Ptuj lies by the Drava and is considered the oldest Slovenian town. In its area stood the Roman Poetovio, an important administrative, trading and military centre on the route between the Adriatic and the Pannonian plain. The Roman past is recalled by the Orpheus Monument on Slovenski trg, the remains of Mithraic shrines and the archaeological collections the Ptuj Regional Museum – Ormož.

Above the red roofs of the old centre stands Ptuj Castle. The castle complex holds collections of weapons, musical instruments, furniture, paintings and traditional carnival masks, while from its courtyard a view opens onto the town, the Drava and Haloze. At the foot of the castle hill follow the Town Tower, the parish church of St George, the town hall, the Dominican monastery and the Minorite monastery. The passages between Prešernova ulica, Slovenski trg and Mestni trg preserve the medieval layout of the town.

The most recognisable Ptuj tradition is Kurentovanje. Kurent or korant wears a sheepskin, bells and a distinctive mask and, according to folk tradition, drives away winter and calls in spring with his rounds. The rounds of the kurenti are part of the carnival heritage of the wider Ptuj and Drava plains, and their tradition is inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The Kurent House in the old centre presents the tradition outside carnival time as well.

Ptuj is closely connected with the wine growing of Haloze and Slovenske gorice. The wine cellars in the town and its surroundings hold Styrian wines, while the hilly landscape is criss-crossed with vineyards, vineyard cottages and tourist farms. On the left bank of the Drava spreads Ptujsko jezero, an important space for water sports, cycling and bird watching. The thermal complex on the right bank complements the town's cultural offer with pools and wellness.

Among the larger events, besides Kurentovanje, are the contemporary art festival Art Stays, the music festival Arsana and the Roman Games. Ptuj's cuisine brings together Styrian dishes, pumpkin seed oil, meat specialities and wines from the surrounding hills. Browse the accommodation in Ptuj, choose restaurants and wine cellars and discover the activities in the town, along the Drava and among the Haloze vineyards.