Ancient Roman Theatre in Plovdiv, Bulgaria

The more I travel in Europe, it’s becomes increasingly rare to stumble upon an underrated city that becomes one of my favourites. But that’s exactly what happened when I visited Plovdiv last month. Although Plovdiv is only Bulgaria’s second biggest city, it is to Bulgaria what Edinburgh is to the UK. It has so much more charm, character, and history than the capital, Sofia. With its ancient ruins, beautiful scenery, and welcoming locals; Plovdiv is the best traveller’s city to visit in Bulgaria. It also contains many of the top 10 tourist attractions in the country – making it a clear winner for places to visit in the Balkan Peninsula.

Plovdiv was recently ranked the 6th oldest living city in the world and the 1st in Europe. Originally a Thracian settlement, it evolved into a vibrant Roman city and over the centuries has also been called Eumolpia, Paldin, and Trimontium. But its most famous name was Philippopolis, after Phillip II of Macedon took control of the city in 342 B.C. A couple of hundred years later the city landed in the hands of the Roman Empire and eventually became the largest city in the province of Thrace.

Plovdiv’s best-known attraction, the Roman amphitheatre, proudly overlooks the new town and allows you to experience the city’s roots. Constructed between 98–117 AD the theatre was previously used for bloody gladiatorial battles, but has thankfully shifted to concerts, plays and cultural performances today.