A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Varna vs. Amsterdam for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Varna or Amsterdam?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Varna and Amsterdam can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Varna or Amsterdam?

Varna

Varna is a coastal city on the Black Sea. It's the third largest city in Bulgaria and many people consider it the summer capital of the country. It's a major tourist destination and it can make for a relaxing escape at the beach if you're in Bulgaria during the summer. It is the only city in Bulgaria that cruises visit, and as such, it's tourist infrastructure has grown. In addition to being a tourist destination, Varna is also a business and university center, seaport, and the headquarters of the Bulgarian Navy and merchant marine.

Amsterdam

Amsterdam is the capital, and most popular tourist destination in the Netherlands. There are over one million residents in the metro area. Amsterdam is most famous for its canals that criss cross across the city, but it also has a rich history, interesting culture, and liberal vibe that appeal to all types of travelers. The architecture, bridges, and cycling culture help this metropolitan area maintain its small town vibe, despite being the largest city in the country as well as the financial center.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Bulgaria, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Bulgaria, The Best 10-Day Tours from Amsterdam, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Amsterdam.


Which place is cheaper, Amsterdam or Varna?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Varna is $65, while the average daily cost in Amsterdam is $187. 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 Varna and Amsterdam in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Varna $35
    Amsterdam $109
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Varna $70
    Amsterdam $218
Compare Hotels in Varna and Amsterdam

Looking for a hotel in Varna or Amsterdam? 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 Varna


Hotels in Amsterdam


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: Varna Hotel Prices and Amsterdam Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Varna $9.33
    Amsterdam $21

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Varna

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Varna:

  • Bucharest to Varna - Private Transfer: $451
  • Private One-way Transfer Varna Airport to Hotel or vice versa: $53
  • Private Transfer from Albena to Burgas (BOJ) Airport: $155
  • Private Transfer from Albena to Varna (VAR) Airport : $65
  • Private Transfer from Balchik to Varna (VAR) Airport: $58
  • Private Transfer from Golden Sands to Burgas (BOJ) Airport: $131
  • Private Transfer from Golden Sands to Sofia (SOF) Airport : $300
  • Private Transfer from Golden Sands to Varna (VAR) Airport: $35
  • Private Transfer from Kavarna to Varna (VAR) Airport: $82
  • Private Transfer from Saints Constantine and Helena to Burgas (BOJ) Airport: $123
  • Private Transfer from Sunny Beach to Burgas (BOJ) Airport: $72
  • Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Albena: $65

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Amsterdam

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Amsterdam:


  • Ride on Tram
    $3.43
  • Renting a Bike
    $16
  • One Hour Canal Cruise
    $11
  • Single Day Transit Pass
    $2.79
  • Transit Pass to Amsterdam Airport
    $3.64

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Amsterdam

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Amsterdam:

  • 1-15 pers Taxi/Bus Transfer Amsterdam Airport to Hoek van Holland: $199
  • 1-15 persons Taxi or Bus Transfer Airport Amsterdam to Den Haag: $273
  • 1-15 persons Taxi or Bus Transfer Amsterdam Airport to Alkmaar: $155
  • 1-15 persons Taxi or Bus Transfer Amsterdam Airport to Almere: $155
  • 1-15 persons Taxi or Bus Transfer Amsterdam Airport to Amersfoort: $199
  • 1-15 persons Taxi or Bus Transfer Amsterdam Airport to Den Helder: $255
  • 1-15 persons Taxi or Bus Transfer Amsterdam Airport to Haarlem: $105
  • 1-15 persons Taxi or Bus Transfer Amsterdam Airport to Hoorn: $183
  • 1-15 persons Taxi or Bus Transfer Amsterdam Airport to Leiden: $127
  • 1-15 persons Taxi or Bus Transfer Amsterdam Airport to Zandvoort: $122
  • 1-15 persons Taxi or Bus Transfer Amsterdam city to Airport: $109
  • 1-15 persons Taxi or Bus Transfer Amsterdam in Amsterdam City: $104

Is it cheaper to fly into Varna or Amsterdam?

Prices for flights to both Amsterdam and Varna 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
    Varna $23
    Amsterdam $47

Typical Food Prices in Amsterdam

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Amsterdam:


  • Afternoon Tea
    $6.43

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Amsterdam

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

  • Food Tour Amsterdam (Tip Based): $5.45
  • Amsterdam Self-Guided Food Tour in De Pijp Neighbourhood : $8.18
  • Self-Guided Food Tour in De Pijp Neighbourhood: $13
  • Self-Guided Food Tour in De Jordaan Neighbourhood: $13
  • Self-Guided Food Tour of Amsterdam's De Jordaan District: $14
  • Exclusive Burger Dinner Cruise: $32
  • Pizza Cruise with Drinks: $40
  • Evening Canal Cruise with Pizza and Drinks: $42
  • Amsterdam Nightlife Ticket with A GOLD MENU Hard Rock Dinner: $43
  • Burger Dinner Cruise through the Amsterdam Canals: $43
  • Food Tour Jordaan District: $51
  • Food Tour Amsterdam's Jordaan District Self-Guided: $52

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Varna $8.55
    Amsterdam $40

Tours and Activities in Varna

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

  • Self-guided tour in Varna Archaeological Museum + ticket: $11
  • Archaeological Museum Ticket & E-Guide: $13
  • Audio Guide for All Varna Sights, Attractions or Experiences: $15
  • Pokémon GO Varna Private Tour: $19
  • Action Aqua Park Entrance Ticket: $25
  • Half Day Private Bicycle Tour in Varna: $29
  • Private Virtual Tour in Varna with a Local Guide : $32
  • Nessebar: Guided City Tour: $49
  • Bulgaria Day Bike & E-bike Tours - country & sea: $63
  • The OFFroad Adventure : $64
  • The Ultimate Private Communist Tour of Varna: $64
  • Half-Day Tsarev Brod Winery and Walking Tour: $64

Typical Entertainment Prices in Amsterdam

Here are a few typical costs in Amsterdam for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Two tickets to the Houseboat Museum
    $6.43
  • Entry for two to the Anne Frank House
    $18

Tours and Activities in Amsterdam

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

  • Golden Age Canals Walking Tour: $1.07
  • Free walking tour of haunted Amsterdam: $1.07
  • Red Light District Haunted History Night Tour: $1.70
  • Two-hour walking tour of Amsterdam: $2.61
  • City Exploration Game and Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Rude Bastards Tour of Amsterdam: $3.21
  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Best of Amsterdam City Tour: $3.21
  • Amsterdam Spanish Tour 2 Hours: $3.26
  • Alternative tour Amsterdam (Tip-Based): $3.26
  • Free Walking Tour of Haunted Amsterdam: $3.27
  • Rude Bastards Tour of Amsterdam (CYHIT): $3.27

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Varna $8.52
    Amsterdam $25

Sample the Local Flavors in Varna

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Varna:

  • Private Exploration: French Influence in Varna + Walking + Wine tasting tour: $53
  • Bulgarian Wine Tasting & Art Gallery Experience in Varna: $53
  • Varna Exquisite Wine Tasting: $64
  • Private Varna Gourmet Tour with Superb Wine Tasting: $64
  • The Ultimate Private Varna Walking, Culture & Wine Tasting Tour: $75
  • E-bike & Wine Tour to the Bulgarian Coast: $104
  • Varna Gourmet Tour including Wine Tasting: $127

Sample the Local Flavors in Amsterdam

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

  • Amsterdam Private Self-Guided Pub Crawl Pub Quiz: $21
  • Amsterdam Private Self Guided Pub Crawl: $22
  • Bar Crawl with Shots and Beer Maid Guide: $25
  • Central Pub Crawl and Nightlife Experience: $27
  • Red Light District Pub Crawl: $27
  • Distillery Tour & Tasting at Spirited Union: $27
  • Original Pub Crawl Party with VIP Entrance: $29
  • Chateau Urban Wine Tasting and optional bites: $32
  • Self-guided Red Light District Pub Crawl Mystery: $37
  • Leidseplein and Red Light Pub Crawl: 2 Night Pass: $37
  • Red Light District and Local Pub Tour: $39
  • Dutch Cheese and Wine Tasting: $42


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Varna and Amsterdam, we can see that Amsterdam is more expensive. And not only is Varna much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Varna would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Varna 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 Amsterdam would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Amsterdam than you might in Varna.

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


Which is Bigger, Varna or Amsterdam?

Amsterdam has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Varna. When comparing the sizes of Varna and Amsterdam, 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 Varna or Amsterdam?

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 Varna or Amsterdam in the Summer?

Both Amsterdam and Varna are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Amsterdam because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Varna is generally a little warmer than Amsterdam. Daily temperatures in Varna average around 23°C (73°F), and Amsterdam fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

It's quite sunny in Amsterdam. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Varna. Varna usually receives more sunshine than Amsterdam during summer. Varna gets 268 hours of sunny skies, while Amsterdam receives 204 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Varna usually receives less rain than Amsterdam. Varna gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Varna 23°C (73°F) 
    Amsterdam 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Varna or Amsterdam in the Autumn?

Both Amsterdam and Varna during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Amsterdam this time of year.

Varna is a little warmer than Amsterdam in the autumn. The daily temperature in Varna averages around 14°C (57°F) in October, and Amsterdam fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the autumn, Varna often gets more sunshine than Amsterdam. Varna gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amsterdam receives 99 hours of full sun.

Varna usually gets less rain in October than Amsterdam. Varna gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Varna 14°C (57°F) 
    Amsterdam 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Varna or Amsterdam in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Varna and Amsterdam. Also, many travelers come to Amsterdam for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Amsterdam. It's quite cold in Varna in the winter. In the winter, Varna is a little warmer than Amsterdam. Typically, the winter temperatures in Varna in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Amsterdam averages at about 2°C (36°F).

Varna usually receives more sunshine than Amsterdam during winter. Varna gets 83 hours of sunny skies, while Amsterdam receives 46 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Varna usually receives less rain than Amsterdam. Varna gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Varna 3°C (37°F) 
    Amsterdam 2°C (36°F)

Should I visit Varna or Amsterdam in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Varna as well as Amsterdam. Also, many visitors come to Amsterdam in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Varna is generally a little warmer than Amsterdam. Daily temperatures in Varna average around 11°C (52°F), and Amsterdam fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

In the spring, Varna often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Amsterdam. Varna gets 156 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amsterdam receives 166 hours of full sun.

Varna usually gets less rain in April than Amsterdam. Varna gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Varna 11°C (52°F) 
    Amsterdam 8°C (46°F)

Typical Weather for Amsterdam and Varna

Varna Amsterdam
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 2°C (36°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Feb 3°C (37°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 3°C (37°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Apr 11°C (52°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 8°C (46°F) 52 mm (2 in)
May 16°C (61°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 12°C (54°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 15°C (59°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 17°C (62°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 19°C (66°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 14°C (57°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Oct 14°C (57°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 11°C (51°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 9°C (48°F) 50 mm (2 in) 6°C (43°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Dec 5°C (41°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 3°C (38°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)