Restaurant/bars/clubs The Balkans and Bansko are well known for their après ski and nightlife. Après ski starts at the Happy end bar for most people, positioned directly opposite the gondola station it’s the perfect place to relax after a hard days skiing or boarding, in the evening it turns into more of a bar/club. From there you could choose to eat in one of the 100 or so Mehanas (Bulgarian style tavernas). These serve a wide range of Bulgarian food at very reasonable prices, food and drink can often be as little as £5 a head. The Mehanas are also a good place to test some of the famous Bulgarian Merlot and Cabinet Sauvignon wines, another must try is the infamous Bulgarian rakiya, but watch out, too much rakiya can seriously impede your skiing the next day! There are lots of bars in Bansko offering a haven from the cold nights, some like Sir Galahads bar offer live music. There are a few clubs including Amnesia, the Buddha Bar club and club No Name which is open till 4am, which all serve drinks and play music late into the night for the night owls among you! Casino There are two casinos in Bansko, one is located at the Strazhite hotel opposite the Lion bar on the main street leading up to the gondola. The other is half way down Pirin street on the right as you walk into the town centre. Both offer roulette, blackjack, poker and the one arm bandit style fruit machines. These casinos give you a good alternative you may not get in other resorts so give them a try, however, leave enough money for your return journey!     Ten pin bowling The ten pin bowling alley is located at the Strazhite hotel next to the casino. With pool tables, bar/cafe and arcade machines the ten pin bowling alley is a popular venue with families not interested in the bars and clubs during the evenings.