Which place is cheaper, Bratislava or Varna?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Varna or Bratislava?
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 Bratislava 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 Bratislava?
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.
Bratislava
The capital and largest city of Slovakia, Bratislava is set on the shores of the Danube River near the borders of Austria and Hungary. While the city is skirted by mountains and vineyards, its 18th century old town center is crossed with cobbled walkways and surrounded by historic landmarks and architecture. One such monument is the Bratislava Castle, set atop a hill overlooking it all-the old town, the river, and the bustle of people in the charming city below.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Bulgaria, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Bulgaria, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Slovakia, and The Best River Cruises in Slovakia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVarna $65Bratislava $132
The average daily cost (per person) in Varna is $65, while the average daily cost in Bratislava is $132. 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 Bratislava in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVarna $35Bratislava $53
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVarna $70Bratislava $106
Compare Hotels in Varna and Bratislava
Looking for a hotel in Varna or Bratislava? 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.
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 Bratislava Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Varna $9.33Bratislava $28
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 Golden Sands to Varna (VAR) Airport: $35
- Private Transfer from Elenite to Burgas (BOJ) Airport: $49
- 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 Varna (VAR) Airport to Albena: $65
- Private Transfer from Albena to Varna (VAR) Airport : $65
- Private Transfer from Sunny Beach to Burgas (BOJ) Airport: $72
- Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Kavarna: $81
- Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Sveti Vlas: $109
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bratislava
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bratislava:
- Bratislava - Budapest Transfer: $197
- Bratislava Airport (BTS) to Bojnice Resorts - Round Trip Transfer: $130
- Bratislava Airport BTS to Piestany - Arrival Private Transfer: $47
- Bratislava Airport BTS to Poprad - Arrival Private Transfer: $168
- Bratislava Airport to Turčianske Teplice Arrival Private Transfer: $65
- Bratislava-Budapest One-Way Sightseeing Transfer: $293
- Airport to Hotel Private Transfer Service: $23
- Private Transfer From Bratislava To Vienna Airport, 2 Hour Stop: $109
- Private Transfer from Bratislava City to Vienna City: $98
- Private Transfer from Bratislava to Budapest with 2h of Sightseeing: $201
- Private transfer from Bratislava to Vienna: $261
- Vienna Airport VIE to Bojnice Resorts Round Trip Private Transfer: $130
Is it cheaper to fly into Varna or Bratislava?
Prices for flights to both Bratislava 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
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Food Meals for one dayVarna $23Bratislava $49
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bratislava
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bratislava.
- Local Beer & Food Tour: $141
- Bratislava Traditional Food Tour: $168
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Varna $8.55Bratislava $33
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
- Self-Guided Tour in the Museum of Glass in Beloslav: $13
- Audio Guide for All Varna Sights, Attractions or Experiences: $15
- Pokémon GO Varna Private Tour: $18
- Audio Guide for All Dobrich & Kavarna Sights, Attractions or Experiences: $21
- Action Aqua Park Entrance Ticket: $23
- Experience Varna Gold Treasure Hunt - 2 or 4 Hour Options: $27
- Half Day Private Bicycle Tour in Varna: $29
- Private Virtual Tour in Varna with a Local Guide : $32
- Tours in Historical Park near Varna + Tickets: $39
- Nessebar: Guided City Tour: $48
Tours and Activities in Bratislava
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Bratislava are as follows:
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.20
- Top experience walking tour with bonus and castle: $4.33
- Guided City and Castle Tour from Bratislava: $4.34
- City & Castle Tour - Introduction to Bratislava: $5.41
- Bratislava Old Town In App Audio Tour (ENG): $5.43
- Historic City Centre Self-guided Tour: $6.29
- City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.38
- City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.39
- Gallery Multium Entrance Ticket: $6.93
- Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt and Tour: $6.93
- Gallery Multium Entrance Ticket: $7.05
- The jewels of Bratislava a Self-Guided Audio Tour in English: $7.81
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayVarna $8.52Bratislava $20
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: $103
- Varna Gourmet Tour including Wine Tasting: $127
Sample the Local Flavors in Bratislava
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Bratislava:
- Quick Wine Tasting in Michalská: $11
- Quick Wine Tasting in Michalská: $11
- Wine Tasting with Sommelier in Bratislava: $14
- Wine Tasting with Sommelier: $15
- Wine Tasting IN THE DARK!: $16
- Wine Tasting IN THE DARK!: $16
- Bratislava 3-Hour Wine Tasting: $103
- Devin Castle Tour with Currant Wine Tasting: $143
- Devin Castle Tour with Wine Tasting: $157
- Bratislava Food and Wine Tour: $179
- Small Carpathian Wine Tasting and Red Stone Castle Tour: $190
- Little Carpathian Wine Tour: $199
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Varna and Bratislava, we can see that Bratislava 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 Bratislava would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bratislava 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 Bratislava Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Varna or Bratislava?
Bratislava has a larger population, and is about 35% larger than the population of Varna. When comparing the sizes of Varna and Bratislava, 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 Bratislava?
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 Bratislava in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Varna and Bratislava. Also, many visitors come to Bratislava in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Varna is around the same temperature as Bratislava. Typically, the summer temperatures in Varna in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Bratislava averages at about 23°C (73°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bratislava this time of the year. In Varna, it's very sunny this time of the year. Varna usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bratislava during summer. Varna gets 268 hours of sunny skies, while Bratislava receives 255 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Varna usually receives less rain than Bratislava. Varna gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Bratislava receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyVarna 23°C (73°F)Bratislava 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Varna or Bratislava in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Varna as well as Bratislava. Also, most visitors come to Bratislava for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In October, Varna is generally a little warmer than Bratislava. Daily temperatures in Varna average around 14°C (57°F), and Bratislava fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
In the autumn, Varna often gets more sunshine than Bratislava. Varna gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bratislava receives 140 hours of full sun.
Varna usually gets less rain in October than Bratislava. Varna gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Bratislava receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberVarna 14°C (57°F)Bratislava 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Varna or Bratislava in the Winter?
Both Bratislava and Varna are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Bratislava because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
The weather in Bratislava can be very cold. Varna can be very cold during winter. Varna is a little warmer than Bratislava in the winter. The daily temperature in Varna averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Bratislava fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).
Varna usually receives more sunshine than Bratislava during winter. Varna gets 83 hours of sunny skies, while Bratislava receives 65 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Varna usually receives around the same amount of rain as Bratislava. Varna gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Bratislava receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryVarna 3°C (37°F)Bratislava 2°C (36°F)
Should I visit Varna or Bratislava in the Spring?
Both Bratislava and Varna during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the natural beauty are the main draw to Bratislava this time of year.
In the spring, Varna is cooler than Bratislava. Typically, the spring temperatures in Varna in April average around 11°C (52°F), and Bratislava averages at about 13°C (55°F).
In Bratislava, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Varna often gets less sunshine than Bratislava. Varna gets 156 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bratislava receives 202 hours of full sun.
Varna usually gets less rain in April than Bratislava. Varna gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Bratislava receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilVarna 11°C (52°F)Bratislava 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Bratislava and Varna
| Varna | Bratislava | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (37°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Feb | 3°C (37°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 4°C (38°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Mar | 6°C (43°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Apr | 11°C (52°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| May | 16°C (61°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (73°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Sep | 19°C (66°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Oct | 14°C (57°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Nov | 9°C (48°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Dec | 5°C (41°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
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.