A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Sintra vs. Bratislava for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Sintra or Bratislava?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Sintra or Bratislava? 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 Bratislava?

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.

Bratislava

The capital and largest city of Slovakia, Bratislava is set on the shores of the Danube River near the borders of Austria and Hungary. While the city is skirted by mountains and vineyards, its 18th century old town center is crossed with cobbled walkways and surrounded by historic landmarks and architecture. One such monument is the Bratislava Castle, set atop a hill overlooking it all-the old town, the river, and the bustle of people in the charming city below.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Portugal, The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Slovakia, and The Best River Cruises in Slovakia.


Which place is cheaper, Bratislava or Sintra?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Sintra is €115, while the average daily cost in Bratislava is €122. 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 Bratislava in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Sintra 57
    Bratislava 49
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Sintra 114
    Bratislava 98
Compare Hotels in Sintra and Bratislava

Looking for a hotel in Sintra or Bratislava? 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 Sintra


Hotels in Bratislava


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 Bratislava Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Sintra 21
    Bratislava 26

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 Bratislava

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bratislava:

  • Airport to Hotel Private Transfer Service: $24
  • Bratislava Airport to Bojnice Resorts - Arrival Private Transfer: $66
  • Bratislava Airport to TurĨianske Teplice Arrival Private Transfer: $66
  • Private Direct Transfer From Bratislava to Vienna City Center: $87
  • Bratislava Airport BTS to Piestany Round Trip Private Transfer: $94
  • Private Transfer from Bratislava City to Vienna City: $98
  • Vienna Airport VIE to Bojnice Resorts Round Trip Private Transfer: $131
  • Bratislava Airport (BTS) to Bojnice Resorts - Round Trip Transfer: $131
  • Bratislava - Budapest Transfer: $199
  • Private Transfer from Bratislava to Budapest with 2h of Sightseeing: $202
  • Private transfer from Bratislava to Vienna: $263
  • Bratislava-Budapest One-Way Sightseeing Transfer: $295

Is it cheaper to fly into Sintra or Bratislava?

Prices for flights to both Bratislava 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 day
    Sintra 42
    Bratislava 45

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 Bratislava

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

  • Local Beer & Food Tour: $142
  • Bratislava Traditional Food Tour: $169

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Sintra 23
    Bratislava 30

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

Tours and Activities in Bratislava

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Bratislava are as follows:

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Top experience walking tour with bonus and castle: $4.36
  • Bratislava Old Town In App Audio Tour (ENG): $5.43
  • City & Castle Tour - Introduction to Bratislava: $5.45
  • Historic City Centre Self-guided Tour: $6.31
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.42
  • Bratislava Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self Guided Tour: $6.56
  • Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt and Tour: $6.95
  • Gallery Multium Entrance Ticket: $6.95
  • Gallery Multium Entrance Ticket: $7.10
  • The jewels of Bratislava a Self-Guided Audio Tour in English: $7.87

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Sintra 17
    Bratislava 19

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 Bratislava

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Bratislava:

  • Quick Wine Tasting in Michalská: $11
  • Quick Wine Tasting in Michalská: $11
  • Wine Tasting with Sommelier in Bratislava: $14
  • Wine Tasting with Sommelier: $15
  • Wine Tasting IN THE DARK!: $16
  • Wine Tasting IN THE DARK!: $21
  • Bratislava 3-Hour Wine Tasting: $104
  • Devin Castle Tour with Currant Wine Tasting: $144
  • Devin Castle Tour with Wine Tasting: $158
  • Bratislava Food and Wine Tour: $180
  • Little Carpathian Wine Tour: $201
  • 6-Hour Carpathian Wine Tour and Tasting: $209


When comparing the travel costs between Sintra and Bratislava, we can see that Bratislava is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Sintra or Bratislava?

Bratislava has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Sintra. When comparing the sizes of Sintra and Bratislava, 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 Bratislava?

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 Bratislava in the Summer?

Both Bratislava and Sintra are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bratislava this time of year.

Sintra is around the same temperature as Bratislava in the summer. The daily temperature in Sintra averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Bratislava fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

It's quite sunny in Bratislava. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sintra. Sintra usually receives more sunshine than Bratislava during summer. Sintra gets 352 hours of sunny skies, while Bratislava receives 255 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Sintra usually receives less rain than Bratislava. Sintra gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Bratislava receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Sintra 23°C (73°F) 
    Bratislava 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Sintra or Bratislava in the Autumn?

Both Bratislava and Sintra during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Bratislava for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Sintra is much warmer than Bratislava. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Sintra in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Bratislava averages at about 12°C (54°F).

It's quite sunny in Sintra. In the autumn, Sintra often gets more sunshine than Bratislava. Sintra gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bratislava receives 140 hours of full sun.

Sintra usually gets more rain in October than Bratislava. Sintra gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Bratislava receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Sintra 19°C (66°F) 
    Bratislava 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Sintra or Bratislava in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Sintra and Bratislava. Furthermore, many visitors come to Bratislava in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Bratislava can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Sintra is generally much warmer than Bratislava. Daily temperatures in Sintra average around 12°C (53°F), and Bratislava fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

Sintra usually receives more sunshine than Bratislava during winter. Sintra gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Bratislava receives 65 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 Bratislava. Sintra gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Bratislava receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Sintra 12°C (53°F) 
    Bratislava 2°C (36°F)

Should I visit Sintra or Bratislava in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Sintra as well as Bratislava. Additionally, most visitors come to Bratislava for the natural beauty during these months.

Sintra is a little warmer than Bratislava in the spring. The daily temperature in Sintra averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Bratislava fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bratislava. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sintra this time of the year. In the spring, Sintra often gets more sunshine than Bratislava. Sintra gets 235 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bratislava receives 202 hours of full sun.

Sintra usually gets more rain in April than Bratislava. Sintra gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Bratislava receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Sintra 16°C (60°F) 
    Bratislava 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Bratislava and Sintra

Sintra Bratislava
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (53°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 2°C (36°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 4°C (38°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Mar 14°C (58°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 8°C (46°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 13°C (55°F) 51 mm (2 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 17°C (63°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 20°C (69°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Aug 23°C (74°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 22°C (72°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 26 mm (1 in) 18°C (64°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 12°C (54°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 114 mm (4.5 in) 7°C (45°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 3°C (37°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)