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

Should you visit Varna or Siena?

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 Siena 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 Siena?

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.

Siena

Located in Tuscany, Siena is a medieval city that is about 70 kilometers south of Florence. One of its most famous events is the horse race, Il Palio, which occurs twice a year during the summer. The race puts a lot of emphasis on neighborhood pride and competition. It is a local tradition that is of great importance to the residence, so it is not an event that is held specifically for tourists. It dates back to the Medieval times and is associated with the area's religion, pageantry and rivalry. In addition to the city's strong neighborhood pride, rich history, and impressive architecture, Siena was also the home of many famous artists including Duccio, Simone Martini, and Ambrogio and Pietro Lorenzetti.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Bulgaria, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Bulgaria, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Italy, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Siena 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 Siena is $142. 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 Siena in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Varna $35
    Siena $74
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Varna $70
    Siena $148
Compare Hotels in Varna and Siena

Looking for a hotel in Varna or Siena? 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 Siena


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 Siena Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Varna $9.33
    Siena $21

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 Varna (VAR) Airport to Saints Constantine and Helena: $25
  • Private Transfer from Golden Sands to Varna (VAR) Airport: $35
  • Private One-way Transfer Varna Airport to Hotel or vice versa: $53
  • Private Transfer from Balchik to Varna (VAR) Airport: $58
  • Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Balchik: $58
  • Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Byala: $63
  • Private Transfer from Albena to Varna (VAR) Airport : $65
  • Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Albena: $65
  • Private Transfer from Varna Airport (VAR) to Burgas Cruise Port: $65
  • Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Obzor: $71
  • Private Transfer from Sunny Beach to Burgas (BOJ) Airport: $72

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Siena

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Siena:

  • Arrival transfer Siena Airport SAY to Siena City by van or car: $148
  • From Florence: Private Siena Day Trip with Transfers: $348
  • Luxury Private Transfer Between Siena and Genoa: $1,118
  • Private transfer from Siena to Florence: $202
  • Rome Fiumicino Airport: Shared Transfer to/from Siena by Bus: $11
  • Siena - Rome Transfer Tour with Orvieto & Montepulciano: $1,059
  • Siena to Milan Linate Airport 1-Way Private Transfer: $1,305
  • Siena to Milan Malpensa airport private transfer: $1,433
  • Transfer Siena-Florence with visit to Chianti and wine tasting: $218
  • Transfer Siena-Pisa with stop in San Gimignano & Lunch: $245

Is it cheaper to fly into Varna or Siena?

Prices for flights to both Siena 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
    Siena $54

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Siena

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

  • Siena food tour and Chianti wine: $60
  • Walking Food Tour with Tastings: $95
  • Tuscan Dinner in a Villa in an Ancient Siena Olive Grove: $98
  • Siena Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience : $99
  • From Siena/Chianti: Dinner & Drinks in the Chianti Vineyards: $102
  • Siena countryside: cooking class in a real Tuscan farmhouse: $123
  • Cooking Class in a historical villa in Siena Provence: $130
  • Tuscan Cooking Class in Central Siena: $131
  • 4 Hour Private Cooking Class Unique Tuscan Experience in Siena: $131
  • Family Cooking Class: Pizza and Tiramisù from Siena: $138
  • Small Group Cooking Class in Chianti Farmhouse: $138
  • Small group Cooking Class in Chianti Farmhouse: $141

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Varna $8.55
    Siena $4.02

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 Siena

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

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Palazzo Pubblico Entry Ticket: $6.42
  • Escape Game and Tour: $6.95
  • Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and City Tour: $6.95
  • City Highlights Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Siena Cathedral and Piccolomini Library Entry Ticket: $8.56
  • Siena Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.75
  • Italian Opera in Siena Experience: $27
  • Escape Tour - Self-Guided Citygame: $32
  • Guided tour of Siena INCLUDING the Cathedral or Museum: $33
  • Chianti: Wine and Olive Oil Tasting with Cellar Tour: $36
  • Wine Experience in an Organic Chianti Winery: $36

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Varna $8.52
    Siena $2.34

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 Siena

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Siena:

  • Wine Tasting at the Winery in the Panoramic Terrance: $27
  • Montalcino: Brunello Wine Tasting Experience: $35
  • Total Immersion Wine Tour in Chianti: $43
  • Lapi&Tour Guided tour of the cellars with wine tasting: $52
  • From Florence: San Gimignano, Siena, and Chianti Wine Tour: $55
  • Tuscany Hiking Tour from Siena Including Wine Tasting: $60
  • Siena Underground Wine tasting in a Medieval Cave: $61
  • Siena Underground Wine tasting in a Medieval Cave: $63
  • Tuscan Classics Wine Tasting Class with Aperitivo: $64
  • Montalcino: Brunello Wine Tasting & Lunch in a Tuscan Castle: $64
  • Wine and Food Pairing Class with Tuscan Wine Tastings: $75
  • Organic Winery Tour and Wine Tasting in Siena: $80


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


Which is Bigger, Varna or Siena?

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

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 Siena in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Varna and Siena. Also, most visitors come to Siena for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Varna is around the same temperature as Siena. Typically, the summer temperatures in Varna in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Siena averages at about 23°C (73°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Siena this time of the year. In Varna, it's very sunny this time of the year. Varna usually receives less sunshine than Siena during summer. Varna gets 268 hours of sunny skies, while Siena receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Varna usually receives less rain than Siena. Varna gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Siena receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Varna 23°C (73°F) 
    Siena 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Varna or Siena in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Varna as well as Siena. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Siena because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Varna is generally cooler than Siena. Daily temperatures in Varna average around 14°C (57°F), and Siena fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Varna often gets less sunshine than Siena. Varna gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Siena receives 177 hours of full sun.

Varna usually gets less rain in October than Siena. Varna gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Siena receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Varna 14°C (57°F) 
    Siena 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Varna or Siena in the Winter?

Both Siena and Varna are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Siena this time of year.

The weather in Varna can be very cold. Varna is much colder than Siena in the winter. The daily temperature in Varna averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Siena fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

Varna usually receives less sunshine than Siena during winter. Varna gets 83 hours of sunny skies, while Siena receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Varna usually receives less rain than Siena. Varna gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Siena receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Varna 3°C (37°F) 
    Siena 7°C (45°F)

Should I visit Varna or Siena in the Spring?

Both Siena and Varna during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Siena for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Varna is around the same temperature as Siena. Typically, the spring temperatures in Varna in April average around 11°C (52°F), and Siena averages at about 12°C (54°F).

In the spring, Varna often gets less sunshine than Siena. Varna gets 156 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Siena receives 192 hours of full sun.

Varna usually gets less rain in April than Siena. Varna gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Siena receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Varna 11°C (52°F) 
    Siena 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Siena and Varna

Varna Siena
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 7°C (45°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Feb 3°C (37°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 7°C (45°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 9°C (48°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 11°C (52°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 12°C (54°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
May 16°C (61°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 16°C (61°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 20°C (68°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 23°C (73°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 23°C (73°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Sep 19°C (66°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 20°C (68°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Oct 14°C (57°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 16°C (61°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Nov 9°C (48°F) 50 mm (2 in) 10°C (50°F) 95 mm (3.7 in)
Dec 5°C (41°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 7°C (45°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)