Which place is cheaper, Bruges or Sintra?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Sintra or Bruges?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Sintra or Bruges? 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 Bruges?
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.
Bruges
Located in the northern part of Belgium, in Flanders, Bruges is one of the most charming and well preserved cities in Europe. With its stone streets and charming shops, it is a postcard perfect city that seems to have jumped out of the pages of a Disney fairytale. The city itself is quite compact, adding to the charm and making it easily walkable. Even given its old world charm, it manages to present a cosmopolitan air as well. There's an active nightlife, but during the day the historical city center is best enjoyed at a leisurely pace. You can take a carriage ride through the cobblestone streets or you can wander around on your own. Be sure to swing into some of the museums, cathedrals, and churches you'll see along the way. There are now shops everywhere that are designed to appeal to tourists. While some may be easy to walk by, it takes the strongest souls to ignore the chocolate shops you'll see on your way.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Portugal, The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal, The Best Cultural Tours in Belgium, and The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySintra €115Bruges €123
The average daily cost (per person) in Sintra is €115, while the average daily cost in Bruges is €123. 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 Bruges in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSintra €57Bruges €59
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSintra €114Bruges €118
Compare Hotels in Sintra and Bruges
Looking for a hotel in Sintra or Bruges? 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 Bruges Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sintra €21Bruges €17
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sintra
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Sintra:
- Algarve vs Lisbon: Private Transfer to/from Algarve /Lisbon: $513
- Private transfer from Sintra to Porto with 2 hours for sightseeing: $289
- Transfer Cascais to Lisbon(8pax): $109
- Transfer Cascais to Lisbon(3pax): $98
- Tours and Transfers: $89
- Private Guided Transfer in Sintra and Lisbon: $87
- Lisbon transfer, national and Iberian trips: $86
- TRANSFER Cascais to Lisbon Airport: $82
- Private Transfer Lisbon & Cascais by Van or Car: $73
- Tuk Tuk Transfer With Sintra Pena Ticket From Meeting Point: $73
- Transfer Sintra to Lisbon Airport: $71
- Lisbon Airport: Cascais/Estoril/Sintra Private Transfer: $57
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Bruges
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Bruges:
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Five Day Bus Pass€15
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Bike Rental for Day€8.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bruges
Also for Bruges, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Bruges hotel to Ostend Airport (OST) - Departure Private Transfer: $32
- Bruges to Ostend Bruges Airport(OST) - Departure Private Transfer: $32
- Private Transfer from Zeebrugge Cruise Port to Bruges hotels : $33
- Private Transfer from Bruges City Hotels to Zeebrugge Cruise Port: $33
- PrivateTransfer from Zeebrugge Port to Ostend Bruges Airport(OST): $86
- Brugge Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer to Brugge: $111
- Private Transfer from Zeebrugge Cruise Port to Brussels hotels : $143
- Private Transfer from Bruges to Brussels By Business car: $152
- Private Transfer from ZeeBrugge or Bruges to Antwerp By Luxury car: $163
- Transfer Ghent <-> Schipol Airport Amsterdam (1 to 8 Places): $175
- Transfer Bruges <-> Schipol Airport Amsterdam (1 - 8 Places): $229
- Brussels airport transfer (BRU) <-> from or to Bruges (3 pax sedan): $261
Is it cheaper to fly into Sintra or Bruges?
Prices for flights to both Bruges 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 €42Bruges €52
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 Bruges
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Bruges:
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Cup of Tea€2.00
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Sandwich for Lunch€3.25
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bruges
For Bruges, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- The 10 Tastings of Bruges With Locals: Private Food Tour : $133
- Private Food Tour – 10 Tastings with Locals: $142
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Sintra €23Bruges €15
Tours and Activities in Sintra
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Sintra are as follows:
- E-Bike Rental Self Guide Tour in Sintra and Cabo da Roca : $64
- Half Day Private Wine and Traditional Tile Making Tour: $157
- 1h sight seeing - Sintra Mountain Tour (price per car) - max 4persons: $119
- 2 Hour Private Picnic and Photoshoot Experience in Lisbon area: $149
- 2 Hours Romantic experience for two by sailboat in Cascais: $297
- 2 hours Private Sailing Experience in Cascais: $297
- 3 Hour Sintra Village and Beaches Tuktuk Tour: $125
- 4 hour Private MTB Enduro Trail Tour in Sintra Mountain: $171
- 4 hour Private MTB Enduro Trail Tour in Sintra Mountain: $153
- 4x4 Tours in Portuguese Classic Jeeps (UMM) around Sintra: $153
- Amazing Sintra tour: $91
- Cascais Private Walking Tour with a Professional Guide: $260
Typical Entertainment Prices in Bruges
For Bruges, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Groeninge Museum Entrance€8.00
Tours and Activities in Bruges
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Bruges.
- Self-Guided City Game and Audio Tour App: $2.67
- Unforgettable Sightseeings, History and Tasting.: $3.21
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
- Bruges Guided Walking Tour: Stories, Mysteries and People: $3.21
- Storytelling Tour Bruges | First Day Must | History & Tips: $3.27
- Historical Walking Tour: Legends of Bruges: $3.27
- Gastronomic Tour: A Taste of Bruges: $3.27
- Walking Tour Exciting Stories, Mysteries, People: $3.28
- Bruges city tour: audio guide in your smartphone: $5.35
- Self Guided City Audio Tour in Bruges: $5.46
- Medieval A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySintra €17Bruges €11
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 Bruges
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Bruges:
- Bruges Pub Trail: Pub crawl with interactive online game: $12
- Bourgogne des Flandres Brewery and Distillery Visit: $17
- Private: Discover Bruges beers & brewery with chocolate pairing by a young local: $191
- Beer walking tour with visit Brewery Bourgogne de Flandres: $642
When comparing the travel costs between Sintra and Bruges, we can see that Bruges 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 Bruges Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Sintra or Bruges?
Bruges has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Sintra. When comparing the sizes of Sintra and Bruges, 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 Bruges?
Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Sintra or Bruges in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Sintra as well as Bruges. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Bruges because of the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Sintra is generally a little warmer than Bruges. Daily temperatures in Sintra average around 23°C (73°F), and Bruges fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bruges. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sintra this time of the year. In the summer, Sintra often gets more sunshine than Bruges. Sintra gets 352 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bruges receives 202 hours of full sun.
Sintra usually gets less rain in July than Bruges. Sintra gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySintra 23°C (73°F)Bruges 17°C (63°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Bruges in the Autumn?
Both Bruges and Sintra are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Bruges this time of year.
Sintra is much warmer than Bruges in the autumn. The daily temperature in Sintra averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Bruges fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sintra. Sintra usually receives more sunshine than Bruges during autumn. Sintra gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Bruges receives 105 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Sintra usually receives around the same amount of rain as Bruges. Sintra gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSintra 19°C (66°F)Bruges 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Bruges in the Winter?
Both Bruges and Sintra during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Bruges for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Bruges. In the winter, Sintra is much warmer than Bruges. Typically, the winter temperatures in Sintra in January average around 12°C (53°F), and Bruges averages at about 3°C (38°F).
In the winter, Sintra often gets more sunshine than Bruges. Sintra gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bruges receives 47 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Sintra. Sintra usually gets more rain in January than Bruges. Sintra gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySintra 12°C (53°F)Bruges 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Bruges in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Sintra and Bruges. Furthermore, many visitors come to Bruges in the spring for the natural beauty.
In April, Sintra is generally much warmer than Bruges. Daily temperatures in Sintra average around 16°C (60°F), and Bruges fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).
In Sintra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Sintra usually receives more sunshine than Bruges during spring. Sintra gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while Bruges receives 158 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Sintra usually receives more rain than Bruges. Sintra gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSintra 16°C (60°F)Bruges 8°C (47°F)
Typical Weather for Bruges and Sintra
| Sintra | Bruges | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 12°C (53°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Feb | 13°C (55°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Mar | 14°C (58°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (60°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| May | 18°C (64°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (69°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (74°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (59°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 75 mm (2.9 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (54°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 71 mm (2.8 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.