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

Should you visit Varna or Belfast?

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 Belfast 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 Belfast?

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.

Belfast

Belfast is the capital of Northern Ireland and the second largest city on the island of Ireland after Dublin. It has a population of about 270,000 and almost 500,000 in the metropolitan area. It's located on the mouth of the River Lagan and is set between many low hills that rise up around it.

One of the most famous, and tragic times in Belfast's history is referred to as "The Troubles." During this time, between 1969 and 1997, there were many bomb and gun attacks throughout the city. This left many areas as essentially no-go zones. Neighborhoods became completely lawless do to the lack of security and the damage is still visible today in some areas. In 1998 the Good Friday Agreement was signed and much of the politically motivated violence ended. The city actually received praise recently as the safest city in the UK based on crime rate. Tourism is growing and many visitors enjoy seeing this less popular travel destination. The city has a lot of character and will give you an interesting take on Irish and British history.

Belfast has a temperate climate and temperature and precipitation have little variation throughout the year. The climate is influenced by the warming effects of the Gulf Stream, making it warmer than many cities that are found at the same latitude. Rain is common with precipitation falling an average of 157 days a year. Snow is much less common, although it does happen about ten days a year. The warmest days during the summer may reach a temperature around 25 degrees Celsius and the coldest days have lows that drop just below freezing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Bulgaria, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Bulgaria, The Best Budget Tours to United Kingdom, and The Best Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom.


Which place is cheaper, Belfast 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 Belfast is $166. 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 Belfast in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Varna $35
    Belfast $85
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Varna $70
    Belfast $170
Compare Hotels in Varna and Belfast

Looking for a hotel in Varna or Belfast? 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 Belfast


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 Belfast Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Varna $9.33
    Belfast $18

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Varna

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Varna:

  • Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Varna City: $22
  • Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Saints Constantine and Helena: $25
  • Private Transfer from Golden Sands to Varna (VAR) Airport: $35
  • Private One-way Transfer Varna Airport to Hotel or vice versa: $53
  • Private Transfer from Balchik to Varna (VAR) Airport: $58
  • Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Balchik: $58
  • Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Byala: $63
  • Private Transfer from Albena to Varna (VAR) Airport : $65
  • Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Albena: $65
  • Private Transfer from Varna Airport (VAR) to Burgas Cruise Port: $65
  • Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Obzor: $71
  • Private Transfer from Sunny Beach to Burgas (BOJ) Airport: $72

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Belfast

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Belfast:

  • Arrival Private Transfer Belfast Airport BHD or BFS to Belfast by Luxury Car: $105
  • Arrival Private Transfer Belfast Airport BHD or BFS to Belfast by Luxury Van: $105
  • Arrival Private Transfer Belfast Airport BHD or BFS to Belfast by Minibus: $145
  • Belfast Accommodation to Belfast City Airport (BHD) - Departure Private Transfer: $23
  • Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Bangor Accommodation - Arrival Private Transfer: $27
  • Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Bangor Accommodation - Roundtrip Private Transfer: $54
  • Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Holywood Accommodation - Arrival Private Transfer: $23
  • Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Lisburn Accommodation - Arrival Private Transfer: $27
  • Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Lisburn Accommodation - Roundtrip Private Transfer: $55
  • Belfast City Airport BHD Executive transfer to Belfast 1-4 people: $58
  • Belfast City to Belfast International Airport (BFS) - Departure Private Transfer: $27
  • Belfast International Airport (BFS) to Belfast City - Arrival Private Transfer: $27

Is it cheaper to fly into Varna or Belfast?

Prices for flights to both Belfast 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
    Belfast $63

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Belfast

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

  • Guided Craft Beer and Street Food Tour: $81
  • Belfast Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $108

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Varna $8.55
    Belfast $23

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 Belfast

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Belfast are as follows:


  • Movie Tickets
    $9.97

Tours and Activities in Belfast

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

  • Belfast’s Titanic Quarter: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.00
  • Belfast's Iconic Sites: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.47
  • Museum Ticket: $6.90
  • Hillsborough Castle Gardens Entrance Ticket: $12
  • If Buildings Could Talk Tour Belfast: $15
  • If Buildings Could Talk Tour: $15
  • Crumlin Road Gaol Experience: $18
  • 2.5-Hour Street Murals Tour in Spanish: $19
  • Belfast Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz (1 Day Pass) UK: $19
  • Belfast Murals Political Tour in Spanish: $19
  • Line of Duty Guided Walking Tour: $21
  • Belfast Line of Duty Walking Tour: $22

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Varna $8.52
    Belfast $9.79

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 Belfast

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Belfast:

  • Pub Crawl and Bar Walking Tour with Two Drinks: $15
  • Belfast Pub Crawl: $15
  • Explore & Taste: Distillery Tour at Titanic Distillers: $32
  • Belfast Giant's Causeway and Titanic Distillery Whiskey Tour: $69
  • VIP Skip-the Line Titanic Museum and Distillery Tasting Tour: $119


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Varna and Belfast, we can see that Belfast 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 Belfast would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Belfast 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 Belfast Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Varna or Belfast?

Varna has a larger population, and is about 14% larger than the population of Belfast. When comparing the sizes of Varna and Belfast, 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 Belfast?

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 Belfast in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Varna and Belfast. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Belfast because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Varna is much warmer than Belfast. Typically, the summer temperatures in Varna in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Belfast averages at about 15°C (59°F).

In Varna, it's very sunny this time of the year. Varna usually receives more sunshine than Belfast during summer. Varna gets 268 hours of sunny skies, while Belfast receives 151 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Varna usually receives less rain than Belfast. Varna gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Belfast receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Varna 23°C (73°F) 
    Belfast 15°C (59°F)

Should I visit Varna or Belfast in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Varna as well as Belfast. Additionally, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Belfast this time of year.

In October, Varna is generally much warmer than Belfast. Daily temperatures in Varna average around 14°C (57°F), and Belfast fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the autumn, Varna often gets more sunshine than Belfast. Varna gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Belfast receives 92 hours of full sun.

Varna usually gets less rain in October than Belfast. Varna gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Belfast receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Varna 14°C (57°F) 
    Belfast 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Varna or Belfast in the Winter?

Both Belfast and Varna are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Belfast for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Belfast. It's quite cold in Varna in the winter. Varna is cooler than Belfast in the winter. The daily temperature in Varna averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Belfast fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

Varna usually receives more sunshine than Belfast during winter. Varna gets 83 hours of sunny skies, while Belfast receives 50 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Varna usually receives less rain than Belfast. Varna gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Belfast receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Varna 3°C (37°F) 
    Belfast 4°C (39°F)

Should I visit Varna or Belfast in the Spring?

Both Belfast and Varna during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Belfast in the spring for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Varna is a little warmer than Belfast. Typically, the spring temperatures in Varna in April average around 11°C (52°F), and Belfast averages at about 8°C (46°F).

In the spring, Varna often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Belfast. Varna gets 156 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Belfast receives 150 hours of full sun.

Varna usually gets less rain in April than Belfast. Varna gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Belfast receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Typical Weather for Belfast and Varna

Varna Belfast
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 4°C (39°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Feb 3°C (37°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 4°C (39°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 6°C (43°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Apr 11°C (52°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 8°C (46°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 16°C (61°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 11°C (52°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 15°C (59°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 15°C (59°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Sep 19°C (66°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 12°C (54°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Oct 14°C (57°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 9°C (48°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Nov 9°C (48°F) 50 mm (2 in) 7°C (45°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Dec 5°C (41°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 5°C (41°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)