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

Should you visit Varna or Plzen?

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 Plzen 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 Plzen?

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.

Plzen

Renowned as the home of the pilsner beer, Plzen is a city located in the West Bohemia region of the Czech Republic. Beyond beer, it also features a number of impressive landmarks some of which include St. Bartholomew's Cathedral and the Great Synagogue.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Bulgaria, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Bulgaria, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Czech Republic, and The Best Cultural Tours in Czech Republic.


Which place is cheaper, Plzen 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 Plzen is $101. 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 Plzen in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Varna $35
    Plzen $61
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Varna $70
    Plzen $122
Compare Hotels in Varna and Plzen

Looking for a hotel in Varna or Plzen? 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 Plzen


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 Plzen Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Varna $9.33
    Plzen $8.27

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Varna

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Varna:

  • Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Varna City: $22
  • Private Transfer from Golden Sands to Varna (VAR) Airport: $35
  • Private Transfer from Elenite to Burgas (BOJ) Airport: $49
  • Private One-way Transfer Varna Airport to Hotel or vice versa: $53
  • Private Transfer from Balchik to Varna (VAR) Airport: $57
  • Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Balchik: $57
  • Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Byala: $63
  • Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Albena: $65
  • Private Transfer from Albena to Varna (VAR) Airport : $65
  • Private Transfer from Sunny Beach to Burgas (BOJ) Airport: $72
  • Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Kavarna: $81
  • Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Pomorie: $117

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Plzen

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Plzen:

  • Private Transfer from Pilsen to Prague: $87
  • Private Transfer from Pilsen to Prague with 2 hours for sightseeing: $115
  • Private Transfer from Pilsen(Plzen) to Prague: $269

Is it cheaper to fly into Varna or Plzen?

Prices for flights to both Plzen 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
    Plzen $31

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Varna $8.55
    Plzen $21

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: $18
  • Audio Guide for All Dobrich & Kavarna Sights, Attractions or Experiences: $21
  • Action Aqua Park Entrance Ticket: $23
  • Half Day Private Bicycle Tour in Varna: $29
  • Nessebar: Guided City Tour: $48
  • Bulgaria Day Bike & E-bike Tours - country & sea: $63
  • The OFFroad Adventure : $64
  • The Ultimate Private Communist Tour of Varna: $64
  • From Rock Sanctuaries Hiking Tour: $73

Tours and Activities in Plzen

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Plzen are as follows:

  • Pilsen: Historic Underground Tour with a Glass of Beer: $8.51
  • Pilsen Historic Underground Tour with a Glass of Beer: $8.68
  • Pilsen: Old Town Gastronomy Tour: $32
  • Pilsen Private Walking Tour: $199
  • Experience Best Prague Tandem Skydiving : $248
  • Private Tour to Pilsner Urquell from Prague: $269

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Varna $8.52
    Plzen $23

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
  • Varna Gourmet Tour including Wine Tasting: $127

Sample the Local Flavors in Plzen

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Plzen:

  • Brewery Museum Entrance including a Glass of Beer: $6.51
  • Pilsen: Brewery Museum Entrance with a Glass of Beer: $6.92
  • Pilsen: Pilsner Urquell Brewery Tour with Beer Tasting: $17
  • Pilsner Urquell Brewery Tour with Beer Tasting: $17
  • Pilsen Highlights Small-Group Tour and Pilsner Brewery Tour including Lunch and Beer Tasting: $107
  • Pilsner brewery tour incl beer tasting & Czech town Pilsen: $139


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


Which is Bigger, Varna or Plzen?

Varna has a larger population, and is about 91% larger than the population of Plzen. When comparing the sizes of Varna and Plzen, 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 Plzen?

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 Plzen in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Varna and Plzen.

In the summer, Varna is a little warmer than Plzen. Typically, the summer temperatures in Varna in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Plzen averages at about 20°C (67°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Plzen this time of the year. In Varna, it's very sunny this time of the year. Varna usually receives more sunshine than Plzen during summer. Varna gets 268 hours of sunny skies, while Plzen receives 212 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Varna usually receives less rain than Plzen. Varna gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Plzen receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Varna 23°C (73°F) 
    Plzen 20°C (67°F)

Should I visit Varna or Plzen in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Varna as well as Plzen.

In October, Varna is generally a little warmer than Plzen. Daily temperatures in Varna average around 14°C (57°F), and Plzen fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the autumn, Varna often gets more sunshine than Plzen. Varna gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Plzen receives 120 hours of full sun.

Varna usually gets more rain in October than Plzen. Varna gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Plzen receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Varna or Plzen in the Winter?

Both Plzen and Varna are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities.

Plzen can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Varna. Varna is much warmer than Plzen in the winter. The daily temperature in Varna averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Plzen fluctuates around -1°C (31°F).

Varna usually receives more sunshine than Plzen during winter. Varna gets 83 hours of sunny skies, while Plzen receives 45 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Varna usually receives more rain than Plzen. Varna gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Plzen receives 25 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Varna 3°C (37°F) 
    Plzen -1°C (31°F)

Should I visit Varna or Plzen in the Spring?

Both Plzen and Varna during the spring are popular places to visit.

In the spring, Varna is around the same temperature as Plzen. Typically, the spring temperatures in Varna in April average around 11°C (52°F), and Plzen averages at about 11°C (51°F).

In the spring, Varna often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Plzen. Varna gets 156 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Plzen receives 164 hours of full sun.

Varna usually gets more rain in April than Plzen. Varna gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Plzen receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Varna 11°C (52°F) 
    Plzen 11°C (51°F)

Typical Weather for Plzen and Varna

Varna Plzen
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) -1°C (31°F) 25 mm (1 in)
Feb 3°C (37°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 2°C (35°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 6°C (42°F) 27 mm (1.1 in)
Apr 11°C (52°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 11°C (51°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
May 16°C (61°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 15°C (59°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 18°C (64°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 20°C (67°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 19°C (67°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Sep 19°C (66°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 16°C (61°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 14°C (57°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 11°C (51°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Nov 9°C (48°F) 50 mm (2 in) 5°C (41°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Dec 5°C (41°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 1°C (34°F) 23 mm (0.9 in)