These two Bulgarian destinations could hardly be more different, which makes the choice refreshingly clear once you know what you want. Plovdiv is one of Europe's oldest continuously inhabited cities, a layered urban centre of Roman amphitheatres, pastel Revival-era mansions, and a pedestrian artists' quarter that hums with cafes and galleries. Bansko is a compact mountain town at the foot of the Pirin range, famous for the country's best ski slopes in winter and serious hiking in summer.

If your idea of a great trip involves history, food, wine, and wandering cobbled streets, Plovdiv wins easily. If you came for snow, peaks, mountain air, and the kind of town where everyone wears boots, Bansko is your place. The good news: they sit only about two hours apart by car, so an ambitious traveler can sample both.

Below we break down the decision by the factors that actually matter, with specifics on what you will see, eat, spend, and do in each.