Lost in Plovdiv

The tenth position this year is for the most dangerous attraction near Plovdiv and takes us to the "Bloody" or Red Lake to the village of Elshitsa, Pazardzhik. Copper and pyrite ore were mined in its area. The underground mining began in 1936, and since 1999 the mine has been liquidated. As a result of the activity over the years and the pollution, however, an unusual color has been formed, combining in itself bloody red, and even yellowish-brown shades. Undoubtedly enchanting at first sight, but the warnings from the authorities are that: “Direct contact with the water surface can cause burns on the body. The health risk is high."

Next is our overview of the peculiarities of Plovdiv driving. Driving a car in the city is becoming more and more complicated and unpleasant. Yes, you don't depend on the bus schedule and the taxi drivers' fares, but you plunge directly into the jungle of Plovdiv's traffic rules and the lack of parking spaces. There are more cars on the streets every day, and drivers' nerves are more and more difficult to control.

The eighth place reveals to us which is the most exciting destination for small children near Plovdiv in 2023. The Eco Park in the town of Stamboliyski is located right next to the N. Y. Vaptsarov Center and has more than 20 facilities on its spacious area. Most are made of wood and are well secured. One part is extreme, for climbing and jumping, but there is also a separate area for the little ones. Swings, slides and trampolines are available, and the biggest attractions are undoubtedly the cable car and the tower, but it wouldn’t be an exaggeration at all to say that everything is excellently made and maintained.

Pools in Plovdiv are another thing that has clearly excited the people of Plovdiv in the past year. The article is up to date and we look forward to the warmer months when we can enjoy the city's pools and water experiences.

The sixth position is for the summer program of the Ancient Theater in Plovdiv. The setting, the acoustics, the magic of the city and its specific architecture turn each performance into a spectacular event that fills you with pride for a long time to have been a part of this fairy tale.

At the very center of our ranking is Mall Plovdiv and our article in which we revealed to you which world-famous brands opened stores under the hills. Mall Plovdiv is the first place of this type in Plovdiv and since its opening in 2009, it has been a preferred place for Plovdiv residents when it comes to shopping and indoor entertainment. Regardless of the occasion - a walk, a coffee date, a formal dinner, a work meeting, here shopping fanatics will always find the most fashionable clothes and accessories to be in tune with the city.

In just hours in the shopping center, you can renew the wardrobe of the whole family with brands of different price ranges, and the portfolio of brands is constantly increasing.

This season, some of the world's most famous brands, such as The North Face / Timberland / Napapijri, BOSS, Pinko, Under Armour, Puma, SINSAY and Opticlasa opened their doors. Some of them are the only shops of the brands in the city of Plovdiv.

The fourth place is for the most visited place for lunch in Kuchuk Paris, which is located in the immediate vicinity of the NRA building in Plovdiv and not far from the Southern Industrial Zone, that is, rather at the end of the area. It is most often filled at lunchtime, when a number of workers around and beyond use their lunch break to visit it and have something of the delicious food that the staff prepares on site every day.

There is dedicated parking out front, so we know some even travel from across town to satisfy their mid-workday hunger pangs. The atmosphere is quite unpretentious and even a little ascetic; it is organized for self-service, but this doesn’t prevent people who’ve been here once from coming back for more.

The best restaurants of Plovdiv appear in our ranking every year, and this time they’re in the prestigious third position. If you’ve come to explore Plovdiv, we recommend that you spend an hour or two and enjoy the delicious offerings from several local restaurants, which are culinary oases in the eyes of most Plovdiv residents with an attitude to good cuisine. This is not a ranking, but our subjective assessment of places with quality food, service and atmosphere.

Сребърният медал е за най-скъпият куверт за Нова година 2024 в Пловдив. Традиционно повечето ресторанти в Пловдив вече започнаха да публикуват в социалните мрежи своите предложения за последната нощ от годината. Голяма част от тях са добре познатите менюта с предястие, основно, десерт и плато с мезета и разядки, но има и една доста интересна оферта.

The silver medal is for the most expensive set menu for the New Year 2024 in Plovdiv. Traditionally, most restaurants in Plovdiv have already started publishing their offers for the last night of the year on social networks. A large part of them are the well-known menus with a starter, main, dessert and platter with appetizers and entrees, but there is also a rather interesting offer.

It promises us a real masquerade party to infuse us with new, fresh and hidden promises of unexpected beginnings, while exhaling the old and heavy energy of the past.

It's time to officially announce that the most read article of 2023 is 5+1 things NOT to do in Kuchuk Paris. Today, it's one of the most controversial neighborhoods under the hills – there are hundreds of people who adore it and can't imagine living anywhere else, but just as many others who find it extreme, gangsterish and below their level. However, sooner or later everyone has to pass through or visit Kuchuka, so we have selected some recommended things not to do when you’re not a "local".