Ever heard of Plovdiv? You likely will soon. Here’s how to make the most of Bulgaria’s hidden gem before it gets overrun with visitors.

On a warm day in Plovdiv (Philippopolis in Roman times, or the City of Seven Hills to those who walk them today), I took respite in a park where a chunk of ancient colonnade served as a bench on ...

The southern Bulgarian city of Plovdiv celebrated its inauguration as a European Capital of Culture with an opening show on January 12. The city shares the honor this year with Matera, Italy.