Which place is cheaper, Dubrovnik or Sintra?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Sintra or Dubrovnik?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Sintra or Dubrovnik? 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 Dubrovnik?
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.
Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik, the "Pearl of the Adriatic", is a beautiful walled city in southern Croatia that sits on the edge of the Adriatic Sea. It's a small city, with only about 40,000 residents, but it's become one of the most significant tourist destinations in the Mediterranean. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The city was historically built on maritime trade, which is not surprising given its location near major Italian and Greek ports such as Venice, Bari, Corfu, and Trieste. It was a center of language and literature and was the home of many important poets, playwrights, painters, and scientists during the 15th and 16th centuries. Today its economy is dependent on tourism and it is one of the most popular destinations in the region. People visit the city for its impressive history, beautiful setting, great weather, and interesting architecture.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Portugal, The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal, The Best 2-Week Tours from Split, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Croatia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySintra €115Dubrovnik €97
The average daily cost (per person) in Sintra is €115, while the average daily cost in Dubrovnik is €97. 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 Dubrovnik in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSintra €57Dubrovnik €50
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSintra €114Dubrovnik €100
Compare Hotels in Sintra and Dubrovnik
Looking for a hotel in Sintra or Dubrovnik? 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 Dubrovnik Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sintra €21Dubrovnik €12
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 Dubrovnik
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Dubrovnik:
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Bus Around Town€1.42
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dubrovnik
Also for Dubrovnik, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Shared Airport Transfer to/from City Center: $16
- Porter Service, Baggage Transfer, Baggage pick up & delivery.: $16
- Night Transfer from Dubrovnik Old Port to New Port by Karaka Boat: $22
- Transfer from Dubrovnik airport to Dubrovnik: $22
- Private transfer from Dubrovnik airport to Dubrovnik city: $22
- Bus transfer between Dubrovnik and Herceg Novi: $22
- Private transfer from Dubrovnik to Dubrovnik airport: $24
- Return transfer to Dubrovnik airport: $24
- Dubrovnik Luxury Airport Transfers: $26
- Airport Private Transfer Dubrovnik: $27
- From Dubrovnik Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer to Dubrovnik: $28
- Dubrovnik Cruise Port to Dubrovnik Arrival Private Transfer: $28
Is it cheaper to fly into Sintra or Dubrovnik?
Prices for flights to both Dubrovnik 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 €42Dubrovnik €33
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 Dubrovnik
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Dubrovnik:
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Seafood Dinner (for 2)€29
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dubrovnik
For Dubrovnik, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Sunset Dinner Cruise around the Old Town: $80
- Secrets of traditional Dalmatian cuisine with a cooking class: $128
- Old Town Food Tour: $143
- Dubrovnik Old Town Food Tour: Small-Group Experience: $147
- Konavle Wine& History&food Tour: $165
- Cooking Classes Traditional Meals of Konavle region: $179
- Traditional Dalmatian Cooking Class from Dubrovnik: $198
- Traditional Cooking Class in Dubrovnik Countryside: $202
- Authentic Garden to Table Cooking Class in Dubrovnik Countryside : $208
- Pelješac Full-Day Wine and Food Tour from Dubrovnik: $209
- Private Dinner with Wine and Homemade Tapas: $214
- Dubrovnik Food Tour with Friendly Local Guide: $229
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Sintra €23Dubrovnik €19
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 Dubrovnik
For Dubrovnik, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Boat to Lokrum Island (for 2)€13
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Dubrovnik City Wall Tour (for 2)€53
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Dubrovnik Cable Car (for 2)€45
Tours and Activities in Dubrovnik
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Dubrovnik.
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
- Selfguided tour of the old town of Dubrovnik: $5.35
- Self-guided tour of the old town of Dubrovnik: $5.46
- City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41
- City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.42
- Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $6.42
- Dubrovnik Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.55
- Medieval Adventure City Game: $6.94
- Time Travel Adventure Outdoor Escape Game in Dubrovnik: $7.09
- Historic Center Self-Guided Audio Tour (ENG): $7.70
- Old Town Highlights Tour with Audio Guide: $8.56
- Private Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour in Dubrovnik Old Town: $8.74
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySintra €17Dubrovnik €14
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 Dubrovnik
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Dubrovnik:
- Columbo Pub Crawl Dubrovnik: $49
- Brewery Tour with Food included: $60
- From Korcula Island Tour with Wine Tasting: $66
- Day Tour of Korcula Island from Dubrovnik with Wine Tasting: $70
- Ston and Korcula Island Day Trip from Dubrovnik with Wine Tasting: $75
- Half-Day Wine Tasting with Snacks and Ston Place Visit: $75
- Interactive Wine Tour: $80
- Day trip to Korčula and Pelješac with Wine Tasting: $84
- Konavle Valley Wine Tour from Dubrovnik with Train Ride and Wine Tasting: $84
- Interactive Wine Tour in Dubrovnik: $89
- Day trip to Korčula and Pelješac with Wine Tasting from Koločep: $93
- Dubrovnik Kayak Tour + Gourmet Snack + Wine Tasting (Small-Group): $97
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sintra and Dubrovnik, we can see that Sintra is more expensive. And not only is Dubrovnik much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Dubrovnik would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Dubrovnik 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 Sintra would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sintra than you might in Dubrovnik.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Sintra Expensive? and Is Dubrovnik Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Sintra or Dubrovnik?
Dubrovnik has a larger population, and is about 9% larger than the population of Sintra. When comparing the sizes of Sintra and Dubrovnik, 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 Dubrovnik?
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 Dubrovnik in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Sintra as well as Dubrovnik. Additionally, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Dubrovnik this time of year.
In July, Sintra is generally around the same temperature as Dubrovnik. Daily temperatures in Sintra average around 23°C (73°F), and Dubrovnik fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
Sintra usually gets less rain in July than Dubrovnik. Sintra gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySintra 23°C (73°F)Dubrovnik 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Dubrovnik in the Autumn?
Both Dubrovnik and Sintra are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Dubrovnik for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Sintra is around the same temperature as Dubrovnik in the autumn. The daily temperature in Sintra averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Dubrovnik fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Dubrovnik. In October, Sintra usually receives less rain than Dubrovnik. Sintra gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 162 mm (6.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSintra 19°C (66°F)Dubrovnik 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Dubrovnik in the Winter?
Both Dubrovnik and Sintra during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Dubrovnik in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In the winter, Sintra is a little warmer than Dubrovnik. Typically, the winter temperatures in Sintra in January average around 12°C (53°F), and Dubrovnik averages at about 9°C (48°F).
Dubrovnik gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Sintra. Sintra usually gets less rain in January than Dubrovnik. Sintra gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 139 mm (5.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySintra 12°C (53°F)Dubrovnik 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Dubrovnik in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Sintra and Dubrovnik. Also, most visitors come to Dubrovnik for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.
In April, Sintra is generally a little warmer than Dubrovnik. Daily temperatures in Sintra average around 16°C (60°F), and Dubrovnik fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).
Dubrovnik receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Sintra usually receives less rain than Dubrovnik. Sintra gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSintra 16°C (60°F)Dubrovnik 14°C (57°F)
Typical Weather for Dubrovnik and Sintra
| Sintra | Dubrovnik | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 12°C (53°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 139 mm (5.5 in) |
| Feb | 13°C (55°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) |
| Mar | 14°C (58°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (60°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| May | 18°C (64°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (69°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (74°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 162 mm (6.4 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (59°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 198 mm (7.8 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (54°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 178 mm (7 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.