The best one-day trips close to Plovdiv

You live or study in Plovdiv and wonder what to do over the weekend? Or you simply have some time off and you want to explore Bulgaria? The team of Inter HECS is here to share with you some cool tips for travelling around Bulgaria (we recommend reading the article about the best places to visit in Bulgaria), especially if you happen to be in second biggest city in Bulgaria - Plovdiv. The best thing about this city is that it is located in the middle of Bulgaria so it is close to plenty of sightseeing places, e.g. lakes, caves, etc. However, for the convenience of people who can't drive and/or don't have a car, we made a list of the 10 places which are close to Plovdiv and which you can reach by bus!

PS: We also added two more destinations, but for them you will rather need a car!

1. Haskovo

Haskovo is located about 2 hours by bus from Plovdiv. It has a long pedestrian street just like Plovdiv so it is a must-visit when the weather is nice! Also, the city is very popular with the Monument of the Holy Mother of God (certified by the Guinness Book of World Records because it is the tallest statue of Virgin Mary). 

2. Burgas

Located about 3 hours by bus away from Plovdiv, Burgas is a nice and cozy city at the Black Sea coast. If you want to make some sea pictures or enjoy a long walk next to the beach, we definitely recommend visiting Burgas - especially the pedestrian street in the city centre and the "Sea Garden" park located right next to the beach.

3. Stara Zagora

You might have heard about Stara Zagora as it is home of one of the best medical Universities in Bulgaria - Trakia University. The city, just like almost all Bulgarian cities, has a nice long pedestrian street. The must-visits in Stara Zagora include the Ayazmo park, the Samara Flag monument and the Augusta Trayana antique forum. 

4. Krumovo

The aviation museum "Krumovo" is located only 15 km away from Plovdiv which means you can even catch a taxi to reach the place! If you like taking pictures in front of airplanes and helicopters or you just want to learn more about the aviation history of Bulgaria - this is your place! The entry costs about 5 lv and you can also get a guided tour in English for 20 lv.

5. Asen's Fortress

Asenovgrad is a city located only 30 min by bus away from Plovdiv. Asen's fortress is located about 5 km away from the bus station of Asenovgrad - which means you can either catch a taxi or enjoy a long walk with your friends. Once you reach the medieval fortress, you will stop and stare at the amazing view you will have over the mountains surrounding you and the river that cuts through the mountain. Close to Asen's fortress (around 10 km) you can also visit the Bachkovo Monastery.

6. Pamporovo

Pamporovo is definitely one of the best ski resorts in Bulgaria! A bus ride from Plovdiv to Pamporovo takes around 3 hours. This means you can go skiing for a day or (in summer) enjoy a pleasant walk in the mountains and the great view over Snezhanka TV tower.

7. Pazardzhik

Pazardzhik is a city located only one hour by bus away from Plovdiv. The architecture and the long pedestrian street will definitely remind you of Plovdiv, but the city is also famous for the big park called "Ostrov Svoboda" (Freedom Island). It is a nice chance to escape Plovdiv for a bit, especially if you like cities that are not overcrowded by tourists.

8. Sofia

We can't miss the Bulgarian capital city - Sofia! Located only about a 2-hour ride by bus away from Plovdiv, the capital is undoubtedly a must-visit in Bulgaria. The best sightseeing places include the National Palace of Culture, the Ivan Vazov National Theatre, Alexandar Nevsky Cathedral as well as Vitosha boulevard. Don't forget to join the free Sofia tour - volunteers will introduce you to the history of the Bulgarian capital and show you around the city centre!

9. Sopot lift 

If you love mountains but you have already been to Pamporovo or you don't like skiing, the Sopot lift is an interesting idea for your free weekend. Sopot is a town located close to Plovdiv (about 2 hours by bus) and the hometown of one of the most famous Bulgarians - Ivan Vazov (which means you can also check out the house-museum of Ivan Vazov). The lift is nearly 2 km away from the city centre and will take you up in the mountains - the best place to enjoy a picnic and a panoramic view!

10. Veliko Tarnovo

Veliko Tarnovo is the medieval capital of Bulgaria! Famous for the beautiful architecture and the Tsarevets fortress, Veliko Tarnovo is often included as one of the must-visits in Europe! Keep in mind that the bus ride takes about 3 and a half hours so we actually recommend you spend the night in this beautiful city. 

11. Koprivshtitsa - bonus destination

We have added two more destinations for which, however, you need to have a car to reach them. Koprivshtitsa is a historic town located around 2 hours away from Plovdiv. It is the hometown of famous Bulgarians (mainly poets and people who fought for the freedom of Bulgaria) and the architectural monuments are the things that make Koprivshtitsa stand out. We recommend visiting the houses of Dimcho Debelyanov, Lyuben Karavelov, Todor Kableshkov, Georgi Benkovski and the Lyutova House. 

12. Shipka Monument - bonus destination

Shipka Pass is located around 2 hours by car from Plovdiv and is the most famous place on 3rd March. Why? The battle that took place there was crucial for the Bulgarian liberation (and we celebrate our liberty on 3rd March) so thousands of people visit the Shipka Monument located at the Shipka summit. From there you will witness a scenic view so don't forget your camera. Just be careful - there are plenty of stairs in order to reach the monument so wearing comfortable shoes is a must!

You don't have much time to travel so you wonder what to do in the city of Plovdiv itself? Check our 15 ideas for things to do in Plovdiv!