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Famous for being Bulgaria’s most popular ski resort, there are many fantastic things to do in Bansko outside of ski season as well.
Ski lovers from neighbouring Romania and Greece as well as the UK and elsewhere flock to Bansko every winter. However, the picturesque mountain town is so much more than just a winter destination. Apart from its famous ski slopes, Bansko boasts quite a few amazing things to see which render it the perfect year-round destination.
You can find many articles about skiing in Bulgaria and Bansko ski in particular, so we’re not getting into this at all. This is our list of the top things to do in Bansko if skiing is not your thing or if you’re visiting outside ski season. Which you should.
Top 5 Things To Do in Bansko (No, Ski Isn’t on This List!)
1. Wander Around Bansko Old Town
Bansko’s reputation as a top ski resort attracts many tourists during the high season. This is why this small town in the Bulgarian mountains sees rapid development lately. However, this sudden development has not altered the character of its Old Town.
Strolling around narrow cobbled streets in absolute peace and tranquillity holds the very first place on our list of top things to do in Bansko. The charming old-fashioned ambience of the Old Town is not in the least spoilt and passing one traditional stone building after another will make you feel like time-travellers of sorts.
One of the main attractions in the Old Town is the impressive Holy Trinity Church. Its interior is adorned with beautiful frescoes and there is also a peaceful garden within the church’s walls. You can’t miss the slightly tilting bell tower soaring 30 metres above the picturesque town.
Pirin Street is Bansko’s main street and it is lined with shops and restaurants all along its pedestrianised part. It then continues as a road which eventually leads to the gondola ski lift and the more touristy part of the town.
Equally pleasant is walking alongside a small stream of running water at the recently pedestrianised Gotse Delchev Street.
2. Eat at Traditional Mehanas
Mehanas are traditionally decorated restaurants that serve typical Bulgarian dishes. Sometimes dinner is accompanied by traditional music and dance as well. Food at mehanas comes in huge portions and is always served alongside fantastic house wine.
Although Bulgarian cuisine is meat-based, mehanas also serve mouthwatering vegetarian options that are hard to find in other Balkan countries. There are many beautifully decorated mehanas in Bansko. Our guess is that you can’t go wrong with any of them.
3. Drink Superb Local Wine
Before going to Bansko, we had no idea that we were in for a unique wine-tasting experience. During the 3 days we spent there, we tried a lot of local house wine at mehanas and restaurants and it was exquisite every single time.
Wine Bar 25 is well worth a visit and deserves its own place among the top things to do in Bansko. In this cosy and stylish wine bar, you can actually sample some of the best Bulgarian wines while the staff are more than happy to tell you a few things about each wine region in Bulgaria.
4. Pamper Yourselves at 5-Star Spas & Heated Pools
Bansko is home to many luxury hotels with exceptional spa facilities. The Bulgarian ski resort is not the only place in the world with such establishments of course. But it may be one of the few places where such 5-star hospitality is actually affordable.
Book your 5-star hotel in Bansko here!
Most 5-star Bansko hotels offer their guests free access to their spa facilities and relaxing heated pools. Non-resident guests are also welcome to use the spas and pools for a reasonable fee.
Book a spa day near Bansko here!
If you are a fan of spas, visit Budapest, the so-called spa capital of the world!
5. Enjoy Breathtaking Views at Nearby Razlog Tower
What to do in Bansko if you have some extra time to spare? Visit the neighbouring town of Razlog. There, at the top of Golak Hill, you can climb Razlog Tower for unique panoramic views of Razlog, Bansko and the beautiful Bulgarian mountains surrounding them.
The area around the Tower is the ideal place to have a leisurely and peaceful walk in nature. There is a considerable amount of steps to the top of Golak Hill, so wear comfortable shoes, bring water and take your time.
If you’re not driving, it’s probably best to get to Razlog by taxi. There is also a bus and you can check with your hotel for timetables. However, from what we understand, it doesn’t run that frequently.
Bansko Travel Guide
How To Get To Bansko
Bansko is located in southwestern Bulgaria, at the foot of the Pirin Mountains. Many travellers from nearby countries such as Greece or Romania drive to Bansko. Alternatively, you can fly to the nearest airport which is in Sofia, the capital city of Bulgaria.
You can check the best flights to Sofia here!
You can get to Bansko from Sofia either by public bus or train. However, these options are neither the fastest nor the most comfortable ones. Furthermore, there are no direct means of public transport from Sofia airport to Bansko. Travellers have to get to Sofia city centre first and then take the train or bus to Bansko.
As no public transport option could get you directly from Sofia Airport to Bansko, renting a car would be your best shot. This way, you will have the chance for a road trip to that part of Bulgaria. Many car rental companies, both international and local, have offices at Sofia Airport at reasonable prices.
Check out the best deals for car rentals!
However, the more hassle-free way to get to Bansko from Sofia is to book a shared or private transfer.
Currency and Languages Spoken
The official currency is the Bulgarian lev (BGN). On some occasions, payments in Euro may also be accepted. Hotels and restaurants accept credit cards, too.
Grab your Wise Card and make your transactions in foreign currency simple.
Although Bansko receives huge numbers of foreign tourists during ski season, it seems that locals don’t speak English very well. Or at all. That said, local people are extremely kind and they go out of their way to help visitors out.
Where To Stay in Bansko
Accommodation options in Bansko range from 5-star luxury hotels to cosy traditional guesthouses. As mentioned above, this town is the ideal place to experience 5-star hospitality at very reasonable prices. That said, the Old Town is also dotted with beautiful traditional guesthouses that promise to satisfy even the tightest of budgets.
Book your room in Bansko here!
Till We Meet Again, Bansko
During our short stay, we had time to discover only a few of the best things to do in Bansko. Yet we know there is more and we will definitely go back to explore all the other unique experiences the little mountain town has in store for us.
Our short but wonderful trip to Bansko proves once again that it doesn’t matter how far we go or for how long we stay in a destination. All that matters is that we jumped on a plane and we made the most of our 3 days in a small town tucked away in the Bulgarian mountains.
A nice blog, i love it.
Thanks for your kind words!
I’m no ta big skier so it’s great to see all the things you can do in a little resort town like this outside of hitting the slopes! Bansko looks amazing and I would love to visit someday!
We’re no skiers ourselves but we enjoyed our short trip to Bansko immensely. We’re sure you’ll love it too!
Bansko looks like a nice getaway place. I’ve never been in Bulgaria but it’s on my list next year.
Hey Christine! Can’t wait to hear how you liked Bansko and Bulgaria once you visit next year 🙂
I am yet to visit this part of the world but these photos are breathtaking and definitely inspiring me to visit this town
Thank you so much! We are so happy to inspire you to visit a new destination!
Bansko looks stunning. The landscape looks so great! Would love to try skiing here
You’d love both skiing and enjoying the picturesque town Sinjana!
I love this article! It’s meant for people like me. My boyfriend and his friends enjoy skiing, I didn’t take lessons when I was younger and I don’t plan on taking them now, so I’m always interested about things to do in skiing resorts. Thank you for your suggestions!
That’s exactly how we feel too! We’re not keen on trying skiing any time soon yet we had an amazing time in Bansko. Actually, one of the main reasons why we wrote this article was to show readers that they can still have fun in Bansko while the rest of their team are up there in the slopes!
Bansko looks so epic! I heard it always as a skiing place, but with your post I added to my bucket list:) So inspiring!
Thank you very much Gonca! There’s a lot more to Bansko than skiing and we’re happy to spread the word!
Hearing about Bansko for the first time as we have not ventured into skiing. Happy to learn about it as we would want to try it one day. Looks like, even if we do not ski, there is a lot that Bansko offers. Would love to walk around the old town, eat at traditional mehanas and have the local wine. Thanks for this wonder guide.
Thank you for your lovely words Navita. It’s true, Bansko has a little something for everyone 🙂
I liked visiting Bansko 10-15 years before. In recent years, it started becoming more crowded. Nevertheless, it’s a great winter destination
That’s true Daniel, it can get quite crowded during winter. That’s why we tried to show some of the best things to do in Bansko all year long 🙂
You’ve had me at wine! There is nothing better than a solid wine tasting to complete a trip
Same here Paulina 😉
You have listed great things to do in Bansko apart from skiing. As I don’t know skiing, I would love to do other things like wandering in the Old Town. Also, that open market selling fresh produce is looking very tempting and views from Razlog Towers are great.
Hey Yukti, thank you! All the things you mentioned were among our favourite ones too 🙂
These places look so pretty and attractive.
Bansko are new for me I never heard about this place.but I will try to visit this and eat a traditional mehana
Hi Anki! Bansko is very affordable and really worth checking out while in Bulgaria and the Balkans!
Bansko sounds like a quaint little place away from the maddening crowd. It has a very old world charm to it. Looks like you girls had a lovely time 🙂
Hey Richa! We had a great time indeed and we can’t wait to go back for more!
As I’m planning a trip to the Balkans (including Bulgaria of course) I might now also add Bansko to my itinerary. Having a look at the scenery there, I guess you can also go on great hikes there 🙂
That’s true Mario! Bansko offes amazing hiking opportunities during summer. We’ll definitely try some hiking in the Bulgarian mountains ourselves.
Perhaps I was looking for such posts from Bulgaria.I have plans to visit Bulgaria in coming few months. This is really helpful and consolidate my idea to visit Bulgaria. Thanks for sharing your journey with us.
We are very glad to have helped you make up your mind about visiting Bulgaria. It really is a country worth exploring 🙂
OMG great to know there are great things to do there even when i don’t ski. I don’t ski at all and places like these intimidates me. The place looks quaint and worth a visit even when not skiing.
Hey Jen, thank you! That’s true, Bansko is a great town and it’s worth a trip regardless if you ski or not.
Can’t wait to try traditional mehanas and drink local wine! This town looks like a perfect getaway when you want to run away from hustle and bustle of big cities.
That’s right Inna! Bansko is the perfect quaint little town for a relaxing escape.
Sometimes all you need is a homemade breakfast and a sweet host. What a great intro for readers to Bansko. Thanks so much!
Thank you Alan. You are right! When your day starts with a delicious fresh breakfast prepared with the sweetest of smiles you know the trip is a good one 🙂
Bansko looks lovely! I’d love to visit in good weather as I’m not much of a skier. Thanks for the inspiration!
Thanks for your comment Smita! Yes, Bansko is totally worth a visit when the weather is fine 🙂
I didn’t even know Bulgaria was a skiing destination – but there are mountains there, so it totally makes sense. I’m not skiing, though, so I’ll check #4 off the list first: Spaaaa!
Bansko is one of the most popular ski resorts this side of Europe. But we hear you, Renata. A day at the spa is closer to our idea of a winter activity too 😉
Good to know, that there’s a lot to do aside from skiing. Walking and sightseeing in Bansko is really breathtaking based on your pictures. Haven’t been in Bulgaria, these are really helpful tips.
Thank you Laurence, we’re so glad we inspired a potential future trip of yours!
Bankso seems so charming and your photos really captured this – I’ve never given Bulgaria much thought but you’ve certainly changed my mind. Really enjoy reading your post
Thank you so much Mel! Bulgaria is worth a trip. It’s extremely affordable and full of hidden gems!
Bansko sounds like such a beautiful place, I’d love to be sipping wine while relaxing at a mehana after a day of wandering the streets of the old town.
That would be a day well spent Chris! 🙂
As an architecture passionate, I found the Razlog tower a very interesting building. Do you know the name of the firm that realized it?
The Razlog Tower fascinated us too, Federica. However, we didn’t seem to find this kind of info I’m afraid.
I love that towns like these offer so much more for visitors than just skiing. This makes the destination really well rounded and exciting!
Our thoughts exactly Jenn! That’s why we liked Bansko so much.
I think I would enjoy eating at a mehanas very much! How are the meat-based dishes usually prepared?
Hey Jimmy, mehanas are traditional and cosy indeed. Meat served there is mostly grilled.
Honestly, I would come to Bansko just to visit the old town! It looks so cozy on your photos, and I love places like that! Hopefully, one day I get to visit, skiing or not 🙂
Thank you for your comment Zenja! The Old Town was one of our favourite things about Bansko too.
This town looks like such a peaceful place. I don’t ski but I would definitely love to explore Banko and try some local food at one mehana!
Hey there, that’s what we loved about Bansko too. You can have fun all year round, with or without skiing 🙂
Wow- I had no idea this area was so beautiful! It looks like there is a lot to do besides ski. I love the architecture- so stunning!
Thank you for your comment! Bansko has a bit of everything: traditional architecture, exquisite wine, amazing natural landscapes and the list goes on 🙂
The 5-star spas are perhaps a bit above my tiny travellers budget, BUT I’d for sure try out the local wines. Yummie! Thanks for sharing, it sounds like a great place to visit besides playing around in the snow! 🙂
So glad you enjoyed our article Noraly, thanks! We’re no luxury travellers ourselves but a day at the spa is actually really affordable in Bansko.
OMG girls! This is such a beauty! Thanks to you, now I know there’s more than “skiing” in Bansko lol!
As a photographer, I must say congrats to the amazing pics you share! well done!
Cheers from Argentina 🙂
– Maria
Wow Maria, thank you for your lovely words! We are so happy that you like Katerina’s shots that much. We’d love to travel to Argentina by the way 😉
Can’t believe I’ve never heard of this place before! Looks like there such a variety of things to do. Love the old town pics 🤗
Thank you Sam! It’s so good to know that you enjoyed our article and that we introduced you to yet another beautiful corner of this world 🙂
This is a completely new place for me. Never knew Bansko existed. And what a place it is! Looks so pretty and medieval. I would love to visit the Holy Trinity Church and eat at a traditional Mehana.
Hi Soumya! Bansko is a very affordable destination and I’m sure you’d love a relaxing trip there!
I went skiing in Bansko 14 years ago! Really cool to see photos of it not covered in snow. Would love to go back there in summer. Specially as I have a taste for wine these days, haha.
Hi Alex! It’s true, it’s hard to find photos of snow-free Bansko on the Internet. Yet it is a picturesque town well worth a visit any time of year. We want to go back in summer so as to hike those beautiful mountains. OK, for the wine too! 😉