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

Should you visit Varna or Brussels?

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 Brussels 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 Brussels?

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.

Brussels

Brussels is the capital of Belgium and also the sight of the headquarters of the European Union. Generally speaking, it's an expensive city that sees a good amount of travelers. It is also a highly political city that has an air of importance and power. It's an incredibly international city, with people from all over the world flocking to it due to its political, economical, and cultural significance.

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.


Which place is cheaper, Brussels 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 Brussels is $147. 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 Brussels in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Varna $35
    Brussels $78
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Varna $70
    Brussels $156
Compare Hotels in Varna and Brussels

Looking for a hotel in Varna or Brussels? 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 Brussels


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 Brussels Hotel Prices.

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

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 Brussels

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Brussels are as follows:


  • Subway Pass
    $4.82
  • Atomium train ticket (2)
    $8.57

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Brussels

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Brussels:

  • Brussels to Ostend Airport (OST) - Departure Private Transfer: $39
  • Airport Transfer: Brussels to Airport BRU by Business Car: $82
  • Airport transfers from Brussels to Zaventem Brussels airport by luxury car: $74
  • Arrival Private Transfer Brussels Train Station to Brussels by Luxury Car or Van: $68
  • BRU Airport Transfer to Brussels City Center for 3 Pax: $150
  • BRU Airport Transfer to Brussels City Center for 7 Pax: $128
  • Brussels <-> transfer from or to Brussels Airport (BRU) by Van: $130
  • Brussels Airport (BRU) To Amsterdam: VIP Transfer: $492
  • Brussels Airport Departure Transfer (Brussels Hotels to Brussels Airport): $106
  • Brussels Airport Transfer (BRU) <-> to or from Brussels (Sedan): $104
  • Brussels Airport: Transfer to/from Gent Sint Pieters Station: $11
  • Brussels City Center to BRU Airport Transfer for 3 Pax: $107

Is it cheaper to fly into Varna or Brussels?

Prices for flights to both Brussels 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
    Brussels $41

Typical Food Prices in Brussels

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


  • Ice Cream & Macaroons
    $4.93
  • Dessert (Turkish Delights)
    $5.09
  • Cheese
    $6.00
  • Olives and Snacks
    $7.48
  • Waffle
    $3.21

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Brussels

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

  • Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $28
  • Hard Rock Cafe Brussels with Set Lunch or Dinner : $29
  • City Center Guided Food Tour with Tastings: $61
  • Food Tour in Brussels - Do Eat Better Experience: $106
  • Brussels Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $130
  • Secret Food Tours Brussels: $137
  • Market Tour and Cooking Lesson with a Belgian Gourmet Meal in a Brussels Home: $160
  • Private Food Tour – 10 Tastings with Locals: $163

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Varna $8.55
    Brussels $25

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

Tours and Activities in Brussels

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

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Historical Walking Tour: The Story of Brussels - by Legends: $3.26
  • Free Tour of Brussels in Italian (with booking fee): $3.26
  • The Most Complete Tour Of Brussels: $3.26
  • BELvue Belgium History Museum Entry Ticket: $5.35
  • A Self-Guided Tour of Brussels' Secret Places and Untold Stories: $5.99
  • 600 Years of History and Heritage: A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Leuven: $5.99
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.42
  • Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and Tour: $6.95
  • Museum Halle Gate Entry Ticket: $7.49
  • A Self-Guided Tour of From Medieval to Modern Times: $7.99

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Varna $8.52
    Brussels $14

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

Typical Alcohol Prices in Brussels

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Brussels are as follows:


  • Bottle of Wine
    $11
  • Beer
    $6.43

Sample the Local Flavors in Brussels

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Brussels:

  • Brussels Pub Crawl - Nightlife & Party Experience: $17
  • Pub Crawl and Nightlife Party Experience: $18


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


Which is Bigger, Varna or Brussels?

Brussels has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Varna. When comparing the sizes of Varna and Brussels, 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 Brussels?

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 Brussels in the Summer?

Both Brussels and Varna are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Brussels for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Varna is a little warmer than Brussels. Typically, the summer temperatures in Varna in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Brussels averages at about 18°C (65°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Varna. Varna usually receives more sunshine than Brussels during summer. Varna gets 268 hours of sunny skies, while Brussels receives 186 hours of full sun in the summer.

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


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Varna 23°C (73°F) 
    Brussels 18°C (65°F)

Should I visit Varna or Brussels in the Autumn?

Both Brussels and Varna during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Brussels in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Varna is generally a little warmer than Brussels. Daily temperatures in Varna average around 14°C (57°F), and Brussels fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Varna often gets more sunshine than Brussels. Varna gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brussels receives 114 hours of full sun.

Varna usually gets less rain in October than Brussels. Varna gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Varna 14°C (57°F) 
    Brussels 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Varna or Brussels in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Varna and Brussels. Also, most visitors come to Brussels for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Brussels can be very cold during winter. Varna can get quite cold in the winter. Varna is around the same temperature as Brussels in the winter. The daily temperature in Varna averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Brussels fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Varna usually receives more sunshine than Brussels during winter. Varna gets 83 hours of sunny skies, while Brussels receives 49 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Varna usually receives less rain than Brussels. Varna gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Varna 3°C (37°F) 
    Brussels 3°C (38°F)

Should I visit Varna or Brussels in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Varna as well as Brussels. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Brussels because of the activities around the city.

In the spring, Varna is a little warmer than Brussels. Typically, the spring temperatures in Varna in April average around 11°C (52°F), and Brussels averages at about 10°C (49°F).

In the spring, Varna often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Brussels. Varna gets 156 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brussels receives 147 hours of full sun.

Varna usually gets less rain in April than Brussels. Varna gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Varna 11°C (52°F) 
    Brussels 10°C (49°F)

Typical Weather for Brussels and Varna

Varna Brussels
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 3°C (38°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Feb 3°C (37°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 4°C (39°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 6°C (43°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 11°C (52°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 10°C (49°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
May 16°C (61°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 14°C (57°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 17°C (62°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 18°C (65°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 18°C (65°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Sep 19°C (66°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 16°C (60°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Oct 14°C (57°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 12°C (54°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 9°C (48°F) 50 mm (2 in) 7°C (45°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Dec 5°C (41°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 4°C (40°F) 76 mm (3 in)