Which place is cheaper, Amsterdam or Sintra?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Sintra or Amsterdam?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Sintra or Amsterdam? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Sintra or Amsterdam?
Sintra
Located just 28 kilometers from Lisbon, Sintra is a town that was, for a long time, home to Portuguese royalty leading up to the 1910 revolution. In town you will find a Royal Palace and in the surrounding area there is a Moorish Castle, and the Pena Palace, which dates back to the 19th century. The town is on the Estoril Coast near the Sintra Mountains, making its setting very dramatic, beautiful and picturesque. The surrounding hills are actually designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site because they offer a great combination of both cultural importance and natural beauty.
Amsterdam
Amsterdam is the capital, and most popular tourist destination in the Netherlands. There are over one million residents in the metro area. Amsterdam is most famous for its canals that criss cross across the city, but it also has a rich history, interesting culture, and liberal vibe that appeal to all types of travelers. The architecture, bridges, and cycling culture help this metropolitan area maintain its small town vibe, despite being the largest city in the country as well as the financial center.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Portugal, The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal, The Best 10-Day Tours from Amsterdam, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Amsterdam.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySintra €115Amsterdam €175
The average daily cost (per person) in Sintra is €115, while the average daily cost in Amsterdam is €175. 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 Sintra and Amsterdam in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSintra €57Amsterdam €102
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSintra €114Amsterdam €204
Compare Hotels in Sintra and Amsterdam
Looking for a hotel in Sintra or Amsterdam? 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.
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: Sintra Hotel Prices and Amsterdam Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sintra €21Amsterdam €20
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sintra
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Sintra:
- Algarve vs Lisbon: Private Transfer to/from Algarve /Lisbon: $513
- Estoril, Cascais or Sintra Private Transfer to Lisbon: $27
- Lisbon Airport Transfer to Cascais / Sintra / Estoril: $51
- Lisbon Airport: Cascais/Estoril/Sintra Private Transfer: $57
- Lisbon transfer, national and Iberian trips: $86
- Private Guided Transfer in Sintra and Lisbon: $87
- Private Transfer Lisbon & Cascais by Van or Car: $73
- Private transfer from Sintra to Porto with 2 hours for sightseeing: $289
- TRANSFER Cascais to Lisbon Airport: $82
- Tours and Transfers: $89
- Transfer Cascais to Lisbon(3pax): $98
- Transfer Cascais to Lisbon(8pax): $109
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Amsterdam
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Amsterdam:
-
Ride on Tram€3.20
-
Renting a Bike€15
-
One Hour Canal Cruise€10
-
Single Day Transit Pass€2.60
-
Transit Pass to Amsterdam Airport€3.40
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Amsterdam
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Amsterdam:
- Train transfer From/To Zaandijk Zaanse Schans: $5.03
- Train Transfer Schiphol Airport from/to Amsterdam: $6.31
- Airport Express Bus Transfer to/from City Center: $6.95
- 1-Way Train Transfer to/from Haarlem: $7.38
- Train Transfer From/To Zandvoort in Amsterdam: $8.02
- Train Transfer Amsterdam from/to Utrecht: $12
- Train Transfer Amsterdam from/to Leiden: $13
- Travel Ticket for 1-3 Days With Airport Transfer: $19
- Train Transfer Amsterdam from/to Rotterdam: $21
- Train Transfer Schiphol Airport from/to Eindhoven: $26
- Eindhoven: Train Transfer Eindhoven from/to Amsterdam: $26
- From Bus Transfer to Flower Fields Keukenhof: $27
Is it cheaper to fly into Sintra or Amsterdam?
Prices for flights to both Amsterdam and Sintra 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 daySintra €42Amsterdam €43
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sintra
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Sintra.
- Private Portuguese Cooking Lesson and Meal with a Lisbon Local: $220
Typical Food Prices in Amsterdam
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Amsterdam:
-
Afternoon Tea€6.00
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Amsterdam
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Amsterdam.
- Food Tour Amsterdam (Tip Based): $5.45
- Amsterdam Self-Guided Food Tour in De Pijp Neighbourhood : $8.18
- Self-Guided Food Tour in De Pijp Neighbourhood: $13
- Self-Guided Food Tour in De Jordaan Neighbourhood: $13
- Self-Guided Food Tour of Amsterdam's De Jordaan District: $14
- Exclusive Burger Dinner Cruise: $32
- Pizza Cruise with Drinks: $40
- Evening Canal Cruise with Pizza and Drinks: $42
- Amsterdam Nightlife Ticket with A GOLD MENU Hard Rock Dinner: $43
- Burger Dinner Cruise through the Amsterdam Canals: $43
- Food Tour Jordaan District: $51
- Food Tour Amsterdam's Jordaan District Self-Guided: $52
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Sintra €23Amsterdam €37
Tours and Activities in Sintra
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Sintra are as follows:
- Discover Enchanted A Fairy-Tale Free Tour: $1.28
- Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Walking Tour: $3.74
- Sintra Myths and Legends Interpretative Center Entry Ticket: $4.28
- City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.42
- Pena Palace In-app Audio Tour (WITHOUT A TICKET): $7.44
- Sintra Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.65
- Monserrate Palace and Park Skip-the-Line Ticket: $13
- Sintra Sightseeing Train Tour: $13
- National Palace of Sintra and Gardens Fast Track Ticket: $14
- National Sintra Palace Ticket & Optional Audio Guide: $16
- Hop-on Hop-off Tour in Sintra: $16
- Castle of the Moors E-Ticket & Optional Audio Guide: $18
Typical Entertainment Prices in Amsterdam
Here are a few typical costs in Amsterdam for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
-
Two tickets to the Houseboat Museum€6.00
-
Entry for two to the Anne Frank House€17
Tours and Activities in Amsterdam
Here are a few actual costs in Amsterdam for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Golden Age Canals Walking Tour: $1.07
- Free walking tour of haunted Amsterdam: $1.07
- Red Light District Haunted History Night Tour: $1.70
- Two-hour walking tour of Amsterdam: $2.61
- City Exploration Game and Walking Tour: $3.21
- Rude Bastards Tour of Amsterdam: $3.21
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
- Best of Amsterdam City Tour: $3.21
- Amsterdam Spanish Tour 2 Hours: $3.26
- Alternative tour Amsterdam (Tip-Based): $3.26
- Free Walking Tour of Haunted Amsterdam: $3.27
- Rude Bastards Tour of Amsterdam (CYHIT): $3.27
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one daySintra €17Amsterdam €24
Sample the Local Flavors in Sintra
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Sintra:
- Half-Day Tour in Cascais / Sintra with Brunch and Wine Tasting: $60
- Hiking and Wine Tasting Experience: $71
- Half Day in Sintra and Cabo da Roca with Wine Tasting: $82
- Wine Tasting Tour: $82
- Private tour wine tasting in Setubal: $96
- Excursion from Lisbon to Setúbal: Nature, Beach and Wine Tasting: $125
- Private Tour Sétubal, Palmela, Arrábida with wine tasting: $175
- Hidden Gems: Sintra & Cascais Private Tour with Wine Tasting: $181
- From Lisbon Private Tour to Porto with Port Wine Tasting: $235
Sample the Local Flavors in Amsterdam
Also in Amsterdam, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Amsterdam Private Self-Guided Pub Crawl Pub Quiz: $21
- Amsterdam Private Self Guided Pub Crawl: $22
- Bar Crawl with Shots and Beer Maid Guide: $25
- Central Pub Crawl and Nightlife Experience: $27
- Red Light District Pub Crawl: $27
- Distillery Tour & Tasting at Spirited Union: $27
- Original Pub Crawl Party with VIP Entrance: $29
- Chateau Urban Wine Tasting and optional bites: $32
- Self-guided Red Light District Pub Crawl Mystery: $37
- Leidseplein and Red Light Pub Crawl: 2 Night Pass: $37
- Red Light District and Local Pub Tour: $39
- Dutch Cheese and Wine Tasting: $42
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sintra and Amsterdam, we can see that Amsterdam is more expensive. And not only is Sintra much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Sintra would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sintra 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 Amsterdam would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Amsterdam than you might in Sintra.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Sintra Expensive? and Is Amsterdam Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Sintra or Amsterdam?
Amsterdam has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Sintra. When comparing the sizes of Sintra and Amsterdam, 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 Sintra or Amsterdam?
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 Sintra or Amsterdam in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Sintra and Amsterdam. Also, many visitors come to Amsterdam in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Sintra is a little warmer than Amsterdam. Typically, the summer temperatures in Sintra in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Amsterdam averages at about 17°C (62°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Amsterdam this time of the year. In Sintra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Sintra usually receives more sunshine than Amsterdam during summer. Sintra gets 352 hours of sunny skies, while Amsterdam receives 204 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Sintra usually receives less rain than Amsterdam. Sintra gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulySintra 23°C (73°F)Amsterdam 17°C (62°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Amsterdam in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Sintra as well as Amsterdam. Also, most visitors come to Amsterdam for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In October, Sintra is generally much warmer than Amsterdam. Daily temperatures in Sintra average around 19°C (66°F), and Amsterdam fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sintra this time of the year. In the autumn, Sintra often gets more sunshine than Amsterdam. Sintra gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amsterdam receives 99 hours of full sun.
Sintra usually gets more rain in October than Amsterdam. Sintra gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSintra 19°C (66°F)Amsterdam 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Amsterdam in the Winter?
Both Amsterdam and Sintra are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Amsterdam because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
The weather in Amsterdam can be very cold. Sintra is much warmer than Amsterdam in the winter. The daily temperature in Sintra averages around 12°C (53°F) in January, and Amsterdam fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).
Sintra usually receives more sunshine than Amsterdam during winter. Sintra gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Amsterdam receives 46 hours of full sun in the winter.
It's quite rainy in Sintra. In January, Sintra usually receives more rain than Amsterdam. Sintra gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySintra 12°C (53°F)Amsterdam 2°C (36°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Amsterdam in the Spring?
Both Amsterdam and Sintra during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Amsterdam this time of year.
In the spring, Sintra is much warmer than Amsterdam. Typically, the spring temperatures in Sintra in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Amsterdam averages at about 8°C (46°F).
It's quite sunny in Sintra. In the spring, Sintra often gets more sunshine than Amsterdam. Sintra gets 235 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amsterdam receives 166 hours of full sun.
Sintra usually gets more rain in April than Amsterdam. Sintra gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilSintra 16°C (60°F)Amsterdam 8°C (46°F)
Typical Weather for Amsterdam and Sintra
| Sintra | Amsterdam | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 12°C (53°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Feb | 13°C (55°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Mar | 14°C (58°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (60°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| May | 18°C (64°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (69°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (74°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (59°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (54°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.