Which place is cheaper, Belfast or Sintra?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Sintra or Belfast?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Sintra or Belfast? 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 Belfast?
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.
Belfast
Belfast is the capital of Northern Ireland and the second largest city on the island of Ireland after Dublin. It has a population of about 270,000 and almost 500,000 in the metropolitan area. It's located on the mouth of the River Lagan and is set between many low hills that rise up around it.
One of the most famous, and tragic times in Belfast's history is referred to as "The Troubles." During this time, between 1969 and 1997, there were many bomb and gun attacks throughout the city. This left many areas as essentially no-go zones. Neighborhoods became completely lawless do to the lack of security and the damage is still visible today in some areas. In 1998 the Good Friday Agreement was signed and much of the politically motivated violence ended. The city actually received praise recently as the safest city in the UK based on crime rate. Tourism is growing and many visitors enjoy seeing this less popular travel destination. The city has a lot of character and will give you an interesting take on Irish and British history.
Belfast has a temperate climate and temperature and precipitation have little variation throughout the year. The climate is influenced by the warming effects of the Gulf Stream, making it warmer than many cities that are found at the same latitude. Rain is common with precipitation falling an average of 157 days a year. Snow is much less common, although it does happen about ten days a year. The warmest days during the summer may reach a temperature around 25 degrees Celsius and the coldest days have lows that drop just below freezing.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Portugal, The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal, The Best Budget Tours to United Kingdom, and The Best Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySintra €115Belfast €155
The average daily cost (per person) in Sintra is €115, while the average daily cost in Belfast is €155. 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 Belfast in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSintra €57Belfast €80
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSintra €114Belfast €160
Compare Hotels in Sintra and Belfast
Looking for a hotel in Sintra or Belfast? 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 Belfast Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sintra €21Belfast €17
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sintra
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Sintra:
- Estoril, Cascais or Sintra Private Transfer to Lisbon: $27
- Lisbon Airport Transfer to Cascais / Sintra / Estoril: $51
- Transfer from Lisbon Airport to Sintra: $53
- Lisbon Airport: Cascais/Estoril/Sintra Private Transfer: $57
- Transfer Sintra to Lisbon Airport: $71
- Tuk Tuk Transfer With Sintra Pena Ticket From Meeting Point: $73
- Private Transfer Lisbon & Cascais by Van or Car: $73
- TRANSFER Cascais to Lisbon Airport: $81
- Lisbon transfer, national and Iberian trips: $86
- Private Guided Transfer in Sintra and Lisbon: $87
- Tours and Transfers: $89
- Transfer Cascais to Lisbon(3pax): $98
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Belfast
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Belfast:
- Belfast Accommodation to Belfast City Airport (BHD) - Departure Private Transfer: $23
- Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Holywood Accommodation - Arrival Private Transfer: $23
- Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Bangor Accommodation - Arrival Private Transfer: $27
- Belfast International Airport (BFS) to Belfast City - Arrival Private Transfer: $27
- Belfast City to Belfast International Airport (BFS) - Departure Private Transfer: $27
- Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Lisburn Accommodation - Arrival Private Transfer: $27
- Private Belfast Arrival Transfer- Belfast City Airport to Belfast Hotel / Accomm: $44
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Belfast Airport: $44
- Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Crawfordsburn: $50
- Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Bangor Accommodation - Roundtrip Private Transfer: $54
- Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Lisburn Accommodation - Roundtrip Private Transfer: $55
- Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Groomsport: $57
Is it cheaper to fly into Sintra or Belfast?
Prices for flights to both Belfast 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
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Food Meals for one daySintra €42Belfast €59
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sintra
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Sintra.
- Half-Day Ericeira Walking Food Tour: $54
- Portuguese Cooking Workshop in Cascais (group of 4 min): $92
- Private Portuguese Cooking Lesson and Meal with a Lisbon Local: $220
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Belfast
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Belfast.
- Guided Craft Beer and Street Food Tour: $81
- Belfast Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $108
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Sintra €23Belfast €21
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 Belfast
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Belfast are as follows:
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Movie Tickets€9.33
Tours and Activities in Belfast
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Belfast are as follows:
- Belfast’s Titanic Quarter: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.00
- Belfast's Iconic Sites: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.47
- Museum Ticket: $6.90
- Hillsborough Castle Gardens Entrance Ticket: $12
- If Buildings Could Talk Tour Belfast: $15
- If Buildings Could Talk Tour: $15
- Crumlin Road Gaol Experience: $18
- 2.5-Hour Street Murals Tour in Spanish: $19
- Belfast Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz (1 Day Pass) UK: $19
- Belfast Murals Political Tour in Spanish: $19
- Line of Duty Guided Walking Tour: $21
- Belfast Line of Duty Walking Tour: $22
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySintra €17Belfast €9.16
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
- Wine Tasting Tour: $81
- Half Day in Sintra and Cabo da Roca with Wine Tasting: $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: $234
Sample the Local Flavors in Belfast
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Belfast:
- Pub Crawl and Bar Walking Tour with Two Drinks: $15
- Belfast Pub Crawl: $15
- Explore & Taste: Distillery Tour at Titanic Distillers: $32
- Belfast Giant's Causeway and Titanic Distillery Whiskey Tour: $69
- VIP Skip-the Line Titanic Museum and Distillery Tasting Tour: $119
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sintra and Belfast, we can see that Belfast 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 Belfast would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Belfast 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 Belfast Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Sintra or Belfast?
Belfast has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Sintra. When comparing the sizes of Sintra and Belfast, 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 Belfast?
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 Belfast in the Summer?
Both Belfast and Sintra are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Belfast in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
Sintra is much warmer than Belfast in the summer. The daily temperature in Sintra averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Belfast fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sintra. Sintra usually receives more sunshine than Belfast during summer. Sintra gets 352 hours of sunny skies, while Belfast receives 151 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Sintra usually receives less rain than Belfast. Sintra gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Belfast receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySintra 23°C (73°F)Belfast 15°C (59°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Belfast in the Autumn?
Both Belfast and Sintra during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Belfast for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.
In the autumn, Sintra is much warmer than Belfast. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Sintra in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Belfast averages at about 9°C (48°F).
It's quite sunny in Sintra. In the autumn, Sintra often gets more sunshine than Belfast. Sintra gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Belfast receives 92 hours of full sun.
Sintra usually gets less rain in October than Belfast. Sintra gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Belfast receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSintra 19°C (66°F)Belfast 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Belfast in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Sintra and Belfast. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Belfast because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.
The weather in Belfast can be very cold. In January, Sintra is generally much warmer than Belfast. Daily temperatures in Sintra average around 12°C (53°F), and Belfast fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).
Sintra usually receives more sunshine than Belfast during winter. Sintra gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Belfast receives 50 hours of full sun in the winter.
Sintra gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Sintra usually receives more rain than Belfast. Sintra gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Belfast receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySintra 12°C (53°F)Belfast 4°C (39°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Belfast in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Sintra as well as Belfast. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Belfast this time of year.
Sintra is much warmer than Belfast in the spring. The daily temperature in Sintra averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Belfast fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sintra this time of the year. In the spring, Sintra often gets more sunshine than Belfast. Sintra gets 235 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Belfast receives 150 hours of full sun.
Sintra usually gets more rain in April than Belfast. Sintra gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Belfast receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSintra 16°C (60°F)Belfast 8°C (46°F)
Typical Weather for Belfast and Sintra
| Sintra | Belfast | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 12°C (53°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Feb | 13°C (55°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Mar | 14°C (58°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (60°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| May | 18°C (64°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (69°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (74°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (59°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (54°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 5°C (41°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.