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- Bansko Takes 3rd Place
Lonely Planet Names Bansko Among the Top 30 Must-Visit Destinations for 2025
Lonely Planet’s best in travel guide for 2025 has been published, and Bansko has secured third place in the best cities to visit list.
Toulouse (France) was named the number one city to visit in 2025 with a number of other cities, including Chiang Mai (Thailand), Genoa (Italy), Palma de Mallorca (Spain), and Edmonton (Canada) – all appearing as secondary choices behind Bansko. It looks like we may see more tourists visiting town next year.
If you want to read a summary of the best in travel guide, head to the Independent website here. To view the write-up about Bansko on the Lonely Planet guide website, visit this page.
Inside the BNB Group
✍️ 74 New Posts, 💬 293 Comments, 👍️ 1,315 Reactions
Mountain Rescue reminder about being safe in the mountains
I shared a post by the Mountain Rescue Service reminding people that it’s important to consider the changing weather conditions and ensure you take a few things with you if you’re headed up there.
Testing the snow cannons ready for winter season
Rachel posted a photo of Ulen testing the snow cannons on the mountain in Bansko. Great to see they’re getting ready for winter.
Can I live in Bansko on €400 per month?
Ioanna posted asking whether she could live in Bansko on a budget of €400 per month. 😬 A few people had some comments.
Where is the best place to buy fruit & vegetables in Bansko?
Reece thinks the quality of fruit and veggies at Billa isn’t great (can’t argue with him there) and is wondering where he should get them.
Toll cameras are now checking speed on roads (well… not just yet)
Kjeld posted a news article with a headline about toll cameras in Bulgaria being able to check the speed of motorists and pass the data to the police. Unfortunately, the article is misleading as “average speed” is yet to be included in the Road Traffic Act.
Local/Municipality News
Bansko as a Better Life Than in Great Britain
The Bansko Municipality took part in a showcase in London for people thinking about moving away from the UK. The municipality concentrated on the high quality of life, freedom and flexibility, as well as the educational system in Bansko. It was interesting read, but I wonder if they’re taking the right approach. More info.
Banski Starcheta Are Special Guests at Anniversary Concert
Tonight, Banski Starcheta will be performing at the anniversary concert for the Pirin ensemble at the National Palace for Culture in Sofia. The event marks the 70th anniversary of folklore heritage and art. Their inclusion is said to be “…a testament to their high artistic level and their role in preserving and popularizing song tradition.” More info.
Meteo Balkans Predicts Winter is Coming in November
With colder air moving through the Balkans from the northeast, Meteo Balkans predicts snowy conditions in areas of 800-1,000 metres above sea level (Bansko sits at 925m) in the first two weeks of November. Could some snow be coming to town soon? More info. [translation required]
The Chef’s House Dishes Are Delicious (Now Open)
Located on Neryden Gerov Street (near 4 Directions), The Chef’s House restaurant has recently opened with its full menu. I visited to test them out and can confirm that the dishes are delicious. There’s chicken kiev with mint & pea sauce (it goes well together) and the burger has a poured cheese sauce on it (poured by the waiter at the table). Prices are quite moderate, but not overpriced. However, keep in mind that over the next few weeks all of the staff will be getting used to the menu and service, so there might be a few mishaps. See Location.
Baykusheva Mura Restaurant Closed
Last week, I mentioned this restaurant up towards Vihren Hut. Last Sunday, the staff confirmed they’d be staying open every day for 2-3 weeks. It looks like they decided the time to close for winter had arrived when I visited on Saturday. Oh well… we’ll have to wait until next year.
Supporting Sunflower
The Sunflower organisation continuously supports the four safety homes in Bansko, the dementia home in Mesta, and the Sdravetz Centre for people with special needs. They are currently focusing support for 20-25 elderly vulnerable adults living on their own and in need of upgrades, food and warmth.
Send them a donation on this page (don’t forget to mention the Bansko Buzz).
photo by Sunflower
Events Next Week
Charity Bazaar
On Monday (28th) at 12 noon in Razlog there will be a charity bazaar to raise funds for Assen, a child born with critically low weight and spastic cerebral paralysis and epilepsy. Funds raised will go towards treatment in Turkey. More info.
Halloween Parties
On Thursday (31st) there are a number of Halloween parties in Bansko. The ones confirmed are ZZ land cafe [link], Craft Cafe [link], Altspace BBQ [link], Nestwork Spooktacular night [link], and a few others: watch the Bansko Notice Board group for people announcing their events.
Bansko Film Fest
Coming in November (20th-24th), the film fest will return to Bansko. Lots of interesting films about the mountains, adventures and determination. The programme has yet to be released, but if you want to take a look at last year’s programme you can see it on this page.
Weather Forecast
Lovely sunny days with chilly evenings and the sun setting by 6pm (no more sitting outside for dinner now 😢).
Check out Meteo Blue for the best forecast in Bansko.
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Nick
Publisher, Bansko Buzz