The traditional question that is common for the beginning of December cannot go unanswered this year either. If you haven’t reserved a villa outside the city early in 2024, you're now faced with the dilemma: to stay in Plovdiv or to book a hotel somewhere else.
The spa destinations come with sky-high prices, offering similar programs, amenities, and meals as every year, but the costs keep climbing. A more sensible option might be to save that money for a 2-3 night staycation with meals prepared at home and use the savings for a future multi-day trip.
If you decide to stay in town, you have a few choices: stay home, attend a house party, celebrate in the city square, or enjoy the offerings of Plovdiv’s restaurants and bars.
Once again, the most expensive New Year's Eve package is at the restaurant underneath Sahat Tepe, hosting a Casino Royale-themed party. Highlights include seafood and a 5-course gourmet menu with various main course options. The price? 400 leva. Kids' menus, priced at 150 leva, feature traditional salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, and cheese, bite-sized snacks, meatballs or pasta with tomato sauce, fries, and dessert.
On the other end of the spectrum is another prominent hotel in the city under the hills, which offers a socialist-style celebration. With carefully curated music, decor, and surprises, the organizers promise a fusion of past and present! The package here costs 350 leva, with a retro-modern menu. Kids can join the fun for 210 leva.
All of the hotels in Plovdiv offer accommodation packages with a set number of nights, many including a brunch option after the big night.
Of course, local restaurants and taverns have more modest prices, though rarely under 100 leva per person.
Bars typically celebrate with DJ sets, snacks, nuts, champagne, and usually one drink of choice. Prices range from 50 to 130 leva, depending on whether there’s a dining menu in the specific location and the quantity and type of alcohol that is included. The most expensive option in this category is a popular piano bar, featuring performances by several artists from “The Voice of Bulgaria” and a folklore ensemble. If you want to celebrate there, be ready to pay from 145 to 225 leva per ticket.
Wherever you choose to celebrate, the most important thing won’t just be the setting but the people you will be with. So grab your phone, call your friends, and start organizing your crew!
