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

Should you visit Varna or Dresden?

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 Dresden 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 Dresden?

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.

Dresden

As towering baroque architecture and verdant woodlands surround your vision, this cityscape works almost as a time capsule of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, untouched by the burdens of modernity. With a melange of cultures and histories, Dresden, Germany stands before you. The capital of the eastern German state of Saxony, Dresden is globally known for its celebrated art museums and classic architecture of its reconstructed Old Town. From the baroque church Frauenkirche to the Versailles-inspired Zwinger palace, the aesthetic value of this Germany city is simply immeasurable. Located on the gorgeous Elbe River, Dresden receives about ten million tourists a year, most of them from Germany. Nevertheless, despite the traditional German culture its most historic buildings exude, Dresden is still touched by the present-day generation with its abundance of restaurants, clubs, shops, and theaters. Whether you wish to gaze at the Raphael's "Sistine Madonna" or simply go for a quick shopping run, Dresden obliges its guests most satisfactorily.

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 from Berlin, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin.


Which place is cheaper, Dresden 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 Dresden is $145. 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 Dresden in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Varna $35
    Dresden $66
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Varna $70
    Dresden $132
Compare Hotels in Varna and Dresden

Looking for a hotel in Varna or Dresden? 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 Dresden


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 Dresden Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Varna $9.33
    Dresden $11

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dresden

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dresden:

  • Airport transfer from/to DRESDEN (DRS) - Business Van: $77
  • Airport transfer from/to DRESDEN (DRS) - First Class: $136
  • One-Way Transfer from Dresden Airport (DRS) to Dresden: $146
  • Private Transfer from Dresden City to Leipzig City: $83
  • Private Transfer from Dresden to Prague with 2 hours for sightseeing: $158

Is it cheaper to fly into Varna or Dresden?

Prices for flights to both Dresden 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
    Dresden $33

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dresden

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

  • Evening River Cruise with Dinner: $51
  • Winterlights Evening River Cruise with Dinner: $59
  • Dinner-Show "INDUSTRIELLE REVOLUTION": $117

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Varna $8.55
    Dresden $10

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 Dresden

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

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Secrets of Old The Lost Treasure Adventure: $4.27
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $4.28
  • River Elbe Smartphone Audio Tour: $5.99
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.36
  • Old Town Highlights Scavenger Hunt and Walking Tour: $6.42
  • Dresden‘s Rise from Ruin: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Dresden‘s Rise from Ruin: A Self-Guided Audio Tour : $7.99
  • Old Town Highlights Self-guided Tour: $8.45
  • Tour of VW's Transparent Factory: $9.62
  • The Green Factory Tour VW Transparent Factory: $9.62
  • Special Tour for Children & Families VW Factory: $9.62

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Varna $8.52
    Dresden $17

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 Dresden

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

  • Dresden Bike Tour with Wine Tasting: $53
  • Radeberger Brewery Tour in German: $57
  • Private Pub Crawl Tour: $401


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


Which is Bigger, Varna or Dresden?

Dresden has a larger population, and is about 56% larger than the population of Varna. When comparing the sizes of Varna and Dresden, 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 Dresden?

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 Dresden in the Summer?

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

Varna is a little warmer than Dresden in the summer. The daily temperature in Varna averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Dresden fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

In July, Varna usually receives less rain than Dresden. Varna gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Varna 23°C (73°F) 
    Dresden 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Varna or Dresden in the Autumn?

Both Dresden and Varna during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Dresden for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Varna is a little warmer than Dresden. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Varna in October average around 14°C (57°F), and Dresden averages at about 11°C (51°F).

Varna usually gets less rain in October than Dresden. Varna gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Varna or Dresden in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Varna and Dresden. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Dresden because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Dresden can be very cold. Varna can be very cold during winter. In January, Varna is generally much warmer than Dresden. Daily temperatures in Varna average around 3°C (37°F), and Dresden fluctuates around 1°C (33°F).

In January, Varna usually receives around the same amount of rain as Dresden. Varna gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Varna 3°C (37°F) 
    Dresden 1°C (33°F)

Should I visit Varna or Dresden in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Varna as well as Dresden. Additionally, the activities around the city are the main draw to Dresden this time of year.

Varna is around the same temperature as Dresden in the spring. The daily temperature in Varna averages around 11°C (52°F) in April, and Dresden fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Varna usually gets less rain in April than Dresden. Varna gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Varna 11°C (52°F) 
    Dresden 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Dresden and Varna

Varna Dresden
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 1°C (33°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Feb 3°C (37°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 2°C (36°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 5°C (41°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Apr 11°C (52°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 10°C (50°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
May 16°C (61°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 15°C (58°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 18°C (65°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 20°C (68°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 19°C (67°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 19°C (66°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 16°C (60°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Oct 14°C (57°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Nov 9°C (48°F) 50 mm (2 in) 6°C (43°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Dec 5°C (41°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 2°C (35°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)