Should you visit Sintra or Figueira da Foz?
Should I visit Sintra or Figueira da Foz? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
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.
Figueira da Foz
Located along the glistening waters of the Atlantic Ocean, a bustling city thrives near its shores with towering skyscrapers guarding the city like metallic giants. Figueira da Foz, or simply Figueira, is nestled within the Columbia District and is both a city and municipality. Sheltered by the hills of Serra da Boa Viagem, Figueira is near the mouth of the Mondego River and right beside the Atlantic. Only about 40 kilometers from Coimbra, Figueira has a population of 46,600 and is the second largest city found throughout the region. Because it is a seaside city, Figueira subsists off of Portuguese as well as international tourism, maintaining its pristine beaches, supplying seaport facilities, and a plethora of restaurants, gift shops, cafes, and more. Some of the beaches include Quiaios, Cabedelo, Claridade, Costa de Lavos, Murtinheira, Leirosa, Molhe Norte, Cabo Mondego, and many more. Tourists are also attracted to Figueira because it is a well-known gambling spot in Portugal with the Casino da Figueira da Foz and the Casino da Figueira present and popular. There are also popular landmarks that are recommended by tourists to visit, such as Forte de Santa Catarina and Torre de Relogio. There is also a museum that features the history of the Figueira within the city. Whether you are looking to surf or sight-see, there is much to do in Figueira da Foz, Portugal.
Which city is cheaper, Figueira da Foz or Sintra?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Sintra is €92, while the average daily cost in Figueira da Foz is €88. 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 city. Below is a breakdown of travel costs for Sintra and Figueira da Foz in more detail.
Accommodation
If you're traveling alone, you may be able to find a budget hotel or hostel for around €45. But for two people in a standard two-person hotel room in Sintra the cost is €90 on average.
The average price for accommodation for two people in Figueira da Foz is €78. This is for two people sharing a typical double occupancy hotel room.
Food
The average traveler spends about €34 per day in Sintra for food, but obviously this is dependent on the type of restaurant and the amount of food ordered. To save money you can grab a lighter lunch or dinner, or you can try fast food or street food.
While meal prices in Figueira da Foz can vary, the average travelers spends about €33 per day on food. Based on the spending habits of previous travelers, when dining out, an average meal in Figueira da Foz should cost around €13 per person. Breakfast prices are usually a little cheaper than lunch or dinner. The price of food in sit-down restaurants in Figueira da Foz is often higher than fast food prices or street food prices.
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Food
Meals for one day
Sintra €34
Figueira da Foz €33
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sintra
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Sintra.
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Sintra Walking Food Tour:
$60
Local Transportation
The cost of a taxi ride in Sintra is significantly more than public transportation. On average, past travelers have spent €17 per person, per day, on local transportation in Sintra.
While taxis and private drivers typically cost much more than public transportation, people usually spend around €27 per day to get around in Figueira da Foz.
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sintra
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Sintra:
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Lisbon Private Transfer to or from Sintra:
$22
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Private Transfer from Sintra City Center to Lisbon City Center:
$30
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Private Transfer To or From Lisbon Airport:
$25
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Figueira da Foz
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Figueira da Foz:
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Lisbon Private Transfer to or from Figueira da Foz:
$106
Is it cheaper to fly into Sintra or Figueira da Foz?
Prices for flights to both Figueira da Foz 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.
Entertainment
Entertainment and activities in Sintra typically cost an average of €18 per person, per day. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
Activities, things to do, and other forms of entertainment usually cost around €11 per person, per day in Figueira da Foz. This cost includes the price of admission tickets to attractions and museums as well as daily tours.
Tours and Activities in Sintra
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Sintra are as follows:
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Sintra Myths and Legends Interactive Centre Admission Ticket:
$4.35
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Monserrate Palace and Park Skip-the-Line Ticket:
$9.42
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Castle of the Moors Skip-the-Line Entrance Ticket:
$9.95
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Monserrate Palace and Park Skip-the-Line Ticket:
$9.95
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National Palace of Sintra Skip-the-Line Ticket:
$12
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Hop-on Hop-off Tour in Sintra:
$15
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Pena Palace & Chalet of Edla Admission Ticket:
$17
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National Palace of Sintra Tickets: Skip the line Entry:
$27
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Economic Tour - Pena Palace (2-4pax):
$27
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Discover SINTRA`s hidden gems on our walking tour:
$30
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Walking tour in Sintra-visit Regaleira Palace and center city:
$37
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Mountain Tour + Roca Cape the most western point (2-4persons):
$40
Alcohol
The average person spends about €14 on alcoholic beverages in Sintra per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
While the amount that someone spends on alcohol while visiting Figueira da Foz may vary from person to person, on average a person spends €16 per day on alcoholic beverages.
Sample the Local Flavors in Sintra
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Sintra:
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Ericeira & Mafra’s Wonders - Rural Beach & Wine Tour:
$117
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Sintra Brewery Tour & Beer Tasting Experience:
$121
When comparing the travel costs between Sintra and Figueira da Foz, we can see that Sintra 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.
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