Bansko, a little town in Bulgaria, is one of the best places in Europe to work remotely, so I thought I’d get this digital nomad guide to Bansko together! It’s very popular with digital nomads as it has great internet, affordable apartments and cost of living, and it has a great community of coworkers.
I spent four months in Bansko as a digital nomad, and it’s hands down one of my favourite places in Europe. It’s a little town at the foot of the Pirin Mountains. A ski resort in the winter, and outdoor activity haven in the summer. It’s a beautiful place to live and work.
Bansko is a popular digital nomad hub, but I’d never heard of it before a friend mentioned it. So, what is so special about Bansko and why is it such a brilliant digital nomad destination? Read this digital nomad guide to Bansko to find out more.
Accommodation
Accommodation is up first in my digital nomad guide to Bansko. A good base is so important if you’re living there for an extended period of time, particularly if you’ll will be working from there too.
My checklist for a good apartment is:
- A good space for relaxing (a cosy sofa for example). You need somewhere comfortable to relax and a space that feels like home.
- A proper place to work (ideally a decent table and chairs)
- Great Wi-Fi. There’s nothing more stressful than poor internet when you have lots to get on with!
- Some storage space (I like to unpack and hide my suitcase away!)
- A decent, hot shower is essential for me!
If it’s going to be where you’ll call home, for an extended period of time, it has to have some level of comfort and relaxation in my opinion!
I rate the accommodation in Bansko highly, and it was probably the most comfortable we have been during our whole digital nomad experience to date.
Best Areas to Live in Bansko, Bulgaria
Next in my digital nomad guide to Bansko is the different areas and neighbourhoods. Bansko is a relatively small town, but it’s easily divided into two parts.
The Ski Area
You’ve the ski resort, to the north of the town, and the Old Town to the South. Where you stay will depend on what you plan to do in Bansko during your stay.
For example, if you’re arriving in winter and plan to ski or snowboard, you’ll definitely want to stay in the resort to be close to the lift.
This is also the case if you want to head up to the mountains in the summer to hike or climb, as you’ll still want to make use of the lift. However, it’s potentially not as essential, as you won’t have equipment to carry to the lift so a longer walk isn’t a deal breaker.
The Old Town
The Old Town is a great place to stay in the summer. It really comes alive, whereas in the winter, it’s the quieter part of town. In the Summer in Bansko, you can sit in the local mehanas (taverns) in the sunshine or enjoy a drink and people watch in the main square.
The Old Town is where you’ll find most coworking offices. My favourite Alt-Space, is located in the middle, between Old Town and the resort. You can read more about coworking spaces later on in this nomad guide to Bansko.
Types of Accommodation
There are lots of different types of accommodation in Bansko. Of course, there are lots of great hotels in Bansko, which I’ve written a separate blog on.
However, in this digital nomad guide to Bansko, I’ll assume that if you’re planning on working remotely, you’ll be staying for an extended period of time.
Maybe you’re looking for a community vibe to your accommodation, or an apartment that is good to work from. You can definitely get both in Bansko.
Apartments in Bansko
My choice is always to stay in an apartment. In Bansko, you can get some fantastic apartments which are very affordable. I’ve stayed in two different apartment blocks, and I’ve never had an issue with the internet, and the infrastructure is generally very good in Bansko.
In the ski resort, I would recommend Cedar Lodge, Bansko Royal Towers or Belvedere which are all within walking distance of the gondola, and some nice walks at the foot of the mountains.
Co Living in Bansko
There are also coliving apartment blocks in Bansko. Coliving is where you have your own apartment, but you have shared communal spaces.
It’s similar to having a private room in a hostel, but it’s not geared toward backpackers. Rather, it’s set up for digital nomads, as more often than not there is a coworking space with excellent Wi-Fi too.
I have to mention Avalon Bansko in this digital nomad guide to Bansko. It’s definitely one of my favourite coliving places in Bansko. Avalon has a great community vibe, and they arrange lots of events. It’s the perfect place if you’re a solo digital nomad who wants to meet people and socialise.
You have the choice of a single room with a bed and sofa, with shared bathroom and other communal spaces. Or, you can have a room with a private bathroom and use the shared spaces.
It has a space downstairs which is great for coworking and fibre optic Wi-Fi. They also throw some great nights and serve great food. Their curry nights are famous in Bansko!
Standard of Accommodation
The standard of accommodation in Bansko is very good. My experience is that many of the apartments are quite Balkan in their decor. A lot of brown wood, and beige decor, so it can look quite old-fashioned. But, everything is very cosy, functional and comfortable. It’s also very affordable too, with this kind of apartment renting for around €350-€450 per month (with bills payable on top).
There are of course a few places where you can get more modern apartments, but these will cost a little more.
I usually opt for the first option and I have always been comfortable and had a great experience of the accommodation in Bansko. The apartments have always been great for living long term (1 month+) and the internet has always been reliable and fast.
WiFi in Bansko
This leads nicely on to my second most important point in my digital nomad guide to Bansko. The Wi-Fi!
As Bansko is set up as a digital nomad town, generally the Wi-Fi is fantastic. In the apartments I have stayed in, I haven’t had issues with the WiFi, and generally it has been very fast and reliable.
I would still always check the description of the apartment, or maybe message the owner ahead of booking to check whether they have fast Wi-Fi if you plan to work from the apartment.
Coliving spaces, which include Avalon, have fantastic reliable Wi-Fi, so you needn’t worry about internet connection being an issue if you opt for this type of accommodation in Bansko.
An alternative is to join a coworking space (see below) which guarantees you great WiFi and a comfortable place to work.
Cost of Living in Bansko
Cost of living is very important, and it’s one of the main things I research before visiting a place as a digital nomad.
Generally, the cost of living in Bansko is very affordable. It’s one of the reasons this town, and the country as a whole attracts so many digital nomads.
This may change when Bulgaria changes its currency from Leva to the Euro, but this is all very uncertain at the time of writing.
But, let’s move on in this digital nomad guide to Bansko and take a closer look at what your living expenses are likely to look like during your time in Bansko.
Supermarkets
The prices in supermarkets generally aren’t that cheap. It’s one of the more expensive aspects of life in Bansko. However, like in most countries, there are ways of shopping cheaper.
My top tips would be to avoid the supermarkets in the resort. These include the Happy Market and Aldo. I say that, but I often use these supermarkets because they are so convenient but without a doubt they are the more expensive place to shop.
If you’ve rented a car, you could drive to Lidl in Razlog (around a 10-minute drive away) or walk down to Billa, which is close to the Old Town. These are by far the more affordable places to shop and have a much wider range of produce to choose from.
There is also the market in the old town on the weekends, and the smaller local shops in Old Town where you can buy lots of delicious fresh produce like fruit and vegetables, spices, nuts, honey and jams.
Eating and Drinking Out
Eating and drinking out in Bansko is very affordable. But not only that, the value for money is excellent, as the quality of the food really is fantastic. Some of the best places I have eaten at during my digital nomad experience, are in Bansko.
As a guide, here is what you can expect to pay:
| Item | Amount |
| Pint of Beer | 3-5BGN |
| Glass of Wine | 5-8BGN |
| Meal in Mehana (Starter, Main, Dessert) | 30BGN |
| Meal in a fancier restaurant | 50BGN |
| Fast Food | 4-8BGN |
| Coffee | 3-4BGN |
One of my favourite bars is Morris Bar (only open in Winter). It’s a great place for cheap drinks and to watch the sport. A pint of beer here is 3BGN (€1.50).
If you’re after a couple more recommendations, in terms of Mehanas I would recommend Vezyuva House and Bansko Aiduti. For more upmarket restaurants, I’d recommend FiveM and Steakhouse Lazur.
For fast food, you must go to Station for a gyros or souvlaki. They’re amazing.
And for coffee and pastries, head to Wake Up.
For more recommendations, check out my blogs on the food and drink in Bansko here:
Accommodation
Accommodation is very affordable, and the apartments are often very cosy and spacious.
A one-bed apartment will usually set you back around €350-400 euros per month. Bills will be on top, and I’d reserve €300 in the winter and €100 in the summer. Bills (electricity and gas) are expensive in Bansko so be mindful of your consumption in winter if you’re on a budget.
Obviously you can use Airbnb or Booking.com to find a suitable apartment, but there are lots of private companies in Bansko that you can book through to get a good deal. I’d recommend Bansko Nomad Apartments.
Transport
In and around Bansko, it’s most likely that you’ll get around on foot, or maybe by bike. Some apartments will include a bike too, which is a great idea. Bansko is very bicycle friendly.
There are buses that go up the mountain in the summer. These cost 10 BGN (€5) each way. You can find the timetable here.
Taxis are relatively expensive in Bansko and unless you’re leaving town, they’re fairly unnecessary.
Gyms
There are lots of great gyms in Bansko. My picks would be Fit Box in The Old Town. Prices are as follows:
- Day Pass: 8BGN (€4)
- Monthly Pass: 49BGN (€25)
- Annual Pass: 500BGN (€250)
If you’re based by the ski area, there is a gym called Fenix Fitness by Bansko Royal Towers which is a little smaller and more basic than Fit Box but has everything you’d need. Prices are:
- Day Pass: 4.50 BGN (€2)
- 1 Month: 39BGN (€20)
- 2 Months: 70BGN (€35)
Coworking Spaces in Bansko
Coworking spaces have to feature in any nomad guide to Bansko. There are lots of different co-working spaces to choose from, which are dotted all around the town.
My favourite is AltSpace. They have two different offices. One on Gotse Delchev Street, one of the prettiest streets in Bansko. It’s located between the ski centre and the Old Town. Their second space, which is a little smaller, but quieter than the main space is on Pirin Street, around 5-10 minutes walk closer to Old Town.
I love AltSpace because it’s a super friendly place to work. Becky & Mark the owners are lovely people and the members are the same.
Not only is it a quiet space to work, with meeting rooms you can book and monitors available on a first-come-first-served basis, but they organise lots of fun social events. We’ve been to many dinners, hot springs trips, wine tasting and other fun events with members at Alt Space. You can read more about them here and sign up to one of their packages! If you’re not sure, they offer a free day trial to test it out.
There are other good options in Bansko. Coworking Bansko have an office near the ski area, so that may appeal to you. Nestwork in the town is also really popular too for a quiet space to work.
Weather in Bansko
I couldn’t write a nomad guide to Bansko without mentioning the weather. A) Because it’s one of the reasons I love living there so much, and b) because I’m British and can’t resist.
In the winter, whilst it gets cold (and by cold, some evenings it would reach -15 Celsius in the town) in the day it’s almost always blue skies and sunny. It rarely rains in the winter and if it’s grey, it usually means it’s snowing on the mountains. Great news for skiers!
It’s lovely, you can come off the slopes and straight into a bar and have a beer in the sun, even in January.
In the summer, the weather is warm and can reach 30 degrees, super hot in the mountains! In September onwards, you can get a bit of rain, and it’s a lot fresher in the mornings and evenings, but generally lovely weather. You’ll need to bring a jumper or jacket for the mornings, but otherwise it’s sunny and warm in the day.
For more information about the weather in Bansko, read my blog post.
Getting Around Bansko
Generally, you don’t need a car to get around Bansko. From the ski area into town, it’ll take around 30–40 minutes to walk. That’s from one end to the other.
However, a car is handy to go to the supermarket (it will take around 20 minutes to walk to the supermarket Billa) and to the other attractions outside Bansko.
We didn’t rent a car, but our friends had one while we were there, and it was really useful for doing the shopping and getting out and about. That said, we would have managed without it, and I don’t think it would have been worth the expense for the number of times we would use it.
It’s also useful in the Summer for getting up to the huts (if you drive early in the morning). The buses take a long time, but taxis are not too expensive, particularly if you have a group.
If you do want to rent a car, I’d rent it for short periods of time if you’re planning a trip out of Bansko.
Best Things to Do in Bansko
Of course, most people visit Bansko to ski and snowboard! It’s a small, but fairly modern resort with a good mix of blue, red and black runs.
For prices for skiing or snowboarding, check out our Bansko Ski Pass blog which contains all the latest prices. Also, our Bansko Ski Rental Blog post contains prices for renting equipment.
In comparison to skiing elsewhere in Europe for a season, the prices are very reasonable.
Outside of winter sports, there are so many different things to do in Bansko.
Things to do in Winter in Bansko
Ice Skating in Bansko. There’s an ice skating rink just by the Strazhite Hotel, so if you fancy a change from skiing, check it out!
Go Bowling. There is a bowling alley near the Lion Pub (on the opposite side of the road) which is great fun for an evening in Bansko. I don’t think it’s open in Summer.
Things to do in Summer in Bansko
Hiking in Bansko and in surrounding areas. There are some beautiful hikes to be had in and around Bansko. My favourite was the 7 Lakes Hike. The lakes and scenery were stunning.
Rock Climbing. If you’re into climbing, Bansko is a great place to visit. There are lots of great climbing areas in the Pirin National Park.
Things to do all year around in Bansko
Take an ATV tour. You can take an ATV tour through the Pirin mountains, and see some of the most beautiful scenery. I’d recommend Bansko ATV as we had a fantastic experience with John for Aaron’s birthday – he really made it very memorable!
Visit the Hot Springs in Bansko. Great for soothing the muscles from skiing in Bansko or hiking! Hot Springs vary depending on which you go for, as some are more natural and rustic than others. There are also discounts if you go after 4pm.
Go Horse Riding. There are a few ranches close to Bansko where you can learn to ride horses, or go on a horse riding experience. You could try this tour, not lessons but a fantastic way to experience Bansko in the snow.
Best Places to Eat in Bansko
There are some fantastic restaurants in Bansko. I was blown away by the amount of restaurants serving excellent food.
It’s worth noting that many of the restaurants close during the summer months. This includes some of my favourite restaurants like Steakhouse Lazur, Five Points, Castello and Egur Egur. However, restaurants like FiveM, The Log House, Station and Skabrin are all open.
For all my food related recommendations, check out my blog The Best Restaurants in Bansko.
Best Bars & Nightlife in Bansko
Like with the restaurants, many of the clubs and bars are only open during the ski season. For example, Jacks, Happy End, Flash Club and Euphoria, some of the favourites in Winter are all closed in Summer.
In the winter, Bansko is buzzing, and it’s easy to have fun, just follow the music! In the summer, it’s a completely different vibe. Much more relaxed and chill.
I love going to station for a drink and something easy to eat no matter the weather. The atmosphere is always good, and it’s a very relaxed place to go.
Pirin75 is also open throughout winter and summer. In winter, it’s super cosy and warm and has ski lodge vibes. In the summer, and is a great place for a glass of wine, particularly if you can score an outdoor seat.
There’s a craft beer tasting place in the Old Town called Mountain Base Pivoteka. They have loads of different beers from Bulgaria and around Europe, as well as ciders too.
General Info You Might Want to Know about Bansko!
Bansko mostly deals with cash. In some of the more European restaurants, and in the supermarkets, you’ll be able to pay by card. However, I would always assume you might need to pay in cash.
The best bank to withdraw from using Visa/Mastercard etc is FiBank or ATM Societe Generale as they won’t charge you to withdraw. Avoid the EuroNet (blue & yellow ATMs) as they charge a fee.
Here are a list of free ATMs and locations for ease:
- ATM Societe Generale (opposite Ice Rink)
- FiBank at the Gondola Station
- FiBank (close to Pirin 75 & Bowling Alley)
- FiBank Near Old Town on Pirin St
- FiBank Old Town.
FAQs about Bansko as a Digital Nomad Destination
My review of Bansko as a Digital Nomad Destination
Bansko is my favourite digital nomad destination to date. It has everything you need for an easy, productive and fun life as a digital nomad.
The apartments are nice, and there is plenty of choice. The WiFi is excellent and there are lots of other nomads to meet, so you join a ready-made community that will welcome you in, if that’s your scene.
It’s a very cool place as you get to experience a proper Bulgarian town as well as a resort!
I hope this nomad guide to Bansko is helpful. If there is anything else you want or need to know, let me know in the comments!
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