20 Best Things To Do In Bansko, Bulgaria

things to do in bansko bulgaria
Linda
Linda 
Updated
| 10 min read

For the perfect vacation experience, we recommend visiting Bansko, Bulgaria. Bansko is located in the southwest of Bulgaria at the foot of Pirin Mountains - hence it is perfect for those who love hiking. In addition to hiking, visitors have plenty of other activities to indulge in including skiing, snowboarding, kayaking, and fishing. The town also has a wide variety of attractions to discover including Velyanova House, Holy Trinity Church, Neofit Rilski House-Museum, and Ski Complex Dobriniste. In case you find yourself in this lovely city and want some ideas on activities to try and places to see here, check out the things to do in Bansko, Bulgaria.

1. Discover history at Neofit Rilski House-Museum

Bansko - Museum House of Neofit Rilski 01
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Explorer1940 used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Opened in May 1981, Neofit Rilski House Museum is is located in a revival-era stone-and-wood building just five minutes’ walk from Sveta Troitsa Church at the centre of Bansko. Before it was turned to a museum the house used to belong to Rilski, one of the founders of Bulgarian secular education, creator of the early Bulgarian grammar textbook and the first Bulgarian encyclopaedist. The design of the house will amaze you–the ground floor features a hiding place, farm premises and knead-room, while the monastery school, the living room, and the anteroom can be found on the second floor. Currently, most exhibitions at Neofit Rilski House Museum consist of his lifetime accomplishments including manuscripts and photos of dating back to 1793.

Neofit Rilski House-Museum

Address: 2 Usta Gligora Str., 2770 Old Town Square, Bansko, Bulgaria

Opening hours: 9am - 5:30pm (daily)

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2. Explore the historical Okoto Lake

Okoto Lake
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Glagoli used under PUBLIC DOMAIN

Out of the 186 lakes in the Pirin Mountains, it is safe to say that Lake Okoto is the most impressive. The lake is located roughly 15 minutes’ drive from Vihren Hut and it is easy to access thanks to a mountain road. Hiking is possible starting from Vihren Hut to the mountain lake which takes two hours and on your way to the lake, you will come across the oldest tree on the Balkan Peninsula. During your time here, you will also get to hear all the legends about the lake and the tree. Come and enjoy one of the most beautiful viewing sites in Bansko,

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3. Enjoy a day out at Fun Park Bansko

Posted by FUN PARK Bansko on Thursday, 15 February 2018

Grab your friends and family and entertain them with the many attractions and fun points available at Fun Park Bansko. It boasts one of the longest slopes in the world at 1.75 km (1 mile) above sea level and it goes 16 km (9.9 mi) down all the way into the valley with no interruption. Thanks to the consistent high snowfall rate and the snow canons, you are also sure of snow to play with. The park also features 16 ski lifts and diverse pistes with a length of 48 km (30 mi) and reaches an altitude of 2.56 km (1.59 mi).

Fun Park Bansko

Address: 2770 Bansko, Bulgaria

Website: Fun Park Bansko

Opening hours: 9am - 9pm (daily)

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4. Discover the gems at Velyanova House

Velyanova house|Folklore Museum Location: Bansko|Bulgaria #folklore #museum #element #wood #bansko #bg #bulgaria

Posted by Thomas M Photography on Saturday, 30 December 2017

Dive back into history and explore one of the best-preserved houses in Bansko featuring amazing architecture dating back to the early 19th century during the period of Vuzrajdaneto. The structure of the house consists of mostly massive stonework and wood and it features an impressive interior painted by Velyan Ognev, a representative of Debar Art. One of the most impressive sections in the house is the Blue Room which features frescoes and amazing views of landscapes of Istanbul and Venice. Thanks to the history this house has, it managed to be included in the list of 100 National Tourist Sites of Bulgaria.

Velyanova House

Address: ul. “Velyan Ognev” 7, 2770 кв. Стария град, Bansko, Bulgaria

Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 9am - 5pm (closed on Sun & Mon)

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5. Go skiing at Bansko Ski Mania

Posted by Ski Mania Bansko on Wednesday, 27 March 2019

Are you interested in visiting a unique place that you will remember all your life as you learn all about Bansko? If yes, then you have to visit Bansko Ski Mania. Bansko Ski Mania is ski school based in Bansko and it offers unforgettable excursions, horseback riding, hikes, mountain biking, and many more. If you prefer adrenaline-pumping activities and an adventurous way of life, Bansko Ski Mania also offers extreme sports such as shooting, safaris, ATV, and paintball. The ski school also offers lessons for all ages taught by professionally trained instructors who will make sure that all of your needs are taken care of.

Bansko Ski Mania

Address: “Pirin” Str. 92A, 2770 кв. Грамадето, Bansko, Bulgaria

Website: Bansko Ski Mania

Opening hours: 8am - 7pm (daily)

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6. Tour the area with Bansko Snowmobile Safaris & Rental

Posted by Bansko Outdoor Activities on Saturday, 13 January 2018

Most people who visit Bansko mostly visit this part of the world because of the skiing opportunities and if you are here for the same reason, then you should stop at Bansko Snowmobile Safaris & Rental. Bansko Snowmobile Safaris & Rental offers training and guided tours for both experienced riders and beginners. Their tours are the perfect chance to explore the area including the wildlife and the traditional villages with the help of high-speed vehicles. Depending on your budget, you can choose between Half Day Rural Villages Tour, Full Day Pirin Lakes Tour, and if you love something more challenging, a Full Day Tour that covers mountaintops is offered for the experienced.

Bansko Snowmobile Safaris & Rental

Address: ul. “Yavor” 38, 2770 кв. Глазне, Bansko, Bulgaria

Website: Bansko Snowmobile Safaris & Rental

Opening hours: 8am - 9pm (daily)

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7. Visit Radonova House, Historical and Ethnographic Museum

Posted by Bansko Safari on Wednesday, 19 September 2018

If you are a history buff, Radonova House, Historical and Ethnographic Museum is one of those places you have to visit every time you come to Bansko. This historical museum was built in the early 19th century and it is known for displaying materials and information in relation to the development of Bansko. The ground floor of the museum features interesting archaeological findings such as preserved ceramic dishes, fine jewellery, different coins, and many different glasses. The diversity of artefacts found here are characterized by exquisite simplicity and it combines the practical requirements of our lifestyle with the imaginations of our ancestors.

Radonova House, Historical and Ethnographic Museum

Address: ul. “Aton” 3, 2770 кв. Новия град, Bansko, Bulgaria

Website: Radonova House, Historical and Ethnographic Museum

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 1am (closed on Sat & Sun)

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8. Unwind at Restaurant Victoria Bansko

Телешко фондю/ Beef fondue

Posted by България- дестинация кулинарен туризъм/ Bulgaria-culinary destination on Tuesday, 19 June 2012

After exploring all that Bansko has to offer, it is now time to find a place where you can sit down and re-energize, and there is no better place to do that than at Restaurant Victoria Bansko. Ever since it was opened in 1997 with the aim of serving locals with quality food, the restaurant has never stopped developing. The restaurant does not serve just basic food - you will love the culinary richness of their menu and the interior design of the establishment. Even though the restaurant serves a wide variety of treats, it is mostly known for its Traditional Bulgarian cuisine, pasta, salads, and a wide range of drinks. The restaurant is also large enough to handle every type of events includin birthdays, a family reunion, a business dinner, or a friendly meeting.

Restaurant Victoria Bansko

Address: “Pirin” Str. 119, 2770 кв. Грамадето, Bansko, Bulgaria

Website: Restaurant Victoria Bansko

Opening hours: 11am - 11pm (daily)

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9. Drink beers with the locals at Amigo Pub

Posted by AMIGO PUB Bansko on Friday, 6 January 2017

If you are looking for a place where you can party hard until late hours, Amigo Pub is where you should go. The pub is one of the most preferred nightlife spots in Bansko where the party never stops and drinks are available at an affordable price compared to other joints in the area. It is strategically located in the city centre just next to the cabin lift and it features fun facilities such as karaoke, live bands, darts, a pool table, and sports night satellite TVs. The pub also serves the best cocktails in Bansko as well as delicious food. There is also free WiFi!

Amigo Pub

Address: ul. “Nayden Gerov” 8, 2770 кв. Грамадето, Bansko, Bulgaria

Website: Amigo Pub

Opening hours: 10am - 4am (daily)

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10. Browse through the incredible exhibitions at Nikola Vaptsarov House Museum

The Museum House “Nikola Vaptsarov”
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user StefkaVasileva used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Located on the central Square of Bansko, Nikola Vaptsarov House Museum is among the first few museums in Pirin. At the museum, you will get to explore its ethnographic collection for Nikola Vaptsarov. The museum consists of two floors, the first floor houses the original documents of the poet such as the certificates for completed education degrees, christening certificate, and an old trade notebook. Additionally, you will be able to watch films in English, German, Russian, and French languages. Given the cultural significance of Nikola Vaptsarov, his house was declared a historical monument in 1973.

Nikola Vaptsarov House Museum

Address: ul. “Nikola Y. Vaptsarov” 3, 2770 кв. Стария град, Bansko, Bulgaria

Opening hours: 8am - 12pm, 2pm - 6pm (daily)

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11. Appreciate art at Bansko Art Gallery - ART IDEA

Posted by ART Idea on Tuesday, 7 June 2016

You never get used to exploring Bansko thanks to its numerous attractions. And if you are done with snowboarding, skiing, snowshoeing, and hiking, and you have no idea about what to do next then it is time to visit Bansko Art Gallery. Opened in 2016 by two art collectors, Evelina and Joerg, the museum features contemporary artwork such as oil on canvas. Given the fact that Bansko Art Gallery is an international gallery, you should expect to find artwork from all over the world. If you have some free time to spare it is always a good idea to spend an hour or more playing with your imagination at Bansko Art Gallery.

Bansko Art Gallery - ART IDEA

Address: ul. “Nikola Y. Vaptsarov” 3, 2770 кв. Стария град, Bansko, Bulgaria

Website: Bansko Art Gallery - ART IDEA

Opening hours: 9am - 9pm (daily)

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12. Have a unique shopping experience at Mall Bansko


Mall Bansko is the first and the only modern mall in the region. It is located a walking distance from downtown and is known as the place to go for modern trade and entertainment. The mall consists of 3 floors and houses a total of 18 stores thus attesting to variety of diversions offered. At the mall, you will have a wide range of both services and products to choose from, be it a jewellery shop, pharmacy, sports goods, supermarket, both casual and luxury clothes, or ski and snowboard equipment and accessories. If you are hungry, you can stop at one of the available restaurants and try out the local cuisines.

Mall Bansko

Address: ul. “Yavor” 68, 2770 кв. Глазне, Bansko, Bulgaria

Website: Mall Bansko

Opening hours: 8am - 11:59pm (daily)

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13. Enjoy a cup of coffee at Coconut coffee & smoothies

Posted by • Coconut • coffee & smoothies on Sunday, 11 August 2019

We can say that Coconut coffee & smoothies is among the few smoothie bars established in Bulgaria. What makes the smoothie bar different from the rest is that the bar offers a combination of tasty smoothies served in an extraordinary way. To make sure of this, every recipe is specially developed in-house by choosing the most distinctive tastes resulting in concoctions which capture the taste of each month and season. Coconut coffee & smoothies serves up gourmet drinks. Things are prepared in special ways so all guests can really enjoy it.

Coconut coffee & smoothies

Address: улица „Гоце Делчев“ 20 20 Gotce Delchev str, 2770 Bansko, Bulgaria

Website: Coconut coffee & smoothies

Opening hours: Fri - Sat: 9:30am - 1:30pm, 3pm - 8pm; Sun: 10am - 1:30pm, 3pm - 8pm (closed from Mon - Thu)

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14. Stroll around Bansko’s old historical town

Bansko -- Street in the old town
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Explorer1940 used under CC BY-SA 4.0

If you are new in Bansko, you can opt to take a guided tour throughout the city. Get a glimpse of Bansko’s culture and history as you re-live the lifestyle of the 18th century. The best point to start the tour is at Holy Trinity Church, where you will get to learn a brief history of Bansko. As you explore the corners of the old town, you will be able to spot some historic monuments including the city’s belfry and learn the history behind them. When you are done, come back to the present and experience the daily life activities of the locals indulging in fun activities like skiing.

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15. Learn how to skate at Bansko Skating Club

The inverted V (392042099)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user J3SSL33 used under CC BY 2.0

If you want an activity that you can enjoy with your kids, ice skating might be the best idea. At Bansko, you can enjoy ice skating at Bansko Skating Club located 10 minutes’ drive from the town centre. If you would rather watch your kids play than ice-skating yourself, you can always grab a cup of coffee at the little coffee bar located at the corner and watch them enjoy hours of fun on the ice. This activity is best enjoyed in the evening.

Bansko Skating Club

Address: “Pirin” Str. 89, 2770 Noviyat Grad, Bansko, Bulgaria

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16. Have a taste of traditional Bulgarian cuisine at Tavern Banski Han


For the best place to enjoy the perfect cuisine served in a pleasant atmosphere, Banski Han is the place to go. The tavern is located right at the entrance of Bansko next to Lukoil fuel stations. Banski Han is a combination of delicious cuisine, efficient service, and pleasant atmosphere. It consists of two halls with the capacity to accommodate up to 150 guests making it perfect for events. Tavern Banski Han is trusted for serving extremely high-quality dishes made from natural products. All guests are guaranteed of a memorable dining experience thanks to the availability of a rich assortment of drinks and dishes.

Tavern Banski Han

Address: ul. “Vasil Kanchov” 2, 2770 кв. Глазне, Bansko, Bulgaria

Website: Tavern Banski Han

Opening hours: 12pm - 12am (daily)

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17. Savor local wine at Wine Bar 25


If you love wine and you are done exploring streets of Bansko, it is always advisable to end your day having fun with the locals in one of the most preferred bars in the area, Wine Bar 25. The bar is focused on serving only the best locally produced wine, hence promoting different local manufacturers, mainly small and newly opened wineries. To make sure that you fully enjoy your wine, Wine Bar 25 normally serves the wine with nuts, cheese, or sausages–the choice is yours. Undoubtedly there are many places around the world where you can enjoy your wine. However, Wine Bar 25 is one of those places you will find yourself visiting again and again.

Wine Bar 25

Address: ul. “Otets Paisiy” 25, 2770 кв. Новия град, Bansko, Bulgaria

Website: Wine Bar 25

Opening hours: 4pm - 11pm (daily)

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18. View great art at Bansko Permanent Icon Exhibition

The Bansko icon exhibition presents original icons, painted by representatives of the Bansko icon-painting school. Here...

Posted by Bulgaria Travel on Friday, 26 April 2013

Bansko Permanent Icon Exhibition is the only place in Bulgaria where you can find in permanent exhibitions that are dedicated to the masters of the Bansko Art School. The exhibition, which was established in 1986, is situated in a one-storey building right at the heart of the city centre, five minutes’ walk from both Holy Trinity Church and the monument of Paisiy Hilendarski. The exhibition features six halls showcasing photocopies of frescoes, church plates, and more. One of the most visited halls is the first hall which features portraits of prominent Bansko people who played a role in the town’s development.

Bansko Permanent Icon Exhibition

Address: ul. “Yane Sandanski” 3, 2770 кв. Стария град, Bansko, Bulgaria

Website: Bansko Permanent Icon Exhibition

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19. Unwind at FLASH Club

Posted by FLASH Club on Monday, 1 April 2019

If you are done with the exploration for the day, you can go and unwind at FLASH Club, one of the locals’ favourite joints in Bansko. Offering a nightlife experience that can be compared to none, FLASH Club is strategically located at the heart of Bansko, just five minutes’ drive from the Gondola. The club is known for its tasty cocktails, friendly staff, wide dance floor, and for hosting some of the best DJs in the world. With all that is offered at the club, it is guaranteed that you will have an unforgettable party experience.

FLASH Club

Address: Nayden Gerov 13, 2770 Bansko

Website: FLASH Club

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20. Get a taste of the delicious treats at Retro Cafe

Posted by Retro cafe on Friday, 2 June 2017

If clubbing is not your thing and you would rather go to a place where you can peacefully enjoy your coffee, then Retro Café is the place you should be. The café is one of the classic cafés in a town known for serving quality but affordable treats. Located at the heart of the town, the café features traditional décor, comfy furniture, indoor and outdoor sitting spaces, and a log fireplace. Friendly staff are there to welcome you. Once you have a taste of their coffee and delicious cakes, it is guaranteed that you will be coming back for more.

Retro Cafe

Address: “Pirin” Str. 7, 2770 кв. Стария град, Bansko, Bulgaria

Website: Retro Cafe

Opening hours: 8am - 8pm (daily)

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Explore all that Bansko has to offer

Bansko might be a lesser-known town but is the perfect place to visit if you want to discover new amazing places, delve into unique culture, or just stay in a nice place to relax. At times you may run out of ideas on what to do while you are here, and for that reason check out the list above.

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Linda is a free-spirited writer with an insatiable love for exploration, a passion for discovering new places, and a strong desire to experience new things while constantly seeking to learn....Read more

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