Is Plovdiv expensive to visit?
Plovdiv is a smaller destination that charms visitors with a variety of travel styles, expenditure habits, and budgetary considerations. Accommodation options range from budget-friendly hostels to mid-range hotels to high-end luxury properties.
While Plovdiv can be quite expensive if you let it be, there are ways to lower your spending, such as looking for discounts and coupons.
On average, budget travelers spend $43 (ư77) per day, mid-range travelers spend $97 (ư175) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $184 (ư331) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Plovdiv.
Within Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, Plovdiv is a reasonably affordable destination compared to other places. It is in the top 25% of cities in Europe for its affordability. You can find more affordable cities such as Novi Sad, but there are also more expensive cities, such as Avignon.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Plovdiv Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Plovdiv?
The average Plovdiv trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Plovdiv travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Plovdiv cost?
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's essential to keep realistic expectations for your travel budget. Many people think they can visit Plovdiv cheaply, but most travelers aren't comfortable with an extreme "shoestring" budget. Consider what you truly enjoy on vacation. Do you prefer resorts, vacation homes, or hostels? Is experiencing attractions and dining important to you? Your budget and itinerary will depend on your answers to these questions.
What Defines a Budget Traveler?
You might consider yourself a budget traveler, but if you're not ready to give up some comforts, prepare to spend a lot more than the $43 per day that younger budget travelers manage.
Backpackers will usually stick to this shoestring budget by staying in hostel dorms, dining at the cheapest spots such as fast food places, using public transit, and mostly visiting free attractions.
Thankfully, Plovdiv is home to plenty of hostels, including Hostel Old Plovdiv, Hikers Hostel Plovdiv, and Hakuna Matata Plovdiv. In these hostels, you can find economical dorm accommodations and a fun social atmosphere, but amenities are typically limited.
So, are you average?
If you're traveling for leisure as a couple or family, you'll probably prefer a mid-range hotel, dine at well-known restaurants, and explore the major museums and attractions that charge entry fees. Most travelers to Plovdiv will be eager to explore the key attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. Remember, most activities come with a cost. Therefore, it's reasonable to anticipate that your daily budget will be around $97 per person, per day.
Plovdiv boasts a wide array of hotels and vacation rentals. When traveling with others, you can share accommodations with a partner, friend, or children, thus reducing your expenses. Families should prioritize hotels and restaurants that are geared toward kids. Old Plovdiv House in Kapana Area is an excellent family-friendly option, while Imperial Plovdiv Hotel & SPA is also superb. You can find additional family and couple-friendly hotels in our hotel guide for Plovdiv here.
Want to Experience a Luxurious Trip?
If your ideal trip includes every luxury and top-tier service, be ready to budget around $184 per day. A stay at nicer hotels, meals at prestigious restaurants, fancy excursions, and getting around the destination with taxis or private drivers will cost you more. Many high-end visitors also prefer unique experiences such as Private city walking tour of Plovdiv - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Plovdiv
Hotel prices in Plovdiv can vary significantly. Some hotels charge much higher rates but also offer more luxury and better amenities. During peak season, these prices rise even more. In the off-season, the average room costs around $43, while in peak season it jumps to an average of $80. Budget accommodations range from $29 to $123, but hostels are usually cheaper, especially in dorm rooms. Save money by traveling during the low or shoulder seasons, or by booking in advance and watching for deals.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Plovdiv for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $87 (ư161). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $44 (ư81) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Plovdiv? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Plovdiv include:
- Imperial Plovdiv Hotel & SPA starting at $81
- Landmark Creek Hotel starting at $65
- Holiday Inn Plovdiv starting at $58
- Grand Hotel Plovdiv starting at $54
- Hotel Evmolpia starting at $70
If you plan your trip outside of and during the low or shoulder season, you'll find better accommodation rates and fewer tourists.
Transportation Budget in Plovdiv
The public transit system in Plovdiv is not very good.
Calculated from travelers like you
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On average, past travelers have spent $22 (ư40) per person, per day, on local transportation in Plovdiv. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Plovdiv is significantly more than public transportation.
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Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$22
ư40
If you're planning to drive, ensure that your hotel offers convenient parking.
A few of the typical hotel transfers and transportation services include:
- Transfer Plovdiv to Sofia airport/city with a car 3+1 for $97 details
- Transfer from Plovdiv to Sofia for $102 details
- Transfer from Pamporovo to Sofia for $97 details
How much does it cost to go to Plovdiv? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Plovdiv will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Plovdiv
Tasting the local cuisine is a key reason for travel, so be sure to sample the unique dishes offered in the area.
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in Plovdiv can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Plovdiv is $36 (ư67) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
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Food2
Meals for one day
$36
ư67
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Plovdiv is around $37 (ư67) per person, with previous travelers spending from $16 to $71. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Plovdiv are as follows:
- Breakfast: $4 to $11
- Lunch: $6 to $15
- Dinner: $11 to $26
- Coffee: $3
- Fast Food or Street Food: $6
Bulgarian cuisine is typical of Eastern Europe with some Balkan influences, such as Persian, Turkish, and Greek cooking. Dishes include any variety of meats-lamb, goat meat, veal, chicken or pork-grilled with spices and herbs or often cooked into stews. Yogurt is also central to many meals. Banitsa, for example, is a popular breakfast pastry of eggs, white cheese, and yogurt between phyllo layers. Another example that uses yogurt is a cold soup of cucumbers, garlic, yogurt, and dill known as tarator. Bulgarians also cook with a white cheese called sirene; it is similar to feta and is used in salads and pastries. Other popular food items include cold cuts like salami and sausage, a variety of soups and stews like shkembe chorba (spicy, made with tripe) and bob chorba (bean soup), salads and relishes made with seasonal vegetables and cheeses, bread and pastries, and kebab. There are also a variety of Bulgarian wines, beers, distilled liquors, and fermented beverages, such as boza (made from roasted flour) and ayran (from yogurt).
Many hotels include breakfast in their pricing structure, while some charge additional fees for it. The quality and cost can vary significantly by hotel. Knowing this in advance can help you decide whether to allocate more money. It might be worth paying for the delicious hotel buffet, or you could go to a local bakery or cafe that's less expensive.
Pack a water bottle to avoid buying drinks on the go. Plus, it's beneficial for the planet.
While planning your tour, it's essential to know which meals are included. You may find yourself paying for some meals, which can add to your travel budget.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Plovdiv
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Plovdiv typically cost an average of $15 (ư28) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
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Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$15
ư28
With a history that dates to the ancient Thracians, a few thousand years before Roman occupation, Plovdiv is a treasure trove of relic monuments. One of the best-known examples from antiquity is the Ancient Theatre, which is still in use roughly 2,000 years after its construction, accommodating 7,000 people. Operas and theatre performances are held in the summer. Another treasured monument is the 2nd-century Roman Stadium, which once sat 30,000 spectators, though much of it now lies buried beneath Plovdiv's Old Town. The cobbled streets and traditional homes of Old Town blend with the ruins in a unique and interesting way, showing layers of time with Bulgarian revival buildings amidst an ancient Roman Forum.
Plovdiv also features a number of religious centers that speak to the culture of the region. Bachkovo Monastery, for example, lies on the outskirts in the town of Asenovgrad. Founded in 1083, it is the oldest Eastern Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria and brings together Bulgarian, Georgian, and byzantine religious traditions. Others, within Plovdiv itself, include the city's oldest Christian church called the Church of St. Konstantin and Elena from the 4th century, and the Dzhumaya Mosque built by the Ottomans in the 1300s.
From walking Plovdiv's scenic hills to exploring Old Town's historic architecture, visitors can spend days just wandering on foot and taking in the sights. One might enjoy a musical or theatre performance in one of Old Town's unique venues or walking the cobbled streets to shop for the perfect souvenir. Some of the most popular gifts tend to be Bulgarian rose products-mostly shampoos, gels, oils, and perfumes.
For a little more insight into the region's cultural, historical, and artistic heritage, visitors can also step inside one of the city's museums. A few of the more popular exhibits include the Regional Ethnographic Museum and the Plovdiv Aviation Museum.
Plovdiv is also a great base to explore some of Bulgaria's best wineries, which are quite nice and very scenic. Plovdiv even has its own wine festival every year, too.
A nice way to explore destinations in Plovdiv is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Food Walk: Bulgarian Food and Culture Tour in Plovdiv for $38 details
- Bachkovo Monastery & Asen's Fortress - day tour from Plovdiv for $81 details
- Roman Plovdiv, Self-Guided Tour and Urban Quest Game for $17 details
Plovdiv, Bulgaria
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.