A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Sintra vs. Stratford-upon-Avon for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Sintra or Stratford-upon-Avon?

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

Should I visit Sintra or Stratford-upon-Avon? 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 Stratford-upon-Avon?

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.

Stratford-upon-Avon

Stratford-upon-Avon is a historic town in the English county of Warwickshire with a population of about 25,000. It sits on the River Avon and is famous as the home town of William Shakespeare. Today it is home to the Royal Shakespeare Company and a popular destination for those hoping to see a show. Much effort has been made to preserve the historical buildings that date back to Shakespeare's time and the city's quaint character and historic appeal make it one of the most popular tourist destinations in England. Every year thousands of visitors travel to the area to experience its interesting culture and history.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Portugal, The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal, The Best Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Edinburgh.


Which place is cheaper, Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Stratford-upon-Avon is €168. 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 Stratford-upon-Avon in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Sintra 57
    Stratford-upon-Avon 101
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Sintra 114
    Stratford-upon-Avon 202
Compare Hotels in Sintra and Stratford-upon-Avon

Looking for a hotel in Sintra or Stratford-upon-Avon? 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 Stratford-upon-Avon


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 Stratford-upon-Avon Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Sintra 21
    Stratford-upon-Avon 15

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 Stratford-upon-Avon

Also for Stratford-upon-Avon, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Stratford-upon-Avon To London Heathrow Airport Private Transfer Service: $272

Is it cheaper to fly into Sintra or Stratford-upon-Avon?

Prices for flights to both Stratford-upon-Avon 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
    Stratford-upon-Avon 45

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 Stratford-upon-Avon

For Stratford-upon-Avon, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Cheese & Crackers
    8.18

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Stratford-upon-Avon

For Stratford-upon-Avon, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Shakespearean Cooking Experience in Stratford-upon-Avon: $163
  • Pasta Making Experience - Cooking Class: $176

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Sintra 23
    Stratford-upon-Avon 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: $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 Stratford-upon-Avon

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Stratford-upon-Avon's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Warwick Castle (2)
    69
  • Lunch
    14
  • Lunch for 2
    20

Tours and Activities in Stratford-upon-Avon

For Stratford-upon-Avon, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • A Self-Guided Tour of Coventry’s Cathedral Quarter: $6.99
  • Warwick Self-Guided Immersive Audio Walking Tour: $8.88
  • Stratford-Upon-Avon Audio Walking Tour: Shakespeare's Life: $8.89
  • Shakespeare’s A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
  • City Exploration Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
  • Tudor World Museum Entrance Ticket: $9.99
  • Shakespeare & Hathaway TV Sites Tour: $11
  • Shakespeare and Hathaway 2-Hour Self Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Historical Walking Tour: $12
  • The Sinister Side of Shakespeare's Stratford Walking Tour: $12
  • The WalkTalkShow.co.uk - Guided Tour of Stratford upon Avon: $13
  • The Sinister Side of Shakespeare's Stratford Walking Tour: $13

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Sintra 17
    Stratford-upon-Avon 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

Typical Alcohol Prices in Stratford-upon-Avon

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Stratford-upon-Avon from other travelers:


  • Beers
    9.35

Sample the Local Flavors in Stratford-upon-Avon

Also in Stratford-upon-Avon, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Shakespeare Gin Distillery Tour & Taste: $24
  • Shakespeare Distillery Tour - 11am Ticket: $25
  • Shakespeare Distillery Tour - 1pm Ticket: $25


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


Which is Bigger, Sintra or Stratford-upon-Avon?

Sintra has a larger population, and is about 16% larger than the population of Stratford-upon-Avon. When comparing the sizes of Sintra and Stratford-upon-Avon, 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 Stratford-upon-Avon?

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 Stratford-upon-Avon in the Summer?

Both Stratford-upon-Avon and Sintra during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Stratford-upon-Avon for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Sintra is a little warmer than Stratford-upon-Avon. Typically, the summer temperatures in Sintra in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Stratford-upon-Avon averages at about 17°C (63°F).

It's quite sunny in Sintra. In the summer, Sintra often gets more sunshine than Stratford-upon-Avon. Sintra gets 352 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Stratford-upon-Avon receives 195 hours of full sun.

Sintra usually gets less rain in July than Stratford-upon-Avon. Sintra gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Stratford-upon-Avon receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Sintra 23°C (73°F) 
    Stratford-upon-Avon 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Sintra or Stratford-upon-Avon in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Sintra and Stratford-upon-Avon. Also, many visitors come to Stratford-upon-Avon in the autumn for the small town atmosphere.

In October, Sintra is generally much warmer than Stratford-upon-Avon. Daily temperatures in Sintra average around 19°C (66°F), and Stratford-upon-Avon fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In Sintra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Sintra usually receives more sunshine than Stratford-upon-Avon during autumn. Sintra gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Stratford-upon-Avon receives 107 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Sintra usually receives more rain than Stratford-upon-Avon. Sintra gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Stratford-upon-Avon receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Sintra 19°C (66°F) 
    Stratford-upon-Avon 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Sintra or Stratford-upon-Avon in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Sintra as well as Stratford-upon-Avon. Also, most visitors come to Stratford-upon-Avon for the museums, the theater shows, and the cuisine during these months.

Stratford-upon-Avon can be very cold during winter. Sintra is much warmer than Stratford-upon-Avon in the winter. The daily temperature in Sintra averages around 12°C (53°F) in January, and Stratford-upon-Avon fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Sintra often gets more sunshine than Stratford-upon-Avon. Sintra gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Stratford-upon-Avon receives 52 hours of full sun.

Sintra receives a lot of rain in the winter. Sintra usually gets more rain in January than Stratford-upon-Avon. Sintra gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Stratford-upon-Avon receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Sintra 12°C (53°F) 
    Stratford-upon-Avon 3°C (38°F)

Should I visit Sintra or Stratford-upon-Avon in the Spring?

Both Stratford-upon-Avon and Sintra are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Stratford-upon-Avon because of the small town charm.

In the spring, Sintra is much warmer than Stratford-upon-Avon. Typically, the spring temperatures in Sintra in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Stratford-upon-Avon averages at about 9°C (48°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sintra. Sintra usually receives more sunshine than Stratford-upon-Avon during spring. Sintra gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while Stratford-upon-Avon receives 147 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Sintra usually receives more rain than Stratford-upon-Avon. Sintra gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Stratford-upon-Avon receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Sintra 16°C (60°F) 
    Stratford-upon-Avon 9°C (48°F)

Typical Weather for Stratford-upon-Avon and Sintra

Sintra Stratford-upon-Avon
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (53°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 3°C (38°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 4°C (40°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
Mar 14°C (58°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 6°C (42°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 9°C (48°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 12°C (53°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 15°C (59°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 17°C (63°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Aug 23°C (74°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 17°C (62°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 26 mm (1 in) 14°C (58°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 11°C (52°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 114 mm (4.5 in) 7°C (45°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 5°C (40°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)