Is Varna expensive to visit?
Varna is a quaint locale that appeals to a variety of visitors, each with different travel styles, spending patterns, and budget needs. Visitors can find a range of options for accommodation from high-end luxury hotels to mid-range places to budget-friendly hostels.
Varna has the potential to be expensive, but you can manage your budget by looking for discounts and coupons.
On average, budget travelers spend $36 (ư66) per day, mid-range travelers spend $82 (ư151) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $155 (ư286) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Varna.
Within Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, Varna is a reasonably affordable destination compared to other places. It is in the top 25% of cities in Europe for its affordability. You can find more affordable cities such as Novi Sad, but there are also more expensive cities, such as Avignon.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Varna Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Varna?
The average Varna trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Varna travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Varna cost?
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's important to set realistic expectations for your travel budget. Many assume they can get by cheaply in Varna, but most people don't enjoy traveling on a very tight budget. Think about how you like to travel, and whether you prefer resorts, hostels, or vacation rentals. Do activities like sightseeing and dining out matter to you? These factors will help shape your travel budget.
Who are Budget Travelers?
You may believe you're traveling on a budget, but unless you're ready to give up some conveniences, you'll likely spend much more than the $36 daily average that backpackers get away with.
Younger budget travelers often stick to this low budget by staying in dorms, eating inexpensive meals, taking public transportation, and focusing on free activities and sights.
Luckily, there are plenty of hostels in Varna, such as Yo-Ho-Hostel, Nomado Hostel, and M Hostel Musala. Staying at these hostels means you can score affordable dorm lodging and a lively social vibe, but be prepared for basic amenities.
Could You Be an Average Traveler?
For couples or families traveling for enjoyment, opting for a mid-range hotel, dining at popular restaurants, and exploring major museums and attractions with entry fees is likely. When visiting Varna, most people will want to check out the major attractions, museums, and iconic landmarks. Remember, many activities do come with costs. So, you should realistically expect your daily budget to be around $82 per person, per day.
In Varna, you can find a variety of hotels and vacation rentals. If you're traveling with others, you can share the costs of your hotel with a partner, friend, or children, which can help you save money. Families will want to seek out hotels and restaurants that are kid-friendly. mOdus Hotel is a great choice for families, and Hi Boutique Hotel is another great option. To discover more family- and couple-oriented hotels, visit our hotel guide for Varna.
Seeking a Stylish Getaway from the Daily Routine?
For those wanting a high-end experience complete with every luxury and high-quality service, expect to spend about $155 each day. To enjoy nicer accommodations, award-winning dining, extravagant adventures, and convenient transport like taxis or private chauffeurs in the destination, prepare for a pricier experience. Many luxury travelers also enjoy unique experiences such as The Ultimate Private Varna Walking, Culture & Wine Tasting Tour - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Varna
The cost of hotels in Varna can be surprisingly wide-ranging. Some hotels charge a lot more because they offer extra luxury and amenities. Prices are also much higher during peak season. Off-season rooms average $46, but the demand in peak season pushes that average to around $86. Budget hotels range from $30 to $144, and hostels provide a cheaper option, especially in dorms. Booking early, traveling off-season, or finding special deals can help save money.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Varna for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $69 (ư128). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $35 (ư64) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Varna? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Varna include:
- mOdus Hotel starting at $91
- Rosslyn Dimyat Hotel Varna starting at $76
- Panorama Hotel Varna starting at $65
- Hotel & Casino Cherno More starting at $57
- Golden Tulip Varna starting at $70
By traveling in the low or shoulder season (and avoiding ), you can benefit from cheaper accommodations and fewer crowds.
Transportation Budget in Varna
Unfortunately, Varna does not have a reliable public transit network.
Calculated from travelers like you
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On average, past travelers have spent $9.28 (ư17) per person, per day, on local transportation in Varna. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Varna is significantly more than public transportation.
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Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$9.28
ư17
Make sure your hotel provides easy parking options if you're driving.
Some of the standard transportation options and hotel transfers include:
- Private One-way Transfer Varna Airport to Hotel or vice versa for $53 details
- Private Transfer from Albena to Varna (VAR) Airport for $64 details
- Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Albena for $65 details
How much does it cost to go to Varna? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Varna will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Varna
Food is a major reason many people explore new destinations, so don't skip the chance to try local delicacies.
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in Varna can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Varna is $40 (ư74) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
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Food2
Meals for one day
$40
ư74
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Varna is around $40 (ư74) per person, with previous travelers spending from $18 to $77. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Varna are as follows:
- Breakfast: $4 to $12
- Lunch: $6 to $16
- Dinner: $12 to $28
- Coffee: $3
- Fast Food or Street Food: $6
There are a good number of affordable restaurants around town and many are cheap when compared to other European countries. You can choose between traditional Bulgarian cuisine and several international options such as Italian or British. It's possible to find decent seafood at a few restaurants as well. One restaurant chain is the Happy Bar and Grill. It is based in Varna and offers good, cheap kebabs. Many restaurants offer outdoor seating during the summer months, which is a great way to enjoy the warm, beach weather.
Many hotels include breakfast in their price, while some add it on as an extra charge. The price and quality can vary depending on the hotel. Knowing ahead of time can help you decide if you need to spend even more money. Maybe it's worth your money for the delicious buffet at the hotel. Or, perhaps you should just go to a nearby bakery or cafe that's much cheaper.
Bring your own water bottle instead of grabbing drinks on the fly. It's better for the environment as well.
If you're planning to take a tour, make sure you know which meals are included beforehand. You might be on the hook to pay for some of the food yourself which can add to your budget.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Varna
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Varna typically cost an average of $8.50 (ư16) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
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Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$8.50
ư16
The largest museum in town is the Varna Archaeological Museum, which has an exhibit on gold in Varna. Other museums around town are the Naval Museum, the Museum of Ethnography, and the Battle of Varna Park Museum. You can also visit the Sea Garden which has an aquarium, zoo, and an observatory and planetarium among other things. The Varna Dolphinarium is the only dolphinarium on the Balkan Peninsula.
The beachfront promenade is lined with clubs, bars and restaurants and has an energetic feel with a lively nightlife. If you're looking for a more mellow experience check out some of the Bulgarian Eastern Orthodox churches around town. They are quite beautiful and impressive to see. Some of the most famous include the Assumption of Mary Cathedral, the St. Athanasius Cathedral, and the seamens' church of St. Nicholas the Miracle Worker.
There are many types of entertainment around Varna. The nightlife is concentrated around the beach area where you'll find a good number of bars and clubs. During the day, walking tours are a popular way to explore the city. The Varna Green Tour is a free bike tour of the city. It's a fun way to seen the green parts of the city and it passes by many different landmarks including the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin, the Sea Garden, the Aquarium, the Dolphinarium, the Roman Baths and much more. Free Varna Tour is an English language walking tour that starts every day at 6 pm during the summer months. It starts at the corner of Hristo Botev Boulevard and Vladislav Varnenchik Boulevard. You can just show up to pick up the tour.
A nice way to explore destinations in Varna is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- E-Motorcycle Tour in Old Rock Monastery and Old Roman Fortress for $113 details
- Full-Day Private Sightseeing Tour to the North of Varna for $203 details
- The Ultimate Private Communist Tour of Varna for $63 details
Varna, Bulgaria
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.