Which place is cheaper, Bologna or Sintra?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Sintra or Bologna?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Sintra or Bologna? 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 Bologna?
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.
Bologna
Bologna is the capital city of the northern region of Italy, Emilia-Romagna, with a population of 380,000. It is a historical city known well by Italians, however, not as well known among foreigners. The locals of Bologna speak little to no English. The city is most known for having the oldest university in the West. Another reason many visit this city is because of its exquisite cuisine. Many Italians would consider it one of the most beautiful cities in the entire country because of its impeccably preserved historic centers. The best time to visit Bologna is usually between March and October, although bare in mind that July and August can get quite hot.
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 Italy, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySintra €115Bologna €159
The average daily cost (per person) in Sintra is €115, while the average daily cost in Bologna is €159. 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 Bologna in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSintra €57Bologna €87
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSintra €114Bologna €174
Compare Hotels in Sintra and Bologna
Looking for a hotel in Sintra or Bologna? 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 Bologna Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sintra €21Bologna €21
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: $82
- 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 Bologna
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bologna:
- Marconi Airport Bus Transfer to/from Calenzano City: $21
- Marconi Airport Bus Transfer to/from Florence City: $21
- Bologna Airport: Private Transfer: $43
- Bologna Airport transfer: $46
- Ravenna Port to Ravenna Hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $46
- Bologna to Bologna Airport (BLQ) - Departure Private Transfer: $46
- Arrival Transfer Bologna Airport BLQ to Bologna City by Sedan: $56
- Private Transfer from Bologna City Hotels to Ancona Cruise Port: $76
- Bologna to Florence - Departure Private Transfer: $83
- Bologna Airport (BLQ) to Florence - Arrival Private Transfer: $86
- Bologna Airport (BLQ) to Bologna - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $92
- Ravenna port to Ravenna hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $92
Is it cheaper to fly into Sintra or Bologna?
Prices for flights to both Bologna 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 €42Bologna €39
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bologna
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bologna.
- Virtual Cooking Class: Ravioli variations with classic tomato sauce: $35
- Bologna Food Tour including Tagliatelle, Mortadella, Wine: $57
- Bologna Traditional Home Cooking Class with Lunch or Dinner: $73
- Exclusive Cooking Class - Pasta Tagliatelle Ragu & Spritz: $74
- Exclusive Bologna Cooking Class - Pasta Tagliatelle Ragu & Spritz: $75
- Traditional Bolognese Cooking Class with a Meal: $80
- Traditional Recipes Cooking Class with Local Wines: $82
- Hands on Home Cooking Class: $84
- Walking Food Tour with a Local Guide: $84
- Tastes and Traditions Food Tour with Market Visit: $84
- Tastes & Traditions of Food Tour with Market Visit: $86
- Bologna traditional food tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $92
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Sintra €23Bologna €38
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 Bologna
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Bologna are as follows:
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Food Tour (for 2)€31
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Wine Tasting Tour (for 2)€115
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Hop-on-Hop-off Bus Tour (for 2)€67
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National Gallery Museum Bologna (for 2)€12
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Archaeology Museum of Bologna (for 2)€12
Tours and Activities in Bologna
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Bologna are as follows:
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
- Bologna Walking Tour with Audio and Written Guide: $4.36
- From Italy eSIM Tourist Roaming Data Plan: $4.81
- A Self-Guided Audio Tour from Porta Galliera to Le Tre Frecce: $5.99
- Self-Guided Historical Audio Tour: $5.99
- City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41
- City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.42
- Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt and Tour: $6.42
- Bologna Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.54
- Digital Guide made by a Local for your walking tour: $7.49
- Bologna's Ancient and Recent History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
- Ancient and Recent History Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySintra €17Bologna €28
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 Bologna
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Bologna:
- Modena area: Lambrusco Wine Tasting Experience: $38
- From Wine Tasting and Vineyard Tour with the winemaker: $53
- Monte San Pietro: Montevecchio Isolani Tour & Wine Tasting: $53
- Bologna Food & Wine tour with a local Chef: $69
- Wine Tasting Tour in One of the Oldest Inns: $70
- Bologna Wine Tasting in One of the Oldest Inns: $71
- Small-Group Half-Day Wine Tour with Tasting in Dozza Village: $102
- Taste the real Bologna Food and Wine tour: $107
- Wine Tasting Experience with a Local Guide: $118
- Exclusive Italian Wine Tasting: $131
- Food and Wine Tasting Tour in Bologna with a local guide : $138
- Italian Wine Tasting on the Panoramic Terrace in Bologna: $163
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sintra and Bologna, we can see that Bologna 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 Bologna would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bologna 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 Bologna Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Sintra or Bologna?
Bologna has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Sintra. When comparing the sizes of Sintra and Bologna, 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 Bologna?
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 Bologna in the Summer?
Both Bologna and Sintra are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Bologna for the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Sintra is generally around the same temperature as Bologna. Daily temperatures in Sintra average around 23°C (73°F), and Bologna fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).
It's quite sunny in Bologna. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sintra. Sintra usually receives more sunshine than Bologna during summer. Sintra gets 352 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Sintra usually receives less rain than Bologna. Sintra gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySintra 23°C (73°F)Bologna 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Bologna in the Autumn?
Both Bologna and Sintra during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Bologna in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.
Sintra is a little warmer than Bologna in the autumn. The daily temperature in Sintra averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Bologna fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).
It's quite sunny in Sintra. In the autumn, Sintra often gets more sunshine than Bologna. Sintra gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 177 hours of full sun.
Bologna gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Sintra usually gets less rain in October than Bologna. Sintra gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSintra 19°C (66°F)Bologna 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Bologna in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Sintra and Bologna. Also, most visitors come to Bologna for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Bologna can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Sintra is much warmer than Bologna. Typically, the winter temperatures in Sintra in January average around 12°C (53°F), and Bologna averages at about 2°C (36°F).
Sintra usually receives more sunshine than Bologna during winter. Sintra gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 105 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 Bologna. Sintra gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySintra 12°C (53°F)Bologna 2°C (36°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Bologna in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Sintra as well as Bologna. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Bologna because of the natural beauty.
In April, Sintra is generally a little warmer than Bologna. Daily temperatures in Sintra average around 16°C (60°F), and Bologna fluctuates around 13°C (55°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 Bologna. Sintra gets 235 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 192 hours of full sun.
Sintra usually gets less rain in April than Bologna. Sintra gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSintra 16°C (60°F)Bologna 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Bologna and Sintra
| Sintra | Bologna | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 12°C (53°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Feb | 13°C (55°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Mar | 14°C (58°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 9°C (47°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (60°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| May | 18°C (64°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (69°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (74°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 123 mm (4.8 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (59°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 124 mm (4.9 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (54°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 85 mm (3.3 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.