Which place is cheaper, Bruges or Varna?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Varna or Bruges?
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 Bruges 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 Bruges?
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.
Bruges
Located in the northern part of Belgium, in Flanders, Bruges is one of the most charming and well preserved cities in Europe. With its stone streets and charming shops, it is a postcard perfect city that seems to have jumped out of the pages of a Disney fairytale. The city itself is quite compact, adding to the charm and making it easily walkable. Even given its old world charm, it manages to present a cosmopolitan air as well. There's an active nightlife, but during the day the historical city center is best enjoyed at a leisurely pace. You can take a carriage ride through the cobblestone streets or you can wander around on your own. Be sure to swing into some of the museums, cathedrals, and churches you'll see along the way. There are now shops everywhere that are designed to appeal to tourists. While some may be easy to walk by, it takes the strongest souls to ignore the chocolate shops you'll see on your way.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Bulgaria, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Bulgaria, The Best Cultural Tours in Belgium, and The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVarna $65Bruges $132
The average daily cost (per person) in Varna is $65, while the average daily cost in Bruges 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 Bruges in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVarna $35Bruges $63
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVarna $70Bruges $126
Compare Hotels in Varna and Bruges
Looking for a hotel in Varna or Bruges? 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 Bruges Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Varna $9.33Bruges $18
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Varna
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Varna:
- Varna to Bucharest - Private Transfer: $644
- Bucharest to Varna - Private Transfer: $451
- Private Transfer from Golden Sands to Sofia (SOF) Airport : $300
- Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Sunny Beach: $219
- Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Sozopol: $155
- Private Transfer from Albena to Burgas (BOJ) Airport: $155
- Varna Airport - Ravda | Airport Transfer,Taxi, Bus, Van Service | Book Now: $136
- Private Transfer from Golden Sands to Burgas (BOJ) Airport: $131
- Varna Airport - Nessebar | Airport Transfer,Taxi, Bus, Van Service | Book Now: $131
- Private Transfer from Varna to Burgas (BOJ) Airport: $128
- Private Transfer from Saints Constantine and Helena to Burgas (BOJ) Airport: $123
- Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Pomorie: $118
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Bruges
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Bruges:
-
Five Day Bus Pass$16
-
Bike Rental for Day$8.57
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bruges
Also for Bruges, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Bruges hotel to Ostend Airport (OST) - Departure Private Transfer: $32
- Bruges to Ostend Bruges Airport(OST) - Departure Private Transfer: $32
- Brugge Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer to Brugge: $111
- Brussels Shuttle Transfer <-> Disneyland Paris (1 to 8 SEATS): $291
- Brussels airport transfer (BRU) <-> from or to Bruges (3 pax sedan): $261
- Private Direct Transfer From Bruges to Amsterdam: $274
- Private Transfer from Bruges City Hotels to Zeebrugge Cruise Port: $33
- Private Transfer from Bruges to Brussels By Business car: $152
- Private Transfer from ZeeBrugge or Bruges to Antwerp By Luxury car: $163
- Private Transfer from Zeebrugge Cruise Port to Bruges hotels : $33
- Private Transfer from Zeebrugge Cruise Port to Brussels hotels : $143
- PrivateTransfer from Zeebrugge Port to Ostend Bruges Airport(OST): $86
Is it cheaper to fly into Varna or Bruges?
Prices for flights to both Bruges 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 dayVarna $23Bruges $55
Typical Food Prices in Bruges
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Bruges:
-
Cup of Tea$2.14
-
Sandwich for Lunch$3.48
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bruges
For Bruges, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- The 10 Tastings of Bruges With Locals: Private Food Tour : $133
- Private Food Tour – 10 Tastings with Locals: $142
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Varna $8.55Bruges $16
Tours and Activities in Varna
Here are a few actual costs in Varna for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Action Aqua Park Entrance Ticket: $25
- Audio Guide for All Varna Sights, Attractions or Experiences: $15
- Bulgaria Day Bike & E-bike Tours - country & sea: $63
- E-Motorcycle Tour in Old Rock Monastery and Old Roman Fortress : $114
- From Hiking and Climbing Day Tour: $74
- From Rock Sanctuaries Hiking Tour: $74
- Full-Day Private Sightseeing Tour to the North of Varna: $206
- Full-Day Private Sightseeing Tour to the South of Varna: $206
- Full-Day Small-Group Tour of Bulgaria by Minivan with Lunch: $87
- GPS & Video guided Tour to The North Coast Of The Black Sea: $183
- Guided Nessebar Sightseeing Tour with Pick Up: $108
- Half Day Private Bicycle Tour in Varna: $29
Typical Entertainment Prices in Bruges
For Bruges, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
-
Groeninge Museum Entrance$8.57
Tours and Activities in Bruges
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Bruges.
- Self-Guided City Game and Audio Tour App: $2.67
- Unforgettable Sightseeings, History and Tasting.: $3.21
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
- Bruges Guided Walking Tour: Stories, Mysteries and People: $3.21
- Storytelling Tour Bruges | First Day Must | History & Tips: $3.27
- Historical Walking Tour: Legends of Bruges: $3.27
- Gastronomic Tour: A Taste of Bruges: $3.27
- Walking Tour Exciting Stories, Mysteries, People: $3.28
- Bruges city tour: audio guide in your smartphone: $5.35
- Self Guided City Audio Tour in Bruges: $5.46
- Medieval A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayVarna $8.52Bruges $12
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 Bruges
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Bruges:
- Bruges Pub Trail: Pub crawl with interactive online game: $12
- Bourgogne des Flandres Brewery and Distillery Visit: $17
- Private: Discover Bruges beers & brewery with chocolate pairing by a young local: $191
- Beer walking tour with visit Brewery Bourgogne de Flandres: $642
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Varna and Bruges, we can see that Bruges 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 Bruges would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bruges 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 Bruges Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Varna or Bruges?
Varna has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Bruges. When comparing the sizes of Varna and Bruges, 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 Bruges?
Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Varna or Bruges in the Summer?
Both Bruges and Varna during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Bruges for the family-friendly experiences.
Varna is a little warmer than Bruges in the summer. The daily temperature in Varna averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Bruges fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).
In Bruges, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Varna. In the summer, Varna often gets more sunshine than Bruges. Varna gets 268 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bruges receives 202 hours of full sun.
Varna usually gets less rain in July than Bruges. Varna gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyVarna 23°C (73°F)Bruges 17°C (63°F)
Should I visit Varna or Bruges in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Varna and Bruges. Also, many visitors come to Bruges in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Varna is a little warmer than Bruges. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Varna in October average around 14°C (57°F), and Bruges averages at about 12°C (54°F).
Varna usually receives more sunshine than Bruges during autumn. Varna gets 161 hours of sunny skies, while Bruges receives 105 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Varna usually receives less rain than Bruges. Varna gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberVarna 14°C (57°F)Bruges 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Varna or Bruges in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Varna as well as Bruges. Also, most visitors come to Bruges for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Bruges can be very cold during winter. Varna can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Varna is generally around the same temperature as Bruges. Daily temperatures in Varna average around 3°C (37°F), and Bruges fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).
In the winter, Varna often gets more sunshine than Bruges. Varna gets 83 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bruges receives 47 hours of full sun.
Varna usually gets less rain in January than Bruges. Varna gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryVarna 3°C (37°F)Bruges 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit Varna or Bruges in the Spring?
Both Bruges and Varna are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Bruges because of the natural beauty.
Varna is a little warmer than Bruges in the spring. The daily temperature in Varna averages around 11°C (52°F) in April, and Bruges fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).
Varna usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bruges during spring. Varna gets 156 hours of sunny skies, while Bruges receives 158 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Varna usually receives around the same amount of rain as Bruges. Varna gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilVarna 11°C (52°F)Bruges 8°C (47°F)
Typical Weather for Bruges and Varna
| Varna | Bruges | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (37°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Feb | 3°C (37°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Mar | 6°C (43°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| Apr | 11°C (52°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| May | 16°C (61°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (73°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Sep | 19°C (66°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Oct | 14°C (57°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| Nov | 9°C (48°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 75 mm (2.9 in) |
| Dec | 5°C (41°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 71 mm (2.8 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.