights (including museums), Nebet Tepe hilltop views, Balabanov & Hindliyan Houses, plus time to explore Kapana art district together. Service animals allowed; public transport nearby; infants sit on laps; suitable for most fitness levels except those with mobility challenges.