Plovdiv

Plovdiv is as far as we can tell the nicest part of Bulgaria, but we can't see any reason why a person should choose to be in Plovdiv or Bulgaria when there are better options available for all aspects of life that we care about. Bulgaria is the poorest country in Europe, with very high rates of smoking - people can smoke inside restaurants with impunity here. Quality of life seems generally low. However, the food is delicious! :)

The expat community, even for a relatively large city such as Plovdiv, is a fraction the size of a relatively small city like e.g. Paphos, Cyprus. In Paphos there's all kinds of activities organised for any day of the week. In Plovdiv, even in peak season, it seems quiet, with little to do.

We didn't have high expectations for Bulgaria, but we were curious and wanted to explore. Bulgaria was below our expectations, and sadly we plan never to return. We can't think of any reason to recommend Bulgaria above one of the many better choices out there such as Prague, Krakow, Budapest, Paphos, most other European cities.

The pollution from cars is the worst thing about Plovdiv. Well, also the showers that take up the entire bathroom. The fascinating, long history is the best thing here. People are polite, decent, and helpful.

I've been here for the last 5 months. People are extremely friendly, the weather has been amazing (on the too hot side, during the summer). You can drink tap water, Nomadlist, check that. It is very cheap, walkable, plenty of cafes, bars and restaurants. It is very safe. The gym scene is not great but you can survive. Not many hipsters, but overloaded with instagrammers (like everywhere else, I guess). All in all, it's a beautiful city, safe, affordable, welcoming (if you are white). Racist graffiti is all over, but I haven't heard of any violence. That part is sad.
Sometimes I think I'll stay here forever, sometimes other cities want me to know them.

According to all the sources I've read, the tap water in Plovdiv is completely fine to drink. Not sure why Nomadlist is saying it's contaminated.

Nice and green city, lot of parks and hills. Very cheap!

By far, one of the best cities in Bulgaria, located in the center of the country, with good views upon the Balkans + Rila Rodopi mountains. Has good scenery from 2-3 hills + cheap food/drinks and so on! Fully recommend for those who wanna see it!