8:30am: Breakfast at Central Perk
Any fans of F.R.I.E.N.D.S? Pop by Central Perk, a cafe inspired by the cafe of the same name featured in the TV show. Great place to reminisce childhood memories for some! F.R.I.E.N.D.S was a TV series that ran from 1994-2004, a total of 10 seasons. A TV show that aired for 10yrs, wow this can definitely vouch for its popularity!
10am: Ancient Town of Plovdiv, Gate Hisar Kapia
After breakfast, head uphill to the Ancient Town of Plovdiv. The old town of Plovdiv is an architectural and historical reserve location on three of Plovdiv’s hills - Nebet Tepe, Dzhambaz Tepe and Taksim Tepe. In the 17th and 18th century, rich merchants of Plovdiv built their houses over the ruins of the fortification walls around Hisar Kapia. Today, you can see the lower levels of these houses with the remains of the ancient walls.
The Hisar Kapia is a medieval gate located within the old town and is one of the most famous tourist sights of Plovdiv. It was built in the 11th century AD, over the foundations of a gate from the Roman Empire. The importance of the gate faded after the Ottoman invasion in the 14th century.
11:30am: Regional Ethnographic Museum
The Regional Ethnographic Museum is a museum of ethnography in Plovdiv. It features 6 exhibitions, each occupying a separate room. Although there had been plans to organise an ethnography museum as early as 1891, it was not until 1917 that the museum was established, thanks to the efforts of Stoyu Shishkov, a local scholar and journalist. The first collection of 500 items were transferred to the Plovdiv National Library and Museum in 1931. The museum was revived as the Municipal Museum House in 1938. It then reopened as People’s Ethnographic Museum in 1943. A permanent exhibition was arranged in 1952, and revised in 1962. Today, the museum has a collection of over 40,000 exhibits.
1pm: Lunch at Rahat Tepe
Rahat Tepe is a restaurant located along the hill that offers Bulgarian and Serbian dishes, enjoy lunch with great views! The Fried Zucchini, House Ribs and Extra Clay Plate are crowd favourites!
2pm: Klianti House
Built in 1816, the Klianti House is one of the oldest preserved houses from the period of the Bulgarian Revival, and was completely rebuilt in 1846 to expand the ground floor. It represents the early asymmetrical house in Plovdiv. The house has changed owners several times over the years. Today, it bears the name of its first owner, Georgi Klianti, a merchant of woollen fabrics.
4pm: Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis
The Theatre of Philippopolis is one of the world’s best preserved ancient Roman theatres, built in 1st century AD, during the Roman Empire. The theatre seats about 5,000-7,000 spectators, and is still currently in use. It was only found in the 1970s due to a landslide. It caused a major archaeological excavation, removing at least 4.5m of earth. The restoration of the Roman theatre in Plovdiv is considered one of the best achievements of the Bulgarian Conservation School.
5pm: The Holy Assumption Cathedral
Also known as the Church of the Holy Mother of God, it is a small church located on one of Plovdiv’s seven hills, Nebet Tepe. It is believed to exist as early as the 9th century, and was renovated in 1186.
6pm: Dinner at Brick House
Brick House, as its name suggests, looks just like a house with rough exposed brick walls! It creates a really cosy and homely atmosphere. Their burgers and pasta look really good!
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