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

Should you visit Sintra or Copenhagen?

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

Should I visit Sintra or Copenhagen? 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 Copenhagen?

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.

Copenhagen

Copenhagen is the capital city of Denmark. It has a small town vibe but is still a cosmopolitan city with lots of shopping, culture, and nightlife. It's a very safe and comfortable city that is easy to explore on foot. Copenhagen is the birthplace of many old fairytales, but also has modern, world class architecture and a liberal vibe. The people of Copenhagen are diverse and international. Most residents are Danes, but some come from Germany and Sweden and there are also many Middle Eastern immigrants.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Portugal, The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal, The Best Adventure Tours to Denmark, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Denmark.


Which place is cheaper, Copenhagen or Sintra?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Sintra is €146, while the average daily cost in Copenhagen is €237. 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 Copenhagen in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Sintra 57
    Copenhagen 84
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Sintra 114
    Copenhagen 168
Compare Hotels in Sintra and Copenhagen

Looking for a hotel in Sintra or Copenhagen? 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 Copenhagen


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 Copenhagen Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Sintra 21
    Copenhagen 67

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sintra

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Sintra:

  • Transfer From Lisbon To Albufeira Algarve: $271
  • Transfer From Lisboa to Nazaré: $132
  • Transfer Cascais to Lisbon(8pax): $119
  • Transfer Cascais to Lisbon(3pax): $107
  • Tours and Transfers: $98
  • TRANSFER Cascais to Lisbon Airport: $89
  • Private Transfer From Lisbon Airport to/from Cascais: $84
  • Lisbon: Surf Experience at Caparica with Transfer: $60
  • Estoril, Cascais or Sintra Private Transfer to Lisbon: $30
  • Ericeira Private Transfer to/from Lisbon: $66

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Copenhagen

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Copenhagen:


  • Bicycle Renting
    58

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Copenhagen

Also for Copenhagen, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer to/from Airport and City: $114
  • Private Transfer to/from Copenhagen Airport CPH: $126
  • Copenhagen Airport Transfer Service | English Speaking: $135
  • Private Transfer Airport To/From Cruise Port: $173
  • Private Transfer to Copenhagen Port: $274

Is it cheaper to fly into Sintra or Copenhagen?

Prices for flights to both Copenhagen 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 73
    Copenhagen 99

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sintra

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

  • Lisbon Countryside Food Tour on Vintage Car: $103
  • Boho Chic Picnic Dinner with Water Views: $110
  • DINNER OR TAPAS in a Poruguese Home : $113
  • Authentic Portuguese Cooking Experience: $120
  • Pastel de Nata or Portuguese Cooking Class in Sintra with Locals: $140

Typical Food Prices in Copenhagen

For Copenhagen, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Hot Dogs
    13

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Copenhagen

For Copenhagen, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $38
  • The Nørrebro Street Art & Food Tour: $55
  • Copenhagen : Best Street Food Tour With A Local Guide: $105
  • Food Tour with 6+ Tastings of Danish Classics: $124
  • Copenhagen Cooking Class: Nordic Cooking Class with Open Bar: $125
  • Modern City Food Tour: $149
  • E-Bike Guided Food Tour with 3 stops: $157

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Sintra 23
    Copenhagen 29

Tours and Activities in Sintra

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

  • E-Bike Self Guided Tour Sintra : $42
  • E-Bike Self Guided Tour Sintra & Cabo da Roca : $58
  • Sintra & Cascais in one day Renault 4L Tour (Full day): $144
  • 1 Hour Sightseeing Tour in Sintra with Tuktuk : $66
  • 4 Hour Guided Tuk Tuk Tour in Sintra: $108
  • 4 hour tour | Sintra, Quinta da Regaleira, Cabo da Roca: $66
  • 4x4 Tours in Portuguese Classic Jeeps (UMM) around Sintra: $168
  • Almada’s Tale: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $12
  • BMW M2 Sportcar Driving Experience with Instructor: $95
  • Boat tour: charming Cascais Coast to Lisbon lighthouse: $57
  • Cascais Coastal EBike Tour: $66
  • Cascais Coastal Secrets 90 Minute Cruise with Free Wine and Beer: $57

Typical Entertainment Prices in Copenhagen

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Copenhagen's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Boat Tour
    8.04
  • Coffee
    13

Tours and Activities in Copenhagen

For Copenhagen, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Copenhagen Zoo Tower Entry Ticket: $3.93
  • Danish Architecture Center Entrance Ticket: $9.44
  • THE TUBE Copenhagen Entrance Ticket: $15
  • Danish Jewish Museum Entry Ticket: $16
  • Danish War Museum Entry Ticket: $17
  • Group Walking Tour - City Highlights - 2 Hours: $19
  • The Museum of Danish Resistance Entrance Ticket: $19
  • Amalienborg Palace Museum Entry Ticket: $20
  • Rosenborg Castle Entry Ticket: $22
  • ENIGMA Museum Day Ticket: $22
  • National Museum of Denmark Entry Ticket: $22
  • The Royal Danish Theatre Guided Tour: $24

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Sintra 17
    Copenhagen 13

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: $84
  • Wine Tasting Tour: $89
  • Half Day in Sintra and Cabo da Roca with Wine Tasting: $90
  • Lisbon Region Wine Tour: Mafra & Ericeira + Hotel Pick-Up: $198
  • PRIVATE TOUR WINE TASTING QUINTA BACALHÔA & JOSÉ MARIA FONSECA (Setubal Region): $235
  • Hidden Gems: Sintra & Cascais Private Tour with Wine Tasting: $316

Sample the Local Flavors in Copenhagen

Also in Copenhagen, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Guided Party Pub Crawl with 4 Shots and 1 Drink: $47
  • Private Wine Tasting Boat Tour: $189


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sintra and Copenhagen, we can see that Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Sintra or Copenhagen?

Copenhagen has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Sintra. When comparing the sizes of Sintra and Copenhagen, 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 Copenhagen?

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 Copenhagen in the Summer?

Both Copenhagen and Sintra during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Copenhagen for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Sintra is a little warmer than Copenhagen. Typically, the summer temperatures in Sintra in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Copenhagen averages at about 17°C (63°F).

Sintra usually gets less rain in July than Copenhagen. Sintra gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Copenhagen receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Sintra 23°C (73°F) 
    Copenhagen 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Sintra or Copenhagen in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Sintra and Copenhagen. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Copenhagen because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Sintra is generally much warmer than Copenhagen. Daily temperatures in Sintra average around 19°C (66°F), and Copenhagen fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

In October, Sintra usually receives more rain than Copenhagen. Sintra gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Copenhagen receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Sintra 19°C (66°F) 
    Copenhagen 10°C (50°F)

Should I visit Sintra or Copenhagen in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Sintra as well as Copenhagen. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Copenhagen this time of year.

It's quite cold in Copenhagen in the winter. Sintra is much warmer than Copenhagen in the winter. The daily temperature in Sintra averages around 12°C (53°F) in January, and Copenhagen fluctuates around 1°C (33°F).

Sintra receives a lot of rain in the winter. Sintra usually gets more rain in January than Copenhagen. Sintra gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Copenhagen receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Sintra 12°C (53°F) 
    Copenhagen 1°C (33°F)

Should I visit Sintra or Copenhagen in the Spring?

Both Copenhagen and Sintra are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Copenhagen for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Sintra is much warmer than Copenhagen. Typically, the spring temperatures in Sintra in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Copenhagen averages at about 7°C (45°F).

In April, Sintra usually receives more rain than Copenhagen. Sintra gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Copenhagen receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Sintra 16°C (60°F) 
    Copenhagen 7°C (45°F)

Typical Weather for Copenhagen and Sintra

Sintra Copenhagen
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (53°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 1°C (33°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 1°C (33°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Mar 14°C (58°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 3°C (37°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 7°C (45°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 12°C (54°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 16°C (61°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 17°C (63°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Aug 23°C (74°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 17°C (63°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 26 mm (1 in) 14°C (57°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 10°C (50°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 114 mm (4.5 in) 6°C (42°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 2°C (36°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)