How Much Does Plovdiv Cost? 2026 Budget Guide | Prices & Tips
Plovdiv is one of Europe's most affordable cultural gems, offering a blend of Roman history and modern art for a fraction of the cost of Western Mediterranean cities. With a daily solo budget ranging from $46 / €39 for budget travelers to $341 / €290 for those seeking high-end experiences, the city provides exceptional value. Costs remain low due to inexpensive public transit and reasonably priced dining in the vibrant Kapana district. Visitors can explore millennia of history without a high price tag, as many archaeological sites are visible from the street or have modest entry fees. The city's compact, walkable nature and the prevalence of affordable street food, such as traditional banitsa, further help keep daily spending manageable.
Is Plovdiv expensive to visit?
Plovdiv is highly affordable, with daily costs typically ranging from $46 / €39 to $341 / €290 depending on whether you choose a hostel dorm or a luxury stay at The Emporium.
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Daily Budget
How much to budget per person per day in Plovdiv
$46
per person /day
$147
per person /day
$341
per person /day
Trip Costs by Duration
Total estimated costs per person, excluding flights
| Trip Costs by Duration | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-Day Trip | $138 | $441 | $1,024 |
| 5-Day Trip | $230 | $736 | $1,707 |
| 7-Day Trip | $321 | $1,030 | $2,389 |
per person — Excludes international flights
Budget Buffer
Recommended contingency for unexpected expenses
It is wise to add a 10-20% buffer to cover the hotel tourist tax, which varies by star rating, and the standard 10% voluntary tip expected at most restaurants. This also helps cover the high withdrawal fees charged by non-bank ATMs like Euronet.
How Does It Compare?
See how Plovdiv stacks up against other popular destinations
What Things Cost
Real prices for common tourist expenses in Plovdiv
Food & Drink (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Mid-Range Three-Course Meal for Two Standard price in popular areas like Kapana or the pedestrian Main Street. | $47 €40 |
| Domestic Draft Beer (0.5L) Local brands like Kamenitza or Zagorka. Craft beers in Kapana cost ~$4.71–$7.06 / €4–€6. | $2.8 €2.38 |
| Street Food (Banitsa & Ayran) The quintessential Bulgarian breakfast. Banitsa (~$1.77 / €1.5) + Ayran yogurt drink (~$0.82 / €0.7). | $2.59 €2.2 |
Transport (4)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Plovdiv Airport to City Center Taxi The airport is 12km from the city. Ensure the meter is on or agree on ~$18–$21 / €15–€18 before starting. | $18 €15 |
| Single Public Bus Ticket Standard fare for any bus line within city limits. Tickets are purchased from the driver or conductor. | $0.6 €0.51 |
| Standard Taxi Ride (5km) A typical cross-town trip costs ~$5.89–$9.42 / €5–€8. Use reputable apps like Yellow Taxi. | $7.65 €6.5 |
| Monthly Public Transport Pass Best for long-term stays. Covers all municipal bus lines. | $30 €26 |
Accommodation (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Hostel Dorm Bed (Old Town) Prices for a bed in a highly-rated shared dorm in the Old Town area. Includes free Wi-Fi. | $22 €19 |
| Mid-Range Boutique Hotel Typical for a double room in a boutique hotel like Hotel Odeon or Hill House. Breakfast is often ~$9.42 / €8 extra. | $92 €78 |
| Luxury Hotel Stay (The Emporium) Plovdiv's premier luxury stay. Rate includes high-end amenities and central location. | $214 €182 |
Activities (4)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis Standard adult entry for non-residents. Students pay ~$1.82 / €1.55. | $4.21 €3.58 |
| The Bishop‘s Basilica of Philippopolis The most expensive municipal site. Family tickets cost ~$18 / €15. | $8.91 €7.57 |
| Regional Archaeological Museum Ticket Houses the Panagyurishte Gold Treasure. Guided tours available in English for ~$18 / €15. | $4.83 €4.1 |
| Plovdiv City Card (24 Hours) Includes free entry to 10+ museums and discounts at shops/restaurants. | $16 €14 |
Connectivity (1)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Saily eSIM Bulgaria (1GB/7 Days) Best for short trips; larger 10GB plans cost ~$13 / €11. | $2.18 €1.85 |
Food & Dining
What to eat and what it costs
Dining in Plovdiv is a highlight, where a mid-range three-course meal for two costs approximately $47 / €40 in popular areas like the Center. Budget travelers can enjoy local staples like banitsa and ayran for just $2.59 / €2.2, while a domestic draft beer averages a modest $2.8 / €2.38.
Cheap Eats
Where locals eat — real places, real prices
Rahat Tepe
$9.42–$18 / €8–€15Old Town (Nebet Tepe) · Local chain
Traditional grill with one of the best views in the city; perfect for sunset.
Supar Bar
$4.71–$8.83 / €4–€7.5Center · Street food area
Specializes in traditional Bulgarian soups like Shkembe Chorba (tripe) or Tarator (cold cucumber).
Danov House (Bakeries)
$1.77–$4.71 / €1.5–€4Old Town · Bakery
Grab a hot banitsa here early in the morning before they sell out.
Afreddo Gelateria
$2.94–$7.06 / €2.5–€6Main Pedestrian Street · Local chain
The most famous ice cream spot in town; expect queues on sunny weekends.
Badi (Fast Food)
$5.89–$12 / €5–€10Kapana · Local chain
Excellent for a quick, filling 'Princess' sandwich (minced meat and cheese toast).
Getting Around
Transport costs and the smartest ways to move
The city center is best explored on foot, but the municipal bus system is efficient with single tickets costing only $0.6 / €0.51. For longer distances, a standard 5km taxi ride through reputable apps averages $7.65 / €6.5, while an airport transfer to the center costs roughly $18 / €15.
Accommodation Overview
High-quality hostel dorms in the Old Town start at $22 / €19, offering great value for solo travelers. Mid-range boutique hotels like Hotel Odeon or Hill House average $92 / €78 per night, while the premier luxury experience at The Emporium reaches about $214 / €182.
Accommodation Budget in Plovdiv
Budget
Hostels, budget hotels, shared facilities
Mid-Range
3-star hotels, boutique stays, great locations
Luxury
5-star hotels, suites, premium amenities
💡 Prices vary by season. Book 2-3 months ahead for best rates.
Money-Saving Tips
Insider tricks to stretch your budget further
- 1 Purchase the Plovdiv City Card for $16 / €14 to get free entry to 10+ museums and significant discounts at local shops.
- 2 Eat at Rahat Tepe at the top of Nebet Tepe for affordable traditional Bulgarian food accompanied by the best views of the city.
- 3 Start the day with a banitsa and ayran from a Danov House bakery for a filling breakfast that costs just $2.59 / €2.2.
- 4 Use the 'Yellow Taxi' mobile app to ensure fair metered rates, avoiding the risk of overpaying for a cross-town trip.
- 5 Look for the 'obledno menyu' (lunch menu) at restaurants in the Center; these daily specials are significantly cheaper than evening prices.
- 6 Fill water bottles at the various public mineral water fountains throughout the city, which are free and provide high-quality water.
- 7 Join the Free Plovdiv Tour for a comprehensive historical overview based on tips rather than a high upfront ticket price.
- 8 Visit the Regional Archaeological Museum for just $4.83 / €4.1 to see the world-famous Panagyurishte Gold Treasure.
- 9 Opt for local Bulgarian beer brands like Kamenitza or Zagorka at $2.8 / €2.38 rather than imported or specialty craft beers.
- 10 Shop for snacks and bottled drinks at local Billa or Lidl supermarkets instead of smaller kiosks on the main pedestrian street.
Seasonal Pricing
When prices rise and fall throughout the year
May, Jun, Sep, Oct
+20–30%
Jan, Feb, Nov
-30–40%
Apr, Oct
Plovdiv is a 'warm' destination. Spring (May) and Autumn (September) offer the best weather (20–25°C / 68–77°F) and vibrant festivals, but hotels peak in price.
Events to Watch
- ● International Technical Fair (late Sept): +50% hotels
- ● Opera Open (June/July): +25% Old Town accommodation
Free Things to Do
The best experiences that cost absolutely nothing
- 1 Explore the ruins of Nebet Tepe at sunset for panoramic city views.
- 2 Watch the Singing Fountains show in Tsar Simeon Garden, which typically runs on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings.
- 3 Walk the cobbled streets of the Old Town (Staria Grad) to admire the National Revival architecture.
- 4 View the Roman Stadium's northern curved section from the street level at Dzhumaya Square.
- 5 Visit the Dzhumaya Mosque, one of the oldest in the Balkans (outside of prayer times).
- 6 Climb Danov Hill (Sahat Tepe) to see the historic Clock Tower and surrounding park.
- 7 Hike Bunardzhik Hill to see the giant Alyosha Monument and 360-degree views of the Thracian Valley.
- 8 Wander through the Kapana Creative District to see modern street art and artistic installations.
- 9 Visit the Youth Hill (Mladezhki Halm) for nature trails and frequent open-air festival vibes.
- 10 Window shop along the Glavna, which is one of the longest pedestrian streets in Europe.
- 11 Stroll through the peaceful Garden of Tsar Simeon and its ornate statues and greenery.
- 12 Explore the creative workshops and galleries of the street of crafts (ulitsa Strumna).
Worth the Splurge
Premium experiences that justify the price tag
Private Wine Tasting in the Thracian Valley
The region is famous for the Mavrud grape; private tours include transport and several high-end tastings (~$100 / €85).
Fine Dining at Pavaj
Consistently ranked as the best restaurant in Kapana; high-quality ingredients with a modern twist on classics (~$53 / €45/person).
Hot Air Balloon Flight over Plovdiv Hills
Unbeatable views of the seven hills and the Roman architecture (~$247 / €210).
Popular Activities
Top-rated tours and experiences in Plovdiv
Day Trip Costs
Popular day trips from Plovdiv and what they cost
Bachkovo Monastery
$8.24 / €7 by bus
$3.53 / €3
$29 / €25
Asen's Fortress
$5.89 / €5 by train
$2.94 / €2.5
$24 / €20
Payment & Money
How to pay and what to know about money
Euro (EUR)
1 € ≈ 1.18 $
Yes
Widely accepted in hotels, major restaurants, and supermarkets. Cash is essential for small bakeries, markets, and municipal museum entry.
It is standard to tip 10% in restaurants for good service. For taxis, round up to the nearest euro.
Use ATMs attached to major banks like DSK or UniCredit. Avoid 'Euronet' machines as they charge ~$5.89 / €5 fees and use poor conversion rates.
Connectivity
eSIM: $5.89–$12 for 5GB (opens in new tab)
Local SIM: $12–$14 / €10–€12 at Vivacom shops for 15GB
WiFi: Excellent in the Kapana district and all central cafés.
Use an eSIM (Saily or Airalo) for immediate data on arrival, or buy a local Vivacom SIM if staying longer than 10 days.
Why you can trust this guide
35+ countries • 8 years analyzing travel data
Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.
- All neighborhoods verified by walking them
- Curated locations based on walkability & safety
- Real-time availability via live partner maps
- Prices based on Booking.com & Numbeo averages
Methodology: This guide combines on-the-ground neighborhood research, current hotel pricing data, and real traveler feedback to provide honest, actionable accommodation recommendations for Plovdiv.
Updated: February 16, 2026
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