Plovdiv, Bulgaria 🇧🇬
#771
,
Nomad Score:
74%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Plovdiv is the second-largest city in Bulgaria, located in the center of the country. |
| 👥 Population | Approximate population is 350,000. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 50 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 BGN ≈ 0.54 EUR; Bulgarian Lev (BGN) is the official currency. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable, although some expats prefer bottled water. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/F sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Vivacom, A1, and Telenor. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Revolut and local banks such as DSK Bank are widely accepted. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Popular options include Airbnb, Booking.com, and local real estate sites. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards accepted widely, especially in urban areas. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Platforms like Airbnb and local listings offer short-term rentals. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Mostel and Hotel Makedonia are affordable lodging options. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The Old Town and Kapana district are highly recommended. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The City Center and the Plovdiv Municipality area are ideal for longer stays. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | PLOVDIV Work & Space is a popular coworking space offering flexible plans. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Baggio is known for its comfortable atmosphere and free WiFi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Regular meetups are organized via platforms like Meetup.com. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | The Plovdiv Expats Facebook Group hosts social gatherings and events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | TaxiBeat and Bolt are the recommended apps for on-demand transportation. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike sharing services are available; MoniBike is a popular choice. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | The closest major beach is at Black Sea, approximately 2 hours away by car. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Bulgarian Air Charter offers regional flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Wizz Air and Ryanair operate flights from Plovdiv Airport. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Plovdiv is connected via A1 highway leading to Sofia and Burgas. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Plovdiv Railway Station serves as the main transit hub. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Monthly bus passes are available for around 30 BGN. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Trains and buses connect Plovdiv to Sofia, Varna, and other cities. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Universitary Hospital St. George offers comprehensive medical services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Place offers various classes for different skill levels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | FitLife and World Class are popular choices for fitness enthusiasts. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry House provides 24-hour laundry services. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Sasa offers a variety of food options for delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Shop's Banitsa is a traditional pastry that shouldn’t be missed. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Vegan Life offers a variety of plant-based meals. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Patisserie Violette serves delicious cakes and pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | The Central Market Hall is a great place for budget shopping. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | eMAG and Ozone are popular online shopping platforms. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Panda offers grocery delivery services in Plovdiv. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Kapana district is known for its vibrant nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Plovdiv Brewery offers tours and tastings. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Vinaria is a well-known wine bar with local selections. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street stalls in Kapana serve local fast food like kebapche. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like Happy Bar & Grill offer international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Roman Theatre and the Ancient Stadium of Philippopolis are top attractions. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Plovdiv City Art Gallery features local and international artists. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Old Town with its numerous historical residences is crucial. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Dzhumaya Mosque and the Bishop's Basilica are worth visiting. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The International Fair takes place every September, showcasing local crafts. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Kapana district is known for its arts and crafts culture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Plovdiv Drama Theatre offers a variety of performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Central Market Hall is active with vendors selling local produce. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Clubs and bars often feature live music events. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Kapana district features vibrant street art by local artists. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Travel Bar offers cooking classes featuring Bulgarian cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The Museum of Contemporary Art presents rotating exhibitions. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Balabanov House illustrates Plovdiv's rich architectural heritage. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Plovdiv is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Bachkovo Monastery and the Rhodope Mountains offer great escapes. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | The Central Balkan National Park is accessible for day trips. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Maritsa Riverbank has extensive cycling and walking paths. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The Nebet Tepe hill offers panoramic views of the city. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The nearby wetlands are ideal for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | The area around Asenovgrad has designated bonfire areas. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and Speedy provide reliable parcel delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | iRepair is a well-reviewed shop for electronic repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Table Tennis Club Plovdiv provides facilities for enthusiasts. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language Project offers Bulgarian and English classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Regional Library provides excellent study resources. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Culture Center Trakia offers various community-focused activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | The Gaming Zone has a variety of gaming options. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Plovdiv Casino offers gaming options for adults. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €1,400 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €56,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €1,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €40,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €1,600 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €96,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €1,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €72,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €1,800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €144,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €1,400 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €112,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 10% standard corporate tax rate. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 5% dividend withholding tax. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Progressive tax system based on income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 24% maximum personal income tax rate. |
| 🧾 VAT | 20% standard Value Added Tax rate. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No strict CFC rules in Bulgaria. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax varies by municipality. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Transfer tax is typically 3%. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Flat income tax rate of 10%, no worldwide income tax. |