Which place is cheaper, Interlaken or Sintra?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Sintra or Interlaken?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Sintra or Interlaken? 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 Interlaken?
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.
Interlaken
Interlaken is a small city that is located in the Bernese Highlands Region of central Switzerland. It sits pleasantly between two Alpine Lakes, Brienzersee and Thunersee. This scenic setting and its easy accessibility make it a popular base camp for travel into the Bernese Oberland Alps. It has become a top tourist destination in Switzerland and it is also a hub for outdoor sports enthusiasts with plenty of hiking, skiing, paragliding, and other activities in the region.. Interlaken is a great hoping off point to explore many of the nearby mountains, lakes, and valleys, too. It offers easy transportation to most major Swiss cities by train or car.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Portugal, The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Geneva, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Zurich.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySintra €115Interlaken €217
The average daily cost (per person) in Sintra is €115, while the average daily cost in Interlaken is €217. 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 Interlaken in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSintra €57Interlaken €125
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSintra €114Interlaken €250
Compare Hotels in Sintra and Interlaken
Looking for a hotel in Sintra or Interlaken? 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 Interlaken Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sintra €21Interlaken €12
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
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Interlaken
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Interlaken are as follows:
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Cable Cars (for 2)€62
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Interlaken
Also for Interlaken, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer from/to Hotel - Airport: $160
- Private Transfer from Interlaken to Zurich: $240
- From Private One-Way Transfer to Lucerne: $284
- Private Group transfer Zurich Airport - Interlaken: $1,312
Is it cheaper to fly into Sintra or Interlaken?
Prices for flights to both Interlaken 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 €42Interlaken €60
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 Interlaken
For Interlaken, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Tea at Interlaken€31
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Interlaken
For Interlaken, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Fondue Cooking Class and Cheese Workshop in Switzerland: $143
- Cheese and Chocolate Full-Day Food Tour: $733
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Sintra €23Interlaken €97
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 Interlaken
For Interlaken, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Interlaken Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $15
- Interlaken Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $16
- Hofstetten bei Brienz: Trauffer Erlebniswelt Ticket: $16
- Private Lake Thun and Lake Brienz Express Tour from Interlaken: $29
- Funicular Ticket to Harder Kulm: $42
- Rope Park Climbing Adventure with Entry Ticket: $46
- Funicular Ticket from Interlaken to Harder: $86
- Bollywood Tour Gstaad - Express Tour: $90
- Funicular Ticket from Interlaken to Harder (Top of Interlaken): $102
- Interlaken Valley Bike Tour: Rivers, Lakes & Forests: $108
- Bike Tour of the Interlaken Valley: Rivers, Lakes & Forests: $111
- Waterfalls Day Tour: $119
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySintra €17Interlaken €16
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 Interlaken, we can see that Interlaken 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 Interlaken would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Interlaken 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 Interlaken Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Sintra or Interlaken?
Sintra has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Interlaken. When comparing the sizes of Sintra and Interlaken, 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 Interlaken?
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 Interlaken in the Summer?
Both Interlaken and Sintra during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Interlaken for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.
Sintra is around the same temperature as Interlaken in the summer. The daily temperature in Sintra averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Interlaken fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
In Interlaken, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Sintra. In the summer, Sintra often gets more sunshine than Interlaken. Sintra gets 352 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Interlaken receives 241 hours of full sun.
Sintra usually gets less rain in July than Interlaken. Sintra gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Interlaken receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySintra 23°C (73°F)Interlaken 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Interlaken in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Sintra and Interlaken. Furthermore, many visitors come to Interlaken in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Sintra is a little warmer than Interlaken. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Sintra in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Interlaken averages at about 13°C (56°F).
In Sintra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Sintra usually receives more sunshine than Interlaken during autumn. Sintra gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Interlaken receives 120 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Sintra usually receives more rain than Interlaken. Sintra gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Interlaken receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSintra 19°C (66°F)Interlaken 13°C (56°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Interlaken in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Sintra as well as Interlaken. Additionally, most visitors come to Interlaken for the skiing and the cuisine during these months.
Interlaken can be very cold during winter. In January, Sintra is generally much warmer than Interlaken. Daily temperatures in Sintra average around 12°C (53°F), and Interlaken fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).
In the winter, Sintra often gets more sunshine than Interlaken. Sintra gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Interlaken receives 55 hours of full sun.
Sintra receives a lot of rain in the winter. Sintra usually gets more rain in January than Interlaken. Sintra gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Interlaken receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySintra 12°C (53°F)Interlaken 3°C (37°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Interlaken in the Spring?
Both Interlaken and Sintra are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Interlaken because of the natural beauty.
Sintra is a little warmer than Interlaken in the spring. The daily temperature in Sintra averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Interlaken fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sintra. Sintra usually receives more sunshine than Interlaken during spring. Sintra gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while Interlaken receives 150 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Sintra usually receives less rain than Interlaken. Sintra gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Interlaken receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSintra 16°C (60°F)Interlaken 12°C (53°F)
Typical Weather for Interlaken and Sintra
| Sintra | Interlaken | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 12°C (53°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Feb | 13°C (55°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Mar | 14°C (58°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (60°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| May | 18°C (64°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (69°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (74°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (59°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (54°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 83 mm (3.3 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.