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

Should you visit Sintra or Venice?

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

Should I visit Sintra or Venice? 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 Venice?

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.

Venice

The canals of Venice are one of the most popular and emulated destinations in the world. In it's hay day, Venice was at the center of politics, exploration, arts and architecture. Today that history is still very much alive and well. The city is unlike any other in the world. The best way to immerse yourself in Venice is to get yourself lost in the alleyways. It's actually quite easy to do and you'll find yourself stumbling into the most interesting places, hidden away from the crowds of Piazzo San Marco.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Portugal, The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Venice 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 Venice is €229. 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 Venice in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Sintra 57
    Venice 120
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Sintra 114
    Venice 240
Compare Hotels in Sintra and Venice

Looking for a hotel in Sintra or Venice? 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 Venice


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 Venice Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Sintra 21
    Venice 27

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

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Venice

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Venice:


  • Venice 12 Hour Transport Pass
    16
  • Vaporetto Ride
    6.50
  • 1 Day Travel Card
    18
  • 7 Day Transport Card (for Two)
    101

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Venice

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

  • Private Long Transfer ! From Venice to Rome , Italy (one way): $10
  • Bus Transfer between Marco Polo Airport and City: $11
  • Boat Transfer to/from Marco Polo Airport w/ 3 Routes: $16
  • Ljubljana: Bus transfer from/to Venice Marco Polo Airport: $24
  • Murano Glass Demo and Boat Transfer to Glass Factory: $33
  • Water Taxi Transfer Lido Santa Maria Elisabetta: $34
  • Venice, Cruise Port to Venice Airport (VCE) - Departure Private Transfer: $35
  • Private Transfer from Venice City or Port to Venice Airport (VCE): $35
  • Private Transfer from Venice Airport (VCE) to Venice city or port: $35
  • Shared Water Taxi Transfer to Marco Polo Airport: $37
  • Venice Shared Departure Transfer: Central Venice to Marittima Cruise Port: $38
  • Marco Polo Airport Water Taxi Transfer: $40

Is it cheaper to fly into Sintra or Venice?

Prices for flights to both Venice 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
    Venice 65

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 Venice

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Venice:


  • Panini Sandwich
    4.00
  • Gelato
    6.00
  • Artichoke & Mushroom Pizza
    7.90
  • Expresso
    1.95
  • Slice of Pizza
    2.23
  • Three Course Dinner (for Two)
    79

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Venice

For Venice, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $29
  • Street Food Tour with a Local Guide and Tastings: $47
  • Venice Street Food Tour with a Native & Top Rated Expert: $48
  • Venice Street Food Tour with Local Guide with Local Food Market Visit: $48
  • Street Food Tour of Venice in 2.5 hours: $48
  • Guided City Highlights and Street Food Tour: $51
  • Venetian Dinner: $62
  • Twilight Food Tour with Cicchetti and Spritz Tasting: $63
  • Venetian Dinner: $68
  • 2-Course Dinner in a Typical Venetian Restaurant: $74
  • Guided Small Group Kickstart Food Tour of Venice : $76
  • Tiramisù cooking class and tasting in Treviso: $80

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Sintra 23
    Venice 101

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 Venice

For Venice, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Venice Boat Ride
    15
  • Bell tower of St. Mark Entrance Fee
    8.00
  • Gondola Ride (for Group)
    80
  • Secret Itinerary Tour- Doge's Palace
    16
  • The Jewish Museum Admission
    3.00
  • The Glass Museum in Murano
    8.00

Tours and Activities in Venice

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Venice.

  • Venezia: Digital Guide made by a Local for your walking tour: $2.14
  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Venice self guided audio tour: $4.27
  • Exclusive Self-Guided Audio Tour in Jewish Ghetto: $4.60
  • Self Guided Audio Tour to The Jewish Ghetto of Venice : $4.69
  • From Italy eSIM Tourist Roaming Data Plan: $4.81
  • Venezia Walking Tour with Audio and Written Guide by a Local: $5.23
  • From 1-Way Bus Ticket to Florence or Vice Versa: $5.31
  • Digital Audio Guide Tour of The Jewish Ghetto: $5.35
  • independent walking tour with an audio guide: $5.35
  • walking tour with audio guide in French: $5.35
  • Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Venice: $5.44

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Sintra 17
    Venice 24

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 Venice

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Venice:


  • 1/2 Liter Wine
    5.20
  • Beer
    4.90

Sample the Local Flavors in Venice

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Venice:

  • Guided Tour and wine tasting 5 wines to discover the Conegliano Valdobbiadene: $27
  • Guided Visit and Wine Tasting at the Winery in Veneto: $27
  • Wine Tasting in Venice: $37
  • Wine Tasting in Venice: $39
  • private tour in the city and wine tasting: $50
  • Wine tasting Asolo Prosecco at Tenuta Baron: $59
  • Food and Wine Tasting Bar Tour & Evening Guided Tour: $72
  • Venetian Style Carnival Pub Crawl: $79
  • Venetian Style Carnival Pub Crawl: $82
  • Eat, drink and repeat: Wine tasting tour in Venice: $98
  • Authentic Neighborhood Cicchetti Food & Wine Tour: $105
  • A Venetian Evening - Wine Tasting & Tapas tour with a Local guide: $108


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


Which is Bigger, Sintra or Venice?

Venice has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Sintra. When comparing the sizes of Sintra and Venice, 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 Venice?

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 Venice in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Sintra as well as Venice. Also, many travelers come to Venice for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Sintra is generally around the same temperature as Venice. Daily temperatures in Sintra average around 23°C (73°F), and Venice fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Venice. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sintra this time of the year. In the summer, Sintra often gets more sunshine than Venice. Sintra gets 352 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Venice receives 287 hours of full sun.

Sintra usually gets less rain in July than Venice. Sintra gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Venice receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Sintra 23°C (73°F) 
    Venice 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Sintra or Venice in the Autumn?

Both Venice and Sintra are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Venice in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Sintra is a little warmer than Venice in the autumn. The daily temperature in Sintra averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Venice fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sintra. Sintra usually receives more sunshine than Venice during autumn. Sintra gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Venice receives 134 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Sintra usually receives more rain than Venice. Sintra gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Venice receives 67 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Sintra 19°C (66°F) 
    Venice 14°C (57°F)

Should I visit Sintra or Venice in the Winter?

Both Venice and Sintra during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Venice for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Venice can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Sintra is much warmer than Venice. Typically, the winter temperatures in Sintra in January average around 12°C (53°F), and Venice averages at about 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Sintra often gets more sunshine than Venice. Sintra gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Venice receives 88 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sintra. Sintra usually gets more rain in January than Venice. Sintra gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Venice receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Sintra 12°C (53°F) 
    Venice 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Sintra or Venice in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Sintra and Venice. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Venice because of the natural beauty.

In April, Sintra is generally a little warmer than Venice. Daily temperatures in Sintra average around 16°C (60°F), and Venice fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In Sintra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Sintra usually receives more sunshine than Venice during spring. Sintra gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while Venice receives 154 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Sintra usually receives around the same amount of rain as Venice. Sintra gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Venice receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Sintra 16°C (60°F) 
    Venice 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Venice and Sintra

Sintra Venice
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (53°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 3°C (37°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 5°C (41°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Mar 14°C (58°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 8°C (47°F) 57 mm (2.3 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 13°C (55°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 17°C (63°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 21°C (69°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 23°C (74°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 26 mm (1 in) 19°C (67°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 14°C (57°F) 67 mm (2.7 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 114 mm (4.5 in) 8°C (47°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 4°C (38°F) 50 mm (1.9 in)