Culture
Customs
Welcoming to foreigners? Yes LGBTQ friendly? Yes, although not as much in more rural areas.
Etiquette tips
Bansko is a small rural village that can feel like everyone knows each other. You'll make a lot of friends if you're polite to everyone you encounter - even if you don't speak Bulgarian.
How to great people
Handshakes are the way to go unless you know the person well enough to greet them with a hug. "Sdravei" means hello!
Tipping norms
Tipping is expected in restaurants (5-10%).
Food
Bulgarian cuisine tends to be highly nutritious, with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and salads.
National dish
Banski starets — seasoned and sliced pork salami served as a dry appetizer.
Must try local food
A typical Bulgarian dish that is usually served as an appetizer, made of sliced pork and veal.
A warm dish made from sauerkraut, rice, spices.
Meat and vegetables cooked in a traditional Bulgarian clay pot.
A traditional pastry pie filled with crumbled cheese, thick yogurt, and eggs.
A typical Bulgarian dish that is usually served as an appetizer, made of sliced pork and veal.
A warm dish made from sauerkraut, rice, spices.
Meat and vegetables cooked in a traditional Bulgarian clay pot.
A traditional pastry pie filled with crumbled cheese, thick yogurt, and eggs.
A typical Bulgarian dish that is usually served as an appetizer, made of sliced pork and veal.
A warm dish made from sauerkraut, rice, spices.
Meat and vegetables cooked in a traditional Bulgarian clay pot.
A traditional pastry pie filled with crumbled cheese, thick yogurt, and eggs.
Restaurants to visit
Restaurant recommendations from nomads & locals. 4.0+ rating, great atmosphere and good food guaranteed.
This is a great place for traditional Bulgarian food right on Pirin Street, the main street which runs through town.
Enjoy live music and traditional food in this beautiful mehana (it's best to make a reservation in advance!)
This is a great place for traditional Bulgarian food right on Pirin Street, the main street which runs through town.
Enjoy live music and traditional food in this beautiful mehana (it's best to make a reservation in advance!)
This is a great place for traditional Bulgarian food right on Pirin Street, the main street which runs through town.
Enjoy live music and traditional food in this beautiful mehana (it's best to make a reservation in advance!)
Food Festivals & Markets
Sunday Market — It's open from 7am-2pm every Sunday.
Food delivery apps
There are no official food delivery apps, but several local restaurants offer delivery and suggest that you order via Facebook or WhatsApp.
Art & music
Where to listen to live music
Euphoria Bar & Grill — International cuisine and a live band in the evenings.
Ginger Bar & Diner — A restaurant & bar with live music. Check out their Facebook page to see upcoming events.
If you want an introduction before you even arrive, check out some Bulgarian folk music or contemporary Bulgarian pop.
Theatre & Film
At Home Bar&Grill — A show along with dinner.
Queen’s Pub — Their schedule varies from night to night, so check their Facebook page in advance for showtimes. Typically, shows will begin at about 6 p.m. and last until close.
Visual art
International Art Bansko — Modern and contemporary Bulgarian painters along with international artists.
Velyan House — A beautiful example of a Bulgarian renaissance home, with fresco paintings and crafts from that time period.
