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Bansko, Bulgaria is one of those towns that sneaks up on you. I came here planning to stay just a little while, and instead I’ve spent more than six months across three years of travel. Every summer I find myself back again.
The views are incredible, the cost of living is affordable, and the activities keep me busy year-round. But what makes Bansko truly special is the community. It has quietly grown into one of the most beloved digital nomad hubs in Europe, attracting hundreds of remote workers and travelers every year.
If you’ve never been to Bansko before, let me give you a full guide. I’ll share what the town is like, where to stay, what to do, and why so many nomads fall in love with it.
A quick background on Bansko
For years, Bansko was known mainly as a ski resort town. Every winter, visitors would pour in for skiing and snowboarding on the Pirin Mountains. Outside of ski season, though, it was fairly quiet.
That all changed around 2020, when the Bansko Nomad Festival began. Organized by Coworking Bansko, it quickly became the world’s largest digital nomad festival. As of 2025, it attracts up to 1,000 nomads each June.
Since then, Bansko has transformed into a year-round destination. Winters bring snow sports, summers are filled with hiking and biking, and the shoulder seasons are calm and beautiful. There’s never a bad time to visit.
P.S. If you’re planning to attend the Bansko Nomad Fest in June, use code LGP for €25 off!
The vibe of the town
Bansko is a mountain town at heart. The Pirin Mountains dominate the skyline, and rivers run through the streets. It feels both laid-back and inspiring at the same time.
The town has two main areas, each offering a different experience depending on what you’re looking for.
Old Town
Old Town sits lower down the hill and is filled with locals. Here you’ll find cobblestone streets, traditional restaurants, and more authentic Bulgarian vibes. Prices are lower here, especially for food and coffee, but there are fewer apartments available since locals dominate.
During the Nomad Festival in June, Old Town is where most events happen. It’s a lively spot in summer, but even in quieter seasons you’ll find locals gathering in family-run mehanas.
Gondola Area
The Gondola Area is further up the hill, closer to the slopes and trails. It feels more touristy, with hotels, cafés, and short-term rentals. Prices tend to climb the higher you go, since this part of town caters more to visitors than locals.
If you’re here to ski, hike, or get quick access to nature, this is the area for you. It’s also where you’ll find more of the classic “resort” vibe.
Walking from one end of town to the other takes about 20 minutes. I managed fine on foot my first months here, but once I got a bike, there was no going back. Downhill takes less than a song, and uphill maybe two.
Finding a place to stay in Bansko
Bansko has two main areas to choose from: the traditional Old Town with its cobblestone charm, or the more modern Gondola Area, which puts you close to the slopes and trails.
Whether you want a cozy guesthouse, a budget-friendly apartment, or a resort-style hotel, you’ll find plenty of options here. Accommodation is still very affordable compared to most of Europe, but the best places book up quickly.
For a detailed breakdown of the best hotels, apartments, and guesthouses for every budget, check out my full guide on where you should stay in Bansko.
Things to do in Bansko
Even if you’re coming for work, there’s plenty to enjoy in and around Bansko.
Visit the Hot Springs
The nearby village of Banya is famous for its hot springs, and visiting them is a must.
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Pulse Therme is the biggest and most luxurious option, with multiple pools, saunas, cold plunges, and coworking days every Wednesday. Plan to spend the whole day here, but skip the buffet, which isn’t great. Pulse is also well-known as an incredible hotel if you want the full experience.
Izgreva Hot Springs is cheaper, more laid-back, and has food and drinks available on site. It’s perfect if you want a relaxing soak without spending too much.
Explore outdoors
In summer, Bansko is an adventure lover’s dream. You’ll find hiking trails into the Pirin Mountains, cold plunges in the rivers, and plenty of mountain biking opportunities.
A personal favorite of mine is this hike to Popovo Lake (pictured here), which starts out with a ski lift through some of the gorgeous mountains.
In winter, the town transforms into one of the best ski resorts in Eastern Europe. The gondola takes you straight up to the slopes, and equipment rentals are affordable.
Year-round, you can work out at indoor gyms or use one of the free outdoor gyms scattered across town. They’re basic but a fun way to exercise in the fresh mountain air.
Food and nightlife
Bansko isn’t a late-night city (particularly in the summer), but you’ll still find options if you’re hungry after dark. The House serves food until midnight, and a few convenience stores stay open until 2 a.m.
For traditional Bulgarian meals, Old Town mehanas are the best bet. I wrote up a full guide on where to eat in Bansko, which covers everything from cozy mehanas to modern cafés.
The digital nomad community
The community is what truly sets Bansko apart. Throughout the year, thousands of nomads cycle through the town, many returning again and again.
I’ve made lifelong friends here, mostly through coworking spaces, but also through hikes, volleyball games, and community dinners.
There are WhatsApp groups for just about everything: marketing, ecstatic dance, hiking, even vibecoding. Whatever you’re into, you’ll find a group of people to share it with.
There’s also an exclusive nomad lounge in town, which you can only join if a current member refers you. It’s a little harder to access, but if you manage an invite, it opens up an amazing circle of deeper connections and events.
If you’re trying to decide where to base yourself, check out my Bansko coworking guide, where I’ll share the best spaces and what makes each unique.
The atmosphere in Bansko is creative, supportive, and welcoming. Whether you’re traveling solo or already have friends, you’ll quickly feel connected here.
If you’re planning to spend time in multiple nomad hubs, the Global Nomad Pass is a fantastic resource. It gives you discounts on coworking spaces, insider recommendations from locals, and exclusive deals in towns like Bansko, Lisbon, Chiang Mai, and beyond… and my pass gives you an extra 10%.
Practical tips for visiting Bansko
Getting to Bansko is simple. The nearest airport is Sofia, about three hours away. You can take a bus, which is cheap, or book a shared shuttle with other nomads. Many coordinate rides in community chats.
Once you’re in town, you won’t need a car. Walking is fine, but a bike makes life much easier, especially if you’re going between Old Town and the Gondola Area regularly.
The walk can be very lovely depending on what part of town you’re in, since this river (pictured) runs along the side.
That said, if you want to explore beyond Bansko, renting a car is a game-changer. It gives you easy access to the mountains, lakes, hot springs, and nearby villages at your own pace. I recommend booking with DiscoverCars, it’s affordable, reliable, and has plenty of options right from Sofia Airport.
Safety isn’t a concern here. Bansko is a very safe town, even at night. The main thing to watch out for is where you park your bike, since that can cause problems if left in the wrong spot.
The cost of living is another big draw. Apartment prices, meals under €10, and activities like spa days or facials are the biggest draw in my opinion since they cost a fraction of what they would in Western Europe.
Final thoughts: why you should visit Bansko
If you’re looking for a destination that combines mountain adventures, affordable living, and an incredible community, Bansko Bulgaria is hard to beat.
Come for a month, and you might just stay longer. Whether you’re here for skiing, hiking, coworking, or connecting with like-minded people, Bansko offers it all.
And if what you’re craving is community, this is one of the best places in the world to find it.
Do you have any questions about Bansko? Drop them in the comments or DM me on Instagram at @LizsGreatPerhaps, I’d love to help you plan your trip.
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