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21 Magical Things to Do in Bansko, Bulgaria’s Mountain Getaway

If you’re looking for a wonderful mountain getaway at any time of year, Bansko ticks the boxes.

Magical in winter under a dusting of snow, charming in autumn when the leaves start to do their yearly metamorphosis, vibrant in summer when festivals pop up throughout town, and fresh in spring when the flowers start popping up from their winter hibernation.

While Bansko may be best known as Bulgaria’s premier ski resort – and indeed, the largest  ski resort in the Balkans  – there are still plenty of things to do in Bansko at any time of year.

Between Stephanie and I, we’ve visited Bansko at three distinct times of the year: summer, fall, and winter. Each season offered different Bansko activities to take advantage of: hiking in Pirin national park in the summer, eating hearty Bulgarian meals on crisp fall evenings, and playing in the snow in the winter (since neither Stephanie or I are coordinated enough to learn how to ski).

With each visit, we feel Bansko grow on us a bit more, and we see why the small mountain town of Bansko is quickly becoming a hub for nature-loving digital nomads as well as skiers and snowboarders from around Europe looking for a budget-friendly winter holiday. From some of the tastiest food in Bulgaria to plentiful day trips to all the outdoor activities you can dream up for the season, here are the best things to do in Bansko, Bulgaria!

The Best Things to Do in Bansko (Year-Round)

Meet bansko’s adorable feline residents.

I don’t know, but cats in Bulgaria are generally not as friendly as their Greek or Turkish neighbors. This, however, is not the case in Bansko, where I was adopted by several adorable cats within an hour of arriving.

These friendly kitties proceeded to climb onto my lap unprompted, nuzzling me, and just generally being adorable. It was hard for me to leave without wanting to take them all home! If you’re a cat lover, you’ll love Bansko!

Visit the Bansko International Art Gallery

One of the largest art galleries in Bulgaria, the International Art Gallery in the town center of Bansko ( address : ul. “Nikola Y. Vaptsarov” 2) is well-worth a visit! There are dozens, if not hundreds, of talented artists from around the world on display at this gallery.

The gallery opened in 2016, and it’s home to artists from around the world, primarily from around Eastern Europe: from Bulgaria to Russia and beyond.

The artists there are really phenomenal, and I had to stop myself from buying several large pieces that were gorgeous but out of my budget! It’s free to visit and 1000% worth the time.

Wander the streets of Bansko’s Old Town

You may be surprised that Bansko, a small town of some 10,000 inhabitants, has an Old Town whereas Sofia, Bulgaria’s capital, doesn’t!

While the Old Town of Bansko isn’t nearly as old as many other Old Towns in Europe, it’s still extremely beautiful and well-worth getting lost in its winding alleyways. It provides a quiet, nostalgic counterpoint to the modern developments happening around the gondola in Bansko’s northern end.

It’s a great place to wander with a camera – especially around golden hour – and snap some photos.

Visit the childhood home of Neofit Rilski

One of Bulgaria’s most beloved historical figures is Neofit Rilski, who was a major figure of the Bulgarian National Revival movement. He was born in the mountain town of Bansko and his childhood home has been converted into a museum dedicated to his legacy.

An educated monk, celebrated teacher, and talented artist, Neofit Rilski revolutionized education in Bulgaria and is best known for his work in standardizing Bulgarian grammar and translating the New Testament into Bulgarian for the first time.

See the colorful Velyanova House

Beautifully painted with intricate murals on both its exterior and interior, the Velyanova House is, in my opinion, the most photogenic place in Bulgaria.

Bulgaria has dozens upon dozens of house museums in its historic towns – I’ve visited ones in Koprivshtitsa, Plovdiv, and Melnik, and probably others I’m forgetting! Among all the house museums, the Velyanova House stands out strongly.

See the gorgeous Trinity Church (and its storks!)

The lovely Trinity Church located right on Bansko’s main walking street, Pirin Street, is an absolute can’t-miss in Bansko.

Plans for the church started in 1810, when locals decided they wanted a church in Bansko proper, rather than in an adjacent town. They began to raise money, and with the donations of nearly 300 locals, enough was raised to begin building a church.

There was only one problem: Bansko was currently under Ottoman occupation, and according to Ottoman laws, a church could only be built in a place where there was already a church (so basically: no new churches).

To get around this, the man behind the church’s idea – Dyado Lazko – snuck into the site of the future Trinity Church, added a small icon and some church relics, and then he asked a woman to ‘prophesy’ a dream about these relics in order to give a pretense for the construction to begin.

After this — and several other circuitous steps along the way, including obtaining official permissions — the church was still not given full permission to be built… so Dyado Lazko just began building it anyway, quickly so as to hide the original ‘origins’ of the church… those ‘origins’ being nothing more than a mere ruse.

Eventually, money ran out, and construction stopped. Dyado Lazko was imprisoned and later killed, mostly for his role in advocating for the church’s construction, and the Ottomans wanted to tear down the church in their rage against him and his many tricks.

But, the people of Bansko had one final trick up their sleeve. His friend, Lazar German, carved two Turkish half-moons next to the cross on the church door (seen above). Upon seeing this, this saved Trinity Church from destruction, and sealed the fate of Trinity Church’s preservation for future generations.

Nowadays, the church is really interesting to visit for its beautiful walled grounds with gardens, its spectacular inside with its murals and iconostasis, but also for its adorable resident storks who have taken residence in the tower and become the unofficial mascots of Bansko.

Visit the House Museum of Nikola Vaptsarov

This museum, set in a historic house where Nikola grew up, shows the story of the life of the poet and revolutionary Nikola Vaptsarov through three distinct stages in his life.

The museum opened in 1952 and has been renovated three times to continue modernizing the museum for guests. It shows documents from his life and family tree, typical Bansko-style furnishings, stories of the revolutionary years against the Ottoman regime, and another annex building contains traditional costumes and artifacts from Bansko’s older period.

Marvel at the imposing Monument of Paisii Hilendarski

In the center of Bansko, you’ll find a massive monument to Paisii Hilendarski. He was a key figure in the Bulgarian National Revival movement which sought to maintain a uniquely Bulgarian identity in the face of Ottoman dominance.

Both a clergyman and author, his main contribution to Bulgarian society was writing his masterpiece Istoriya Slavyanobolgarskaya  in 1762, which tried to capture the complete history of Bulgaria in order to wake up the sense of Bulgarian nationalism, which had been dulled under centuries of occupation.

Cowork with digital nomads at Coworking Bansko

Bansko has a thriving digital nomad scene, the heart of which is Coworking Bansko. The passion project of friends Mathias and Uwe, Coworking Bansko focuses on community, offering social events every single day of the week (sometimes multiple a day!) in order to really create a group of friends – not just networking.

My second trip to Bansko, I visited for the Bansko Unconference, which focuses on collaborative growth through communication, spontaneity, and community. I highly recommend it to other bloggers and travel entrepreneurs who want to grow their business collaboratively.

Enjoy the Bansko restaurant scene!

For some reason, I find that Bulgarian food in Sofia is just ‘meh’ – but when I go to Bansko, I fall in love with Bulgarian food all over again. They use such fresh and tasty meat, dairy, and produce, that it’s hard not to fall in love!

Bulgarian food is a synthesis of Slavic, Greek, and Turkish food traditions, and Bansko, being relatively close to the Greek border, seems to have absorbed Greek influence most of all. You’ll find phenomenal salads, fresh yogurts and cheeses, local grilled meats and stews, and the tastiest potato dishes you can imagine — all at affordable prices. Your average meal for two in Bansko should cost about 50 leva with wine, about 25 euros for two people.

My favorite restaurants in Bansko are: Banski Han, Banksi Aiduti, Zehtindjieva Kashta, and Baryakova Mehana.

The Best Things to Do in Bansko in Summer

Visit during jazz fest.

If you’re a fan of jazz music, you won’t want to miss Bansko during Jazz Fest. My first trip to Bansko was for Jazz Fest, since my husband is a fan of jazz music. The music festival takes place over the course of about five days, and includes about 3 hours of music acts every evening in the main square of Bansko.

There are paid-for seats near the stage or you can make like the rest of the crowds and buy a beer or cider from one of the local nonstops, find a comfy patch of grass or slab of concrete, and enjoy the tunes for the price of free-fifty.

Take a scenic gondola ride up to Bunderishka Polyana

While the gondola queues can get crazy in the peak ski season – such as around Christmas/New Year, school holidays, and long weekends – at other times of the year, taking the gondola from Bansko up to Bunderishka Polyana is a breeze.

Take in stunning views of the forest as you soar over Pirin National Park in about 30 minutes, up to the meadow where there is a restaurant, the starting point of several hiking trails, and even a shooting range, because #Balkans.

Hike in Pirin National Park, Bulgaria’s gorgeous nature escape

Pirin National Park is full of incredible hiking trails, and it would take several months to hike them all. Depending on your fitness level, there are a huge variety of hikes you can do.

My husband and I are pretty lazy hikers, so we just hiked from Bunderishka Polyana to the Banderitsa hut, where we had some delicious Bulgarian food and Somersby ciders, before moving onwards to the oldest tree in Pirin National Park (more on that below!) before heading back down to Bansko. It was about a 2.5-hour roundtrip hike at a pretty low exertion level, so it’s what I would recommend for beginner hikers.

For intermediate hikers, you could hike from Bunderishka to the Vihren hut and then go to one of the lakes nearby Vihren, like Bezbog and Popovo.

Alternately, you could take the shuttle bus organized by the tourist center up to Vihren hut and then hike to several of the lakes by Vihren to cut out a less scenic and more challenging part of the hike, but you wouldn’t be able to take the gondola in this instance.

For advanced hikers, I suggest starting at Vihren hut via the shuttle bus and then hiking to Vihren peak, which is the highest peak in Pirin National Park, the second-highest in Bulgaria, and the third-highest in the entire Balkan peninsula. It’s definitely a difficult hike and not for the faint of heart, so be sure you’re aware of your skills and be prepared before departing!

See the oldest tree in Bulgaria

One of the coolest places in Pirin National Park is Baikushev’s pine: a 1,300-year-old white fir that is the oldest known tree in Bulgaria.

It is truly massive: 8 meters in circumference and 26 meters high. It’s not super widely known except by locals, and you’ll see lots of Bulgarian tourists making the pilgrimage to visit this impressive, historic tree.

Things to Do in Bansko in Winter

Get a thrill on bansko’s ski slopes.

I’m not a skier, but the skiers I know love Bansko! There are several ski areas in Bulgaria – Borovets and Pamporovo are the two other most popular – but Bansko is by far the biggest and most popular among international tourists.

With 13 ski lifts and 75 kilometers of ski slopes, Bansko has someone for everyone! But do be aware that sometimes during holiday weekends and peak travel times, the lines for the gondolas can get extremely long, so do bear that in mind!

Enjoy its apres-ski scene (even if it’s not ski season!)

From my outsider perspective as a skier, the best part of skiing is the part where it’s all finished and all you do is, well, drink off the cold!

The area around the Bansko ski lift is full of fun bars with apres-ski scenes that will delight you. One of my favorite bars is Smoky Mountain Bar, which I went to on my most recent trip to Bansko. Another great one is Pirin 75.

Relax in thermal springs

To warm up cold muscles and achy bones, check out the thermal springs in Bankya, just 15 kilometers away from Bansko.

No car? This tour will take you there and back with a roundtrip transfer and entry fee for a reasonable price!  Check availability and inclusions here.

Snowmobile around the slopes

Want an adrenaline-pumping activity but you don’t know how to ski?  Check out Bansko skimobile tours!

Easy Day Trips From Bansko

Go on a day trip to the dancing bear sanctuary.

Unfortunately, for decades, bears were captured and mistreated throughout the Balkans: caged outside of restaurants, trained to “dance” and brought onto trams and down the street, and all sorts of other unnatural behaviors that involved captivity, abuse, and torment.

Luckily, countries around the Balkans are waking up to what a horrible injustice this is, and it’s become illegal in most countries to entrap bears and use them for human entertainment. But what happens to those bears, whose lives have been destroyed by human intervention?

They can’t exactly fend for themselves out in nature — and they’d be a danger to other humans if let go, as they now relate humans and food as hand-in-hand. So in the place of these horrible bear attractions now exist wonderful bear sanctuaries, where these poor bears can enjoy a more natural life while still being protected in a sanctuary designed to protect them and give them a nearly-normal life.

While of course, the better answer is that these bears never had to experience abuse at the hands of humans in the first place, this is as good of a place as they can live in now, after the damage has been done.

Belitsa ‘Dancing Bear’ Park is one such sanctuary, located about a 45-minute drive from Bansko, which makes a phenomenal place to visit. Do keep in mind that bears hibernate during winter and therefore it is only possible to see the bears during the months in which they are not hibernating.

Visit the impressive natural pyramids in Stob

For a landscape that looks like a slice of the American Southwest uprooted in the middle of Bulgaria, head to the small town of Stob and embark on an easy hike to visit the so-called Stob Pyramids.

Stephanie and I visited on a hot summer day after visiting the Rila Monastery, and while the heat made the hike more challenging that it should have been, it was still a delightful 1-hour return hike (with time for photo stops!).

It’s an ideal stop if you’ve rented a car and are already visiting Rila Monastery, the next item on this list!

See the enchanting Rila Monastery

We love Rila Monastery – it’s exquisite, and in our opinion, it’s the crown jewel of Bulgaria’s tourism potential.

From its ornately painted striped arches to its colorful mural ceiligns to its comic-panel-like storytelling on the walls of the church, there are so many beautiful things to see at Rila Monastery before you even enter the church!

Inside the church is, of course, also lovely, with a beautiful iconstasis, wonderful murals, stunning chandeliers, and an overwhelming sense of peace and importance.

Want to visit Rila Monastery from Bansko?  Check tours here.

Where to Stay in Bansko

We have a full post on the  best ski resorts in Bansko  which may be helpful, but here are our top 3 suggestions if you just want a quick tip.

Budget:  This small, friendly  Boutique Hotel Uniqato  has only 16 studios and suites, all with large and modern stylish rooms. There are three types of rooms available: double, maisonette, and suite.

All rooms have a balcony and you can choose either a view of the mountain or the city of Bansko! Breakfast is large and the choices vary daily, so it’s hard to get bored. It’s extremely well-priced and well-located, so book early!

>>  Check rates, photos, reviews, and availability here.

Mid-Range:  The charming  Astera Bansko  apartment and hotel complex has 105 rooms, with large windows and stunning mountain views. The rooms have a cozy cabin feel with all the wonderful amenities of a 4-star hotel. There is a ski school, and if you didn’t bring your own skis or snowboard, ski equipment can be rented.

The spa and wellness facilities are world-class at Astera Bansko. The ski resort offers well-priced packages that are sure to free you from tension and stress. They have an indoor pool, fitness center, beauty salon, hot tubs, hammam, steam room, and sauna, all for you to enjoy when you’re not hitting the slopes (or you’re recovering from them!).

Luxury : There’s only one 5-star option in town — luckily it’s pretty amazing! The spacious, gorgeously decorated rooms and luxe amenities at Kempinski Hotel Grand Arena are sure to impress even the pickiest of us.

Skiers don’t have to worry because they provide passes at the hotel for the gondola lift. The ski lift is only a short walk from Kempinksi so it’s a true ski-in, ski-out resort in Bansko! There’s also a ski room where ski storages are available.

The Kempinski Spa offers several unique relaxation experiences, from an Alphasphere to a snow room to saunas and pools to soothe tired muscles and reduce stress. They also have your standard massages and other wellness packages!

>>  Check out guest reviews, prices, and availability here

What to Pack for Winter in Bulgaria

We have a full  Bulgaria packing list , but in case you just want the quick version, here are a few essentials you shouldn’t forget to pack!

A good guidebook:  While travel blogs are great, we still think a good guidebook is always handy. We own and strongly recommend the  Lonely Planet Bulgaria & Romania  for travel in Pamporovo and beyond!

One or two swimsuits:  While swimsuits may not come to mind for ski season, if you’re staying in a ski resort with a sauna, indoor pool, or steam room, you’ll likely want one! We suggest bringing two so you never have to put a cold wet one back on.  We love this one .

Plenty of winter clothing:  You can check our packing list above for our full winter packing suggestions for men and women. At a minimum, you’ll want to bring a warm winter jacket (I love this  North Face parka ), cozy  snow boots , warm  wool socks , touch-screen friendly  gloves , a  scarf , and a  winter hat .

Any ski equipment and clothing:  We’re not skiers ourselves, so we don’t have specific ski gear equipment, but special ski clothes — waterproof pants and jackets, goggles, etc. — and ski gear obviously should be on your packing list, unless you have decided to rent it all when you arrive at your Bulgaria ski resort.

Moisturizer:  Travel will beat your skin up in the best of times — and winter travel in addition to skiing will really do a number on it! If you use a moisturizer at home, bring it. If you’ve never used  a moisturizer  before, you really should start. You’ll be happy to give your face a boost before heading outside in the cold all day.

Sunscreen : We strongly suggest wearing sunscreen when you spend time outdoors, no matter the weather outside. The higher altitudes combined with the reflection of the sun off the snow can lead to unexpected sunburns. I love this  solid Neutrogena sunscreen  – it’s mess-free, works well in carry-ons, is ultra-protective, and blends in well.

Bulgaria Travel Resources

We want you to have the best trip to Bulgaria possible! If this will be your first time in Bulgaria, check out our  Bulgaria trip planning guide  as well as our  packing list for Bulgaria  (which includes a winter section if you’re coming to ski). We also have a full guide to things to do in  Bulgaria in winter !

To help you, we’ve created a number of resources that will be helpful. If you’re visiting Sofia, this  101 things to do in Sofia  should be a nice start! Also read our  Sofia travel tips post  and  where to stay in Sofia .

For transportation, check out our guide to  avoiding taxi scams in the city.  If you’ll be flying into Sofia, you can read our tips for flying in and out of  Sofia Airport. We have a guide to getting from Sofia to Bansko here .

We also have  Sofia restaurant  and  bar recommendations.  We also have articles for popular day trips from Sofia like  Plovdiv , the  Rila Lakes , and  Buzludzha .

If you’re thinking of Borovets instead of Bansko, check out  how to get to Borovets from Sofia , our favorite  Borovets ski resorts , as well as our favorite  Borovets restaurants .

For more resources for your trip, check out our pages on traveling in  Bulgaria  and the  Balkans . 

Planning a Trip to Bansko? Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!

We strongly suggest that you travel to Bulgaria with a valid  travel insurance  policy. While the country is safe, accidents can happen anywhere. If you experience an accident or theft, travel insurance will help you recover your costs and enjoy the rest of your trip.

This is especially important in winter, since winter activities carry a certain amount of risk with them. We recommend the Explorer upgraded insurance plan if you plan to do any skiing or snowboarding so that you can be fully covered.

For travel insurance, I use  World Nomads .  I’ve been a happy customer of theirs for almost three years, and I’m happy to refer them to anyone I meet.

Get a travel insurance quote for your trip here.

Pin this Guide to Things to Do in Bansko for Later!

Originally from California, Allison has been living in Bulgaria for the last two years and is obsessed with traveling around the Balkans. She has been published in National Geographic, CNN Arabic, Matador Network, and the Huffington Post. She loves befriending dogs, drinking coffee, geeking out about wine, and cooking food from around the world.

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Top 5 Things To Do in Bansko Bulgaria Apart From Skiing

Last updated on January 18th, 2023 at 04:30 pm

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. 

Some of the links in this article are affiliate ones. This means that if you click through them to make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. For more information, visit our  Disclosure page .

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.

Rila Monastery is an amazing UNESCO treasure that you won’t want to miss. Book a tour from Bansko to Rila Monastery now!

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.

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A nice blog, i love it.

Thanks for your kind words!

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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 😉

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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! 😉

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2-Day Bansko Itinerary

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• Bansko in 2 days
• 1-Day Bansko Itinerary

Table of contents

Day 1: most popular attractions, day 2: off the beaten path, bansko gondola ski lift.

Recovery Lounge Bansko

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Holy Trinity Church

Museum "velyan house", international art bansko, st nikola church and archaeological site, dedo pene inn, kasapinova mehana, vodenitsata traditional restaurant.

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Popular road trips from Bansko

What's the weather like in bansko.

It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA on what the weather is like in Bansko for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.

• Weather in Bansko in January
• Weather in Bansko in February
• Weather in Bansko in March
• Weather in Bansko in April
• Weather in Bansko in May
• Weather in Bansko in June
• Weather in Bansko in July
• Weather in Bansko in August
• Weather in Bansko in September
• Weather in Bansko in October
• Weather in Bansko in November
• Weather in Bansko in December

All road trips from Bansko

• Bansko to Istanbul drive
• Bansko to Rome drive
• Bansko to Budapest drive
• Bansko to Athens drive
• Bansko to Vienna drive
• Bansko to Venice drive
• Bansko to Sofia drive
• Bansko to Dubrovnik drive
• Bansko to Thessaloniki drive
• Bansko to Krakow drive
• Bansko to Bucharest drive
• Bansko to Naples drive
• Bansko to Belgrade drive
• Bansko to Skopje drive
• Bansko to Bratislava drive
• Bansko to Jerusalem drive
• Bansko to Zagreb drive
• Bansko to Matera drive
• Bansko to Nessebar drive
• Bansko to Ljubljana drive
• Bansko to Plovdiv drive
• Bansko to Antalya drive
• Bansko to Trieste drive
• Bansko to Kotor Municipality drive
• Bansko to Selcuk drive
• Bansko to Lindos drive
• Bansko to Split drive
• Bansko to Kalambaka drive
• Bansko to Sarajevo drive
• Bansko to Lecce drive

Explore nearby places

• Dobrinishte
• Blagoevgrad
• Gotse Delchev
• Sapareva Banya

All related maps of Bansko

• Map of Bansko
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• Map of Dupnitsa
• Map of Dorkovo
• Map of Lefkogia
• Map of Belchin
• Map of Dospat

Bansko throughout the year

• Bansko in January
• Bansko in February
• Bansko in March
• Bansko in April
• Bansko in May
• Bansko in June
• Bansko in July
• Bansko in August
• Bansko in September
• Bansko in October
• Bansko in November
• Bansko in December

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Bansko Apres Ski Guide: The Most Exciting Bansko Nightlife, Best Bansko Bars, and Unique After Ski Activities

Looking for the best way to unwind and relax after a day on the slopes in Bansko? Discover the best of ski apres and Bansko nightlife with our complete guide to Bansko nightlife, ski apres activities, bars, and restaurants.

Bansko is one of Eastern Europe’s most exciting alpine regions with fantastic skiing and snow sports in winter and a range of outdoor activities in summer. But what do you do when the sun goes behind the mountain in Bansko? Well, you’ll be pleased to know, beyond some of Europe’s best and cheapest skiing and outdoor adventure, Bansko also knows how to ski apres. From traditional Bulgarian hot springs to late-night clubs, Bansko has something for everyone. We set out to find the best ski apres and Bansko nightlife on offer.

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What Is Bansko Apres Ski Like?

Ski apres means something different to everyone. For many, it’s a way to wind down after a hard day on the slopes. For some, skiing is just the warm-up, and skiing apres the all-night main event. For families, it might mean hot chocolate and mulled wine at the lodge. For students on winter holidays, shot skis and late nights at the clubs.

Bansko is a place that caters to everyone’s idea of ski apres equally well. There are a range of activities on offer to keep everyone happy, no matter what you’re looking for in an after-ski activity.

Some of the most popular ways to end a day’s skiing are enjoying a drink at one of the many Bansko bars near the gondola station, traveling to nearby Banya to enjoy a hot soak in the thermal baths, discovering the hospitality of a Bulgarian traditional tavern known as a Mehanna, enjoying a relaxing massage and much much more.

Bansko is a popular winter holiday destination and most people here are on vacation meaning apres ski happens every day of the week. Nevertheless, weekends have the greatest buzz as the town swells with out-of-town Bulgarians and visitors from neighboring regions looking to enjoy a weekend away on the slopes.

Around 5 pm is the crescendo of ski apres in Bansko. Most people have made it down off the mountain and the main ski bars around the bottom of the gondola are packed. After this time people slowly filter out to restaurants, other ski apres activities, an early night before the next day’s skiing, or to have a brief interlude before returning to town when Bansko’s nightlife starts to kick off after 10 pm.

Before you Ski Apres You need to…Ski

Book Ski Equipment, Lift Passes, Lessons, and More Here

What Is There to Do in Bansko at Night?

Bansko has plenty of activities to keep you busy after the ski runs close for the day. Besides a range of restaurants, bars, and pubs to suit any taste, budget, and style, there are also some more unique activities like thermal baths, ice skating, and traditional cultural evenings that can be enjoyed by the whole family

Here is a list of some of the most popular activities available to enjoy after hours in Bansko.

Looking for a Unique After Ski Activity in Bansko?

If you are looking for a unique night out, check out a traditional Bulgarian Folklore evening and immerse yourself in the local culture. Find Out More

What Is Bansko Nightlife Like?

If it’s pubs, clubs, and nightlife you’re after, Bansko has you well and truly covered. There is a huge range of bars, pubs, clubs, and other nightlife to keep you busy every night of your trip to Bansko.

Whether it’s sampling some local wines, enjoying a couple of quiet pints over the game, or dancing the night away, Bansko has something for you.

Bars open in Bansko from around mid-morning and most serve breakfast, coffee (or an Irish Coffee if you’re looking for the hair of the dog that bit you), and of course alcohol. Spruikers are employed at some of the bars, enthusiastically waving you in. Most bars stay open until at least midnight while many popular bars and clubs regularly stay open until 4 am. Nightclubs here stay open until 6 am. The casinos are open 24/7.

With a young crowd mostly from Russia, the UK, Turkey, Israel, Bulgaria, and neighboring eastern European countries, who come to enjoy the great skiing and lively nightlife, you’ll find plenty of people to party with all night long.

Bansko evenings experience two waves of revelers. The first is the ski apres crowd which starts building from 3 pm and hits full stride by 5 pm with ski apres bars filling to the brim. After five, the bars start to empty out for a few hours before the second wave of partiers begins to fill up the popular late-night spots around 9 pm with bars busiest around 11 pm.

Best Bars in Bansko for Apres Ski

Bansko prides itself on ski apres, and for many, that takes place in the awesome ski bars on and off the mountain. These are our favorite bars to grab a drink after (or during) the last run of the day.

The Happy End

The biggest ski apres party every day. The massive, two-story Happy End bar right smack bang at the end of the ski road, next to the bottom gondola, is hard to miss as you cruise off the slopes. By 5 pm this place is packed to the rafters with skiers, instructors, ex-pats, and locals all in high spirits after a full day on the slopes.

Inside you’ll find kitsch ski apres decor, colorful lights, and live music. Outside, the open-air deck gets busy and boisterous, packed wall to wall with partiers drinking and dancing the (early) evening away.

Yes, drinks are expensive and the staff can be surly, but if you’re looking for the liveliest Bansko ski apres The Happy End is your best bet!

• When: Daily, 4 pm – 7 pm
• Price: Pint = €4
• Where: Pirin Str. 94, 2770 (next to the gondola station)

Hub 360 Bansko (Bar 360 Bansko)

This modern bar is decked out with a neat interior fit-out, a great sound system, a pool table, heaps of TVs to catch the game, and a cool outside area for when things get busy. The staff at Hub 360 are warm and welcoming and interested in making sure everyone is having a great time.

Oh, and with 2-for-1 pints of beers for €3 during their epic 4 pm – 6 pm happy hour, Bar 360 offers some of the cheapest ski apres in Bansko.

• Price: Pint = €1.5 (Happy Hour 4 pm – 6 pm)
• Where: Pirin Str. 113, 2770

Best Ski Apres Bars on the Mountain

If you looking to get the party started before you’re off the mountain, or just need to get out of the cold and recharge for a bit there are some great options to pull in for a pint on the pistes. Predictably, prices on the mountain can be a little more than in town, usually about 30% more if you are drinking above the middle gondola station.

Kolibata Bar & Grill

Close to home, and cheap, this bar is popular for skiers making their way off the mountain along Bansko ski road 1.

With beers a couple of lev cheaper than you’d pay further up the mountain, you can afford to stay for one more round, and as luck would have it, Kolibata stays open until 6 pm, compared to 4 pm close time for other bars on the mountain.

With a cozy inside restaurant, ample outdoor seating, and speakers for pumping house music, it’s a fun spot to stop as you cruise home on your final run of the day.

• When: Daily, 10 am – 6 pm
• Price: Pint = €2.5
• Where: Along ski road just after Chalin Valog

With an inviting inside bar, a fantastic terrace to sit out when the weather is nice, heaters, bean bags, and a DJ, Bar 180 attracts a good crowd all day but especially in the afternoon as people retire from skiing for the day and begin their Bansko apres ski.

• When: Daily, 10 am – 4 pm
• Where: Confluence of ski runs 4, 5 and 10 above the Shiligarnika and Todorka lifts .

The Kettles

Bunderishka Polyana is home to the top gondola station and the beginning of Ski Road 1 meaning a lot of people pass through here on their way home for the day. It is also home to four bars. A hive of activity each afternoon, stopping off for a post-ski drink at one of them is a rite of passage for many here. The Kettles is a great option with plenty of outdoor seating to watch the skiers fly home on run 9 or the Happy End hummer which often sets up to play tunes.

• When: Daily, 9 am – 4 pm
• Where: Bunderishka Polyana at the top gondola station

The Umbrella Bars

Four Umbrella Bars can be found as you make your way down the mountain; they offer informal dining and drinking. They are popular places to kick off Bansko ski apres.

• When: Daily, 9 am – 6 pm
• Where: Chalin Valog, Shiligarnika, Bunderishka Polyana, and the top of the Kolarski Chair lift.

Best Sports Bars in Bansko

If you’re worried about missing the match, you can put your mind at ease. It couldn’t be easier to catch your favorite match in Bansko. Here are some of the best spots to watch the game.

Hub 360 again hits our list of the best Bansko bars as one of the best places to catch a game. With heaps of TVs dialed into the latest sports matches, an enthusiastic crowd, and a pool table in viewing distance of the big screens, it is our pick for the best bar in Bansko to catch the match.

• Price: Pint = €3

The Lions Pub

This British-themed pub has heaps of TVs, fair prices on drinks, and prides itself on playing any and all the matches you are interested in watching. If it’s being played, it’s likely being played at the Lions Pub.

• When: Daily, 8 am – 4 am
• Where: Pirin Str. 90, 2770

Best Bansko Bars for Live Music

Amigo Pub is a fun two-story pub with live music, reasonably priced beers, and a high-energy atmosphere. Their regular live band, Step by Step, gets the crowd going with an impressive cover repertoire, and the pub usually stays busy until after midnight. The place fills up early, but tables can be reserved in advance for the best seats in the house.

• When: Daily, 10 am – 4 am
• Where: Nayden Gerov 8, 2770

Best Lounge Bars in Bansko

If your idea of a nice evening out is more top-shelf whiskey than Jäger shots served in a ski, Bansko has just the ticket.

Piano Bar Sing Sing

Part of the Kempinski Hotel, Piano Bar Sing Sing is only open on Fridays and Saturdays in winter. The sophisticated lounge bar features a luxury interior, regular live music, and an extensive liquor, cocktails, and wine menu.

• When: Fridays and Saturdays 10:15 pm – 2:15 am
• Price: Top-shelf liquor, cocktails and wine from €6.50
• Where: Pirin Str. 96, 2770

The Best Wine Bars in Bansko

If it’s vino you’re after, Bansko has a surprising number of wine bars. Unfortunately, we only had the opportunity to try one when we visited, Wine and Tapas, but we had been hoping to try Oscar Wine Bar and Gastro and Wine Bar 25, but they were closed when we visited. If you get an opportunity to try these wine bars, please let us know in the comments below.

Wine and Tapas

Wine and Tapas isn’t on Google. You’ll find it at Pirin 90, across from Bar Pirin 75. They specialize in Bulgarian wine and are more than happy to recommend something. They also have a short menu of tapas and charcuterie to enjoy with your wine. They only have a few small tables with stools outside, but it’s a great place to sample local wine and tapas when the weather is nice.

• Price: Wine from €3

Best Family-Friendly Pubs in Bansko

If you are after a family-friendly apres ski, Bansko has got you covered.

The Queens Pub

The Queens Pub is a great option if you have the kids in tow.

They have great pub fare and a children’s menu. They have live music, DJs, and a magic show for children every night. They also have other rotating nightly shows, including dancing, circus performances, and more.

With a range of games and activities like pool, darts, board games, and even a PlayStation, the Queen’s Pub means a good night for kids and parents alike.

• When: Daily 8:00 am – 4:00 am

Best Casino in Bansko

Casinos are popular in Bulgaria, and Bansko is no exception. With a number of small 24/7 casinos operating in town featuring electronic games, you won’t have trouble finding somewhere to have a flutter. However, if it’s live games you’re after, you’ll need to head to the Platinum.

Platinum Casino Bansko

Attached to the Platinum Hotel, the Platinum Casino is a small hotel casino, albeit the biggest casino in Bansko. It has two roulette tables, poker, blackjack tables, and electronic games and slots. You’ll also be treated to free drinks while you play. The casino uses 2 euro chips, and the minimum bets on the tables start from €10. You will need an official ID or passport to be allowed in the casino.

• Price: Drinks free while gambling, €2 Euro Chips, €10 minimum bet
• Where: Georgi Nastev 2, 2770

Best Night Clubs in Bansko

The nightclub scene in Bansko can be hit and miss. There are plenty of seedy places only interested in separating you from your lev as quickly as possible before sending you back into the cold night. Nevertheless, if you are set on a big night out with friends and not concerned about spending a few lev to do so, you can generally find the liveliest atmosphere at Jack’s House.

Jack’s House

Jack’s House stays pretty quiet until around midnight, but once it gets going, it’s lively and difficult to get a drink. They have regular DJs and occasional shows and events. They stay open until 6 am, but things usually start winding down after 2 am.

• When: Daily 10:00 pm – 6:00 am
• Where: Nayden Gerov 3, 2770 Bansko

Best Restaurants in Bansko

If your idea of ski apres is gathering around a table and sharing generous helpings of rich, tasty filling food with cold local beer, homemade wine, and a nip or two of rakia, then you have certainly come to the right place. Traditional Bulgarian taverns, known as mehannas, line the streets. Amongst them, you will also find Greek restaurants, burger joints, Italian restaurants, fine dining, and everything in between.

However, separating the truly great from the tourist traps can take a bit of trial and error. These are our favorite post-ski restaurants.

The Station Bankso: Best Cheap Eats in Bansko

We can’t say enough about this awesome, low-key diner, ideally located directly across from the gondola station.

We dropped in one evening for a gyro and a beer for dinner. The place was packed, and the staff seemed constantly run off their feet but were always friendly and fast. The gyros were some of the best we’ve had.

We returned several times during our stay; we tried the Greek feta pie, the cheese ham and mushroom crepe, the full English breakfast, the club sandwich, pizza, and several more gyros. Every single time, the food was insanely fast, fresh, and delicious; it is also the cheapest restaurant at the gondola end of town by a long shot.

They don’t just have your post-ski feed sorted out; you can also drop by from 8:00 am for a coffee, greek, or western breakfast and to grab a couple of sandwiches to keep you going all day on the mountain.

The Station also offers free delivery between 11:00 am and 11:00 pm if you have trouble leaving the apartment.

• When: Daily, 9 am – Late
• Price: Gyros €3.5 Pint €2.5
• Where: Nayden Gerov, 2770 Bansko (accross the road from Euphoria)

Kasapinova Mehanna: Best Mehannas in Bansko

There are plenty of traditional Bulgarian mehannas to choose from in Bansko, and we strongly suggest trying at least one out when you visit. As you get further into the old town and away from the gondola station, the quality of the mehannas increases and the prices drop. Our favorite traditional Bulgarian mehanna was Kaspinova.

This traditional restaurant is warm and inviting, furnished in the classic Bulgarian manner. After you’ve been welcomed with a shot of homemade rakia or a glass of homemade wine, the owner is more than happy to take you through the extensive menu and explain some of their most delicious and interesting dishes. We thoroughly enjoyed the pork knuckle, baked goat’s cheese in honey and nuts, and veal tongue, but it’s hard to go wrong here.

They can get pretty busy at peak times, so a reservation is a good idea.

• When: Daily, 12 pm – 12 am
• Price: €20 per person for food and drinks
• Where: Yane Sandanski 4 2770 Bansko

Skabrin RestoBar: Best Bansko Fine Dining

While Bansko might appear to run only on pizza slices, doner kebabs, and great hunks of BBQ’d meat from the mehannas, there are some great fine dining options too. The absolute cream of the crop, as far as we are concerned, is the Skabrin Resto Bar.

A brand new restaurant on the Bansko dining scene and one that appears to be going to great lengths to do things differently. Our experience at Skabrin was one of our favorite post-ski activities we did in Bansko.

They have a short menu (uncommon here, where you are often handed a document wallet stuffed with 10-plus pages of options) offering some modern takes on Bulgarian cuisine. Our waiter carefully took us through the menu and was happy to recommend some of the highlights, including the grilled octopus, veal cheek, gypsy pie, cauliflower steak, and ‘the egg’. We were also recommended some fantastic locally produced wine from the Melnik, a grape varietal unique to southwest Bulgaria.

Three of us spent approximately €50 euros per person here, sampling the menu, some cheese, and a couple of bottles of wine.

• When: Wednesday – Monday, 10 am – 5 pm and 7 pm – 10 pm
• Price: €50 per person for food and drinks
• Where: Sveti Sveti Kiril I Metodiy 4, 2770 Bansko

Best Bansko Restaurants on the Mountain

If you are looking to wrap up your days skiing with a nice lunch or perhaps just a brief interlude and a bite before the afternoon session, there are several great dining options on the mountain.

This traditional Bulgarian restaurant is our favorite place to eat lunch after a morning on the slopes. Perfect to satisfy a big hunger after a few hours skiing, Peshterite serves up Bulgarian favorites like homemade meatballs and sausages, chips with white cheese, salads, and homemade bread.

Peshterite has plenty of tables inside the large log hall, complete with a cozy fireplace and bar. Outside, large tables with ample seating are great when the weather is nice.

Peshterite is a little easier on the wallet than other options on the mountain, with beers for just €1.75 and meals for as little as €5.

It can be a little more difficult to reach this restaurant than some options higher up. You will find it below the Chalin Valog lift along Ski Road 1. If you want to keep skiing, you’ll need to ski back to the bottom gondola station and take the gondola back up the mountain after lunch, but this is a great opportunity to take a post-meal power nap.

• Price: Meal = €7.5 Pint = €1.75
• Where: Along ski road 1

BBQ Restaurant Picnic

This secret restaurant is hidden ‘off piste’, so to speak, in the forest next to the gentle 1a ski road. Look out for the canvas signs along the ski road. You’ll need to leave the ski road and follow the tracks in the snow through the woods to reach this secluded Bulgarian tavern.

Picture perfect amongst the trees draped in snow and sausages, a log restaurant and outdoor wood-fired oven welcome weary skiers. Bulgarian bread is made to order, alongside various grilled meats such as their famous homemade horse sausage, vegetables, and salads.

• When: Daily, 10:30 am – 5:30 pm
• Price: Meal = €7.5 Pint = €2.5
• Where: Hidden in the forest off ski road 1a, look out for the canvas sign.

Aside from being a great place to grab a beer at the end of your day, Bar 180 is also a nice place to drop in for lunch on the mountain.

This popular Italian bar and restaurant is more expensive than some other options lower the mountain (or in town), but they also have a great position, lovely interior and outside areas, and decent food. A great place to stop for a beer and pizza before continuing on with your day.

• Price: Pizza = €11 – €15 Pint = €4
• Where: Confluence of ski runs 4, 5 and 10 above the Shiligarnika and Todorka lifts.

Alternative Ski Apres and After Ski Activity

If you are looking for something to do in Bansko after skiing that doesn’t involve cradling a beer, there are definitely alternative ways to unwind. Some of the most popular options are spas, saunas, thermal baths, massage, ice skating, and cultural activities.

Banya Thermal Baths

Fifteen minutes from Bansko, the town of Banya is built upon thermal springs. As such, there are a number of traditional hot baths here that make for the perfect ski apres activity. Relaxing in the warm mineral waters of the springs is the perfect post-ski recovery.

You can arrange a trip to Banya’s most popular bathhouse through Traventuria Tours. Saving you the hassle (and expense) of organizing a private taxi there and back.

• When: Anytime between 10:30 am and 8:30 pm
• Price: €19 per person (includes transport and entry to thermal pools)
• Where: Meet at Ski & Board Traventuria, Pirin Str. 92E, 2770 Bansko for transport to Banya

Bulgarian Folklore Experience

If you are looking for a family-friendly and unique after-ski activity that will deepen your knowledge and understanding of Bulgarian culture, join a Bulgarian Folklore Experience tour.

An evening with traditional Bulgarian hospitality includes stories, music, dancing, and, of course, food.

• When: Monday & Thursdays 5:30 pm
• Price: €30 per person
• Where: Transport leaves from Ski & Board Traventuria, Pirin Str. 92E, 2770 Bansko

Bansko Pub Quiz

The Bansko Pub Quiz gets together every two weeks in a different pub or restaurant for an evening of quiz and trivia fun. Their aim is to organize a fun night out, support local businesses, and raise money to support local street dogs. To find out where they’ll be next, check out their Facebook page !

Spas and Massages

There aren’t many better ways to end a hard day skiing than with a relaxing massage or other rejuvenating treatment. Luckily, there are plenty of massage and spa services throughout Bansko.

The most luxurious spa is in the Kempinski Hotel. They offer a wide range of different massage, spa, and treatment options, which comes with access to their beautiful spa and sauna facilities, including indoor and outdoor pools, multiple saunas, sensory showers, a cold room, and more.

Looking For Bansko’s Only Ski in Ski Out Accommodation?

The Kempinski Hotel is the ultimate luxury accommodation in Bansko. This lauded and highly-rated hotel prides itself on its fabulous location; right on Bansko’s ski road, comfortable and well-appointed rooms, and fabulous facilities, including bars, pools, restaurants, a luxury spa, and sauna. Check Availability Here: Booking.com Hotels.com Agoda.com

Other FAQS About Bansko Nightlife, Bars, Ski Apres, and After Ski Activity

Still have questions about Bansko nightlife, bars, ski apres, and after-ski activities? Hopefully, this list of FAQs will have just the information you are looking for.

How Much Is a Pint of Beer in Bansko?

A pint of local draft beer costs 5 BGN or €2.50 in Bansko .

The average pint of local beer costs €2.50 / 5 BGN in Bansko. While this might be slightly expensive by Bulgarian standards it is a fraction of the cost of a beer in other European ski resorts where a pint can easily cost between €5 and €8.

The cheapest pint we had was €1.50 (2 pints for 6 BGN happy hour at Hub 360 4 pm – 6 pm) while the most expensive pint of local larger was on the mountain and at the Happy End bar where a beer cost €4 / 8 BGN.

Shots and basic spirits with mixers cost between €2 – €4.

Wine costs anywhere from €2.5 to €7.50 for a glass.

How Much Is a Meal Out in Bansko?

Budget options like street food, including pizza, burgers, and gyros, or cheap local Bulgarian diners in the old town serve meals for between €3.5 – €10.

Mid-range restaurants like those around the bottom gondola station, restaurants above the top gondola station of the mountain, and mehannas cost between €10 – €20.

Fine dining at restaurants like Skabrin costs anywhere from €20 – €60.

What Time Do Bars and Pubs Open and Close in Bansko?

Bars and pubs generally open around 9 am and stay open until midnight. Many of the larger pubs, such as Amigo Pub, Queens Pub, and Lions Pub stay open until 4 am. Nightclubs stay open as late as 6 am and casinos advertise 24-hour availability (though we haven’t put this to the test).

Are Bansko Bars and Restaurants Open in Summer?

Yes! Many bars and restaurants remain open during the summer months. It is true that Bansko is most popular in the winter as skiers flock to the popular resort, and once the busy ski season subsides, not all the bars and restaurants remain open. In fact, many larger bars like Ginger and Europhia have mirror operations in Bulgarian summer destinations like Sunny Beach, where they pack up and leave for in the warmer months.

However, many locally-owned bars and restaurants remain open for business during summer. You will find plenty of traditional Bulgarian taverns, local bars, and pubs open for business, especially in the old town.

Looking For More Bansko Resources? Check Out These Helpful Guides!

• Skiing Bansko Bulgaria on a Budget: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go
• How to Get to Bansko: The Ultimate Sofia to Bansko Transfer, Bus, and Taxi Guide
• Bansko Ski Rental Review: The Best Snowboard and Ski Hire in Bansko Bulgaria

Hopefully, we have helped with planning your Bansko apres-ski and after-ski activity with this article on Bansko nightlife, Bansko bars, pubs, clubs, tours, activities, and more. If you have a question about Bansko nightlife, please let us know in the comments below!

In 2016, I had been dumped by my girlfriend, fired from my job, and the lease on my house was running out. Facing moving back in with my parents, 26, jobless and alone I decided to listen to the message the universe was trying to send me. I took off on my first solo backpacking trip, with a one-way ticket to Bangkok and a well-thumbed Lonely Planet guide. From there I wandered Southeast and Central Asia, traveled the Great Steppe, and made my way across Russia and throughout Europe.

In Estonia I met Kelli, who, despite having a less frantic travel style, shared my my restless spirit and passion for exploration. Together, we embarked on a new journey, van life. Over four years we travelled across three different continents with three different vans.

In 2022, as the world began to re-open post COVID we took an opportunity to realise a long held dream, to live aboard a sailboat. Since then we have spent two summers in the Mediterranean, sailing and living aboard our little sail boat Whisper. When we aren't sailing we continue to live our nomadic lifestyle, guided by a philosophy of slow travel and self directed adventure be it by van or backpacking.

We find excitement through our journey into the unknown, stillness and content in the beauty of the places we discover and we find ourselves in the vastness of our world.

Hopefully, we can help you find what you're looking for too. Get lost with us and find your own path.

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Bansko in Summer: Best Things to Do

In my opinion, Bansko in Summer is just as great a place to be as it is in Winter! While you might not be able to ski, you’re still in the mountains and surrounded by some fantastic things to do.

Although Bansko is famous for its skiing , there are so many fun things to do in Bansko. It’s a great option for an affordable summer holiday. If you love hiking or rock climbing, you’ll be in your element in the Pirin National Park.

So let’s take a look at my favourite things to do in Bansko in Summer.

One of the most popular things to do in Bansko in Summer is hike! There are some beautiful hikes in Bansko, which is unsurprising given its location at the foot of the Pirin National Park.

While the gondola lift closes at the end of the ski season in mid-April, it re-opens again at the start of June. It’ll then operate throughout the Summer until the end of September.

Roughly, the lift operates as follows:

• June & September: 1 Lift Up at 8am, one lift down at 4:30PM, Mon – Fri
• July & August: Operating all day, every day, between 8:30am – 4:30pm

Be sure to check with the ticketing station for the exact dates that the lift starts and stops operating. These can change year to year, but roughly it’s about this.

This means that you can get up to the main ski area, Banderitsa Meadow, where many hikes begin. From here, you can hike up to Vihren or Banderitsa Hut. Banderitsa hut is around a 45-minute hike from Banderitsa Meadow and Vihren a little further.

The huts are actually little cafes where you can grab a post-hike beverage or something to eat. From Vihren Hut you can hike to the beautiful Banderitsa Lakes, or the Todorka Lakes.

For an extreme hike, you can hike to Vihren Peak. This is the highest point of the mountain range, sitting at 2,914 m.

To save energy in your legs, I’d advise driving to and parking at Vihren Hut . From here you can head on to Vihren Peak or the lakes. An all round hike from Vihren Hut, to see the Banderitsa Lakes and Todorka, is around 5-hours.

If you’d prefer to hike with a guide, then I’d recommend this tour . A guide will show you the most beautiful spots in the Pirin Mountains and National Park, and give a guided walk around Bansko Old Town. Here, you’ll stop for lunch in a traditional mehana (tavern).

This tour will collect and drop you off at your hotel, so you don’t need to worry about getting to and from the huts. You can check it out here .

2. Visit the Bansko Thermal Baths

Okay, so you might be thinking, “What, thermal baths in Summer?”. And fair enough, it does get hot in Bansko in July and August. There are also cool pools with loungers in some of the thermal baths, so they’re a great place to relax in Bansko in Summer too!

We went a few times in Summer as while it is hot in the day, it does cool off in the evening. It’s a lovely experience and place to enjoy the summer evenings.

The neighbouring town of Banya is famous for its hot springs. Mineral springs fill pools at a number of great Bansko thermal baths that are all a short car journey away from Bansko itself.

One of my favourite options is Villa Victoria . This lovely spa resort has an outdoor heated pool. It has a seating area and restaurant which overlooks the cosy pool area. At night, the whole area is softly lit and there is seating around the inside edge, so you can really relax.

There is a separate children’s pool at one end and a jacuzzi style pool with even warmer water. There is a full spa area inside with sauna, steam room, salt room and massage treatments are available for an additional charge.

The restaurant is very good, and the food is reasonably priced, so it’s a good option for dinner.

Villa Victoria is around 20BGN (£8.80, €10) per person, so it’s very well priced. In the Summer in Bansko, I recommend going in the evening as it’s a great place to relax and grab some food with friends.

The Regnum in Banya is also a great shout for the Summer. It has a large cold pool, a bar and lots of loungers for you to relax in.

Full day use of the mineral water pools outside is 35BGN (£15, €18) for adults and 10BGN (£4.50, €5) for children. If you go between 4pm and 8pm, it’s 20BGN per adult (€10) and 5BGN (€2.50) per child.

Check the  Regnum website here  to check the latest prices.

I have written a full blog on my top 5 favourite Bansko hot springs , so take a look to read more about the various options in the area.

3. Dine in the Best Bansko Restaurants

One of the things I love about Bansko is the range of food and dining options available.

In the Summer in Bansko, the town does a bit of a reverse. The ski area becomes quite quiet and many of the bars and restaurants close. In the Old Town, which is usually quiet during the Winter (as it is quite far from the ski resort) comes alive!

Given the size of Bansko, there are also plenty of different dining options, so you can eat somewhere different every night. The food is very reasonably priced as well, despite being a ski resort!

Take a look at my blog about my favourite restaurants in Bansko if you’re heading to Bansko this Summer. There are options for a celebration meal, places for kids, some great local mehanas and some options with great entertainment.

International Restaurants

Whilst it’s hard to narrow it down, one of my favourite restaurants is Five M , located on the popular Pirin Street. It’s a beautiful, modern restaurant with a delicious menu and very reasonably priced. There’s also some lovely outdoor seating in the restaurant for some al fresco dining in summer.

It’s a very popular place, so if you’re a larger group, then drop them a message on Facebook. Or give them a call on +359 89 561 5160 to book your table.

For a special occasion, I’d recommend that you visit Skabrin . It’s quite fancy, and the closest you’ll get to fine dining in Bansko, but the food is absolutely amazing! It’s quite a small place, so I’d always recommend booking in advance here.

Traditional Restaurants

If you fancy a more traditional Bulgarian experience, then head to one of the many mehanas ( taverns ) in the Old Town.

I love Bansko Aiduti (we’ve been there a few times for the Bansko Street Dogs Quiz) and Bai Kotse which is in the heart of Old Town and has the best atmosphere and fantastic Bulgarian food.

Fast-food Restaurants

Finally, if you’re after a quick bite, then head to my favourite takeaway and bar at the Station . It’s a fantastic Greek fast food joint which does the best souvlaki.

In the summer, they serve wraps and an ice-cold beer, and have some outdoor seating too to soak up the sun. It’s a really popular place and everyone that works there is so nice.

It’s run by Tsakkiris, which owns one of the best ski rental shops in Bansko .

4. Take an ATV Tour

During my ski season in Bansko we took an ATV tour with the excellent Bansko ATV guys.

I bought this for Aaron for his birthday and he absolutely loved it. We met John Hog from Bansko ATV on Pirin Street for a safety briefing. After that, we then headed into the foothills of the Pirin Mountains through the snow and fields.

We crashed through rivers, ploughed through deep snow, dodged in and out of trees and had an incredible time exploring. You’re out in the middle of nowhere, but thanks to John’s knowledge of the area, you find some unique and incredible spots.

In the summer, you can get even higher up the mountains and explore further, as the terrain is much easier than in winter.

You can customise your tour to suit you. Every tour is private, so whether you’re on your own, a couple or a large group, it will just be you and your guide. There are plenty of ATVs available, so large groups can be accommodated.

Drop John and his team a message on Facebook if you fancy booking in an excellent tour. It’s a great way to get another perspective of the area and explore the Pirin Mountains.

5. Explore Bansko Old Town

If you’re visiting Bansko in Summer, you’ll definitely find yourself in the Old Town a lot more than in the winter.

Many businesses in the resort are only open in winter, so the resort side of town can feel a little quiet. The Old Town is the complete opposite and is full of life.

Not only is it full of historical buildings and fascinating architecture, but there are also some amazing mehanas to try.

Probably the most famous spot in the old town is the beautiful Holy Trinity Church . It’s described as one of the finest examples of the middle and late Bulgarian National Revival church architecture. It’s an impressive building and hard to miss as you head down Pirin Street.

Just after the Church, you will reach the main square. From here, you’ll find lots of small streets that you can wander down and explore traditional buildings and some excellent mehanas and bars, all with seating sprawling out into the streets and main square.

If you prefer, why not take this excellent 2-hour walking tour around Bansko old town. It takes in the Church and various other highlights in the old town whilst teaching you more about the history of Bulgaria.

It takes place all year round, so it’s perfect whether you’re here in summer or winter. Or check out the equally popular free walking tour here .

The old town is a must for anyone visiting Bansko. If you have the time, I highly recommend the walking tour.

Want to know more about Bansko? Check out my other blogs:

• My Guide to Bansko Nightlife
• The Best Bansko Hotels
• My top 5 Bansko Hot Springs
• The Best things to do in Bansko in winter

6. Take Tennis Lessons

Tennis is a very popular sport to try in Bansko and there is lots of opportunity to either take a lesson or rent a court with your family and friends and play for fun!

Many of the hotels in Bansko have tennis courts, including the Tennis Club at the Kempinski Hotel and the Sports Centre at the Strazhite Hotel .

Details on the prices at the Sports Centre can be found here , and it’s great value for equipment and a court for an hour.

If you’re looking for a tennis partner, are interested in taking a lesson or are wondering about the best place to play tennis and rent equipment, check out Bansko Tennis Facebook Group .

One of the people that owns the Facebook group, Kevin takes lessons and is highly recommended as a coach!

7. Go Horse Riding

Another fabulous way to explore the beautiful landscapes and scenery is on horseback.

This little tour is great for beginners who want to get confident on horseback. It includes transport to and from a little town just 15 minutes outside Bansko, called Dobrinshte.

There’s a little horse ranch here where you’ll enjoy an hour of horse riding through the forest and fields. It’s a great opportunity to do something a little different outside Bansko.

Alternatively, the equestrian centre just by the ski road comes highly recommended and is also great for beginners. It’s more of an experience than a lesson, and the price (around 30BGN/€15) includes around 30 minutes of horseback riding through the woods. Each horse is accompanied by an adult, and they control the horse.

If you’d prefer to do lessons, The Dvorene Ranch in Razlog (around a 10-minute drive from Bansko) offers some brilliant lessons as well as experiences for both adults and children.

The trainers are lovely and the base is built on the idea that to become a good rider you have to learn to communicate and build a relationship with the horse – which I think is pretty cute. You can check out the prices and services offered here.

8. Go Rock Climbing

Rock climbing is one of the most popular sports to try in Bansko in Summer. It’s the best time to give it a go as a beginner, as the weather makes it the safest time to master the technique.

If you’re a beginner to rock climbing, I’d recommend that you join a tour and don’t go alone. There are several climbing groups, tour operators and sport clubs in Bansko which will arrange trips to the mountains to climb. It’s a very popular activity to do in Bansko.

Simply ask the reception desk at your hotel in Bansko, and they’ll either be able to arrange something for you, or point you in the right direction.

To get an idea of prices and what this includes, check you can check out Bansko Life and take a look at their Rock Climbing excursions.

9. Ride Europe’s Longest Water Slide

This one isn’t for the faint-hearted! In the summer, a giant 400 m inflatable waterslide is erected at the foot of the Tomba (black run) which then shoots down the nursery slope. The slide is actually pretty steep, as you’ll find out when you’re walking all the way up to ride it!

It’s absolutely terrifying, mostly because you pick up so much speed that the water just slaps you in the face, but it’s a massive adrenaline rush and great fun.

In terms of location, you can’t miss the Bansko water slide, it’s at the top of the gondola on Banderitsa Meadow. There’s lots of other games and rides up there too for the kids, including tube slides and adventure golf.

You can buy tickets for the slide (and the other rides) as part of your Gondola ticket, which gets them at a slight discount. An adult ticket which includes a round trip on the gondola, one run on the water slide and 5 runs on the tube or bag jump is 50BGN or 35BGN for kids.

For one go on the slide, it’s 15BGN for adults and 10BGN for kids. You can read more about the prices here .

10. Visit the Rila Monastery

If you want to explore more of Bulgaria, then take a day trip to the stunning Rila Monastery.

It’s a beautiful 10th century, UNESCO World Heritage Site nestled in the Rila Mountains. Rila is Bulgaria’s largest monastery and is famous for its detailed frescoes and the amazing setting.

It’s around 100 kilometres from Bansko and so you’ll either need to hire a car or take this great day trip to Rila from Bansko .

There is also a museum on site as well as two restaurants, so you can come for lunch or dinner before heading back to Bansko in the evening.

It’s one of my favourite day trips for either the summer or winter, and a great option if you’re in Bansko for the season.

11. Visit the Belitsa Bear Sanctuary

Have you ever heard of Dancing Bears? I hadn’t before visiting the Belitsa Bear Park. Dancing Bears were a common sight and attraction in Bulgaria until it was banned in 1998. It’s a cruel practice where bear cubs are taken from the wild and forced to dance on the streets as a form of begging.

As a result, the bears are ‘tame’ and therefore cannot go back into the wild, as they have no natural or wild instincts.

The Belitsa Bear Sanctuary provides a home for these bears, as well as those who have been rescued from various other forms of poor captivity.

It’s a fascinating place to visit and see the bears, if not a little sad. However, the work that the sanctuary does is incredible, and it’s a great place to learn about the brown bear.

I loved visiting the Bear Sanctuary . It’s about 50 minutes by car from Bansko, so you’ll need to rent a car or arrange a taxi. However, it’s one of my favourite things to do from Bansko in Summer. You can’t go in winter because the bears are in hibernation, so don’t miss it!

12. Go Wine Tasting

You can’t visit Bansko in Summer without going on a wine tasting tour. Take an excursion from Bansko to Villa Melnik, one of the most famous vineyards in Bulgaria.

It’s a little bit of a trek, at around 2.5 hours to get there, but it’s such a beautiful place and the wine is fantastic. They have a fantastic garden too where you can enjoy a few glasses of wine with a spectacular view over the mountains.

It was one of the best things I did in Bansko in Summer. I joined a tour which was kindly organised by the coworking space AltSpace, but you could contact take a look at Bansko Life tours as they organise trips to Melnik too.

The trip I went on included a visit to the town of Melnik and the ‘Pyramids’ which are sandy cliffs in the town, then we stopped in at a local Mehana for lunch.

While I enjoyed both, a full-day trip ended up with just 2 hours at the winery, and I would have preferred a little more time to enjoy a couple of glasses in the garden. This totally comes down to preference, so just make sure you ask what your excursion includes.

13. Do a Beer Tasting

Bansko has a new bar in town, the Pivoteko Mountain Base Craft Beer Pub ! It’s one of the best places to go in Bansko in Summer if you love beer!

It sources craft beers (and also a few ciders) from breweries across Europe. The ones they get from The Garden Brewery in Croatia are so good!

They have a mix of beers on tap as well as in cans and bottles (so don’t worry, you can take some home too!). The guys that own it love their beer, so it’s a great place to go and try some new flavours.

It’s open all year round, but it’s a great place to go and sit outside in Summer in Bansko and enjoy a cold, crisp craft ale.

14. Play Golf

If you’re a golf lover, you’ll not want to miss a visit to the Pirin Golf & Country Club.

It’s situation in a gated resort, and is surrounded by the Pirin, Rila and Rodopi mountains, about 20 minutes from Bansko by car.

If you’re visiting Bansko in Summer, you could even consider staying in this hotel , as it’s not as essential that you be close to the ski lift.

There’s a 5-star boutique hotel, a comfortable Apartment complex as well as a few private chalets. On site, there are 20 restaurants, supermarkets, bars, shops, a sports centre, a swimming pool, a beautiful wellness centre and spa, and of course, the golf course!

It’s a fantastic place, with everything you could possibly need right on your doorstep. You can read more about the hotel and facilities here .

But, of course, you can just visit to play golf too! A weekday round of 18 holes will set you back 135BGN (£60, €69) and at the weekends a round is 170BGN (£75, €87). Clubs, buggies and trolleys are all available to rent as well. For the full price list, take a look at Pirin Golf .

15. Go to a Festival

Finally, one of the main things that brings people to Bansko in Summer is the festivals.

The most popular is Nomad Fest , a week-long event that takes place at the end of June/beginning of July.

It’s a place to share tips on succeeding as a digital nomad, and to meet new nomad friends. Nomad Fest hosts lots of fun and informative presentations, workshops, sports and mindfulness activities, and it gets bigger every year.

Another popular festival in Bansko in Summer is the Jazz festival which takes place in August usually. The streets in Bansko in the Old Town area are full of musicians performing. It’s loads of fun, and if you love jazz, you’re in for a complete treat.

FAQs about Things to Do in Bansko

Yes, Bansko is a great place to visit in summer. Compared to Western Europe, the prices are far more affordable and the weather is great. Whilst there is no beach in Bansko, you are a short drive to Greece and there are lots of other things to do too.

The only months to avoid going to Bansko are from Mid-April to around Mid-June, as this is shoulder season and many bars and restaurants will close. The same can be said for October & November as the gondola closes and the weather changes.

There is no snow in Bulgaria in summer, so no, you can’t ski in the traditional sense. There is a Ski Resort in Ribaritsa which offers summer skiing on grass, but there is just one ski run there which is serviced by a 1 km drag lift.

Yes definitely. If you’re a digital nomad, it’s a dream location. There’s amazing skiing, hiking, rock climbing, horse riding. It’s a great place to be active and enjoy the sun. There are also some fantastic spas, pools, bars and restaurants!

Enjoy the Best Things to Do in Bansko

I hope this blog shows that there is so much more to Bansko than it just being a ski resort.

There’s a huge range of things to do in Bansko in Summer too, with plenty of outdoor Bansko summer activities, adventures and sports to get involved with.

There is also plenty of relaxation to be had, in the spas, pools and excellent bars and restaurants in Bansko .

I hope you enjoy your Bansko summer and if you have any questions then get in touch either in the comments below or on social media, and I’ll be happy to help!

Disclaimer:  My blog contains affiliate links.  If you buy something through these, I get a small commission at no additional cost to you.  Thank you x

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Red White Adventures

Best things to do in summer in bansko – 2024 guide.

When it comes to summer in Bulgaria the beaches and the Black Sea are calling. But one of the true gems and best places to spend the warmer months in Bulgaria is in the small mountain town of Bansko right below the Pirin National Park.

Bansko is an amazing place to visit pretty much all year round but there’s just something special about summer in Bansko!

While Bansko is pretty well-known for its great skiing during the winter season, summer is by far our favourite time of year to visit. So far, we’ve spent two summers here and we’re sure we’ll be back for more.

The long summer days, the awesome hiking in the Pirin Mountains , and all of the friends we’ve made through the coworking space make Bansko a summer paradise for us. In this post, we’ll share with you why…

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links which means if you decide to use the links and make a valid purchase, we will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you <3

Table of Contents

Everything you need to know about summer in Bansko

When we’re talking about summer in Bansko it’s not only July-August! June and September may not always be as warm as July and August but they can easily still be some of the best summer months in this mountain town. 

Every year it seems like there are more and more things to do in Bansko . Each year new businesses open up offering new experiences and we constantly learn about new, fun hikes to do in the Pirin National Park .

E-bikes and e-scooters are definitely a hot topic in Bansko this year. Especially since there are so many great trails just at the foothills of the Pirin Mountains. 

What we love the most about it here are the mountains, the good restaurants , and the all-around feeling we get from spending time in Bansko during the summer.

There really isn’t a place we feel as at ease and relaxed as we do in Bansko. We do come for the digital nomad community and spend a lot of time working but we also do a ton of fun things while we’re here.

Whether you’re coming just for a weekend or a week to enjoy Bansko during summer or if you’re here as a nomad for a few months there’s a good chance you’ll feel exactly what we feel.

There’s a reason why so many people who were planning just to come to visit for a few weeks end up staying for a few months.

Bansko is a little mountain paradise in Bulgaria that’s just waiting to be discovered!

The best summer activities in Bansko

Bansko is famous for its skiing and people flock here during the winter months to drink cheap beer and enjoy some epic skiing in the Pirin Mountains. But what if we told you summer in Bansko is even better than winter?

We truly believe people don’t realize the amount of things you can do in this small mountain town during the summer. 

From mountain biking and white water rafting to enjoying a delicious dinner by the dam while watching the sunset, there’s an abundance of things to do in and around Bansko! 

For the past few years, we usually spend at least a month here and the days just fly by because we’re always doing so much.

Of course, we’re working too but there are just so many outdoor activities to do that makes Bansko the perfect summer destination. So let’s dive into what they are!

Hiking in Bansko during the summer

One of our favourite summer activities in Bansko is exploring the Pirin Mountains .

We look at Vihren and Todorka every morning when we wake up and every afternoon from the coworking place . It’s like they’re just teasing us all day long until we finally make our way up the mountain and summit another peak.

Late June (once all the snow and storms are gone) is an awesome time to go hiking the Pirins. July and August are arguably the warmest months but also the busiest months of the year for hiking in the Pirins. 

If you do hike in those busy months try to go during the weekdays or early to avoid some of the crowds – both on the trails and in the parking lot which has limited spots close to the trailheads. 

September-October is also an awesome time to go hiking here if you get lucky with the weather. There are a lot fewer people on the trails. The weather is usually pretty good this time of year as well although sometimes it can be a little unpredictable in the Pirin Mountains. 

On a nice fall day with the sun shining when the trees are starting to turn yellow and orange, you can easily have one of the best hiking days of the season.

We have a ton of different hikes to recommend for you as well. You can find a bunch of different hikes to do from Bansko here .

Vihren Peak

One that stands out for sure has to be Vihren Peak since it’s the second tallest mountain in Bulgaria and the tallest in the Pirin National Park. Every year on July 1st, locals and travellers hike up to the summit of Vihren to catch the sunrise.

This is part of a Bulgarian tradition that started in the 1970s and 1980s by the Black Sea where people would gather to catch the first rays of sun on the first day of July as a symbol of new beginnings and freedom. This tradition has now spread over the country and people will do it in Bansko as well.

St Nikola Waterfall & Church

For an easy hike that starts right in town, the St Nikola Waterfall is the perfect hike to do. You can easily start from your hotel in Bansko and be back in less than 3 hours!

Alpine Lakes

Lastly, just hiking up in the meadows near Vihren Hut to the alpine lakes in the area is incredible! There are so many awesome alpine lakes up in the Pirin Mountains that you can hike to.

Also read: The Most Beautiful Alpine Lakes in the Pirin National Park

Leave No Trace

When you go out in nature, remember to practice “Leave No Trace”.  You can learn and read more about the 7 Principles of Leave no Trace here . 

This means:

• Plan ahead and prepare
• Travel and Camp on durable surfaces
• Dispose of waste properly
• Leave what you find
• Minimize campfire impacts
• Respect wildlife
• Be considerate of others

Bansko outdoor swimming pools

You might be lucky and your accommodation or hotel in Bansko has an outdoor pool which is perfect during the summer. We’ve heard in July-August it can get up to 40 degrees so an outdoor pool is a lifesaver on those days. 

If you’re not so lucky and don’t have an outdoor pool where you’re staying, don’t worry!

You can access a lot of the hotel pools in Bansko for 5 to 10 leva a day and some of the hot springs in Bansko also have outdoor pools (that aren’t hot) you can use!

Regnum Aquapark is probably our favourite place to spend a warm summer afternoon in Bansko. It’s close to town and you can easily walk there from the center of Bansko which is awesome. The entrance costs around 10 Leva and you can hang out there all day.

If you’re looking to cool down during the hot summer days it’s perfect. Honestly, nothing is more refreshing than going for a nice, cool dip on a warm sunny day. 

Tennis in Bansko

One of our favourite activities to do in Bansko during the summer is to play tennis. Over the years we’ve found a few local courts that are free to use which is awesome if you bring your own tennis rackets and balls. 

There are also plenty of tennis shops that sell rackets and balls in town. If you want to play without a trainer and without paying for a court, Bansko is perfect.

There are times when the courts are busy and you have to wait a bit but most of the time you can find at least one available free court in town.

If you’re just beginning or don’t have anyone to play with you can also go to the paid courts in Bansko where you can get lessons and play with a coach!

There’s a Facebook Group called Bansko Tennis where you can find any and all information related to tennis in Bansko.

Free tennis courts Bansko

Here is the location of our favourite free court in Bansko (astroturf).

The other one is a hard court which you can find here . The hard court is located right next to a school. Both of these places have two courts to play at. 

The last free court in Bansko can be found here. It’s not the best court but if the other ones are occupied and you want to play then it does the trick!  

Paid tennis courts Bansko

The paid tennis court in Bansko can be found here . It’s great if you’re looking for somewhere to play with a coach or don’t have your own tennis racket and balls. 

Mountain biking in Bansko

Like most mountain towns around the world mountain biking is a popular summer activity to do. Bansko has some great mountain bike trails at the foothills of the mountains where you can cruise around and enjoy the chill trails. 

If you’re looking for something a bit more extreme you can get a gondola pass and ride the gondola down on the steeper and more extreme trails.

There is a great community in Bansko called Snowboarding GIRLS Bansko & Friends (run by our friend, Maria) which organizes snowboarding in the winter and mountain biking in the summer.

This is community-based and for females who want to join the outdoors together. It’s a great way to make friends and get out on the trails at the same time!

Another option is to go on one of the guided mountain bike tours in Bansko with experts in the area who know the best trails and where to go. You can either go on an Enduro Mountain Bike Day Trip or on an E-bike Enduro Tour .

There are a few good mountain bike companies in town that offer both tours and bike rentals. 

Sport Box Bansko is a great place to rent mountain bikes. You can also go talk to the staff at one of the bike rentals in Bansko when you’re in town and ask how much rentals will cost.

From our experience though, most bike rentals cost around the same and the prices are very reasonable for what you get.

Off-roading in Bansko

From e-scooters to ATVs, Bansko is an off-roading paradise during the summer. 

If you’re looking for a bit of an adrenaline rush and want to experience the wild side of the Bansko outdoors then hop in an ATV, try out an E-scooter, or go on a jeep tour.

It’s a great way to get out and see the Pirin Mountains from below while cruising down some of the best trails in the mountains. 

Over the years these have become quite popular adventure activities to do in Bansko and you’ll definitely be able to find a few good companies that offer tours such as Off-Road Bansko, Traventuria and Bansko Extreme!

Go on a wine-tasting tour from Bansko

Nothing screams summer like enjoying some nice wine at a local winery! Bansko itself isn’t located in a wine region in Bulgaria but you can very easily get to Melnik which is a town in Southern Bulgaria just an hour and a half away.

The town itself is actually quite beautiful too so it really makes for an awesome weekend or day trip from Bansko. You can go explore Melnik and then stop by Villa Melnik and experience one of the best wineries in Bulgaria.

There are many other wineries you can try out as well such as Rupel Winery , Sintica Winery , and Zlaten Rozhen Winery .

River rafting near Bansko

Another awesome outdoor adventure to do near Bansko is river rafting! The rafting itself isn’t right in Bansko but you can go on a guided trip to the Struma River where you can experience the Bulgarian rapids!

You’ll make your way through the Kresna Gorge where you’ll cruise through around 13 rapids! 

It’s such a cool experience and it also gets you out into Bulgarian nature where you get to see a bit outside of Bansko! 

You can check out this rafting trip from Krupnik near Bansko here !

Join a gym in Bansko

Depending on how long you plan to stay in Bansko, joining a gym can be a nice place to hide from the sun when you’re looking for a chill day inside or in the shade.

(Joining a gym is also a great way to stay in shape for all the awesome hikes you’ll likely be doing! 😉)

There are quite a few good gyms in town which is really nice, especially for a small mountain town of 12.000 people. 

FitBox Club Bansko is a great place to go if you’re looking for a simple gym that has everything you need. It costs 50 leva a month and it actually has one of the best views in the city.

FitBox gym is located on the third floor of a building in the center of town and while it’s not the largest gym it has everything you need. You can also get a personal trainer for 20 to 25 leva per hour there (depending on which trainer you book)!

Another solid option is Pulse Fitness which is located inside the Grand Hotel Bansko (one of the hotels we recommend in Bansko). This gym has everything you need and more…

Pulse Fitness has a steam and sauna room where you’ll even find a cold plunge. So once you’re done with your workout and want to give your muscles a bit of a break this is great.

Even if you’re not in the mood for the gym and want to just enjoy the sauna or steam room on a rainy day, you can do that as well! It’s a nice amenity to have while spending the summer in Bansko! 

The best part is you can buy monthly memberships which are fairly cheap or just pay for a daily pass if you aren’t staying for a full month.

Enjoy the hot springs around Bansko

Another great activity to do around Bansko is visiting the hot springs! Bulgaria in general is quite known for its hot springs and Bansko is no exception. 

There are a ton of great hot springs in and around Bansko so depending on whether you have a car or not and want to visit one of the neighbouring villages you can do that.

Most of the hot springs have both hot, warm, and cool pools so there’s a pool for whatever temperature you’re in the mood for.

We love to go in the evenings and enjoy the calmness of the hot springs before enjoying a nice local Bulgarian dinner at the restaurants that are connected to the facilities at most of the hot springs.

Join a coworking space Bansko

A fun fact about Bansko is that there are quite few coworking spaces in town and it’s one of the best ways to meet other people in Bansko. 

We’ve been coming back to Coworking Bansko for 3 years now and it’s such an awesome way to meet other digital nomads and remote workers. 

Of course, if you’re just on holiday and here to enjoy all the fun activities Bansko has to offer then you can just skip this part. But if you’re a remote worker and are looking to connect with other like-minded people, Bansko is the perfect place.

We’ve only ever tried out Coworking Bansko but there are other coworkings in town as well that we’ve heard great things about.

Check out the local restaurants in Bansko

One way to experience a country’s culture is to try out the local, traditional food. Bansko is a touristy mountain town but there are still tons of local restaurants around town that serve delicious Bulgarian dishes.

There are a ton of “Mehanas” around town which are basically taverns that serve delicious local food!

We’ve mentioned some of our favourite restaurants in Bansko in this post . There are definitely a lot more than that but in our post we’ve highlighted the ones we like the most that we visit regularly.

Check out the local Bansko market

Every Sunday here in Bansko there is an amazing farmers market right next to the town square. It’s an awesome place to get your local fruits and vegetables for the week and a fun way to interact with locals as well!!

There is a huge variety of different things you can buy. We absolutely love the homemade peanut butter! It’s just so good and only costs 10 leva.

There are tons of other things you can get as well like eggs, pastries, jams, cheeses, and wines. You name it and you can probably find it there.

To us, the Sunday market is such a cool experience. You have all the locals selling yummy food and the majority of the customers are other local Bulgarians, people spending the weekend in Bansko, and other nomads like us.

The Sunday Market is definitely something you have to check out while you’re in Bansko during the summer.

Bansko Nomad Fest

The Bansko Nomad Fest is one of the highlight events during the summer in Bansko. 2023 was the 4th nomad fest and it plans to continue into 2024. 

The fest has grown every single year since the first event in 2020 where there were only 60 participants. In 2024 the plan is to have over 1000 nomads attend the event.

Bansko Nomad Fest is a gathering of people from all around the world who work conventional and unconventional jobs that are all here to celebrate the independent lifestyle.

It is such a fun time to reconnect with old friends and meet a ton of new friends as well through all sorts of different events, networking opportunities, and activities.

It’s a great way to experience Bansko and connect with all the other nomads! We love Bansko Nomad Fest and recommend it to anyone who’s interested in or already is living this lifestyle!

Other fun activities to do in Bansko during the summer

On top of everything we mentioned above, there are still other random and fun outdoor activities you can do here.

You can check out this list of other fun things to do in Bansko to find more inspiration for things to do in Bansko during the summer.

With all this, you should easily be able to fill out your summer here in this awesome mountain town! 

Where to stay in Bansko

If you’re staying in Bansko short term, there are plenty of good hotels in Bansko to stay at. Sometimes during the summer, you can find some pretty good deals at the hotels for longer stays as well. Some hotels also have pools available which is perfect after a long day in the heat.

For more long-term stays you can look at other alternatives such as Avalon and Bansko Nomad Apartments . Airbnb has some awesome alternatives for more long-term stays in Bansko as well.

Airbnb sometimes has the prices set a lot higher than the local prices but if you contact the owner and tell them you’re staying long-term (+1 month) they will sometimes give you a better deal.

The local rental prices for digital nomads in Bansko range from €130 to €500 a month.

Bansko in general is much more affordable during the summer months than in the winter when everyone is here for the ski season.

We’ve been lucky enough to find places for around 500 leva ($300) per month. When you compare the prices of everything else, Bansko is a very affordable summer destination in Europe. 

Also read: 5 Awesome Hotels to Stay at in Bansko, Bulgaria

How to get to Bansko from Sofia

It’s actually relatively easy to get from Sofia to Bansko which is super nice! Depending on how much you’re willing to spend you can either take a private shuttle or go by public transport. 

We personally take the bus every time since it’s only 20 leva per person ($10 per person) but it’s definitely easier and faster to take a private shuttle. 

The private shuttle ( through the Bansko app ) is very convenient and they can pick you up directly from the airport which is really nice. 

So depending on when your flight arrives, what you’re looking for, and how much you want to pay you can easily get to Bansko in less than 3 hours!

Another option that we never considered which a lot of people do is to rent a car. Especially if you’re here for a few weeks and want to drive around and explore near Bansko then renting a car may be perfect !

Related post: The Best Ways to Get From Sofia to Bansko

Other related questions about summer in Bansko

What is the best month for bansko.

For summer activities in Bansko like hiking, mountain biking, and anything else outdoors-related, late June and September are the best times to spend some time in Bansko.

July and August are also great months for outdoor adventures. Those months tend to be a bit busier and hotter than June and September but it’s still a great time to visit!

For skiing and other winter sports, March is supposed to be the best time to visit Bansko. January and February can also be great months here for skiing. It is also the time of year when Bansko is the busiest. 

What is the weather like in Bansko during Summer?

The summer months in Bansko do get very warm! You’re really not that far from Greece and during the summer months, Bansko feels very Mediterranean with how hot it gets!

You can easily get anywhere between 25-35 degrees Celsius during the summer months here in Bansko (July and August).

June is still shoulder season here with slightly cooler weather and some snow on the peaks. The day temperatures are averaging around 25 degrees Celsius with some rain and thunderstorms in between.

September is also a great time to visit with an average temperature of 23 degrees Celsius during the day with the occasional rainfall.

Why is Bansko so popular?

Bansko is one of the most popular destinations in Bulgaria thanks to Bansko Ski Resort. It’s one of the best places to ski in Bulgaria and a very popular place to spend time during the winter. 

Over the years Bansko has also become a popular destination for Digital Nomads as well because of the coworking spaces that have popped up and the community.

Last but not least, because of the amazing hiking during the summer months people have started to flock to the Pirin National Park to hike some of the highest peaks in Bulgaria ( Vihren Peak ).

Is Bansko a party resort?

Bansko is indeed a party resort. It’s not like the whole town of Bansko becomes a big party resort but there are definitely areas of the city that become quite party-like. This is mostly in the winter though!

The main party areas in Bansko are downtown near the Trinity Church and Pirin 75 and also near the gondola. These places become really popular during the winter months when lots of tourists flock to Bansko to ski and party. 

Is the water in Bansko drinkable?

Yes, the tap water in Bansko is drinkable. There are stories from local Bulgarians that say Bansko has some of the best drinking water in the country since it’s coming straight from the Pirin Mountains!

You may also like…

• 5 Beautiful Hikes to Do in the Pirin National Park
• World Nomads vs SafetyWing: Which Travel Insurances Is Best?
• 5 Awesome Hotels to Stay at in Bansko, Bulgaria
• 30 Fun Things You Didn’t Know You Could Do in Bansko, Bulgaria
• Living in Bansko as a Digital Nomad

Recap on spending summer in Bansko

Every year it seems like Bansko is getting more and more popular during the summer months and for good reason. 

From outdoor adventures in the mountains to adrenaline experiences down below, Bansko has become a little outdoor haven in the past few years. 

You mix in some coworking spaces, affordable cost of living, good restaurants , and a whole lot more you have one of the best outdoor summer destinations in Europe!

If you have any questions about Bansko, the best hotels in Bansko , coworking, hiking, or anything else related to this little mountain town, feel free to reach out! 

You can DM us on Instagram or leave a comment below and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can. 

Bansko is one of our favourite places and the more time we spend here the better it gets. We hope you make it here one day – and who knows, maybe we’ll even bump into each other!

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Spending the summer in Bansko sounds like a treat! I’d love to go hiking, off-roading, and river rafting!! And then drink a brew for sunset in town afterward 😉

Summer is perfect here! Life is simple and there’s lot of fun activities to do!

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COMPLETE GUIDE TO BANSKO, BULGARIA

Bansko is a beautiful town set in the foothills of the Pirin Mountains in Bulgaria. It has become known in recent years as a haven for digital nomads, and a place for travelers to visit all year round. What most don’t realize though, is that not only is Bansko the largest ski resort in Bulgaria, but also in the entire Balkans. Add to that the fact that it is a fantastic Budget Ski Holiday option, and that in the Summer months it transforms into a haven for hikers, and Bansko becomes the perfect year round destination.

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When I first visited Bansko I couldn’t believe how big the town was. I arrived at the train station in the early afternoon, and set out for my hotel. It took over half an hour to get to it! I do admit that it was located nice and close to the Gondola, but it still wasn’t right at the top of town. For a ski resort in Bulgaria, Bansko is a lot bigger than I would have given it credit for.

It is also a lot more beautiful. I have been there in the Spring, and it is incredibly green. The center of the town has a beautiful church and main square. There is even an “old town” area with some delicious restaurants and a museum. Bansko really took me by surprise, and it only took a couple of hours wandering around town to realize why Digital Nomads love it so much.

Table of Contents

Where is bansko, how to get to bansko, bansko weather, bansko ski resort, summer in bansko, bansko hiking.

Bansko is located in South Western Bulgaria, at the foot of the Pirin Mountains. The town itself sits in the Razlog Valley alongside the Glazne River.

Bansko is 160 kilometers from Sofia, which makes it about 2 hours by car. It is also only 50 kilometers from the border with North Macedonia.

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There are several ways to get to Bansko, and unlike many (or most) other destinations around the Pirin, Rila or Rhodope Mountains, the public transport options to Bansko are usually very reliable. This is simply because there is always a need for it, and the buses and trains in particular run regularly,

Here are the best ways to get to Bansko, Bulgaria.

• Car – Traveling by private car is a popular way to get to Bansko. The trip from Sofia and Sofia Airport is pretty straightforward, and the roads are very good. The drive from Sofia will take you about 2 hours. If you are coming from other locations such as Plovdiv or Velingrad, the roads run directly to Bansko as well.
• Bus – Getting to Bankso by bus is also a popular way to travel, especially for budget travelers. The fare from Sofia is about 20 LEV at time of writing this article. There are around half a dozen buses running to Sofia and Plovdiv each day, just depending upon the day. On Sundays that maybe only 3 or 4. Buses also run to other larger towns closer to Bansko.
• Train – There is a wonderful Narrow Gauge Train that runs to Bansko several times a day. This is very scenic, and a different way to travel. On my last trip, I took the train there and the bus back to Sofia when I left. To catch the train, you will have to get the normal train from Sofia or Plovdiv to Septemvri, then change trains onto the Narrow Gauge Railway. It climbs up the mountains almost on a beeline to Bansko, mostly following the road up the valley.
• Private Transfer or Taxi – I guess this is always an option if you are coming for a big ski holiday. From Sofia Airport you can get private transfers, but may have to organize these before you arrive. Taxi’s are always available at the airport.

If you are in Bansko and need to catch the bus, I have a warning for you. Beware of the lady that works in the bus station ticket office! I had heard of a few people having issues with her (she’s a very angry and uncharming sort) not being very helpful. Then I found out for myself! Then, when I went back to Sofia, even people THERE had heard about her. Maybe Bansko have her working there on purpose, because she certainly is famous!

If there is one thing that can be predicted about weather in a ski resort, it’s that it is likely to be totally unpredictable!

That aside, there are times that you are better to visit Bansko than others.

For Skiing, the best time is from the end of January up until March. That is only a 6 week window, but any earlier than that and you will probably not see much snow, and later than that it is likely to be slushy conditions due to sunshine.

This changes from year to year, as you can never accurately predict the climate. For example, in the 2023 season there was no snow right up until February, and then there was fantastic snow through till April!

For Summer hiking, the best time is from the end of June until October. This is when the conditions on the top of the mountain are optimal, with little snow cover and the huts are all open. Important to note is that the Gondola is also open during this time to get hikers to the top of the mountain and back. Earlier in June, it only runs two services a day, at 0800 and 1630. So if you get stuck at the top in bad weather, you will have to wait it out!

In between the two main seasons Bansko can get very quiet. For some, such as digital nomads, this can be a great time to visit. Most of the big hotels and resorts are completely closed, as are many restaurants. The town is still lively enough though, as there are 9000 residents, so there is still plenty to see and do.

Are you planning on renting a car or driving when you are overseas? Then make sure you are fully covered by having your International Driver’s Permit. Find out more, or pick one up easily at THIS LINK .

Skiing is the main reason that many will come to Bansko. It is the biggest and best ski resort in the Balkans, and constantly wins awards. For those coming from Europe, it offers a budget skiing option that you will not find anywhere else.

The resort at Bansko has 75 kilometers of ski runs over 18 slopes. Of these 2 are beginner runs, 6 blue, or intermediate, and the rest advanced. There is also a 14 kilometer leg burner “home trail” that takes skier’s right back down to the village.

All of this is served by the Gondola, which also has a mid station, and 12 chairlifts. The gondola is the only way to get from the town up to the ski fields, so the mornings can be quite crowded. There is also now a bus service to transport skier’s.

Bansko sees quite good snow, but is also served by snow guns producing artificial snow when need be. Officially, they say that the season is from December to April. The more realistic timeframe if you are looking for a good ski vacation is late January to March.

Once the Ski Season ends, Bansko becomes very quiet. For a month or two, the majority of resorts close and spend the time doing repairs and maintenance. Some are still running though, especially if they are large enough to run on a skeleton staff with limited facilities.

Once Mid June hits though, things begin to come alive again. This is because Bansko’s Summer season is just about to hit.

At the end of June the Hiking season begins, and this stretches out for around 4 months. Some of the best hiking in the country, and even the entire Balkans is on the top of the Pirin Mountains, and Bansko is the gateway to all of it.

But hiking isn’t the only thing to do in Bansko in the Summer. Mountain biking is a very popular sport as well, and the slopes above Bansko are perfect for enthusiasts. In the town itself, festivals cause the place to come alive, and at times just seem to roll into each other. The Jazz festival in Bansko is world famous, and musicians literally come from all over the globe to attend.

Restaurants in Bansko are renowned for their traditional Bulgarian fare, and there are so many that visitors could eat at a different one every night. Café life is in full swing in summer, as are the walking tours and museums.

If you are a fan of festivals, hiking, or the outdoors in general, then it’s well worth checking out Bansko in the Summer!

During the Summer months, the mountain is fully open for hiking. People come from all over the world to hike the beautiful Pirin Mountains , and the natural starting point is from Bansko.

To start your Summer hiking adventure, try to stay somewhere in the mid town or top of town area. The closer to the Gondola the better, as it is the best and fastest way to get you to the top of the mountain, and the trailheads.

Before you start, take the time to check in at the Pirin National Park Tourist Information Centre. It is located HERE on Google Maps. They will give you all the maps you need of the trails, and any relevant information about the weather forecasts etc.

To get to the top of the mountain, you can take the gondola from the main gondola station located just below the Tourist Center, and just behind the Kempinski Hotel. This will drop you not far from Vihren Hut, which is the perfect place to start hiking. Alternatively, during Summer you can also catch a bus up to the Hut by road.

The hiking trails are well marked, and cover over 370 kilometers altogether. Many trails overlap and criss cross each other, making the diversity endless.

The main attraction for hiking in the Pirin Mountains is the 118 beautiful glacial lakes spread out across the peaks. Some of these are not too far from where the Gondola drops you, and others will take many hours of hiking to reach. There are also over a dozen huts spread out around the area, so you will always have somewhere to shelter if need be. Take a map, plan your days, and have fun!

Bansko Hotels

If there is one thing that Bansko has, it’s plenty of Hotels and Resorts to choose from. Especially during the Winter months. Here are my choices of best places to stay in Bansko.

KEMPINSKI HOTEL GRAND ARENA

The Kempinski is one of my favorite hotel chains, and I made it a point of checking out their Bansko offering on my last visit. The hotel is amazing, with just their “normal” rooms looking like a suite in most other places. They are located right beside the Gondola, and provide VIP Gondola passes for guests. With 3 world class restaurants, 3 pools, incredible gym, piano bar, and a wine collection that defies belief, you can’t go wrong!

PREMIER LUXURY MOUNTAIN RESORT

The Premier Luxury Mountain Resort is in a great location, only 10 minute easy walk from the Gondola, although the Hotel offers free shuttle service during Ski season. Staff are friendly and welcoming, the Buffet Breakfast is a real hit, and the resort has a beautiful view of the mountains.

HOTEL DUMANOV

The Hotel Dumanov is a comfortable and well equipped hotel in Bansko. The real highlight though is the location, only a 5 minute walk from the Gondola, and on a street with many restaurant, supermarket and ski shop options. This is the same area I stayed in, and you don’t have to go far to find anything!

UNIQATO BOUTIQUE HOTEL

The Uniqato is a cute hotel in a great location. Highlights for guests are the friendly staff, large rooms and amazing food! The entire hotel is super clean, and if it matters to you they are also extremely pet friendly.

BANKSO VILLA ZLATEVA HOUSE

A 200 year old building that brings with it a cozy and peaceful vibe. This is a small place, and guests will feel like they are staying in a home instead of a hotel. In a good location with very good breakfasts that vary from day to day.

GUEST HOUSE KIRITSOVI

Guest House Kiritsovi is very close to the town center so provides plenty of options for restaurants and things to do. Rooms are affordable, comfortable, and are equipped with large beds along with sofa bed options. The mountain views are amazing, and you won’t find better hospitality in a place for this price!

Looking for the best Budget accommodation? Hostelworld have you covered with all of the very best budget friendly accommodation around town. Check them out at THIS LINK .

Bansko is an amazing place to visit, whether it’s for Summer or Winter. The off seasons can be quiet, but there is still plenty to do in a nice, peaceful mountainside town. For an all year round destination at a budget price, it is worth checking out for your next European vacation.

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Bansko – najtraženije i najpopularnije skijalište u Jugoistočnoj Evropi !!! ima preko 70 km staza opremljenih brojnim topovima za veštački sneg. Sezona skijanja traje od polovine decembra do sredine aprila, a snežni pokrivač dostiže srednju visinu od 143 cm. Skijalište se prostire od 960m-2600 m n.v. Skijalište čine dve oblasti: Čalin Valog (1.100-1.600 m) i Šiligarnika (1.700-2.600 m), od grada udaljene oko 10 km. Sa gradom ih povezuje moderna gondola koja skijaše dovodi do srca skijališta. Najčuvenija je ski staza Tomba, crne kategorije sa dužinom od preko 2,5 km, a nezaboravan događaj predstavlja neprekidan spust u dužini od 16 km od vrha Todorka do početne stanice gondole.

Najniže cene hotelskog smeštaja u odnosu na skijališta u Evropi i našem okruženju, visoki standard smeštaja i visok nivo usluge (besplatno korišćenje welness i spa centara u hotelima, besplatan prevoz na relaciji hotel-gondola-hotel), povoljna cena vanpansionskih usluga u kombinaciji sa prelepim prirodnim ambijentom nacionalnog parka Pirin, odličnim uslovima za skijanje i modernom ski infrasktrukturom glavni su razlog zašto svake godine sve veći broj turista želi da svoj zimski odmor provede u Banskom.

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Explore near Happy End: Where to Stay, Eat, and Visit

Happy end reviews: insider insights and visitor experiences.

Thumping bar

Great place to finish the day off. Before 4.30 there is Happy hour. We had x2 beers and x2 G n T for £11 which was not bad. We drank inside and they had decent music. Outside there was a party going o...

Total rip off merchants, not to be trusted, you'll get ripped off in here!

Total rip off! Avoid this place, they charge you extortionate prices. My bill was 17bgn for 1 small Leffe bottle of beer!

Happy end for real

Cracking apres ski bar with amazing atmosphere and great music. All up on the stools shaking what our mother's gave us while having a booze with friends new and old. Give it a go.

Fun place, but could easily be better. 3.5/5

Upon arriving at our accommodation only a few hundred meters away from Happy End, we heard a cracking party going on and felt the buzz instantly from a distance. Leaving all our luggage in the car, we...

Come for apres my friends

You want apres? You got apres a bosh. We hunted for other apre and no dice. Beer not bad price - can also dance on the tables!

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Happy Food - CLOSED

Ratings and reviews, location and contact.

For a quick bite and something different, this place is great! It doesn't look like much from the street, but do pop in. The burgers are awesome - the best in Bansko and one of the best in Bulgaria (I am American so I am... particular about my burgers). They always add new things to the menu. Now they have chilli and various Mexican fare. I always order extra homemade hummus and avocado dip to take home. The breakfast menu including a poached egg with avocado spread over toast is a great way to start your day. The atmosphere is casual, the staff are friendly, and your dogs are welcome! More

My 13 y/o son and I really enjoyed the food in here, and would have been 5* if not for a grumpy waitress (that works there everyday). She was ill mannered to a couple of tables around us and gave us an unwanted feeling, starting... by grumping when I didn't understand something on the menu, and even in the end, when I asked to pay and she came over with the credit card machine, it took me a minute to find my credit card so she pouted and left to another table as if to punish me. Needless to say she received no tip. When I signaled another employee that her face is angry he shrigged his shoulders in understanding as if saying "what can I do...?".The place itself is very small and cosy, on the main road, the vegan quiche with quinoa was very tasty if a bit small, the hamburger was very good and so was the pancake with apple and cinnamon & honey. More

It is a place with casual ambiance impressive with it’s delicious and quality food and very attentive friendly service. The menu is surprisingly varied for a “burger place” and there are options for vegetarians too. We’ll definitely visit again!

Driven by local host and 55 excelent reviews on Tripad. We have try Happy Food restaurant which is a low cost fast food with burgers bought from supermarket. Service is good but the local is below average, inside temeperature is not more than 10 degrees... C as the roof is made of polycarbonate and nothing else. I would not reccomended specialy if you are a family with kids. More

Ate here in August and September but forgot to review. Great little place, only had breakfast here but several times. Food is very good and staff are really friendly. Guacamole, walnut and dill on toast with eggs on top is really good.

After a morning’s skiing we decided to get some lunch and spotted this place as it is very close to the bottom of the gondola. I had the street dog which was a large hotdog wrapped in bacon which was amazing. The owner is very... friendly and meets everyone like they are family. Definitely worth a visit for a little apres ski. More

Great food with fresh ingredients, excellent service. Small warm places. Had the burgers, croissant w/ ham&cheese, omlet/tuna/pepperoni sandwich, chicken soup, whole grain toast w/ avocado and eggs, chicken tortilla and even the desserts are great! They are eco-friendly and have vegeterian dishes.

We've just had a lovely breakfast in Happy Food. It's our friends 60th birthday so after reading trip advisor re views decided to kick off the day here. We weren't disappointed - a lovely breakfast with tea and coffee. The lady serving us (the owner?)was... so nice and she surprised us all with a birthday cake and candles which was a fantastic gesture. The food we saw looked good and we will be back to sample the burgers! More

Happy Food continues to be a delight. Manager Svetlana lights up the place...and the rest of Bansko too. The other staff are courteous and the food is very good. We had food delivered and it's a fantastic option which works well.

We came here for breakfast having read the reviews, don’t be put off by the exterior, the food is really good, it’s not fine dining as it’s served in recyclable/disposable dishes but the staff are really friendly and helpful and we couldn’t fault what we... had. We don’t get out for breakfast much in Bansko but this is a favourite for when we do. More

These are not the best burgers I've had in Bansko. These are not the best burgers I've had in Bulgaria. These are not the best burgers I've had in Europe. These are some of the best burgers I've had period.

The women that runs this place is amazing. Everything is plastic free, the food is very fresh. Coffee was surprisingly good too! Great for brunch or to ask for a packed lunch you can take up the mountain as she will wrap it properly for... you. More

The breakfast was amazing. We searched for a restaurant to eat the breakfast and the first option was this restaurant. We take a table for 6 adults and a child. The personal was very kind and the meal was served very fast. We strongly recommend... it. More

Good food and excellent service. Many dishes to choose from and everything is cooked with care. Open almost year-round.

The meal and service were great already. For sure five star rating. BUT, then they went next door to buy maple syrup to make my boyfriend American style pancakes. How can I give them TEN stars ??? Thanks so much. see you again tomorrow for... breakfast. More

HAPPY FOOD, Bansko - Restaurant Reviews, Photos & Phone Number - Tripadvisor

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Recommendations Near Happy End

Happy end reviews: insider insights and visitor experiences.

Thumping bar

Great place to finish the day off. Before 4.30 there is Happy hour. We had x2 beers and x2 G n T for £11 which was not bad. We drank inside and they had decent music. Outside there was a party going o...

Total rip off merchants, not to be trusted, you'll get ripped off in here!

Total rip off! Avoid this place, they charge you extortionate prices. My bill was 17bgn for 1 small Leffe bottle of beer!

Happy end for real

Cracking apres ski bar with amazing atmosphere and great music. All up on the stools shaking what our mother's gave us while having a booze with friends new and old. Give it a go.

Fun place, but could easily be better. 3.5/5

Upon arriving at our accommodation only a few hundred meters away from Happy End, we heard a cracking party going on and felt the buzz instantly from a distance. Leaving all our luggage in the car, we...

Come for apres my friends

You want apres? You got apres a bosh. We hunted for other apre and no dice. Beer not bad price - can also dance on the tables!

Additional Information

Available amenities, you might also like.

Saint Alexander Nevsky Patriarch's Cathedral

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While many in North America looked for just the right spot to view a total solar eclipse on April 8, Delta customers and crew on two historic flights needed only to peer out their windows.

The celestial celebrations on DL 1218 from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) and DL 1010 from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) began in the gatehouses with curated music, photo ops and conversations with Delta meteorologists Warren Weston and Dave Samuhel about what to expect on board the unique flights.

“Delta provided the best experience,” said a customer on the DFW-DTW flight. “It didn’t matter if you were an astronomy expert or a first-time eclipse enthusiast about the eclipse or not, they really made this flight one to remember.” 

Running an airline is a true team sport, and these path-of-totality flights were no exception. From meteorologists and flight dispatchers to flight attendants, pilots and airport customer service agents, Delta teams worked in lockstep to create a memorable experience for our customers.

When it was time to board, customers embarked with excitement and anticipation. The energy was unmatched as Delta crew members welcomed customers through a solar system-themed balloon arch.

Once at their seats, customers were greeted with co-branded goodie bags filled with bespoke items like ISO-certified eclipse viewing glasses from Warby Parker, limited-edition Sun Chips – which were on sale to the general public for only four minutes – and Delta-branded swag including special-edition solar eclipse socks.

Delta also offered exclusive beverages at Delta Sky Clubs along the path of totality. Blackberry Moonrises and Corona Coladas were available in Indianapolis (IND), Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky (CVG), and Detroit (DTW).

Customers cheered upon take-off and again as they approached the path of totality.  

Frequent flyer Paul D. was aboard the AUS flight and shared how he was able to capture several photos from the left side of the plane.

“One of the photos I wanted was the eclipse’s shadow on the ground,” Paul said. “As we got closer, the sky got darker and darker. I looked out the window and the shadow looked like a smear on the ground.”  

While many customers were glued to their windows, customer Neil Albstein proposed to his girlfriend Michele Rosenblatt. After two months of planning for the memorable moment, the stars aligned perfectly.

“I could never come up with anything more special to propose to her,” Albstein said. “I wanted it to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so [the flight] seemed perfect.”

Meanwhile, on the ground, Delta partnered with KIPP Paseo Primary and Preparatory School in Austin, TX to host a solar eclipse watch party.

Delta First Officers Seth Linder and Michael Gulley, along with several Delta volunteers, engaged students in an immersive science experience, read space-themed books, and encouraged the kids to dream big.

“We couldn’t be more thrilled to share this experience with KIPP Paseo and expose young minds to science in real time,” Gulley said. “If we can get students excited about STEM early, the possibilities are endless for what and who they can become.”

Although the flight came to an end, the celebration did not. Upon landing in Detroit, customers were greeted by lively music, Delta-branded swag and a meet-and-greet with NASA astronaut Scott Kelly.

“This was such a unique experience and so much fun,” said Paul. “I am so happy to be a part of this moment in history.”

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Snohomish County's Voice and Vision Magazine

Published: September 20, 2023

The Happy Traveler

Edmonds artist curates vintage cocktail travel bars for the perfect gift..

By Ellen Hiatt

Photos courtesy of The Happy Traveler

The thrill of the hunt. Refined tastes. An appreciation for fine art. All come together in neat little vintage cocktail packages for artist Kim Parsley.

A retired global studio director, she is shifting her artistic passion from the encaustic prints of her personal artistic endeavours to vintage travel cocktail bars. They are, by nature of their creator, tied together by a fascination with the curation of old things. The encaustic pieces are bits and pieces from her travels and thrifting finds, fused into wax.

The “Happy Traveler” cocktail kits are along the same lines – carefully curated vintage and artistic finds, fused by aesthetics and a recipe.

Take the Negroni set in a 1930s era picnic case, complete with vintage record album covers converted into placemats by Seattle artist John Carroll, Long Play Art Studio, and a handbook of field botany. Whatever she pulls together, it is carried by a theme – whether it’s a bird watching book to pair with the two cocktail shakers that, side by side, mimic a pair of binoculars, or the lemon drop kit in a train case (a vintage, hard covered toiletries case), with an artist-created tea towel with lemons. The Negroni case with cut crystal glassware includes two thin leather bound books, a vintage flask fitted snug next to a bottle of campari, and a Troy’s Choco Lonely bar, wrapped in orange to draw your eye to the left side of the case, and the two oranges tucked into wine glasses.

Often she is inspired by a custom order, creating around a theme that is meaningful to someone. Many of the cases are special ordered as a gift: a group wedding gift, for example, or the perfect something for the man or woman who has it all.

Parsley seeks out the finest pieces, like a set of dessert plates designed by 1950-70s legendary glassware designer Georges Briard, Heloise’s tips for being the perfect housewife, or a Charlie Brown book.

The article continues below.

The shift from encaustic artwork to the Happy Traveler vintage travel bars came one lazy retirement day when she was kicking back at a cabin. Having retired, she was fulfilling her “what are you going to do when you retire” plans.

“My ‘plan’ was ‘I have no plan.’ It’s a good plan,” she said.

A campfire conversation with a friend gave her the idea to be the trail angel for hikers on the Pacific Crest Trail. She reasoned she could show up, as trail angels do, at a particular point and time on the trail, and offer a welcome cocktail.

But how, she wondered, would she be able to schlep all the fixin’s up a trail without it being too cumbersome.

“Because I am a second hand junky, I go to the thrift store every time I have a chance,” she said. There, a book with 750 cocktails and some vintage cases and barware proved inspirational

As she pulls open a vintage case, she explains the “puzzle” that keeps her engaged. How the tiny bottle of bitters has to find its own special place in a case, and the glassware must have its own little straps to hold them. In her first versions she experimented with old cases, adding a velcro strap to hold something in. But velcro was below her standard, she said. She will only use cases that don’t need repairs and already have all the needed straps.

She is a curator, not a crafter, Parsley explains. She doesn’t want to fix the cases; she spends her time in search of the perfect set of glassware, the loveliest of silver plated flasks and shakers, the most perfect fused glass stirrers. It’s the collecting, the pairing, and the creating of the perfect set that holds her attention.

It helps that her two sisters are artists: Krista Swanson, of Shop Dog Screen Printing in Bellingham, and Kersten Hubbard, maker of the fused glass stirring sticks.

Travel bars aren’t a new concept. Many of the cases Parsley uses are original 1950s or ’60s travel bars. But Parsley takes even those the next step – finding the perfect piece and curating the perfect cocktail glass for the missing pieces, adding custom art, a fun book, and the perfect combination of all things color and concept around a cocktail theme.

She is also experimenting with recipes for alcohol-free cocktail kits

“The focus isn’t just spirit forward cocktails. There’s a whole group of people who choose not to drink. I have been loving mocktails for many years. But as of April quit drinking alcohol for health reasons,” Parsley said.

Whatever recipe she chooses to travel with, you can be sure it’s going to be carried in style.

KP’s Lab – Original Encaustic Artwork & Vintage Travel Bars

• Website: kpslab.net
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/kpslab/
• Email: [email protected]

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The total solar eclipse is today: Get the latest forecast and everything you need to know

Happy Solar Eclipse Day! The first total solar eclipse in the United States since 2017 is happening today, April 8, 2024 and it’s expected to be bigger and better than the one the one that happened seven years ago.  

Th e 115-mile wide path of totality will stretch across 13 U.S. states, with approximately 31 million Americans living in the path of totality. Though, plenty more people are expected to travel to see the spectacle.  

Connecticut is just outside the path of totality, with a magnitude of about 92%. That means that CT residents won’t get the full effect, but it will get significantly darker as the vast majority of the sun is blocked by the moon.  

Here’s what to know. We’ll be updating this blog throughout the day.  

What time is the eclipse in Connecticut? 

In Connecticut, the solar eclipse will start at about 2:15 p.m. and peak at about 3:30 p.m., give or take a couple of minutes depending on your exact location in the state. By 4:30 p.m., it will be over and the sun will be shining unobstructed once again.  

To narrow it down to your ZIP code, use the embed below: 

What is the forecast for the eclipse in Connecticut? Will clouds block the eclipse? 

The eclipse forecast has been a major talking point leading up to the event, as no one wants clouds to block their view.  

Accuweather is currently predicting mostly sunny skies over Noriwch during the eclipse, with just a few clouds. The National Weather Service is predicting that New England will have some of the best viewing.

See satellite imagery of the could cover at this link.  

How much of the sun will be blocked by the solar eclipse? 

In Norwich, about 92% of the sun will be blocked by the solar eclipse at its peak.  

"While the entirety of New England will experience the solar eclipse on April 8 , if you want to see the "totality" of the total solar eclipse , you need to be within the path," Tim Brothers, technical instructor and observatory manager at the  MIT Wallace Astrophysical Observatory told Wicked Local in March. "Fortunately, this path covers much of northern and western New England, including New York, although it does not pass over Massachusetts."

For those willing to drive north, parts of Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine will all be in the path of totality. Here's when cities in the path of the eclipse will experience totality.

• Burlington, Vermont: 3:26-3:29 p.m. EDT
• Lancaster, New Hampshire: 3:27-3:30 p.m. EDT
• Caribou, Maine: 3:32-3:34 p.m. EDT

Where can I get solar eclipse glasses? 

It’s too late to order glasses, but according to the American Astronomical Society the following retailed are selling eclipse glass, and Warby Parker is even giving them away for free.  

• Warby Parker  (available in stores [for free!] starting April 1st; while supplies last, limit 2 per person) 
• Cracker Barrel  

Alternatively, many public institutions such as libraries are giving away free glasses.  

How do I know solar eclipse glasses are safe?

If you buy or are  given  eclipse glasses, be sure they are made by companies the  American Astronomical Society  has  certified as safe .

NASA  does not certify glasses , so be wary of any manufacturers claiming that to have the space agency's approval.

Eclipse glasses  should all have the "ISO" (International Organization for Standardization) icon. The glasses also must have the  ISO reference number 12312-2 .

If  you cannot  find  certified glasses , there are other ways to view the eclipse, including with a shadow box you can make yourself. Whatever you do, don't look at the sun without proper protection.

How to make solar eclipse glasses?

Didn't get your hands on a pair of glasses and don't have time to run to the store? Don't worry! You can still make something at home.

NASA recommends creating a cereal box viewer, using cereal box, cardboard, foil, paper, scissors and tape or glue. Here are the steps:

Steps to make the cereal box eclipse viewer:

• Get an empty, clean cereal box.
• Cut a white piece of cardboard that will fit snuggly in the bottom of the box, or secure it permanently by gluing it in place.
• Cut the top of the cereal box, removing both ends and leaving the center intact.
• Put a piece of tape across the center of the top to securely hold it closed.
• Tape a piece of heavy-duty foil or double a single layer for additional strength, covering one of the openings at the top of the cereal box. The other opening will remain open for viewing.
• Using a small nail (approximately 3mm in diameter) push a hole in the foil.
• Cover the entire box with construction paper, leaving the single-viewing opening and the foil uncovered.

Once it is done, to use it you point the pinhole at the sun and then with your back facing the sun, look through the viewing opening. A small image of the sun should be reflected on the white paper in the box.

More ways to make eclipse glasses: Forgot to get solar eclipse glasses? Here's how to DIY a viewer with household items.

Can you drive during a solar eclipse? 

It's  safe to drive during an eclipse  as long as you don't look up at the sky. AAA is telling drivers to be focused on the road during the total solar eclipse. 

The automobile insurance company is advising Americans who want to safely view the eclipse to find a safe place to park and wear your eclipse glasses. 

Authorities also are reminding people to  not drive while wearing solar eclipse glasses . Eclipse glasses are designed specifically for an eclipse, and you would not be able to see the road well enough while wearing them.

What is a solar eclipse?

A total solar eclipse happens when three celestial spheres — the sun, moon and Earth — line up in a specific way in space.

According to NASA, a solar eclipse happens when the moon's orbit aligns with Earth, and it passes between the sun and Earth. That casts a moving shadow on Earth that either fully or partially blocks the sun's light in some areas. This leads to a period of partial or full darkness on a narrow stretch of Earth. 

A solar eclipse happens during a  new moon , EarthSky said. A lunar eclipse, however, happens during a  full moon , when the Earth, sun and moon align in space. 

When is the next solar eclipse?

For North America,  the next total solar eclipse  won't be until Aug. 23, 2044,  according to NASA .

Unfortunately, the 2044 total solar eclipse won't have the broad reach across the U.S. as the 2024 eclipse, and it won't be coming anywhere near New England. That eclipse will be visible in Greenland, sweep through Canada and end around sunset in Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota. Make your travel plans accordingly.

There's another solar eclipse in 2045 that will cut through a larger swath of the U.S., but once again won't come through New England. That eclipse, expected to occur on Saturday, Aug. 12, 2045, will trace a path of totality over California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas, Arkansas, Missouri, Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, Florida, and Georgia.

How fast does an eclipse shadow travel?

According to a post from the  National Weather Service  in Indianapolis on X, an eclipse shadow travels at speeds from 1,100 to 5,000 mph. Near the equator, it travels at around 1,100 mph and increases in speed as it approaches the poles.

What is the effect of the eclipse on pets?

When it comes to pets and today's eclipse, experts say it's better to leave your pets home , rather than have them travel and observe the phenomenon.

Experts' biggest concern is not what’s happening in the sky but on the ground as crowds of excited and anxious people gather, said Dr. Rena Carlson, president of the American Veterinary Medical Association told USA Today.

“Rather than the effects of the eclipse, I would be more worried about the excitement and all of the people ,” she said.

In a recent statement to Wicked Local , regarding sheer volume of people going to witness the eclipse, AAA stated, " AAA car rental partner Hertz reports a 3,000% increase over last year in advance bookings for eclipse path cities."

USA Today said Dr. Jerry Klein, chief veterinarian of the American Kennel Club , noted "dogs that are sensitive, that have anxiety or are strongly affected by storms are likely to pick up on the emotions of people gathering to watch the eclipse."

Klein added that if you are taking a pet to the eclipse, make sure you are watching them closely.

“Make sure they have plenty of fresh water, that they’re not overly crowded, that they’re kept on a leash and that they have a way to be recognized if they bolt off and get lost,” he told USA Today.

Veteranarians have said that cats are not typically affected by eclipses.

Places to watch the eclipse

If you're interested in checking out the eclipse with other people, here are a few options.

Come and learn all about the solar eclipse and participate in activities with CT State Parks, CT State Library, UConn Extension, Goodwin-Niering Center for the Environment and Camp Harkness staff and volunteers. This event will take place from 1 to 4:45 p.m. on April 8. 

To allow access to both parks and the beach, the program will take place at Camp Harkness, Harkness Memorial State Park and Waterford Beach. 

Parking will be at Camp Harkness, 301 Great Neck Road in Waterford. Participants should look for signs directing them to the event.  

The Connecticut Science Center in Hartford will host  eclipse activities  throughout the day on April 8. There will be a live viewing, as well as interactive exhibits and activities. There will also be a livestream of the total solar eclipse in the theater at the science center. 

A viewing party for the partial solar eclipse will take place at Yale University’s  Leitner Family Observatory and Planetarium . A limited supply of eclipse glasses will be given out at the event, so guests should bring their own just in case.

Will regional airports be affected by the eclipse?

If you happen to be traveling by airplane today, things could get hectic because of the eclipse, depending where you are.

The good news is that the main airports in Connecticut and Rhode Island will not be affected much.

Of today's solar eclipse, the  Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)  stated that "aircraft should be prepared for potential airborne holding, reroutes, and/or Expect Departure Clearance Times (EDCTs) that may be issued for all domestic…arrivals and departures.

"There may be a  higher traffic volume than normal  anticipated at airports along the path of the eclipse. Traffic should anticipate delays during peak traffic periods. Parking may be limited – particularly at the smaller, uncontrolled airports. There could be a delay with issuance of… departure clearances.

"Practice approaches, touch-and-goes, flight following services and pilot training operations at airports in the path of the eclipse may be extremely limited and possibly prohibited during this time period."

The  FAA  noted that neither  Logan Airport  in Boston, or  T.F. Green  in Rhode Island, are listed as airports being affected by today's eclipse.

How to livestream today's eclipse

To watch today's astrological event, you can log onto USA Today's livestream of the solar eclipse  here.

"Expect the  eclipse to start shortly after 2 p.m.  The totality will start after 3 p.m. and the eclipse itself will conclude after 4:30 p.m." Tim Brothers, technical instructor and observatory manager at the  MIT  Wallace Astrophysical Observatory in Westford, told  Wicked Local  in a past interview.

According to USA Today, "The total eclipse will begin in Mexico at about 11:07 a.m. PDT, Monday before crossing into Texas at 1:27 p.m. CDT. It will end in Maine at 3:35 p.m. EDT. The partial eclipse will last for awhile longer. Even if you're not in the path of totality and won't see the full eclipse, you may still see a percentage of it."

Some tips for taking photos of today's eclipse

According to  Space.com , there are a few tricks to taking photos of today's eclipse with your smartphone:

• Disable your flash, especially if you are in the path of totality  - according to  Space.com , "Using flash won't help your photography and, worse, it will detract from the experience of totality for everyone around you."
• Avoid zooming in on the eclipse .  Space.com , notes, "As the eclipsed sun appears, the temptation is to pinch the screen to zoom in as far as you can. It's so tempting, particularly if your smartphone has a so-called 'superzoom', but it rarely heralds good results."
• Use "super-wide" or "portrait" settings   on your phone  when taking photos of the eclipse.
• Use "focus-lock" when taking photos  of the eclipse.  Space.com  states, "Exactly how you do that will depend on what smartphone you have and what app you use. For example, on an iPhone's native camera app, you touch what you want to focus on by pressing on the object on your smartphone's screen for a second or so. This will lock the focus so you can concentrate only on composition."
• Enable "burst mode"  while taking  photos , so you can take several pictures very quickly.
• If you decide to shoot video ,  use a tripod  to avoid any shaking that could possibly occur via hand-held recording.

These tips are all courtesy of  Space.com.

How does the weather look for the rest of April 8?

According to the National Weather Service in Norton, "High pressure brings dry conditions and mostly sunny skies today."

This blog will be updated throughout the day. Keep checking back for more. USA Today reporters have contributed to this report.

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Very Average - Happy End Bar

• Europe    
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• Happy End Bar

Upon arriving at our accommodation only a few hundred meters away from Happy End, we heard a... read more

You want apres? You got apres a bosh. We hunted for other apre and no dice. Beer not bad price... read more

Very Average

Heard a lot about this place online so I had to visit. It was very lively for an apres ski but the service was not that good and the food wasn't either.

Great atmosphere. Has live music till 7 then a D.J. People seem to go in there straight off the slopes and people do get up and dance. Good fun. The Vagabonds were brilliant.

I visited this Bar on the last night of my trip with 4 friends as I have done twice before. The bar was very quiet with maybe 20 people but the the music was good. We queried what the free drinks were and we were told red wine or juice. I questioned why beer was not included as previously and we were told no beer just red wine and juice. My friend asked to speak to the manager and all she got was confused faces from the bar staff and a repeat of no beer only red wine and juice, even though the manager was standing at the side of the bar looking on. We presented our slips and requested our free drinks, 5 glasses of red wine. We each sipped the wine some sipped twice just to be sure and slid the glasses in to the middle of the table as it tasted like what I can only presume was fermented vinegar. My friend ordered a White Russian cocktail and then had second thoughts about drinking it as the bar staff were looking on curiously. We decided to leave and so left the untouched White Russian cocktail and the 5 glasses of sipped 'red wine' in the middle of the table. We went to another nearby bar and by the time we sat down we received a message from a friend who was sitting at the Bar at Happy End informing us that when we left the waitresses cleared the table and POURED THE GLASSES OF WINE THAT WE HAD ALL SIPPED BACK INTO THE URN! Me thinks my friend had good reason to leave the cocktail untouched. Please therefore be aware whenever you use your voucher for the Ski party for free drinks, at Happpy End Bar Banko, the wine may well have been tasted by someone before you......

And right where the gondola starts and stops. Roll into Happy End where live music every afternoon and happy hour 3.30-4.30 although the beer wasn't particulary cheap compared to other venues. Such a good location for the après ski.

Noisy apres ski and night club for not very demanding visitors. Sure that someone likes it very much

Huge barn, but with a great atmosphere. Live resident band 5pm to 7 pm who were good. I even danced despite a days skiing.

Office of Research Training, Diversity, and Disparities Newsletter, April 2024

What’s New at NIDA

Nih simplified review framework for research project grants (rpgs): implementation and impact on funding opportunities.

The NIH is simplifying peer review for most research project grants (RPGs) for application due dates of January 25, 2025 or later. The purpose of these changes is to address the complexity of the peer review process and the potential for reputational bias to affect peer review outcomes. 

This framework will facilitate the mission of scientific peer review, which is identifying the strongest, highest-impact research. This change will enable peer reviewers to better focus on answering the key questions necessary to assess the scientific and technical merit of proposed research projects.

The Simplified Framework for NIH Peer Review reorganizes the current five factors into three: 1) Importance of the research, 2) Rigor and Feasibility, and 3) Expertise and Resources. All three factors will be considered in arriving at the Overall Impact score. Simplified peer review will apply to the following activity codes: R01, R03, R15, R16, R21, R33, R34, R36, R61, RC1, RC2, RC4, RF1, RL1, RL2, U01, U34, U3R, UA5, UC1, UC2, UC4, UF1, UG3, UH2, UH3, UH5, (including the following phased awards: R21/R33, UH2/UH3, UG3/UH3, R61/R33). 

Read more about the Framework and register for the upcoming April 17th webinar to learn more about these changes. A Q&A with NIH experts will follow the presentation.

Looking to network at a scientific conference? NIDA can help you get there!

The Diversity Scholars Travel Award Program online application form is now open! The NIDA Diversity Scholars Travel Award Program helps to defray the costs of in-person attendance to national scientific conferences. Selected awardees receive $1500 for round trip meeting travel, lodging, and/or registration.  Over the past 6 months, NIDA has provided awards for scholars attending the Society for Neuroscience and the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco meetings. 

If you are a budding investigator looking to present your NIDA-related research at a major national conference, and would benefit from assistance with travel expenses, consider applying for an award. To be eligible, you must have submitted an abstract for presentation at one of the following 2024 scientific conferences:

• The College on Problems of Drug Dependence (CPDD): June 15th –19th in Montreal, Quebec, Canada
• The American Psychological Association (APA): August 8-10th in Seattle, WA
• The National Hispanic Science Network International Conference (NHSN): October 3-5th in New Orleans, LA
• The Society for Neuroscience (SfN) Meeting: October 5-9th in Chicago, IL

Deadlines to apply for a NIDA Travel Award:

• CPDD – April 19, 2024, 11:59PM EST
• APA – May 31, 2024, 11:59 EST
• NHSN/SfN – July 12, 2024, 11:59PM EST

Stay tuned as we plan to offer travel awards for the 2025 SRNT meeting. To learn more about eligibility and the application process, please see the travel award website . Questions?  Contact Dr. Yohansa Fernández .

NIDA Diversity Scholars Travel Award Program Testimonials

ORTDD is thrilled to introduce two NIDA Diversity Scholars Travel Awardees, Emmanuel Alvarez, PhD candidate in Neuroscience and a NIDA F31-diversity fellow at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and Troy Dildine, Postdoctoral Scholar at Stanford University. Both Emmanuel and Troy presented at the 2023 Society for Neuroscience (SfN) conference and share their experiences on the NIDA travel award website !   

NIDA Scholar Spotlight: Amelia Cuarenta

The ORTDD would like to spotlight Dr. Amelia Cuarenta, postdoctoral research associate at the Center for Behavioral Neuroscience at the Georgia State University. Dr. Cuarenta was a 2023 NIDA Diversity Scholars Network program participant and recent MOSAIC K99/R00 awardee. 

Please share a little about yourself and your upbringing (if you're comfortable doing so), your educational background, and research focus.

My name is Amelia Cuarenta and I am from Milwaukee, WI. I was raised in a low-income single parent household. My interest in science and academia began when I was a child and watched my mother pursue a college education while working. Following this interest, I pursued a B.S. in Psychology and Human Development from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. I continued my education at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and earned my M.A. and Ph.D. in Biopsychology in the lab of Dr. Anthony Auger where we studied the impact of gene x environment interactions on later adolescent behavior. 

At what point in your life did you know you wanted to become a scientist? What drew you to the STEM field and particularly substance use/addiction research?

I realized I wanted to be a scientist my junior year of college. I had taken plenty of science courses by that time, but I still hadn’t found exactly what I wanted to do for my career. Then, junior year, I took a course called Behavioral Genetics, Genomics, and Epigenetics which completely changed my career trajectory. This course was my “lightbulb” moment and I wanted to continue research within this field. I approached one of the professors teaching the course to inquire about joining his lab, and was offered a position as an undergraduate research assistant. I continued in this lab for 2 years and applied to graduate schools across the country. I decided to stay at the University of Wisconsin because I was in a wonderful lab doing the research I always wanted to do. I was always interested in the impact of early life adversity on later development with a specific interest in adolescence and early adulthood. In graduate school I was particularly interested in the rewarding nature of juvenile social interactions. When looking for a postdoctoral position I knew I wanted to stay within the behavioral neuroscience field, but I was becoming increasingly interested in other types of reward. Thus, I took a position with Dr. Debra Bangasser to investigate the impact of psychosocial stress on opioid use patterns. 

Were there any events or individuals who inspired you throughout your professional journey?

My mom has always been my biggest inspiration. Watching her work ethic while I was growing up inspired me to also work hard. She was a single mom, worked as a waitress, and went to school to try and give us a better life. Her sacrifice and perseverance motivated me to do the best I am capable of with the intention of giving back to my family. 

How did you learn about the NDSN Program? Please share about your experience as an NDSN scholar and major takeaways from participating in the program.

I learned about the NDSN program through email communication on one of the listservs I’m part of. Participation in the NDSN scholar program was such a great experience. Being a postdoc, there are a lot of things I am still learning about the grant application process. The NDSN program broke down a lot of this information so I had a better understanding of the entire process and how to package my grant application. I have to say the mock review was an amazing experience and I learned so much! The program is great, but the mock review put it over the top for me. I learned so much that day!

What has been the most challenging obstacle you have had to face throughout your career journey to becoming a scientist and what have you done to push through?

One of the challenging obstacles I’ve faced in my career is lack of representation and having to continuously prove that I belong in spaces. As a biracial LGBTQIA+ neuroscientist, I have personally experienced the isolation that comes from limited outward facing representation within academia. Especially when I was a younger trainee, the need to continuously prove myself and prove I was smart enough, good enough, etc. to be in the academic space was tiring. Dealing with this facet of academia is ever evolving for me, but what has helped is finding allies and mentors that support me and my career goals. Having a mentors and peers that believe in you and boost your confidence can be a game changer. Being part of peer groups with diversity at the forefront can also be incredibly helpful. NDSN is one example of this, and throughout this program I got to meet other scholars and grow my network and community. 

Can you offer any advice to ESIs/scholars in earlier career stages who are navigating the NIH process for submitting grants and working towards the goal of being independently funded?

I am still in this process myself as a postdoc, so there’s still a lot I’m learning. What I have learned so far that has been helpful is identifying a network of mentors that can support your project. For my K99 I have a mentoring committee and each person on the committee has a specific expertise that fills certain gaps in my training. Identifying those mentors early and reaching out to them early is really important. The other thing that I think is incredibly important is writing and re-writing. I had so many people give me feedback before submitting and that was invaluable. The first draft to the last draft are very different in terms of how the information is presented. One other thing I just thought of that a mentor of mine told me: Don’t make the reviewers work for it. Give it to them on a platter. Make it easy for them to understand why your work is important, innovative, and technically sound.  

Congratulations 2024 NIDA Diversity Scholars Network (NDSN) Program Scholars!

NIDA received a record high number of NDSN scholar applications in 2024, and we are proud to announce that we will support 16 spectacular scholars this year. The scholars come from a variety of institutions all over the U.S., such as University of Mississippi, Tulane University, University of Vermont, Tennessee State University, University of Chicago. This year’s scholars are canvassing an exceptionally wide range of research areas, and NIDA’s ORTDD is eager to witness what this cohort will achieve. Learn more about the NDSN program and consider applying for the 2025 program in November, 2024.

Time is running out to apply for FY2024! 

Nida diversity supplement program .

NIDA participates in the NIH diversity supplement program, funding administrative supplements to active NIDA grants in order to provide research and professional development opportunities to trainees and early career scholars.  The goal of the program is to improve the diversity of the research workforce; graduate students, postdoctoral students, and eligible early career investigators from diverse backgrounds, including those from groups demonstrated to be underrepresented in the biomedical, behavioral, clinical and social sciences, are eligible to apply. All areas of NIDA-relevant research are eligible for diversity supplement support, including HIV/AIDS-related grants. 

There are multiple Diversity Supplement Programs to consider, depending on the NIH program that funds the “parent” (i.e., funded, eligible base grant award). For example, the parent grant may be funded by the NIH Helping End Addiction Long-term (HEAL) Initiative , the Brain Research through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies (BRAIN) Initiative , or the NIH Tobacco Regulatory Science Program (TRSP) .  NIDA also provides funds for diversity supplements linked to other grant awards funded by the institute. All of these programs are designed to provide support that will help launch the careers of scientists, including underrepresented scientists, in addiction research. 

Please note: HEAL awardees must apply to PA-23-189 through NOT-NS-20-107 (receipt date: May 15th). BRAIN Initiative awardees must apply to PA-23-189 through NOT-NS-22-012 . TRSP awardees must apply to PA-23-189 through NOT-OD-24-074 (receipt date: May 15th). Be sure to follow all instructions for these announcements. 

If you are planning to apply for diversity supplement support through NIDA, but the parent award is not funded through HEAL, BRAIN or TRSP, the application must be submitted by May 9, 2024 to be considered for funding during the 2024 fiscal year .

Applicants interested in the Diversity Supplement programs are encouraged to carefully review PA-23-189 , relevant Notices (links above), and the NIDA Diversity Supplement Program webpage, FAQs , and How to Apply . Applicants are also encouraged to contact Dr. Angela Holmes with any questions well in advance of the submission deadline.

NIDA, NIMH, and NINDS Research Opportunities for New and "At-Risk" Investigators to Promote Workforce Diversity (R01 Clinical Trial Optional)

NIDA is encouraging applications to PAR-22-181 . This funding opportunity solicits R01 grant applications from New Investigators and "At-Risk” Investigators from diverse backgrounds, including those from groups underrepresented in the health-related sciences (e.g., see NOT-OD-20-031, Notice of NIH’s Interest in Diversity). For more information about eligibility and how to apply, visit the link above and NIDA's Diversity R01 for New and "At-Risk" Investigators .

Due Dates for New Applications: May 06, 2024; September 06, 2024; January 08, 2025; May 05, 2025

Due Dates for Resubmission Applications: June 06, 2024; October 08, 2024; February 06, 2025; June 06, 2025

Happy 50th Anniversary NIDA!

On May 14, 1974, Congress established the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), and since then NIDA has led the world in funding and conducting research on substance use and addiction. Read more on Nora’s blog .

Did you know?

Nih has an “all about grants podcast”.

The NIH All About Grants Podcast is a helpful resource that The Office of Extramural Research (OER) talks to NIH staff members about the ins and outs of NIH funding. Designed for investigators, fellows, students, research administrators, and others just curious about the application and award process, they provide insights on grant topics from those who live and breathe the information.

The most recent episode on February 23 featured Dr. Kenneth Gibbs, Chief of the Undergraduate and Predoctoral Cross-Disciplinary Training Branch at the National Institute of General Medical Sciences and Dr. Maria Carranza, Senior Training Officer with the National Institute on Aging. Part 1 of this NIH All About Grants podcast mini-series dives into considerations for developing training grant applications and the review process, and part 2 focuses on post-award monitoring, mentorship, and provides insights for trainees. The discussion focuses on Kirschstein-National Research Service Awards (T32 and T34), but the advice is generally applicable to other training grant programs. Give this podcast a listen! 

April 2024 Travel, Expense, and Card Policy Updates

The Travel and Card team is happy to announce the following policy updates and changes:

• UW-3022, International Travel : To align with Universities of Wisconsin foreign/international travel policy, two new allowable expenses associated with international travel will be added: international calling/data plans when accompanied by a business justification and required inoculations/vaccinations.
• UW-3024, Expense Reimbursement : Universities of Wisconsin require receipts regardless of cost for international calling/data plans as well as required inoculations/vaccinations. These have been added to the section “Receipts are always required…”
• UW-3018, Meals and Incidentals : A note has been added to clarify that individual phone calls are included in the incidental per diem rate, but international calling/data plans are reimbursable for foreign travel if supported by a UW business purpose.
• UW-3075, Official Functions and Expenses: Several Divisions on campus have reached out regarding whether children/dependent travel expenses may be included as part of an Official Function pre-approval for a UW-Madison job interview trip. Policy language currently limits this to “ a spouse/significant other/companion.” The “a” will be removed to allow for more flexibility in arranging job interview travel, where the number of accompanying individuals is not limited to one . The policy will now read: “Travel expenses for spouse/significant other/companions to accompany an applicant on a UW-Madison job interview trip.” The approved Official Function must outline each additional traveler for the job interview trip, the approved travel expenses for additional travelers, and the business benefit for including the additional traveler(s) on the job interview trip.
• UW-3026, Non-Payable/Non-Reimbursable Expenses : This policy needed to be updated to reflect that dependent travel expenses may be payable/reimbursable if associated with a preapproved Official Function for job applicant travel. Additionally, a provision for rental of graduation regalia was added. Purchase of regalia is neither payable nor reimbursable. Finally, we clarified a point of confusion around manuscript expenses; both article submission fees and article publication fees are payable/reimbursable when purchased using a card product (e.g., debit, credit).

All of these changes are reflected in the UW-Madison Policy Library .