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

Should you visit Sintra or Glasgow?

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

Should I visit Sintra or Glasgow? 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 Glasgow?

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.

Glasgow

Glasgow is the biggest city in Scotland with a population of about 600,000 and more than 2 million in the surrounding areas. It is located on the edge of River Clyde and has long been acclaimed as Scotland's main industrial city. It remains a major economic center for the United Kingdom outside of London. In recent years it has also been awarded the European titles as both the City of Culture as well as the City of Architecture and Design.

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 Edinburgh, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United Kingdom.


Which place is cheaper, Glasgow or Sintra?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Sintra is €115, while the average daily cost in Glasgow is €169. 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 Glasgow in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Sintra 57
    Glasgow 86
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Sintra 114
    Glasgow 172
Compare Hotels in Sintra and Glasgow

Looking for a hotel in Sintra or Glasgow? 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 Glasgow


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 Glasgow Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Sintra 21
    Glasgow 32

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Glasgow

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

  • Easy Bus Transfer Between Airport and City Center: $12
  • Glasgow hotels to Glasgow Prestwick Airport (PIK) - Departure Private Transfer: $39
  • Arrivals Airport Transfer to City Accommodations: $55
  • Glasgow Private Transfer from Glasgow city centre to Glasgow (GLA) Airport: $64
  • Private Transfer: Glasgow to Glasgow International Airport (GLA): $68
  • Private Round Trip Transfer from Edinburgh Airport to Glasgow : $82
  • Departure Private Transfer Glasgow City to Glasgow GLA Airport by Business Car: $93
  • Departure Private Transfers: Glasgow City to Glasgow Airport GLA in Business Car: $98
  • Glasgow city to Glasgow Airport -Luxury Transfer Chauffeured : $108
  • Glasgow to Aberdeen Int Airport (ABZ)-Departure Private Transfer: $120
  • Departure Private Transfer Glasgow City to Glasgow GLA Airport by Luxury Car: $139
  • Glasgow Airport Transfer: Glasgow Airport GLA to Glasgow City in Luxury Van: $145

Is it cheaper to fly into Sintra or Glasgow?

Prices for flights to both Glasgow 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 42
    Glasgow 53

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 Glasgow

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Glasgow:


  • Dessert at Farmer's Market
    2.10

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Glasgow

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

  • Glasgow Walking Food Tour with EatWalk Tours: $146

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Sintra 23
    Glasgow 26

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 Glasgow

For Glasgow, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Luss Highland Games Entrance Fee (for 2)
    14
  • Two Bike Rental
    40

Tours and Activities in Glasgow

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Glasgow.

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $4.28
  • Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $4.28
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41
  • Glasgow Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.55
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Glasgow Private Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Private Historical Walking Tour: $15
  • City Center Guided Walking Tour: $15
  • Glasgow City Centre Daily Walking Tour: 10:30am, 2pm & 5pm: $15
  • Street Art Guided Walking Tour: $17
  • Scottish Football Museum and Hampden Park Stadium Tour: $19

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Sintra 17
    Glasgow 18

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

Typical Alcohol Prices in Glasgow

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Glasgow:


  • Bottle of Wine
    14
  • Ciders at Kilted Skirlie
    4.09

Sample the Local Flavors in Glasgow

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Glasgow:

  • Clydeside Distillery Tour and Whisky Tasting: $23
  • Tennent’s Brewery Guided Tour and Free Pint: $24
  • Glengoyne Distillery Tour with Whisky & Chocolate: $37
  • Glasgow Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $44
  • Sample Fine & Rare Whiskies at Glengoyne Distillery: $62
  • Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond Walk & Whisky Distillery Tour from Glasgow : $70
  • The Malt Master Experience at Glengoyne Distillery: $112
  • Scottish Whisky Distillery Tour: $186
  • Guided Electric Bike Tour with a Distillery Visit: $187
  • Pints & Past: Glasgow Pub Tour: $456


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


Which is Bigger, Sintra or Glasgow?

Glasgow has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Sintra. When comparing the sizes of Sintra and Glasgow, 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 Glasgow?

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 Glasgow in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Sintra as well as Glasgow. Also, many visitors come to Glasgow in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Sintra is generally much warmer than Glasgow. Daily temperatures in Sintra average around 23°C (73°F), and Glasgow fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sintra this time of the year. In the summer, Sintra often gets more sunshine than Glasgow. Sintra gets 352 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Glasgow receives 159 hours of full sun.

Sintra usually gets less rain in July than Glasgow. Sintra gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Glasgow receives 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Sintra 23°C (73°F) 
    Glasgow 15°C (59°F)

Should I visit Sintra or Glasgow in the Autumn?

Both Glasgow and Sintra are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Glasgow for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months.

Sintra is much warmer than Glasgow in the autumn. The daily temperature in Sintra averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Glasgow fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sintra. Sintra usually receives more sunshine than Glasgow during autumn. Sintra gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Glasgow receives 69 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Glasgow. In October, Sintra usually receives less rain than Glasgow. Sintra gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Glasgow receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Sintra 19°C (66°F) 
    Glasgow 10°C (49°F)

Should I visit Sintra or Glasgow in the Winter?

Both Glasgow and Sintra during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Glasgow because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Glasgow can be very cold. In the winter, Sintra is much warmer than Glasgow. Typically, the winter temperatures in Sintra in January average around 12°C (53°F), and Glasgow averages at about 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Sintra often gets more sunshine than Glasgow. Sintra gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Glasgow receives 40 hours of full sun.

Glasgow 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 Glasgow. Sintra gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Glasgow receives 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Sintra 12°C (53°F) 
    Glasgow 3°C (38°F)

Should I visit Sintra or Glasgow in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Sintra and Glasgow. Furthermore, the activities around the city are the main draw to Glasgow this time of year.

In April, Sintra is generally much warmer than Glasgow. Daily temperatures in Sintra average around 16°C (60°F), and Glasgow fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

In Sintra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Sintra usually receives more sunshine than Glasgow during spring. Sintra gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while Glasgow receives 134 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Sintra usually receives less rain than Glasgow. Sintra gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Glasgow receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


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

Typical Weather for Glasgow and Sintra

Sintra Glasgow
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (53°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 3°C (38°F) 165 mm (6.5 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 3°C (38°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Mar 14°C (58°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 5°C (41°F) 136 mm (5.4 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 7°C (45°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 10°C (51°F) 95 mm (3.7 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 13°C (56°F) 93 mm (3.7 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 15°C (59°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Aug 23°C (74°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 15°C (58°F) 132 mm (5.2 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 26 mm (1 in) 12°C (54°F) 150 mm (5.9 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 10°C (49°F) 163 mm (6.4 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 114 mm (4.5 in) 6°C (42°F) 151 mm (5.9 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 4°C (39°F) 164 mm (6.5 in)