Bansko Things To Do

Activities
Skiing and snowboarding are the major pastimes here in Bansko, but the town does offer a few alternatives, such as:

Cross-country skiing
Ice-skating
Paragliding
Skidoos
Snowshoeing
Bowling

Relaxing
The fitness centre in the resort offers plenty of relaxation, with facilities such as a sauna, massage parlour, steam bath and solarium, as well as a swimming pool. 

Apres-ski
The atmosphere in Bansko is quiet and laid-back, and not recommended for those seeking hectic nightlife. A small, quite old-fashioned town, Bansko boasts over 120 bars, restaurants and clubs, with many people spending an evening visiting the selection of charming pubs and taverns, ideal for relaxing drinks by a roaring log fire. Do try the Bulgarian wines and glasses of the local drink Rakia, but beware, it's extremely potent! There are a handful of nightclubs and discos playing Western music, mainly located in the hotels, and a couple of casinos for a fun night out. In general, evening entertainment is mainly in the form of local musicians or folk bands.

Dining
Bansko has a range of good quality and reasonably-priced restaurants, and a number of traditional taverns, known as 'mehanas'. Here you can sample authentic Bulgarian cuisine in a charming setting with a lively local atmosphere - at very cheap prices. Try regional specialities such as kapama (meat, rice and cabbage stew) and Chomlek (potato and meat stew), as well as the local smoked dishes, sausages, cold-cuts and beans - all hearty fare, and ideal after a hard day on the slopes. Other restaurants serve a range of international cuisine, such as Mediterranean food and pizza.

The town
Dating back to the 10th century, the town is steeped in culture and rich in colourful folklore, and a delight to walk round, being a lovely blend of old-fashioned tradition and modern facilities. The town centre is home to plenty of unique Bulgarian architecture, with carved stone and wooden buildings, and visitors can soak up the atmosphere by taking a stroll the cobbled streets, watching local folk dances and listening to native music.

Guided walks are available to experience the beauty and understand the history of the town. Bansko is home to a museum, one of the best in Bulgaria, and an interesting Arts and Textiles Exhibition, as well as many historic churches, such as St Trinity. 

Shopping
Many shops in Bansko sell locally made crafts and goods, such as embroidery, woodwork and ceramics, all of which make excellent souvenirs and are offered at very reasonable prices. The local market is a fun place to visit.

Local hot springs
Bansko is ideally placed to visit some of the regions' hot thermal baths, a perfect day out for aching legs and tired muscles. The many charming villages in the area are home to mineral spas with therapeutic qualities - try the towns of Banya, Sandanski or Ognianovo, where the water temperature generally reaches a very pleasant 40C and provides a feeling of complete rest and rejuvenation. 

Day trips from Bansko include Pirin National Park, and various nearby monasteries such as the Rila Monastery, with its ancient burial mounds and Roman amphitheatre.

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