population: 0.345 million

extension: 101.98 square kilometers

Museums

Great choice! Plovdiv is a city rich in history and culture, with many great museums to visit. The Regional Ethnographic Museum in Plovdiv is a must-see for anyone interested in learning about Bulgarian folk traditions, costumes, and crafts. Another interesting museum is the Plovdiv Archaeological Museum, which has exhibits dating back to ancient times.

If you are looking for similar museums nearby, you may want to visit the National Museum of History in Sofia, which has over 650,000 artifacts on display from Bulgaria's rich history. Alternatively, you could visit the Varna Archaeological Museum, which houses an impressive collection of artifacts from the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman periods.

Food

Bulgarian cuisine is known for its rich and hearty dishes, and Plovdiv has plenty of delicious traditional food to offer. Here are some popular dishes that locals recommend:

1. Kapama - a slow-cooked stew made with meat (usually pork or beef), sauerkraut, rice, and spices.

2. Kebapche - grilled minced meat seasoned with spices and shaped into elongated rolls, typically served with bread and garnished with onions and peppers.

3. Banitsa - a flaky pastry filled with cheese, eggs, and sometimes spinach or other vegetables.

4. Shopska salad - a refreshing salad made with chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, onions, and feta cheese.

5. Shkembe chorba - a tripe soup that is considered a classic Bulgarian hangover cure.

6. Mekitsi - deep-fried doughnuts that are often eaten for breakfast or as a snack, usually served with jam, honey or cheese.

7. Lyutenitsa - a thick relish made from roasted red peppers, tomatoes, and eggplant, flavored with garlic and spices. It's often spread on bread or used as a condiment for meats and cheeses.

These dishes are just a few examples of the many delicious foods you can try in Plovdiv!

Activities

Sure! Plovdiv is a vibrant city with many fun activities that locals enjoy. Here are some suggestions:

1. Take a walk in the Old Town: The Old Town of Plovdiv is a must-see for anyone visiting the city. It's full of charming streets, colorful houses, and interesting landmarks.

2. Visit Kapana Creative District: This neighborhood in the center of Plovdiv has become a hub for creative industries, with lots of art galleries, cafes, and shops. It's a great place to explore, especially in the evening when it comes alive with music and events.

3. Watch a football match: Football (soccer) is hugely popular in Bulgaria, and Plovdiv has two teams, Lokomotiv and Botev. Watching a match at their stadium can be a fun and exciting experience.

4. Visit the Rowing Canal: This beautiful park on the outskirts of Plovdiv has a large lake where you can rent a paddleboat or take a walk along the water. It's a peaceful escape from the city and a popular spot for picnics and barbecues.

5. Try Bulgarian cuisine: Bulgarian food is delicious and often overlooked. Locals love to eat shopska salad, banitsa (a savory pastry), and kebabche (grilled meat). There are many restaurants in Plovdiv where you can try these dishes and more.