A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bucharest vs. Plzen for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Bucharest or Plzen?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Bucharest and Plzen. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Bucharest or Plzen?

Bucharest

Bucharest is the capital and largest city in the country of Romania. With about 2 million residents living in the city and about 2.4 million in the surrounding urban area, it is also one of the largest cities in Southeastern Europe. As such, it is the economic, industrial and commercial center for the country. As a visitor, you will likely enter Romania by arriving in Bucharest. The city continues to grow and change, and there are ongoing infrastructure projects that continue to modernize the city. It is not uncommon to find historic churches on the same block as modern office buildings and Communist style apartment buildings. There are also many sights around town and the city continues to grow as a trendy and fascinating city.

Plzen

Renowned as the home of the pilsner beer, Plzen is a city located in the West Bohemia region of the Czech Republic. Beyond beer, it also features a number of impressive landmarks some of which include St. Bartholomew's Cathedral and the Great Synagogue.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Bucharest, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Romania, The Best Budget Tours to Czech Republic, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Czech Republic.


Which place is cheaper, Plzen or Bucharest?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Bucharest is $140, while the average daily cost in Plzen is $103. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Bucharest and Plzen in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bucharest $64
    Plzen $62
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bucharest $128
    Plzen $124
Compare Hotels in Bucharest and Plzen

Looking for a hotel in Bucharest or Plzen? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Bucharest


Hotels in Plzen


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Bucharest Hotel Prices and Plzen Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bucharest $26
    Plzen $8.39

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bucharest

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bucharest:

  • Bucharest Airport Transfer: $11
  • Bucharest Transfer Service: $12
  • Bucuresti: Transfer Therme Bucuresti different hours: $12
  • Therme Bucuresti Transfer with Optional Ticket: $13
  • Airport Transfer: $15
  • Airport Transfer - Bucharest Otopeni Henri Coandă Airport : $18
  • Bucharest Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Tecuci: $22
  • Private Bucharest Otopeni Airport (OTP) Transfer: $22
  • Bucharest Private Airport Transfer from or to City Center Hotel: $22
  • Bucharest Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Barlad: $24
  • Bucharest Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Vaslui OMV: $26
  • Bucharest Private Airport Transfer: $28

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Plzen

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Plzen:

  • Private Transfer from Pilsen to Prague: $88
  • Private Transfer from Pilsen to Prague with 2 hours for sightseeing: $117
  • Private Transfer from Pilsen(Plzen) to Prague: $273

Is it cheaper to fly into Bucharest or Plzen?

Prices for flights to both Plzen and Bucharest change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Bucharest $59
    Plzen $31

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bucharest

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bucharest.

  • Dinner at the Museum of Communism - Traditional Food Tour: $54
  • Bohemian Bucharest Markets and Mahallas Walking Food Tour: $61
  • Street Food Tour with a Local Guide: $67
  • Bucharest Historical Food Tour in Old Center: $72
  • Bucharest Evening Tour and Traditional Dinner: $73
  • Mystical beliefs, traditions & history - Walking Food Tour: $83
  • Private Bucharest Food Tour with a Local Foodie: $130
  • Historical and Cultural Tour with Romanian Cuisine dinner: $142
  • Cooking Class in Transylvania - Day Tour from Bucharest: $184
  • 4-Hour Walking Food Tour in the Old Town: $205

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bucharest $15
    Plzen $22

Tours and Activities in Bucharest

Here are a few actual costs in Bucharest for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Reptiland Bucharest Entry Ticket: $13
  • Communism Walking Tour from Lenin to Ceausescu in Bucharest: $17
  • City Highlights Guided Walking Tour: $17
  • Calea Victoriei and Old Town Highlights Tour: $20
  • Parliament Palace Skip-the-line Ticket: $21
  • Palace of Parliament Bucharest 1 Hour Guided Tour: $21
  • Guided Tour at museum Casa Storck: $22
  • Communism and History Guided City Walking Tour: $23
  • Palace of Parliament Tickets and Guide: $24
  • 3-Hour Guided Tour of Communist Bucharest: $24
  • The Real tour of Communism: $24
  • Palace of Parliament in Bucharest - fast-track tickets and guide: $24

Tours and Activities in Plzen

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Plzen are as follows:

  • Pilsen: Historic Underground Tour with a Glass of Beer: $8.69
  • Pilsen Historic Underground Tour with a Glass of Beer: $8.78
  • Pilsen: Old Town Gastronomy Tour: $33
  • Pilsen Private Walking Tour: $202
  • Experience Best Prague Tandem Skydiving : $252
  • Private Tour to Pilsner Urquell from Prague: $273

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bucharest $9.32
    Plzen $24

Sample the Local Flavors in Bucharest

Also in Bucharest, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Weekend Pub Crawl: $24
  • Bucharest Pub Crawl in the Old Town: $25
  • Pub Crawl Bucuresti Experientã de top în Bucuresti: $33
  • Bachelors Party in Custom Bar Crawl: $38
  • Private Bar Crawling in Bucharest Old City: $43
  • Private Wine Tasting in Bucharest: $43
  • Bar Crawling: $44
  • Pub Crawl in the Old CIty and Rooftop Hopping in Bucharest: $44
  • Wine Tasting in Bucharest: $45
  • Pub Crawl in the Old CIty and Rooftop Hopping in Bucharest: $48
  • Private Romanian Wine Tasting in Urlați: $52
  • Bucharest VIP Bar Crawl in Lipscani 'Old Town': $59

Sample the Local Flavors in Plzen

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Plzen:

  • Brewery Museum Entrance including a Glass of Beer: $6.59
  • Pilsen: Brewery Museum Entrance with a Glass of Beer: $7.06
  • Pilsen: Pilsner Urquell Brewery Tour with Beer Tasting: $17
  • Pilsner Urquell Brewery Tour with Beer Tasting: $18
  • Pilsen Highlights Small-Group Tour and Pilsner Brewery Tour including Lunch and Beer Tasting: $109
  • Pilsner brewery tour incl beer tasting & Czech town Pilsen: $141


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bucharest and Plzen, we can see that Bucharest is more expensive. And not only is Plzen much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Plzen would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Plzen and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Bucharest would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bucharest than you might in Plzen.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Bucharest Expensive? and Is Plzen Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Bucharest or Plzen?

Bucharest has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Plzen. When comparing the sizes of Bucharest and Plzen, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Bucharest or Plzen?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Bucharest or Plzen in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Bucharest and Plzen. Most visitors come to Bucharest for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Bucharest is generally a little warmer than Plzen. Daily temperatures in Bucharest average around 23°C (73°F), and Plzen fluctuates around 20°C (67°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Plzen this time of the year. In Bucharest, it's very sunny this time of the year. Bucharest usually receives more sunshine than Plzen during summer. Bucharest gets 289 hours of sunny skies, while Plzen receives 212 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Bucharest usually receives less rain than Plzen. Bucharest gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Plzen receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Bucharest 23°C (73°F) 
    Plzen 20°C (67°F)

Should I visit Bucharest or Plzen in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Bucharest as well as Plzen. The autumn months attract visitors to Bucharest because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Bucharest is a little warmer than Plzen in the autumn. The daily temperature in Bucharest averages around 13°C (55°F) in October, and Plzen fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the autumn, Bucharest often gets more sunshine than Plzen. Bucharest gets 177 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Plzen receives 120 hours of full sun.

Bucharest usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Plzen. Bucharest gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Plzen receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Bucharest 13°C (55°F) 
    Plzen 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Bucharest or Plzen in the Winter?

Both Plzen and Bucharest are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Bucharest this time of year.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Plzen. It's quite cold in Bucharest in the winter. In the winter, Bucharest is much colder than Plzen. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bucharest in January average around -1°C (29°F), and Plzen averages at about -1°C (31°F).

Bucharest usually receives more sunshine than Plzen during winter. Bucharest gets 71 hours of sunny skies, while Plzen receives 45 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Bucharest usually receives more rain than Plzen. Bucharest gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Plzen receives 25 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Bucharest -1°C (29°F) 
    Plzen -1°C (31°F)

Should I visit Bucharest or Plzen in the Spring?

Both Plzen and Bucharest during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Bucharest for the activities around the city.

In April, Bucharest is generally a little warmer than Plzen. Daily temperatures in Bucharest average around 12°C (54°F), and Plzen fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the spring, Bucharest often gets more sunshine than Plzen. Bucharest gets 185 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Plzen receives 164 hours of full sun.

Bucharest usually gets more rain in April than Plzen. Bucharest gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Plzen receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Bucharest 12°C (54°F) 
    Plzen 11°C (51°F)

Typical Weather for Plzen and Bucharest

Bucharest Plzen
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -1°C (29°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) -1°C (31°F) 25 mm (1 in)
Feb 1°C (34°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 2°C (35°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 6°C (42°F) 27 mm (1.1 in)
Apr 12°C (54°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 11°C (51°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 15°C (59°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 77 mm (3 in) 18°C (64°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 20°C (67°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Aug 22°C (72°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 19°C (67°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Sep 18°C (65°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 16°C (61°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 13°C (55°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 11°C (51°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Nov 6°C (44°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 5°C (41°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Dec 1°C (34°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 1°C (34°F) 23 mm (0.9 in)