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

Should you visit Varna or Tihany?

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 Tihany 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 Tihany?

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.

Tihany

Located on the northern coast of Lake Balaton in Hungary, Tihany is a historic village with quaint streets and bustling squares - all centered on the twin-towered Tihany Benedictine Abbey which dates back to the 11th century.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Bulgaria, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Bulgaria, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Hungary, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Hungary.


Which place is cheaper, Tihany 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 Tihany is $44. 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 Tihany in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Varna $35
    Tihany $19
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Varna $70
    Tihany $38
Compare Hotels in Varna and Tihany

Looking for a hotel in Varna or Tihany? 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 Tihany


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 Tihany Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Varna $9.33
    Tihany $11

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Varna

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Varna:

  • Varna to Bucharest - Private Transfer: $642
  • Bucharest to Varna - Private Transfer: $449
  • Private Transfer from Golden Sands to Sofia (SOF) Airport : $299
  • Private Transfer from Varna to Sofia (SOF) Airport: $298
  • Private Transfer from Sunny Beach to Varna (VAR) Airport: $223
  • Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Sunny Beach: $217
  • Private Transfer from Albena to Burgas (BOJ) Airport: $154
  • Varna Airport - Ravda | Airport Transfer,Taxi, Bus, Van Service | Book Now: $136
  • Private Transfer from Golden Sands to Burgas (BOJ) Airport: $130
  • Varna Airport - Sunny Beach | Airport Transfer,Taxi, Bus, Van Service | Book Now: $130
  • Private Transfer from Varna to Burgas (BOJ) Airport: $127
  • Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Pomorie: $117

Is it cheaper to fly into Varna or Tihany?

Prices for flights to both Tihany 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
    Tihany $18

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Varna $8.55
    Tihany $4.82

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: $23
  • Audio Guide for All Dobrich & Kavarna Sights, Attractions or Experiences: $21
  • 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: $73
  • From Rock Sanctuaries Hiking Tour: $73
  • Full-Day Private Sightseeing Tour to the North of Varna: $205
  • Full-Day Private Sightseeing Tour to the South of Varna: $205
  • Full-Day Small-Group Tour of Bulgaria by Minivan with Lunch: $87
  • GPS & Video guided Tour to The North Coast Of The Black Sea: $182
  • Guided Nessebar Sightseeing Tour with Pick Up: $107

Tours and Activities in Tihany

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

  • Erotic Renaissance Wax Museum Entrance Ticket: $5.42
  • Lake Balaton: Paddle Board Tour of Tihany National Park: $43
  • Lake Balaton: Sunset SUP Tour Tihany: $43
  • The best of Keszthely walking tour: $98
  • Romantic tour around Keszthely for couples: $98
  • Special Magical Christmas Walking Tour in Keszthely: $217

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Varna $8.52
    Tihany $6.58

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 Tihany

Also in Tihany, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • From Budapest: Wine Tasting At Balaton Full Day Private Tour: $1,211


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Varna and Tihany, we can see that Varna is more expensive. And not only is Tihany much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Tihany would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Tihany 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 Varna would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Varna than you might in Tihany.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Varna Expensive? and Is Tihany Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Varna or Tihany?

Varna has a larger population, and is about 220 times larger than the population of Tihany. When comparing the sizes of Varna and Tihany, 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 Tihany?

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 Tihany in the Summer?

Both Tihany and Varna during the summer are popular places to visit.

In July, Varna is generally around the same temperature as Tihany. Daily temperatures in Varna average around 23°C (73°F), and Tihany fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

In Tihany, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Varna. In the summer, Varna often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Tihany. Varna gets 268 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tihany receives 278 hours of full sun.

Varna usually gets less rain in July than Tihany. Varna gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Tihany receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Varna 23°C (73°F) 
    Tihany 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Varna or Tihany in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Varna and Tihany.

Varna is a little warmer than Tihany in the autumn. The daily temperature in Varna averages around 14°C (57°F) in October, and Tihany fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Varna usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Tihany during autumn. Varna gets 161 hours of sunny skies, while Tihany receives 152 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Varna usually receives more rain than Tihany. Varna gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Tihany receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Varna 14°C (57°F) 
    Tihany 12°C (53°F)

Should I visit Varna or Tihany in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Varna as well as Tihany.

The weather in Tihany can be very cold. Varna can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Varna is much warmer than Tihany. Typically, the winter temperatures in Varna in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Tihany averages at about -1°C (31°F).

In the winter, Varna often gets more sunshine than Tihany. Varna gets 83 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tihany receives 61 hours of full sun.

Varna usually gets more rain in January than Tihany. Varna gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Tihany receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Varna or Tihany in the Spring?

Both Tihany and Varna are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.

In April, Varna is generally around the same temperature as Tihany. Daily temperatures in Varna average around 11°C (52°F), and Tihany fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Varna usually receives less sunshine than Tihany during spring. Varna gets 156 hours of sunny skies, while Tihany receives 178 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Varna usually receives more rain than Tihany. Varna gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Tihany receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Varna 11°C (52°F) 
    Tihany 12°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Tihany and Varna

Varna Tihany
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) -1°C (31°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Feb 3°C (37°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 2°C (35°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 7°C (44°F) 27 mm (1 in)
Apr 11°C (52°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 12°C (53°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
May 16°C (61°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 16°C (62°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 20°C (67°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 21°C (70°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 21°C (69°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Sep 19°C (66°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 17°C (63°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Oct 14°C (57°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 12°C (53°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Nov 9°C (48°F) 50 mm (2 in) 6°C (42°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Dec 5°C (41°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 1°C (34°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)