12 things to enjoy in Bansko, Bulgaria

01.08.2024 - 19:17 / lonelyplanet.com / Easter Sunday

Aug 1, 2024 • 6 min read

Famous for its ski slopes, the small mountain town of Bansko, Bulgaria is drawing savvy travelers all year long with a diverse array of activities.

Adventurous mountain lovers, social butterflies and travelers looking for peace and quiet surrounded by nature will love this little town, whose many faces can surprise. In recent years, Bansko has become a favorite of non-Bulgarians and digital nomads choosing this place as a new home base – and for good reason. 

Whether you’re visiting just for a weekend or staying for a couple of months, start planning now with this list of unmissable things to do in Bansko. 

Bansko’s cobblestoned Old Town is the heart of the city, with many families having lived in its typically Bulgarian houses for generations. Take a stroll through these streets and hear the echoes of centuries-old traditions and the warm, welcoming spirit of the locals. The friendly guides of Bansko Free Tour can provide a lively overview of the town and a first-hand account of what it’s like living there. 

Local tip: A small river runs alongside Gotse Delchev St – making it a great spot for a relaxing promenade. Grab a smoothie at the newly opened Cherry Berry and snap a photo with the stunning Pirin Mountains as a backdrop. 

Immerse yourself in local history by visiting the house of the revival hero Neofit Rilski; the home of beloved poet Nikola Vaptsarov; the historical complex of Radonova House; and the impressively decorated House of Velyan. These fascinating sites reflect Bansko’s rich history. 

Planning tip: Stop by the Bansko Visitor Information Center to get information from the helpful staff for each site’s location, current opening hours and other recommendations in town.

Centrally located St Trinity Church stands as a testament to Bansko’s spiritual and cultural heritage. Built in 1835, the Orthodox church features frescoes, intricate woodwork and an impressive bell tower. Come in the warmer months to spot the family of storks that nest in the belfry.

Local tip: If you visit Bansko around Orthodox Easter, join locals in lighting a candle and walking around the church during the traditional celebrations at the midnight mass that ushers in Easter Sunday.

The Bansko region is proud of its distinctive local cuisine. Many local taverns – called mehanas – serve traditional Bulgarian fare and local Bansko specialties. Take a table to dig into dishes like chomlek (veal and potato stew) and kapama (a mix of rice, sauerkraut, veal, pork and chicken, cooked in a pot). It’s hard to resist an order of Banski starets (which translates to “Bansko old man”), a dried-pork sausage served as an appetizer).

Local tip: A few favorite local mehanas are Obetsanova Мehana, Bai Kotse, Chevermeto