population: 138,272 million

extension: 1,199.61 square kilometers

Museums

If you're in Stara Zagora and interested in museums, I recommend visiting the Regional Museum of History. It features exhibits on the history and culture of the Stara Zagora region, including artifacts from ancient Thracian times. If you're looking for other museums in the area, you might also check out the Neolithic Dwellings Museum in Stara Zagora or the Regional Museum of History in nearby Kazanlak, which is known for its Thracian tomb exhibits.

Food

Some of the most recommended and popular dishes to try in Stara Zagora and Bulgarian cuisine include:

1. Banitsa - A traditional pastry made with layers of filo dough and a filling of cheese, spinach, or other ingredients
2. Kavarma - A stew made with meat (usually pork or chicken), vegetables, and spices
3. Lyutenitsa - A thick, spicy relish made from roasted red peppers, tomatoes, and eggplant
4. Shopska salad - A refreshing salad made from chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and peppers, topped with feta cheese
5. Kebapche - Grilled minced meat (usually pork or beef) shaped like a sausage
6. Tarator - A cold soup made with yogurt, cucumber, garlic, dill, and walnuts
7. Mish-mash - A dish made with scrambled eggs, tomatoes, peppers, and cheese

These dishes are a great representation of Bulgarian cuisine and are enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.

Activities

Some fun activities that local people enjoy in Stara Zagora, Bulgaria include:

1. Visiting the Ayazmoto Park - a large park with walking paths, playgrounds, picnic areas, and a lake.

2. Exploring the Roman Forum of Augusta Traiana - an ancient Roman forum in the heart of the city.

3. Sampling the local cuisine at the Stara Zagora Market Hall - a covered market with various food vendors offering traditional Bulgarian dishes.

4. Enjoying a night out at one of the city's many bars or clubs, such as Club Chervilo or The Box Bar.

5. Attending cultural events at the Opera House or the Trakia Cultural Center, which regularly host concerts, plays, and other performances.