Which place is cheaper, Geneva or Sintra?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Sintra or Geneva?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Sintra or Geneva? 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 Geneva?
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.
Geneva
Geneva is the second largest city in Switzerland and was previously the home for the United Nations Headquarters. The UN is now housed in New York City, but there is still a very strong presence in Geneva. Geneva is not known to be as energetic as some other European cities, but if you search it out, then you're sure to find some interesting places and lively nightlife. It's a very international city, in part because of the heavy UN presence, giving it an interesting feel. It is a French speaking city, and advertisements, signs, and television are all done in French.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Portugal, The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Switzerland, and The Best Adventure Tours to Switzerland.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySintra €115Geneva €196
The average daily cost (per person) in Sintra is €115, while the average daily cost in Geneva is €196. 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 Geneva in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSintra €57Geneva €136
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSintra €114Geneva €272
Compare Hotels in Sintra and Geneva
Looking for a hotel in Sintra or Geneva? 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 Geneva Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sintra €21Geneva €8.79
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sintra
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Sintra:
- Algarve vs Lisbon: Private Transfer to/from Algarve /Lisbon: $513
- Estoril, Cascais or Sintra Private Transfer to Lisbon: $27
- Lisbon Airport Transfer to Cascais / Sintra / Estoril: $51
- Lisbon Airport: Cascais/Estoril/Sintra Private Transfer: $57
- Lisbon transfer, national and Iberian trips: $86
- Private Guided Transfer in Sintra and Lisbon: $87
- Private Transfer Lisbon & Cascais by Van or Car: $73
- Private transfer from Sintra to Porto with 2 hours for sightseeing: $289
- TRANSFER Cascais to Lisbon Airport: $82
- Tours and Transfers: $89
- Transfer Cascais to Lisbon(3pax): $98
- Transfer Cascais to Lisbon(8pax): $109
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Geneva
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Geneva:
- Geneva Int Airport (GVA) to La Clusaz - Arrival Private Transfer: $49
- Geneva Airport (GVA) to Lausanne - Arrival Private Transfer: $53
- Geneva to Geneva Airport (GVA)- Departure Private Transfer: $55
- One-way Private Transfer From/To Geneva Airport: $71
- VIP Transfer: $72
- Arrival Transfer from Geneva Airport GVA to Geneva by Sedan: $73
- Geneva Airport (GVA) to Verbier - Arrival Private Transfer: $76
- Private Transfer from Geneva Hotels to Geneva Airport: $86
- Private Transfer from Geneva Airport to Geneva Hotels : $86
- Geneva Airport Transfers : Geneva City to Geneva Airport GVA in Business Car: $87
- Geneva Departure Private Transfers from Geneva City to Geneva Airport GVA: $87
- Geneva Passenger Transfer to Chamonix Mont Blanc: $87
Is it cheaper to fly into Sintra or Geneva?
Prices for flights to both Geneva 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 €42Geneva €49
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 Geneva
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Geneva.
- Geneva City Tour with Cooking Class: $144
- City Tour and Fondue Cooking Class: $185
- Food tour in Geneva: $2,406
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Sintra €23Geneva €28
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 Geneva
Here are a few actual costs in Geneva for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
- City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41
- Escape Game and Tour: $6.42
- Geneva Lakeside Stroll: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
- From Brunswick Monument to the Botanical Garden: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
- Old Town Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
- Geneva Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and Tour: $8.02
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
- The Many Faces of Self-Guided Audio City Tour: $11
- International District Self-Guided City Sightseeing: $15
- Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $15
- Geneva (International District) City Sights Self-Guided Tour: $16
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySintra €17Geneva €21
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
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sintra and Geneva, we can see that Geneva 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 Geneva would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Geneva 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 Geneva Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Sintra or Geneva?
Geneva has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Sintra. When comparing the sizes of Sintra and Geneva, 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 Geneva?
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 Geneva in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Sintra and Geneva. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Geneva because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
Sintra is around the same temperature as Geneva in the summer. The daily temperature in Sintra averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Geneva fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Geneva this time of the year. In Sintra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Sintra usually receives more sunshine than Geneva during summer. Sintra gets 352 hours of sunny skies, while Geneva receives 285 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Sintra usually receives less rain than Geneva. Sintra gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Geneva receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySintra 23°C (73°F)Geneva 22°C (71°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Geneva in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Sintra as well as Geneva. Additionally, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Geneva this time of year.
In the autumn, Sintra is a little warmer than Geneva. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Sintra in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Geneva averages at about 14°C (56°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sintra this time of the year. In the autumn, Sintra often gets more sunshine than Geneva. Sintra gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Geneva receives 127 hours of full sun.
Sintra usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Geneva. Sintra gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Geneva receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSintra 19°C (66°F)Geneva 14°C (56°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Geneva in the Winter?
Both Geneva and Sintra are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Geneva for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Geneva. In January, Sintra is generally much warmer than Geneva. Daily temperatures in Sintra average around 12°C (53°F), and Geneva fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).
Sintra usually receives more sunshine than Geneva during winter. Sintra gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Geneva receives 62 hours of full sun in the winter.
It's quite rainy in Sintra. In January, Sintra usually receives more rain than Geneva. Sintra gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Geneva receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySintra 12°C (53°F)Geneva 4°C (39°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Geneva in the Spring?
Both Geneva and Sintra during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Geneva in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
Sintra is a little warmer than Geneva in the spring. The daily temperature in Sintra averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Geneva fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).
It's quite sunny in Sintra. In the spring, Sintra often gets more sunshine than Geneva. Sintra gets 235 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Geneva receives 174 hours of full sun.
Sintra usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Geneva. Sintra gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Geneva receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSintra 16°C (60°F)Geneva 11°C (53°F)
Typical Weather for Geneva and Sintra
| Sintra | Geneva | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 12°C (53°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 55 mm (2.1 in) |
| Feb | 13°C (55°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Mar | 14°C (58°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (60°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 11°C (53°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| May | 18°C (64°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 85 mm (3.4 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (69°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (74°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 14°C (56°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (59°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (54°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 57 mm (2.3 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.