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

Should you visit Varna or Heidelberg?

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 Heidelberg 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 Heidelberg?

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.

Heidelberg

Heidelberg, in the state of Baden-Wurttemberg, is a top travel destination in Germany. It's picturesquely situated in the Neckar River Valley and is a wonderful place to spend a few days. The city has a population of over 148,000 and it's home to Germany's oldest university, the Ruprecht-Karls-Universitat, which has a student population of approximately 28,000.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Bulgaria, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Bulgaria, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Germany, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Germany.


Which place is cheaper, Heidelberg 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 Heidelberg is $152. 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 Heidelberg in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Varna $35
    Heidelberg $99
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Varna $70
    Heidelberg $198
Compare Hotels in Varna and Heidelberg

Looking for a hotel in Varna or Heidelberg? 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 Heidelberg


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 Heidelberg Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Varna $9.33
    Heidelberg $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 Albena to Burgas (BOJ) Airport: $155
  • Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Sozopol: $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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Heidelberg

Also for Heidelberg, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Airport transfer from Karlsruhe Airport to Baden-Baden: $105
  • Karlsruhe Airport (FKB) to Baden-Baden - Arrival Private Transfer: $23
  • Karlsruhe Airport (FKB) to BadenBaden Round-Trip Private Transfer: $46
  • One Way Private Transfer from Mannheim to Frankfurt : $251
  • Privat Transfer From Basel EuroAirport BSL To Badenweiler : $126
  • Private Transfer from Badenweiler Thermal to Basel EuroAirport: $63
  • Private Transfer from Heidelberg City to Mannheim City by Van: $64

Is it cheaper to fly into Varna or Heidelberg?

Prices for flights to both Heidelberg 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
    Heidelberg $40

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Heidelberg

For Heidelberg, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Heidelberg crime dinner to solve the mystery with a delicious 3-course menu: $64
  • Craft Beer and Street Food Tour: $598

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Varna $8.55
    Heidelberg $12

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

Tours and Activities in Heidelberg

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Heidelberg.

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Heidelberg's Altstadt: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.20
  • Heidelberg's Altstadt: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41
  • Pure experience: Original Black Forest farmer smoke tour: $6.54
  • Heidelberg Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.54
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.95
  • Heidelberg Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & City Tour: $6.95
  • Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $8.02
  • Complete Self-guided Audio Tour on your Phone: $8.54
  • Uncover A Self-Guided Audio Tour Through Time: $11
  • Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $11

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Varna $8.52
    Heidelberg $18

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 Heidelberg

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

  • Highlights of the romantic Black Forest & brewery, private tour: $295


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


Which is Bigger, Varna or Heidelberg?

Varna has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Heidelberg. When comparing the sizes of Varna and Heidelberg, 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 Heidelberg?

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 Heidelberg in the Summer?

Both Heidelberg and Varna during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Heidelberg for the family-friendly experiences.

Varna is a little warmer than Heidelberg in the summer. The daily temperature in Varna averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Heidelberg fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

In Heidelberg, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Varna. In the summer, Varna often gets more sunshine than Heidelberg. Varna gets 268 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Heidelberg receives 224 hours of full sun.

Varna usually gets less rain in July than Heidelberg. Varna gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Varna 23°C (73°F) 
    Heidelberg 21°C (69°F)

Should I visit Varna or Heidelberg in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Varna and Heidelberg. Furthermore, many visitors come to Heidelberg in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Varna is a little warmer than Heidelberg. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Varna in October average around 14°C (57°F), and Heidelberg averages at about 12°C (54°F).

Varna usually receives more sunshine than Heidelberg during autumn. Varna gets 161 hours of sunny skies, while Heidelberg receives 102 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Varna usually receives less rain than Heidelberg. Varna gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


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

Should I visit Varna or Heidelberg in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Varna as well as Heidelberg. Additionally, most visitors come to Heidelberg for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

Heidelberg can be very cold during winter. Varna can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Varna is generally a little warmer than Heidelberg. Daily temperatures in Varna average around 3°C (37°F), and Heidelberg fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Varna often gets more sunshine than Heidelberg. Varna gets 83 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Heidelberg receives 38 hours of full sun.

Varna usually gets less rain in January than Heidelberg. Varna gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Varna or Heidelberg in the Spring?

Both Heidelberg and Varna are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Heidelberg because of the natural beauty.

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

Varna usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Heidelberg during spring. Varna gets 156 hours of sunny skies, while Heidelberg receives 155 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Varna usually receives less rain than Heidelberg. Varna gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Varna 11°C (52°F) 
    Heidelberg 11°C (52°F)

Typical Weather for Heidelberg and Varna

Varna Heidelberg
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 3°C (37°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Feb 3°C (37°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 4°C (39°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 7°C (45°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Apr 11°C (52°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 11°C (52°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
May 16°C (61°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 16°C (60°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 19°C (65°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 21°C (69°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 20°C (68°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 19°C (66°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 17°C (63°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Oct 14°C (57°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 12°C (54°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Nov 9°C (48°F) 50 mm (2 in) 7°C (44°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Dec 5°C (41°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 4°C (38°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)