Plovdiv is the second largest city in Bulgaria and is often considered its cultural capital for the thriving arts and music scene. It was the European Capital of Culture for the year 2019.
Plovdiv is one of the oldest cities in Europe, with over 6000 years of continuous human settlement.
Known as Philippopolis in ancient times, Plovdiv was ruled by various civilizations, including the Thracians, Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans, each leaving its mark on its architecture, culture, and traditions.
Evidence of its long, richly layered past is present throughout the city, from Roman ruins to Ottoman influences to Bulgarian National Revival architecture.
Walk Distance approx. 5 km / 3 miles.
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Embark on an enchanting journey through the Balkans with self-guided city walks that uncover the hidden gems of seven captivating cities.
These guides take you to at least 20 of the most iconic locations of each city. We provide a link to Google Maps so you can see where you are in relation to the walking path and each location.
Start in Bulgaria with Plovdiv’s ancient ruins and Sofia’s eclectic blend of history and modernity.
In Croatia, stroll through Split‘s history, Zadar’s Roman forums and Zagreb’s vibrant street art.
Bucharest, Romania, offers a mix of grandiose communist architecture and lively old town charm.
Serbia’s Belgrade captivates with its fortress views and bustling nightlife.
Finally, Ljubljana, Slovenia’s picturesque capital, enchants with its riverside cafes and fairytale-like architecture.
Each city offers a unique tapestry of culture, history, and local flavors, perfect for the intrepid traveler seeking authentic experiences at their own pace.
Sofia is the capital of the Balkan nation of Bulgaria, nestled at the foot of Vitosha Mountain. The area has been inhabited since 7000BC and has a recorded history dating back over 2,000 years.
Over the centuries Sofia has been conquered many times, as a result, the city has signs of Greek, Roman, Thracian, Ottoman and Soviet occupation. As you explore Sofia you will discover Roman ruins, medieval frescoes, Thracian relics, enthralling museums, and an Ottoman mosque.
It is interesting to note many of the churches here spent 500 years of their existence as mosques under Ottoman rule.
This city walk will guide you to the key sights of this ancient city.
