Which place is cheaper, Porto or Sintra?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Sintra or Porto?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Sintra or Porto? 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 Porto?
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.
Porto
Porto is the second largest city in Portugal. It is also the capital of the Northern Region and a hub for commercial and industrial activity. The city is not as large as you might expect, with a population of only about 300,000 residents, but the metropolitan area has a population of about 2.5 million. This includes nearby cities such as Gaia, Matosinhos, Maia and Gondomar.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Portugal, The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal, The Best G Adventures Tours to Portugal, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Lisbon.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySintra €115Porto €126
The average daily cost (per person) in Sintra is €115, while the average daily cost in Porto is €126. 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 Porto in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSintra €57Porto €65
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSintra €114Porto €130
Compare Hotels in Sintra and Porto
Looking for a hotel in Sintra or Porto? 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 Porto Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sintra €21Porto €21
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sintra
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Sintra:
- Algarve vs Lisbon: Private Transfer to/from Algarve /Lisbon: $511
- Transfer Cascais to Lisbon(8pax): $108
- Transfer from Lisbon Airport to Cascais, Sintra or Estoril: $107
- Transfer Cascais to Lisbon(3pax): $98
- Tours and Transfers: $89
- Lisbon transfer, national and Iberian trips: $85
- Private Transfer Lisbon & Cascais by Van or Car: $73
- Tuk Tuk Transfer With Sintra Pena Ticket From Meeting Point: $72
- Transfer Sintra to Lisbon Airport: $71
- Lisbon Airport: Cascais/Estoril/Sintra Private Transfer: $57
- Transfer from Lisbon Airport to Sintra: $53
- Lisbon Airport Transfer to Cascais / Sintra / Estoril: $51
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Porto
Also for Porto, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- From Porto Bus Station: Transfer to/from Lisbon Oriente: $4.21
- Porto Airport Transfer from/to Porto Center: $9.59
- Bus Transfer to/from Madrid South: $11
- Porto Airport Transfer (to/from Porto City Center): $11
- Porto Airport Transfer from/to Porto Center : $11
- Oporto Airport Shared Departure Transfer: $13
- Porto Airport: Shared One-Way Arrival or Departure Transfer: $13
- Private transfer from Porto Airport to Porto City Hotels: $15
- Private One-way Airport Transfer (Porto Airport To/From Porto): $15
- Porto Airport Private Arrival Transfer: $15
- Porto Airport Private Departure Transfer: $15
- Porto Private Airport Departure Transfer: $17
Is it cheaper to fly into Sintra or Porto?
Prices for flights to both Porto 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 €42Porto €36
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sintra
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Sintra.
- Half-Day Ericeira Walking Food Tour: $54
- Portuguese Cooking Workshop in Cascais (group of 4 min): $92
- Private Portuguese Cooking Lesson and Meal with a Lisbon Local: $220
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Porto
For Porto, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Pastel de Nata Cooking Class in Downtown Porto: $37
- Tastiest Calories Food Tour: $48
- Bolhão Market and Codfish Tasting Guided Food Tour: $52
- Bolhão Market & Codfish Tasting Food Tour: $53
- Christmas All Inclusive Dinner River Cruise with DJ on Board : $54
- Porto Food Tour: Full Meal & Drinks: $56
- Porto Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $57
- Half-Day Food Tour: $68
- 3-Hour Food Tour: $68
- Portuguese Craft Beer and Food Tour: $74
- Semi - Private Oporto Food Tour: $74
- Craft Beer & Food Tour in Porto: $75
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Sintra €23Porto €25
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: $156
- 1 Hour Private Sintra Sightseeing Tour by Renault 4L : $27
- 2 Hour Private Picnic and Photoshoot Experience in Lisbon area: $147
- 2 Hours Romantic experience for two by sailboat in Cascais: $295
- 2 Hours Sintra Experience Renault 4L Tour : $65
- 2 hours Private Sailing Experience in Cascais: $295
- 3 Hour Sintra Village and Beaches Tuktuk Tour: $125
- 4 hour Private MTB Enduro Trail Tour in Sintra Mountain: $171
- 4x4 Tours in Portuguese Classic Jeeps (UMM) around Sintra: $109
- Amazing Sintra tour: $91
- Archaeological Sintra Tour in a Classical car or Electric jeep: $92
Tours and Activities in Porto
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Porto.
- City Highlights Guided Walking Tour: $1.07
- Porto Walking Tour - The Perfect Introduction to the City: $1.08
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.20
- The Unvanquished Tour in Porto City Center: $3.25
- From Portugal eSIM Tourist Data Plan: $4.79
- Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and City Tour: $5.33
- Porto Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $5.44
- City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.38
- Scavenger Hunt and City Highlights Walking Tour: $7.68
- Porto Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.83
- Porto (Gaia) Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.85
- Casa São Roque Direct Entry Ticket: $8.52
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySintra €17Porto €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: $70
- Wine Tasting Tour: $81
- Half Day in Sintra and Cabo da Roca with Wine Tasting: $81
- Private tour wine tasting in Setubal: $96
- Hidden Gems: Sintra & Cascais Private Tour with Wine Tasting: $180
- From Lisbon Private Tour to Porto with Port Wine Tasting: $233
Sample the Local Flavors in Porto
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Porto:
- Museu do Vitral Entry Ticket and Wine Tasting: $8.52
- Museu do Vitral Entry Ticket with Wine Tasting: $8.71
- Tickets for Port Cellar Visit and Wine Tasting at Fonseca: $11
- Guided City Pub Crawl with Club Entry: $13
- Magic Train Tour and Port Wine Tastings: $15
- Rooftop Fado concert, Port wine tasting, Portuguese tart: $16
- Mysterious Pub Crawl Interactive City Discovery Game: $19
- Pub Crawl with 5 Drinks: $19
- Douro and Port Wine Tasting: $20
- Porto Pub Crawl With Unlimited Beer: $20
- Pub Crawl Porto Live night: $21
- Pub Crawl with Shots and Drinking Games: $21
When comparing the travel costs between Sintra and Porto, we can see that Porto is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Sintra Expensive? and Is Porto Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Sintra or Porto?
Porto has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Sintra. When comparing the sizes of Sintra and Porto, 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 Porto?
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 Porto in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Sintra as well as Porto. Additionally, many travelers come to Porto for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
Sintra is a little warmer than Porto in the summer. The daily temperature in Sintra averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Porto fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Porto. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sintra this time of the year. In the summer, Sintra often gets more sunshine than Porto. Sintra gets 352 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Porto receives 308 hours of full sun.
Sintra usually gets less rain in July than Porto. Sintra gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Porto receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySintra 23°C (73°F)Porto 21°C (69°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Porto in the Autumn?
Both Porto and Sintra are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Porto in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Sintra is a little warmer than Porto. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Sintra in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Porto averages at about 17°C (62°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sintra. Sintra usually receives more sunshine than Porto during autumn. Sintra gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Porto receives 184 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Porto. In October, Sintra usually receives less rain than Porto. Sintra gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Porto receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSintra 19°C (66°F)Porto 17°C (62°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Porto in the Winter?
Both Porto and Sintra during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Porto for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
In January, Sintra is generally a little warmer than Porto. Daily temperatures in Sintra average around 12°C (53°F), and Porto fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).
In the winter, Sintra often gets more sunshine than Porto. Sintra gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Porto receives 124 hours of full sun.
Porto 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 Porto. Sintra gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Porto receives 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySintra 12°C (53°F)Porto 10°C (50°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Porto in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Sintra and Porto. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Porto because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
Sintra is a little warmer than Porto in the spring. The daily temperature in Sintra averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Porto fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Porto this time of the year. In Sintra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Sintra usually receives more sunshine than Porto during spring. Sintra gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while Porto receives 217 hours of full sun in the spring.
Porto receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Sintra usually receives less rain than Porto. Sintra gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Porto receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSintra 16°C (60°F)Porto 14°C (56°F)
Typical Weather for Porto and Sintra
| Sintra | Porto | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 12°C (53°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) |
| Feb | 13°C (55°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 169 mm (6.7 in) |
| Mar | 14°C (58°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (60°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 14°C (56°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) |
| May | 18°C (64°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (69°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (74°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (59°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (54°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 176 mm (6.9 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.