Bachkovo Monastery in the Rhodope Mountains 30 kilometres south of Plovdiv is the second largest monastery in Bulgaria, founded in 1083 and housing remarkable Byzantine frescoes and the miraculous Black Madonna icon that draws pilgrims from across the Orthodox world. The monastery is set in a dramatic gorge of the Asenitsa River below pine forests, creating one of the most atmospheric sacred complexes in the Balkans. Hotels in Plovdiv arrange day visits to Bachkovo as part of a Rhodope Mountains excursion.
Our Picks — Plovdiv
Plovdiv Center
A sleek, design-led five-star stay that brings contemporary polish to Plovdiv’s historic core, with a calm, gallery-like aesthetic and service pitched to international standards. Expect a strong wellness focus (spa, sauna and treatments) and an easy walk to the main pedestrian street and Kapana’s dining scene.
Set inside restored 19th-century merchant houses, this atmospheric Old Town address feels like stepping into Plovdiv’s Revival-era heyday—antique details, hushed courtyards, and the city’s monuments just outside the door. Its acclaimed on-site restaurant is part of the experience, making it ideal for travelers who want heritage with a side of gastronomy. (; )
Plovdiv Center (near Kapana)
A polished boutique hotel with a quiet, leafy feel—an uncommon luxury in a central city location—well positioned for strolling between the Center and Kapana. It leans into grown-up indulgence with a strong food-and-drink proposition and a tranquil atmosphere that suits longer, slower stays. (; )
Kapana / Old Town edge
A true ‘only in Plovdiv’ boutique: an elegant heritage restoration with a rooftop terrace and a story literally embedded in its foundations—Roman bath remains in the basement, often shown on guided tours. Rooms are individually styled with a high-comfort, high-detail approach that feels more like a private residence than a standard hotel.
Old Town
An intimate, warmly run boutique in a restored wooden Revival-era house, prized for its lived-in charm and a genuinely personal welcome (often with house lemonade). It’s the kind of place where each room has its own personality, and where Plovdiv’s Old Town and Kapana nightlife are both an easy walk away.
Plovdiv Center / Old Town edge
A boutique guesthouse in a beautifully restored historic building, placing you minutes from the Roman Theatre, the Old Town lanes, and Kapana’s creative buzz. It combines heritage bones with crisp, modern comfort—an especially smart pick for travelers who want classic Plovdiv atmosphere without sacrificing sleep quality. (; )
Looking for more options? See all Plovdiv hotels