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

Should you visit Varna or Gdansk?

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 Gdansk 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 Gdansk?

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.

Gdansk

Gdansk is the capital and largest city of the Pomeranian Voivodeship in northern Poland. The port dates back a thousand years and was an influential city in the Hanseatic League during the Middle Ages. The city was essentially destroyed during World War II but has rebuilt into one of Europe's most beautiful port cities. The city now has a population of around 460,000 and is a popular tourist destination for visitors from around the globe. It is known for its impressive city center, its great museums, and its beaches that line the coast of the Gulf of Gdansk. In particular, it is a popular summer destination.

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


Which place is cheaper, Gdansk or Varna?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Varna is $91, while the average daily cost in Gdansk is $77. 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 Gdansk in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Varna $39
    Gdansk $30
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Varna $78
    Gdansk $60
Compare Hotels in Varna and Gdansk

Looking for a hotel in Varna or Gdansk? 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 Gdansk


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 Gdansk Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Varna $10
    Gdansk $9.47

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Varna

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Varna:

  • Private One-way Transfer Varna Airport to Hotel or vice versa: $94
  • Private Transfer from Albena to Burgas (BOJ) Airport: $170
  • Private Transfer from Albena to Varna (VAR) Airport : $72
  • Private Transfer from Balchik to Varna (VAR) Airport: $63
  • Private Transfer from Golden Sands to Burgas (BOJ) Airport: $144
  • Private Transfer from Golden Sands to Varna (VAR) Airport: $81
  • Private Transfer from Kavarna to Varna (VAR) Airport: $90
  • Private Transfer from Saints Constantine and Helena to Burgas (BOJ) Airport: $135
  • Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Albena: $72
  • Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Balchik: $63
  • Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Kavarna: $90
  • Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Obzor: $78

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Gdansk

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Gdansk:

  • Aiport Gdansk Transfer to Malbork Castle or Stutthof : $298
  • CO2-OffsetArrival Transfer from Gdansk Airport GDN to Gdansk City: $72
  • Gdansk Airport: Private Transfer to Gdansk, Sopot, or Gdynia: $59
  • Gdansk to Torun Private Transfer : $145
  • Bubble Football with Hotel Transfers: $99
  • Gun Shooting Experience with Hotel Transfers Gdansk: $84
  • Indoor Go Karting Package in Gdansk with Hotel Transfers : $130
  • Luxury Limousine Transfer from Gdansk Airport (GDN) : $136
  • Private Round Trip Transfers from Gdansk Airport (GDN) to Gdansk: $118
  • Private Round-Trip Transfers: Gdansk Airport (GDN): $148
  • Private Transfer From the Port Gdynia to Gdansk Old Town: $114
  • Private Transfer Gdansk Airport GDN to Gdansk City/Sopot/Gdynia: $18

Is it cheaper to fly into Varna or Gdansk?

Prices for flights to both Gdansk 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 $45
    Gdansk $39

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Gdansk

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

  • Delicious Gdańsk Food Tour in Poland: $100
  • Deluxe Polish Food Tour Experience in Gdansk: $118
  • Foodpairing dinner in one of the best restaurants in Gdansk: $160
  • Sopot: Private Traditional Polish Food Tour: $193

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Varna $9.44
    Gdansk $9.03

Tours and Activities in Varna

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

  • Rope Adventure at Bellevue Park: $13
  • Audio Guide for All Sunny Beach Sights, Attractions or Experiences: $17
  • Self-guided tour in Varna Archaeological Museum + ticket: $23
  • Audio Guide for All Varna Sights, Attractions or Experiences: $23
  • Balchik Palace Walking Tour with Highlights: $36
  • Half Day Private Bicycle Tour in Varna: $48
  • Varna Private Tour Itinerary: $67
  • Bulgaria Cycling Day Tours - country & sea: $69
  • The OFFroad Adventure : $71
  • The Ultimate Private Communist Tour of Varna: $71
  • Stone Forest and Aladzha Monastery Experience: $72
  • Ultimate ATV and Forest Adventure in Golden Sands: $78

Tours and Activities in Gdansk

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

  • Self Guided Legends and Liberty Gdansk Old Town Tour: $5.55
  • Discover Gdansk Walking Tour: $5.97
  • Cruises on the Motlawa River by a luxury catamaran - Gdańsk from the water side: $19
  • Sightseeing Cruise around the Old Town of Gdansk: $22
  • Gdansk Guided City Cruise on Historical Polish Boat: $23
  • Sunset on the Shipyard and Old Town Evening Cruise: $24
  • Main Town Gdańsk Walking Tour: $26
  • Private 2-Hour Tour with City Game in Gdańsk: $28
  • Culinary cruises - pierogi tasting Shipyard and Port: $32
  • Gdańsk: City Sightseeing Tour by Buggy/Golf Cart LIVE GUIDED 1H: $32
  • GDANSK City Tour by Golf Cart Live Guide & City Sightseeing 60min: $34
  • Outdoor Murder Mystery Adventure in Gdansk: $35

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Varna $9.40
    Gdansk $5.26

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: $59
  • Varna Exquisite Wine Tasting: $71
  • Private Varna Gourmet Tour with Superb Wine Tasting: $71
  • Varna Vibes Adventure & Wine Tasting: $75
  • The Ultimate Private Varna Walking, Culture & Wine Tasting Tour: $94

Sample the Local Flavors in Gdansk

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

  • Gdansk Pub Crawl with Free Drinks: $26
  • Polish Spirits tasting in Gdańsk Craft Distillery tawern: $37
  • #1 Pub Crawl in Sopot: $44
  • Exclusive Gdańsk Wine Tour with Polish Wine Tastings: $96


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Varna and Gdansk, we can see that Varna is more expensive. And not only is Gdansk much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Gdansk would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Gdansk 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 Gdansk.

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


Which is Bigger, Varna or Gdansk?

Gdansk has a larger population, and is about 48% larger than the population of Varna. When comparing the sizes of Varna and Gdansk, 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 Gdansk?

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 Gdansk in the Summer?

Both Gdansk and Varna are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities.

Varna is a little warmer than Gdansk in the summer. The daily temperature in Varna averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Gdansk fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

It's quite sunny in Gdansk. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Varna. Varna usually receives more sunshine than Gdansk during summer. Varna gets 268 hours of sunny skies, while Gdansk receives 204 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Varna usually receives less rain than Gdansk. Varna gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Gdansk receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Varna 23°C (73°F) 
    Gdansk 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Varna or Gdansk in the Autumn?

Both Gdansk and Varna during the autumn are popular places to visit.

In the autumn, Varna is much warmer than Gdansk. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Varna in October average around 14°C (57°F), and Gdansk averages at about 8°C (46°F).

In the autumn, Varna often gets more sunshine than Gdansk. Varna gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gdansk receives 97 hours of full sun.

Varna usually gets less rain in October than Gdansk. Varna gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Gdansk receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Varna 14°C (57°F) 
    Gdansk 8°C (46°F)

Should I visit Varna or Gdansk in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Varna and Gdansk.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Gdansk. It's quite cold in Varna in the winter. In January, Varna is generally much warmer than Gdansk. Daily temperatures in Varna average around 3°C (37°F), and Gdansk fluctuates around -2°C (28°F).

Varna usually receives more sunshine than Gdansk during winter. Varna gets 83 hours of sunny skies, while Gdansk receives 33 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Varna usually receives more rain than Gdansk. Varna gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Gdansk receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Varna 3°C (37°F) 
    Gdansk -2°C (28°F)

Should I visit Varna or Gdansk in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Varna as well as Gdansk.

Varna is much warmer than Gdansk in the spring. The daily temperature in Varna averages around 11°C (52°F) in April, and Gdansk fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

In the spring, Varna often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Gdansk. Varna gets 156 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gdansk receives 162 hours of full sun.

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


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Varna 11°C (52°F) 
    Gdansk 6°C (43°F)

Typical Weather for Gdansk and Varna

Varna Gdansk
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) -2°C (28°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Feb 3°C (37°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) -2°C (28°F) 25 mm (1 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 1°C (34°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Apr 11°C (52°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 6°C (43°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
May 16°C (61°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 11°C (52°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 14°C (57°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 17°C (63°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 17°C (63°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Sep 19°C (66°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 12°C (54°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Oct 14°C (57°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 8°C (46°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Nov 9°C (48°F) 50 mm (2 in) 2°C (36°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Dec 5°C (41°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) -2°C (28°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)