How To Spend Your Time in Bansko, Bulgaria

If you are looking for your next ski destination, look no further than Bansko, Bulgaria. This affordable spot known for its tree runs and bustling après-ski scene is only a two-hour drive away from Sofia, making it an easy place to get to for your next winter holiday. Here are a few things that you should do while in Bansko.

Skiing & Snowboarding

Whether you are a newbie to skiing or a seasoned professional snowboarder, Bansko has got your back. With a wide range of beginner slopes through to the FIS World Cup black run Tomba, Bansko is suited to all levels. If you’re lucky and there has been lots of snow, the park will also be open for those who want to practice their tricks. If the ski road is open, try skiing or boarding from the top of the mountain down to the town centre.

Enjoy the food and drink

You could never get hungry or thirsty on the mountain because Bansko has got you covered! The mountain has a bunch of restaurants scattered around, which all serve a mix of traditional cuisine and Western food. Of course, this experience wouldn’t be complete with a bottle of local Kamenitza beer or a Hot Choc with Baileys. Whilst you’re enjoying your food and drink, you might even see some of the legendary dancers strutting their stuff on top of the Jeeps.

In the town, there are a range of different mehana (traditional restaurants) for you to try. Your money will go a long way in a mehana! If you’re a meat lover, try the meshana skar (mixed grill) which tends to come on a flaming board to add to the experience. Vegetarians definitely need to eat the popular Shopska salad or perhaps the Chushka Biurek (stuffed peppers). Make sure you sample some rakia, a home-made fruit brandy which packs quite the punch. If you’re lucky, the mehana music group will come to your table and play some songs! 

Experience the nightlife

Bansko nightlife is insane! You definitely have to see it to believe it. After a day on the slopes head down to Happy End Bar for some beer, boogying and banter. If you want a metre of tequila for the price of a cocktail or two back in the UK, head to Lions Pub. If you want to experience some kind of bizarre performance such as magic act or knife throwing, Queen’s Pub is your place. The best live music in town is arguably Amigo Pub with its resident band putting on quite the show. Amigo’s bartenders are also known for creating a performance when they start throwing around bottles. If you are in the mood to let your hair down and witness bartenders playing with fire, Jack’s House is the spot to finish your night.

Get to know the people

Most importantly the people are what makes Bansko the best. As soon as you walk into Tsakiris Ski rental, you will be greeted by one of their super friendly staff members. This store is owned and operated by the Tsakiris’s, a well-known Greek Olympic family. The Tsakiris’ and the rest of their team will go above and beyond to make sure you are ready to shred your stuff. At nearby Station Bansko, whether its 2pm or 2am the team have excellent banter and will always serve you gyros with a smile. The ski instructors at InterBansko come from all over Europe and are always willing to share their expert knowledge of the mountain. The locals working at the mehana’s pride themselves by their hospitality and appreciate you taking the time to experience their culture. The atmosphere in Bansko is unlike any other winter destination and this couldn’t be curated if it weren’t for the dedicated and enthusiastic people who live and work there.

Hit the slopes and experience all that Bansko has to offer on one of Travel Talk’s Ski Bansko Tours.