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Smolyan

Things to do in Smolyan

  1. Smolyan Art Gallery

    Opposite the museum, the Smolyan Art Gallery boasts some 1800 paintings, sketches and sculptures by local, national and foreign artists.

    reviewed

  2. Historical Museum

    Smolyan’s Historical Museum, up behind the civic centre, has exhibits including Palaeolithic artefacts and Thracian armour and weaponry. Rodopi weaving and woodcarving, plus numerous traditional musical instruments and folk costumes (most notably the fantastical Kuker outfits worn at New Year celebrations) are also shown. Upstairs contains photos and models of traditional buildings.

    reviewed

  3. Planetarium

    Bulgaria’s biggest planetarium, about 200m west of Hotel Smolyan, offers a spectacular show (35 to 40 minutes) with commentary in English, French or German at 2pm from Monday to Saturday, and in Bulgarian at 3pm from Monday to Saturday, and Sunday at 11am and 3pm. The foreign-language shows are for groups of five or more; otherwise, you’ll pay 15 lv for a solo viewing.

    reviewed

  4. Starata Kâshta

    Also known as the Pamporovata Kâshta, this place offers a short menu of grills and salads. The attractive National Revival–style house (built in 1840) has a few rough-hewn, log cabin–style outdoor tables and benches. It’s up the steps from bul Bulgaria.

    reviewed

  5. Marsalitsa Club

    Marsalitsa Club arranges guided tours of Golubovitsa and Uhlovitsa caves. Contact either Aleksei Kodzhebashev or Aleksander Inev to arrange a guided tour, which costs 14 lv per person, and includes boots, lanterns and other equipment (including the boat).

    reviewed

  6. Uhlovitsa Cave

    Uhlovitsa Cave, about 3km northeast of Mogilitsa, boasts numerous waterfalls (most spectacular in winter) and some bizarre formations, but requires private transport; check with the Marsalitsa Club or Smolyan Tourist Information Center for more details.

    reviewed

  7. Art Gallery

    Opposite the museum, the Art Gallery boasts some 1800 paintings, sketches and sculptures by local, national and foreign artists.

    reviewed

  8. Riben Dar

    In the western neighbourhood of Nevyasta, this is the place for delicious fresh fish, such as Rodopi Mountain trout. Take a taxi (3 lv to 5 lv).

    reviewed

  9. Club Venus

    Sleepy Smolyan’s best entertainment spot, the Venus is popular at night, and serves good food. There’s a wi-fi hotspot, too.

    reviewed

  10. Rodopski Kat

    This new restaurant, wedged between the Hotel Smolyan and Hotel Kiparis, is excellent for traditional Rodopean fare.

    reviewed

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  12. Art Gallery

    Opposite the museum, the Art Gallery boasts some 1800 paintings, sketches and sculptures by local, national and foreign artists.

    reviewed