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

Should you visit Varna or Potsdam?

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 Potsdam 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 Potsdam?

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.

Potsdam

Before you lays a treasure chest of historic beauties. From the glimmering Renaissance Orangery Palace that overlooks its sumptuous fountains to the neoclassical Charlottenhof Castle that is surrounded by lush England gardens, you find yourself in none other than Potsdam, Germany. The capital and largest city of the German federal state of Brandenburg, Potsdam borders the German capital Berlin and is located right on the bay of the River Havel. A home for Prussian kings until 1918 and a brainchild of the Enlightenment, Potsdam was constructed thoughtfully and carefully by its architects to create what many to believe as "a picturesque, pastoral dream" and a "balance between both nature and reason." From interconnected lakes to historic landmarks, Potsdam is a city that is bursting with life all year around. With its rich history, it was no wonder various parts of the city were named a World Heritage Site. With its landscape and cityscape rivaling in beauty, Potsdam is simply a breathtaking city that must be explored!

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Bulgaria, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Bulgaria, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Germany, and The Best Adventure Tours to Germany.


Which place is cheaper, Potsdam 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 Potsdam is $119. 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 Potsdam in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Varna $35
    Potsdam $64
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Varna $70
    Potsdam $128
Compare Hotels in Varna and Potsdam

Looking for a hotel in Varna or Potsdam? 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 Potsdam


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 Potsdam Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Varna $9.33
    Potsdam $30

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 Potsdam

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Potsdam:

  • Berlin Airport Departure Transfer from Potsdam Hotels: $174
  • Departure Airport Transfer from Potsdam Hotels to Berlin BER Airport: $174
  • Private Transfer from Potsdam to Berlin Tegel Airport: $160

Is it cheaper to fly into Varna or Potsdam?

Prices for flights to both Potsdam 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
    Potsdam $33

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Varna $8.55
    Potsdam $27

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 Potsdam

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

  • Beautiful Baroque A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Sanssouci Park Self-Guided Gardens Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Baroque Buildings Self-Guided Mobile Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Sanssouci Park: A Self-Guide Audio Tour of the Garden's Landmarks: $5.99
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41
  • Self-Guided Walking Tour of City Center: $8.45
  • Museum Barberini Entrance Ticket: $11
  • Brandenburg Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Cecilienhof Castle Entrance Ticket: $13
  • Biosphäre Potsdam Entry Ticket: $16
  • In the Forbidden City - Potsdam Walking Tour: $20
  • City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $21

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Varna $8.52
    Potsdam $7.18

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


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


Which is Bigger, Varna or Potsdam?

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

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 Potsdam in the Summer?

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

In July, Varna is generally a little warmer than Potsdam. Daily temperatures in Varna average around 23°C (73°F), and Potsdam fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

It's quite sunny in Potsdam. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Varna. Varna usually receives more sunshine than Potsdam during summer. Varna gets 268 hours of sunny skies, while Potsdam receives 232 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Varna usually receives less rain than Potsdam. Varna gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Varna 23°C (73°F) 
    Potsdam 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Varna or Potsdam in the Autumn?

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

Varna is a little warmer than Potsdam in the autumn. The daily temperature in Varna averages around 14°C (57°F) in October, and Potsdam fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

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

Varna usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Potsdam. Varna gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Varna 14°C (57°F) 
    Potsdam 10°C (51°F)

Should I visit Varna or Potsdam in the Winter?

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

It's quite cold in Potsdam in the winter. The weather in Varna can be very cold. In the winter, Varna is much warmer than Potsdam. Typically, the winter temperatures in Varna in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Potsdam averages at about -0°C (31°F).

Varna usually receives more sunshine than Potsdam during winter. Varna gets 83 hours of sunny skies, while Potsdam receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Varna usually receives less rain than Potsdam. Varna gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Varna 3°C (37°F) 
    Potsdam -0°C (31°F)

Should I visit Varna or Potsdam in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Varna as well as Potsdam. Also, many travelers come to Potsdam for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In April, Varna is generally a little warmer than Potsdam. Daily temperatures in Varna average around 11°C (52°F), and Potsdam fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the spring, Varna often gets less sunshine than Potsdam. Varna gets 156 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Potsdam receives 168 hours of full sun.

Varna usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Potsdam. Varna gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Varna 11°C (52°F) 
    Potsdam 9°C (48°F)

Typical Weather for Potsdam and Varna

Varna Potsdam
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) -0°C (31°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 3°C (37°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 1°C (34°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 5°C (40°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Apr 11°C (52°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 9°C (48°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
May 16°C (61°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 14°C (57°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 17°C (63°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 19°C (66°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 19°C (65°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Sep 19°C (66°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 15°C (59°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Oct 14°C (57°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 10°C (51°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Nov 9°C (48°F) 50 mm (2 in) 5°C (41°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Dec 5°C (41°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 1°C (34°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)