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

Should you visit Varna or Hamburg?

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 Hamburg 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 Hamburg?

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.

Hamburg

Hamburg is most noted for its port, which is the largest in Germany and the second busiest in Europe. Despite it's size, it is actually located about 100 kilometers from the North Sea on the River Elbe. The popularity of this port has given Hamburg the nickname as Germany's Gateway to the World. The city itself is the second largest in Germany and the metropolitan area has a population of over 4 million people.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Bulgaria, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Bulgaria, The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Berlin.


Which place is cheaper, Hamburg 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 Hamburg is $125. 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 Hamburg in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Varna $35
    Hamburg $58
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Varna $70
    Hamburg $116
Compare Hotels in Varna and Hamburg

Looking for a hotel in Varna or Hamburg? 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 Hamburg


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 Hamburg Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Varna $9.33
    Hamburg $31

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 Hamburg

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Hamburg:


  • Short Distance Ubahn Ticket
    $1.82

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hamburg

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hamburg:

  • Hamburg hotels to Ostseekai Kiel Cruise Port - Departure Private Transfer: $118
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Hamburg Airport HAM to Hamburg: $41
  • Arrival Private Transfers from Hamburg Airport HAM to Hamburg City: $108
  • Arrival Private Transfers from Hamburg Airport HAM to Hamburg City: $86
  • Arrival Private Transfers from Hamburg Airport XFW to Hamburg City: $76
  • Departure Private Transfers from Hamburg City to Hamburg Airport HAM: $108
  • Departure Private Transfers from Hamburg City to Hamburg Airport HAM: $86
  • Departure Private Transfers from Hamburg City to Hamburg Airport XFW: $76
  • Departure Private Transfers from Hamburg City to Hamburg Airport XFW: $92
  • Fredericia Cruise Port: Private Transfer to Hamburg city: $585
  • Hamburg Airport (HAM) to Ostseekai Kiel Cruise Port-Round-Trip Private Transfer: $235
  • Hamburg Airport (HAM): Private Transfer to Hamburg hotels: $176

Is it cheaper to fly into Varna or Hamburg?

Prices for flights to both Hamburg 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
    Hamburg $37

Typical Food Prices in Hamburg

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


  • Pink Thai Soup Dinner and Spring Rolls
    $16
  • Currywurst and Pommes Frites
    $5.36
  • Donner Kebab and Coke
    $6.43
  • Traditional Hamburg Dinner w/ Beer
    $16
  • Donner Kebab Lunch
    $4.29
  • Sandwich and Coffee Break
    $6.43
  • Fish Sandwich from Fish Market
    $3.75
  • Coffee and Donut
    $4.29

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hamburg

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

  • St. Pauli kulinarisch – Die Food Tour: $48
  • Elphi Plaza und HafenCity kulinarisch – Die Food Tour: $59
  • Original Musical Dinner Cruise 2024: $117
  • Hamburg Private Food Tours with a Local: 100% Personalized : $186
  • St. Pauli: Guided Food Tour with 5 Tastings: $481
  • Elbphilharmonie Plaza and HafenCity Food Tour: $588
  • Elbphilharmonie Plaza and HafenCity Food Tour: $588

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Varna $8.55
    Hamburg $42

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 Hamburg

Here are a few typical costs in Hamburg for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Tower at St. Michael's Church
    $3.75

Tours and Activities in Hamburg

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

  • Selfguided Audiotour "Speicherstadt and HafenCity": $3.20
  • Selfguided Audiotour "Old Town and City Center": $3.20
  • Deutsche Hafen & St.Pauli Bezahl-Was-ihr-wollt Tour zu Fuß: $3.21
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $3.21
  • Harbor&St. Pauli Pay-What-You-Want 2-Hour Walking Tour: $3.21
  • English Hamburg City Center Pay-What-You-Want Walking Tour: $3.21
  • German Hamburg Historic City Center Pay-What-You-Want Tour: $3.21
  • English Harbor&St.Pauli Pay-What-You-Want Walking Tour: $3.21
  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • The Local Tour of Hamburg Historic Centre: $3.26
  • Germany eSIM Tourist Roaming Data Plan: $4.28
  • Exclusive Self-Guided Audio Tour in St. Pauli: $4.60

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Varna $8.52
    Hamburg $19

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 Hamburg

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

  • Night Pub Crawl through The Repperbahn: $21
  • Weekend Night Pub Crawl through the Reeperbahn: $34
  • Pub Crawl - Ultimate party pub crawl incl. One-hour drinks flat rate: $44
  • Hamburg Pub Crawl including 1 hour flatrate for beer: $51
  • Bachelor(ette) Premium Party with Pub Crawl: $401
  • Private Pub Crawl Tour: $401
  • Private Premium Pub Crawl: $513


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


Which is Bigger, Varna or Hamburg?

Hamburg has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Varna. When comparing the sizes of Varna and Hamburg, 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 Hamburg?

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 Hamburg in the Summer?

Both Hamburg and Varna are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Hamburg for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Varna is a little warmer than Hamburg in the summer. The daily temperature in Varna averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Hamburg fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

It's quite sunny in Hamburg. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Varna. Varna usually receives more sunshine than Hamburg during summer. Varna gets 268 hours of sunny skies, while Hamburg receives 207 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Varna usually receives less rain than Hamburg. Varna gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Hamburg receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Varna 23°C (73°F) 
    Hamburg 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Varna or Hamburg in the Autumn?

Both Hamburg and Varna during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Hamburg because of the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Varna is a little warmer than Hamburg. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Varna in October average around 14°C (57°F), and Hamburg averages at about 10°C (50°F).

In the autumn, Varna often gets more sunshine than Hamburg. Varna gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hamburg receives 101 hours of full sun.

Varna usually gets less rain in October than Hamburg. Varna gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Hamburg receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Varna 14°C (57°F) 
    Hamburg 10°C (50°F)

Should I visit Varna or Hamburg in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Varna and Hamburg. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Hamburg this time of year.

It's quite cold in Hamburg in the winter. The weather in Varna can be very cold. In January, Varna is generally much warmer than Hamburg. Daily temperatures in Varna average around 3°C (37°F), and Hamburg fluctuates around 0°C (33°F).

Varna usually receives more sunshine than Hamburg during winter. Varna gets 83 hours of sunny skies, while Hamburg receives 42 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Varna usually receives less rain than Hamburg. Varna gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Hamburg receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Varna 3°C (37°F) 
    Hamburg 0°C (33°F)

Should I visit Varna or Hamburg in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Varna as well as Hamburg. Also, many travelers come to Hamburg for the natural beauty.

Varna is a little warmer than Hamburg in the spring. The daily temperature in Varna averages around 11°C (52°F) in April, and Hamburg fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

In the spring, Varna often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hamburg. Varna gets 156 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hamburg receives 161 hours of full sun.

Varna usually gets less rain in April than Hamburg. Varna gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Hamburg receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Typical Weather for Hamburg and Varna

Varna Hamburg
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 0°C (33°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 3°C (37°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 1°C (34°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 4°C (39°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 11°C (52°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 8°C (46°F) 51 mm (2 in)
May 16°C (61°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 12°C (54°F) 57 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 15°C (60°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 17°C (62°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 17°C (62°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 19°C (66°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 14°C (57°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Oct 14°C (57°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 10°C (50°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Nov 9°C (48°F) 50 mm (2 in) 5°C (41°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Dec 5°C (41°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 2°C (35°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)