Things To Do
in Pleven

A refreshing mix of tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers and grated sirene (Bulgarian white cheese). Widely available at restaurants and cafés as a starter or light meal.

Must-Try!

A slow-cooked stew of pork or chicken with onions, peppers and tomatoes, often served in a clay pot; hearty and commonly found in traditional restaurants.

A baked pastry of phyllo and cheese (or fillings like spinach or pumpkin) eaten for breakfast or as a snack from bakeries and street vendors.

Fried dough often served at bakeries and weekend markets, sometimes topped with honey, jam or cheese—great for breakfast or dessert.

A busy indoor/outdoor market where locals buy fruit, vegetables, cheeses, meats and baked goods; ideal for sampling seasonal produce and finding banitsa or mekitsa.

Pop-up stalls around town on market days offering homemade jams, cheeses, roasted peppers and grilled meat skewers—good for quick tasting and buying gifts.

A handshake and eye contact are common for first meetings; use titles and surnames until invited to use first names. A simple 'Dobar den' (Good day) is polite when entering shops or restaurants.

Historic monuments and memorials are treated with respect—avoid loud behavior or climbing on memorials, and follow rules at museums and sites.

Wait to be seated in some traditional places; accepting an offered small appetizer or glass of rakia can be polite. Table conversation is relaxed and direct but avoid overly loud arguments in public.

If visiting a Bulgarian home, hosts may ask guests to remove shoes—follow the host's lead and accept small hospitality gestures.

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. In restaurants, leaving 5–10% for good service is common; rounding up the bill or leaving small change for café service is normal. Tip taxi drivers by rounding up the fare; tipping in hotels for porters or housekeeping is welcome.

Cash (Bulgarian lev, BGN) is widely used in markets and smaller shops; cards are accepted in most restaurants, larger stores and hotels. ATMs are common in Pleven; notify your bank before travel to avoid card blocks and carry some cash for rural trips.

Hot and sunny with temperatures often in the mid-20s to low 30s °C (mid-70s to 90s °F). Ideal for park visits, festivals and outdoor dining; bring sun protection and a refillable water bottle. Evenings can be pleasant for strolling and open-air events.

Mild and often crisp with colorful foliage in city parks; temperatures cool from pleasant daytime into chilly evenings. A good season for wine-tasting, harvest events and comfortable hiking in nearby hills.

Cold with occasional snow and temperatures that can fall below freezing; some windy days are possible on the Danubian Plain. Layers, a warm coat and sturdy footwear are recommended; indoor attractions and museums are more appealing.

Blooming parks and warming temperatures make it a lovely time to visit; unpredictable showers are possible so pack a light rain jacket. Spring festivals and market produce begin to appear, and trails become green and inviting.

Small regional airport about 60–90 km southeast of Pleven (depending on route). Offers limited seasonal flights and can be a convenient entry point when services are available; ground transport by taxi or rental car connects to Pleven.

Bulgaria’s main international airport approximately 150–170 km southwest of Pleven (about 2–3 hours by car or train). Offers the most flight options and car rentals; trains and buses connect Sofia with Pleven.

International airport in Romania roughly 150–200 km northeast of Pleven, reachable by car or bus via the Danube-crossing routes; useful for some international connections but requires border crossing and extra travel time.

On Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast around 200–250 km east of Pleven. A longer drive but useful if combining a trip to the coast; seasonal flights are common in summer.

The majority population, with deep roots in the region and Bulgarian cultural traditions predominant across civic life.

A visible minority in Pleven and across northern Bulgaria, contributing to local culture and economy; social inclusion varies by neighborhood.

Smaller Turkish-speaking community present in the region with cultural and culinary influences in some areas.

Pleven hosts educational institutions that bring students and younger residents, energizing parts of the cultural and nightlife scene.

Vegetarian options are common: salads, banitsa (with cheese), vegetable stews and side dishes. Larger restaurants and cafés will offer vegetarian mains, but ask staff about meat or lard in traditional recipes.

Vegan choices are more limited but possible—seasonal salads, grilled vegetables, bean dishes and shops selling fresh bread or fruit. Communicate clearly (in English or simple Bulgarian) about dairy products; carry snacks if you have restricted options.

Gluten-free dining requires care: many staples (bread, banitsa, pastries) contain wheat. Some restaurants can accommodate requests for grilled meat and salads without bread—ask about cross-contamination.

Pork is common in Bulgarian cuisine; halal-specific restaurants are rare in Pleven. Seek out chicken, fish and vegetarian dishes and ask staff about meat sourcing if required.