Which place is cheaper, Ljubljana or Sintra?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Sintra or Ljubljana?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Sintra or Ljubljana? 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 Ljubljana?
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.
Ljubljana
Most people don't travel to Ljubljana to see specific sights, as there aren't many famous attractions around town. Instead, this is a city that is about atmosphere. It's a city that you explore and immerse yourself in completely. You meet the people, you go to the clubs, you find the interesting restaurants. That is the best way to learn about Ljubljana.
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 Ljubljana, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Ljubljana.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySintra €115Ljubljana €86
The average daily cost (per person) in Sintra is €115, while the average daily cost in Ljubljana is €86. 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 Ljubljana in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSintra €57Ljubljana €54
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSintra €114Ljubljana €108
Compare Hotels in Sintra and Ljubljana
Looking for a hotel in Sintra or Ljubljana? 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 Ljubljana Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sintra €21Ljubljana €21
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 Ljubljana
Also for Ljubljana, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport Transfer to/from Ljubljana Station: $13
- Private Transfer from Brnik Airport to Ljubljana Centre: $28
- Private Transfer from Ljubljana Airport (LJU) to Ljubljana City: $46
- Private transfer Ljubljana Airport from & to Ljubljana City: $52
- Private Transfer from Kranj to Ljubljana Airport (LJU): $55
- Private Transfer from Ljubljana Airport (LJU) to Kranj: $55
- Ljubljana-Airport Ljubljana. Private transfer.Price per car.: $63
- Departure Private Transfer Ljubljana City to Ljubljana Airport by Business Car: $66
- Private Transfer from Ljubljana Airport (LJU) to Koper Port: $68
- Ljubljana to Ljubljana Airport (LJU) - Departure Private Transfer: $69
- Private transfer from Kamnik to airport Ljubljana: $74
- Private transfer from airport Ljubljana to Kamnik : $74
Is it cheaper to fly into Sintra or Ljubljana?
Prices for flights to both Ljubljana 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 €42Ljubljana €17
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 Ljubljana
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Ljubljana:
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Horsemeat Hot Dog€2.00
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ljubljana
For Ljubljana, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Slovenia: Belokranjska Pogača Cooking Class: $53
- Cooking class; Traditional sLOVEnian štrukelj: $64
- Traditional Slovenian Dinner and Show: $64
- sLOVEnian Strukelj Traditional Cooking Class: $66
- Traditional Slovenian Dinner and Performance: $74
- Flavour of Slovenia: Very Small Group Food Tour in Ljubljana: $82
- Dinner in the Dark: $86
- 3-Hour Food Tour: $91
- Dinner in the Dark: $106
- Šmarna Gora: Hiking and Food Tour from Ljubljana: $128
- The 10 Tastings of Ljubljana Private Food Tour : $210
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Sintra €23Ljubljana €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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Ljubljana
For Ljubljana, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Castle Tower Entrance (for 2)€8.00
Tours and Activities in Ljubljana
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Ljubljana.
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
- Romantic Old Town Self-guided Discovery Tour: $6.31
- Ljubljana City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.42
- Ljubljana:Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $6.95
- From Swamp to State: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in Ljubljana: $6.99
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
- Castle Entry Ticket with Optional Funicular Ride: $13
- Ljubljana Castle: Entrance Ticket: $13
- House of Illusions Entrance Ticket: $14
- Self-Guided Walking Tour: $14
- Virtual Reality Gaming Experience Ljubljana: $17
- Tour of the Festive Decorations: $18
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySintra €17Ljubljana €11
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 Ljubljana
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Ljubljana are as follows:
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Drinks at a Sidewalk Cafe (for 2)€6.00
Sample the Local Flavors in Ljubljana
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Ljubljana:
- Craft brewery tour and beer tasting, Tour the Brew, Tekotnik : $28
- Wine Tasting Ljubljana: $59
- 2-Hour Interactive Wine Tasting Experience in Ljubljana: $63
- BEER WAY Kamnik Beer Tasting & Brewery Tour: $83
- Food & Wine tour with a Sommelier: $93
- Food & Wine Tour Ljubljana - Local Foodie Adventure in Slovenia: $97
- From Ljubjana: Slovenian Wine Tour: $191
- Wine Tours in Slovenia: $217
- Wine Tour Slovenia: $261
- Truffle Hunting & Wine Tasting In Istria (private V.i.p. Tour): $263
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sintra and Ljubljana, we can see that Sintra is more expensive. And not only is Ljubljana much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Ljubljana would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ljubljana 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 Ljubljana.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Sintra Expensive? and Is Ljubljana Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Sintra or Ljubljana?
Ljubljana has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Sintra. When comparing the sizes of Sintra and Ljubljana, 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 Ljubljana?
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 Ljubljana in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Sintra as well as Ljubljana. Additionally, many visitors come to Ljubljana in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
Sintra is around the same temperature as Ljubljana in the summer. The daily temperature in Sintra averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Ljubljana fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ljubljana. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sintra this time of the year. In the summer, Sintra often gets more sunshine than Ljubljana. Sintra gets 352 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ljubljana receives 260 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Ljubljana. Sintra usually gets less rain in July than Ljubljana. Sintra gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySintra 23°C (73°F)Ljubljana 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Ljubljana in the Autumn?
Both Ljubljana and Sintra are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Ljubljana for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In the autumn, Sintra is a little warmer than Ljubljana. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Sintra in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Ljubljana averages at about 13°C (56°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sintra. Sintra usually receives more sunshine than Ljubljana during autumn. Sintra gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Ljubljana receives 116 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Ljubljana. In October, Sintra usually receives less rain than Ljubljana. Sintra gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 115 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSintra 19°C (66°F)Ljubljana 13°C (56°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Ljubljana in the Winter?
Both Ljubljana and Sintra during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Ljubljana because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
The weather in Ljubljana can be very cold. In January, Sintra is generally much warmer than Ljubljana. Daily temperatures in Sintra average around 12°C (53°F), and Ljubljana fluctuates around 1°C (34°F).
In the winter, Sintra often gets more sunshine than Ljubljana. Sintra gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ljubljana receives 47 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Sintra. Sintra usually gets more rain in January than Ljubljana. Sintra gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySintra 12°C (53°F)Ljubljana 1°C (34°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Ljubljana in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Sintra and Ljubljana. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Ljubljana this time of year.
Sintra is a little warmer than Ljubljana in the spring. The daily temperature in Sintra averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Ljubljana fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
In Sintra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Sintra usually receives more sunshine than Ljubljana during spring. Sintra gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while Ljubljana receives 162 hours of full sun in the spring.
Ljubljana receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Sintra usually receives less rain than Ljubljana. Sintra gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSintra 16°C (60°F)Ljubljana 12°C (54°F)
Typical Weather for Ljubljana and Sintra
| Sintra | Ljubljana | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 12°C (53°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 1°C (34°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Feb | 13°C (55°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 80 mm (3.2 in) |
| Mar | 14°C (58°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 98 mm (3.8 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (60°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| May | 18°C (64°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 122 mm (4.8 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (69°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 155 mm (6.1 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 122 mm (4.8 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (74°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (59°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (54°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 101 mm (4 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.