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

Should you visit Sintra or Gothenburg?

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

Should I visit Sintra or Gothenburg? 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 Gothenburg?

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.

Gothenburg

Gothenburg is the second largest city in Sweden with a population of about 500,000. It is located on the western coast at the edge of the Gota River. It's a very friendly and welcoming city with a great vibe. Part of its energy comes from the Gothenburg University, which, with over 60,000 students, is the largest university in the country. Historically, Gothenburg has working class roots which are still apparent today, particularly in the city's harbour area. Recently there has been a growing number of expensive restaurants and cafes, showing that the demographic continues to evolve.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Portugal, The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal, The Best 10-Day Tours in Sweden, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Sweden.


Which place is cheaper, Gothenburg 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 Gothenburg is €91. 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 Gothenburg in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Sintra 57
    Gothenburg 37
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Sintra 114
    Gothenburg 74
Compare Hotels in Sintra and Gothenburg

Looking for a hotel in Sintra or Gothenburg? 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 Gothenburg


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 Gothenburg Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Sintra 21
    Gothenburg 17

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sintra

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Sintra:

  • Tuk Tuk Transfer With Sintra Pena Ticket From Meeting Point: $73
  • Transfer from Lisbon Airport to Sintra: $53
  • Transfer Sintra to Lisbon Airport: $71
  • Transfer Cascais to Lisbon(8pax): $109
  • Transfer Cascais to Lisbon(3pax): $98
  • Tours and Transfers: $89
  • TRANSFER Cascais to Lisbon Airport: $82
  • Private transfer from Sintra to Porto with 2 hours for sightseeing: $289
  • Private Transfer Lisbon & Cascais by Van or Car: $73
  • Private Guided Transfer in Sintra and Lisbon: $87
  • Lisbon transfer, national and Iberian trips: $86
  • Lisbon Airport: Cascais/Estoril/Sintra Private Transfer: $57

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Gothenburg

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

  • Landvetter Airport Bus Transfer Arrival: $15
  • Landvetter Airport Bus Transfer Departure: $15
  • Transfer From Gothenburg Hotel To Gothenburg Museum of Art: $32
  • Goteborg City to Goteborg Landvetter Airport (GOT) - Departure Private Transfer: $55
  • Private Transfer from Gothenburg city to Goteborg Cruise Port: $64
  • Private Transfer From Gothenburg Landvetter Airport to Gothenburg Hotels: $95
  • Gothenburg Private Transfer from Central Gothenburg to Gothenburg Airport: $95
  • Private Transfer Gothenburg Airport GOT to Gothenburg by Sedan: $102
  • Goteborg Landvetter Airport (GOT) to Goteborg City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $109
  • City Highlights Bike Tour with Transfer: $110
  • Are Resort to Trondheim Vaernes Airport(TRD) - Departure Transfer: $114
  • Private Transfer From Gothenburg To Alingsås: $119

Is it cheaper to fly into Sintra or Gothenburg?

Prices for flights to both Gothenburg 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
    Gothenburg 36

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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Sintra 23
    Gothenburg 14

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

Tours and Activities in Gothenburg

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

  • Universeum Entry Ticket: $21
  • Gothenburg 24-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Ticket: $30
  • Hop-On Hop-Off 24-Hour Sightseeing Boat: $30
  • Lilla Bommen: 4-Hour Guided Boat Tour to Vinga Island: $31
  • City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $31
  • Land & Water Amphibious Bus Sightseeing Tour: $31
  • 24h Gothenburg Hop-On Hop-Off Boat Tour: $32
  • City Sightseeing Gothenburg Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $32
  • Paddan Sightseeing Cruise on the Savean River: $33
  • Guided boat tour to Vinga in Gothenburg: $33
  • Archipelago cruise with guide: $36
  • Entry Ticket To Gothenburg Museum of art with pickup: $37

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Sintra 17
    Gothenburg 19

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 Gothenburg, we can see that Sintra is more expensive. And not only is Gothenburg much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Gothenburg would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Gothenburg 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 Gothenburg.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Sintra Expensive? and Is Gothenburg Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Sintra or Gothenburg?

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

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 Gothenburg in the Summer?

Both Gothenburg and Sintra during the summer are popular places to visit.

In July, Sintra is generally a little warmer than Gothenburg. Daily temperatures in Sintra average around 23°C (73°F), and Gothenburg fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In Gothenburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Sintra. In the summer, Sintra often gets more sunshine than Gothenburg. Sintra gets 352 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gothenburg receives 243 hours of full sun.

Sintra usually gets less rain in July than Gothenburg. Sintra gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Gothenburg receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Sintra 23°C (73°F) 
    Gothenburg 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Sintra or Gothenburg in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Sintra and Gothenburg.

Sintra is much warmer than Gothenburg in the autumn. The daily temperature in Sintra averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Gothenburg fluctuates around 9°C (47°F).

In Sintra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Sintra usually receives more sunshine than Gothenburg during autumn. Sintra gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Gothenburg receives 94 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Sintra usually receives around the same amount of rain as Gothenburg. Sintra gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Gothenburg receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Sintra 19°C (66°F) 
    Gothenburg 9°C (47°F)

Should I visit Sintra or Gothenburg in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Sintra as well as Gothenburg.

Gothenburg can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Sintra is much warmer than Gothenburg. Typically, the winter temperatures in Sintra in January average around 12°C (53°F), and Gothenburg averages at about -2°C (29°F).

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

Sintra receives a lot of rain in the winter. Sintra usually gets more rain in January than Gothenburg. Sintra gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Gothenburg receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Sintra 12°C (53°F) 
    Gothenburg -2°C (29°F)

Should I visit Sintra or Gothenburg in the Spring?

Both Gothenburg and Sintra are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.

In April, Sintra is generally much warmer than Gothenburg. Daily temperatures in Sintra average around 16°C (60°F), and Gothenburg fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sintra. Sintra usually receives more sunshine than Gothenburg during spring. Sintra gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while Gothenburg receives 182 hours of full sun in the spring.

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


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Sintra 16°C (60°F) 
    Gothenburg 5°C (41°F)

Typical Weather for Gothenburg and Sintra

Sintra Gothenburg
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (53°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) -2°C (29°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) -2°C (29°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 14°C (58°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 1°C (34°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 5°C (41°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 11°C (51°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 15°C (59°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 16°C (61°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Aug 23°C (74°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 16°C (60°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 26 mm (1 in) 12°C (54°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 9°C (47°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 114 mm (4.5 in) 4°C (38°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 0°C (32°F) 75 mm (3 in)