Before I arrived in Bulgaria, I had done research about things to do and see, but I wasn’t really prepared for what if feels like to live here short term. I didn’t know what to expect on a basic level. Here are 5 tips for visiting Plovdiv, things I have noticed after being here for over a month.
Pedestrian Friendly
The city really is quite easy for pedestrians. Most streets have crosswalks at the intersections, and the traffic here stops for its pedestrians. The crosswalks are usually clearly marked and even provide an arrow to show you the direction that traffic should be coming from.
At larger intersections, city designers have taken people completely away from the roads, and you will go down into an underground tunnel to cross under the streets instead of on the streets. At first, I found this a bit scary. Simply walking down into a hole with no signage what so ever.
One thing I will mention however, is there are no directions once you are down in the tunnel. If you are at a large intersection like I was this morning at the train station, there are many entrances and exits, and you just have to go up and down until you find the correct exit you need. Those with good navigation skills will exceed here, I however, do not. 😂
Sidewalks in the heavily tourist areas of Old Town and the pedestrian only strip, are good. Outside of these two areas its a crap shoot. If you have mobility issues or are pushing a pram, be careful where you book your stay.
Online Transactions
I’m only speaking for Plovdiv here, but online transactions have a high likelihood of just not working. Companies have websites and they seem like they will work initially, however it is very common that a user will not reach their end goal. I have been told by numerous individuals now, not to get frustrated and not to even try using the online site. I must physically go into the business to do what needs to be done. Whether that is to make a reservation, book an appointment or buy tickets. Online sites simply don’t work very often.
Communication
I have travelled extensively, and have never really had issue’s with communicating with the people of a country. I have been very lucky in that I have been able to get by speaking English and a little of the native tongue. I wrongly assumed that this would be the case here.
What I have found is the opposite. In fact, outside of a couple of museums and one meal at Maccas, I have had a really difficult time communicating at all. I can honestly say, it has been disheartening not to be able to speak with the people. I have learned a little bit of Bulgarian and it has helped with the interactions, only in softening the temperament of the people I am trying to converse with.
Soft & Fuzzies
You just will not get them here. It is a very different culture for sure. There is very little to no smiling. My RBF has gotten a good workout. 😂 I have had a number of negative interactions. Just really unfriendly. All have been with women older than myself.
They go like this. Either I try and ask them something, or they are asking me something thinking I speak Bulgarian. When I have to say that I only speak English this is the gesture that is forthcoming.
Place you hand sideways in front of your chest, elbow out. Now simply flick all of your fingers forward. This dismissive gesture is what I have received the most. Its so sad and makes me feel so defeated.
Lack of Signs
I do not travel expecting to be catered to. Please don’t get me wrong here. However, most places I have travelled to, have signs and they are often in multiple languages. I’m talking basic signs here. Bathroom, bus stations, building, museum placards, the most basic places you think a tourist would need to be able to navigate.
The best advise I can offer is to screen shot the word you need and try and show your phone when you need to use that word. For example, if you are taking a bus, the destination is on the front of the bus in Cyrillic. If you are heading to Burgas, in Cyrillic it resembles ‘byprac’ with the ‘b’ being a letter not used in English. So, when you try and buy a ticket or find the correct bus, having ‘byprac’ on your phone to show the drivers will help immensely. They will probably not know what you are saying if you say ‘Burgas’. They didn’t for me anyways. 🫣
I’ll have to write a few more of these posts, if they help even one visitor to have a better understanding of what to expect before they arrive, then it’s a win. I have to say, I have not had an easy time here in Plovdiv. I know it’s a cultural thing, not to smile, not to be friendly, not to understand another language. It would just help if I had of known what to expect before I arrived. That is completely on me and my lack of preparedness.
This is the beauty of travel though, right? Some places are easy, some are not. Some are friendly, open, inviting and curious and others are not. It is a learning experience, and through learning I grow. I hope this does not dissuade anyone from visiting Plovdiv. It is an extraordinary city, full of beauty and wonder. Just a reminder to be cognizant of cultural differences.
Safe and happy travels, especially to those flying solo.
