Which place is cheaper, Versailles or Sintra?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Sintra or Versailles?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Sintra or Versailles? 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 Versailles?
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.
Versailles
Versailles is the town, now part of the Paris suburbs, that is home to the historic palace of King Louis XIV. The palace, also known as The Chateau de Versailles, was originally a hunting lodge and vacation area for former kings before Louis the 14th decided to build a much larger home. Since the end of France's monarchy in 1789, the palace has been used for other functions, and is now a tourist attraction, home to a museum of French history, expansive gardens, and historical art and antiques. The palace has also been used for important historical events such as the signing of the Treaty of Versailles which ended the first world war. This signing took place in the famous Hall of Mirrors, which visitors can stroll through today as part of the public tour.
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 France, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in France.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySintra €115Versailles €234
The average daily cost (per person) in Sintra is €115, while the average daily cost in Versailles is €234. 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 Versailles in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSintra €57Versailles €128
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSintra €114Versailles €256
Compare Hotels in Sintra and Versailles
Looking for a hotel in Sintra or Versailles? 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 Versailles Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sintra €21Versailles €53
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
Is it cheaper to fly into Sintra or Versailles?
Prices for flights to both Versailles 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 €42Versailles €67
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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Sintra €23Versailles €45
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 Versailles
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Versailles.
- Palace Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Ticket: $67
- Versailles Palace Private Family Tour Designed for Kids: $261
- Private Guided Tour of the Palace: $261
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySintra €17Versailles €18
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 Versailles, we can see that Versailles 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 Versailles would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Versailles 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 Versailles Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Sintra or Versailles?
Versailles has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Sintra. When comparing the sizes of Sintra and Versailles, 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 Versailles?
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 Versailles in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Sintra as well as Versailles.
Sintra is a little warmer than Versailles in the summer. The daily temperature in Sintra averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Versailles fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Versailles. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sintra this time of the year. In the summer, Sintra often gets more sunshine than Versailles. Sintra gets 352 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Versailles receives 239 hours of full sun.
Sintra usually gets less rain in July than Versailles. Sintra gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySintra 23°C (73°F)Versailles 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Versailles in the Autumn?
Both Versailles and Sintra are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Versailles for the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In the autumn, Sintra is a little warmer than Versailles. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Sintra in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Versailles 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 Versailles during autumn. Sintra gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Versailles receives 126 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Sintra usually receives more rain than Versailles. Sintra gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSintra 19°C (66°F)Versailles 13°C (56°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Versailles in the Winter?
Both Versailles and Sintra during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Versailles because of the museums and the cuisine.
The weather in Versailles can be very cold. In January, Sintra is generally much warmer than Versailles. Daily temperatures in Sintra average around 12°C (53°F), and Versailles fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).
In the winter, Sintra often gets more sunshine than Versailles. Sintra gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Versailles receives 56 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Sintra. Sintra usually gets more rain in January than Versailles. Sintra gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySintra 12°C (53°F)Versailles 5°C (40°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Versailles in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Sintra and Versailles. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Versailles this time of year.
Sintra is a little warmer than Versailles in the spring. The daily temperature in Sintra averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Versailles fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).
In Sintra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Sintra usually receives more sunshine than Versailles during spring. Sintra gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while Versailles receives 173 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Sintra usually receives more rain than Versailles. Sintra gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSintra 16°C (60°F)Versailles 11°C (52°F)
Typical Weather for Versailles and Sintra
| Sintra | Versailles | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 12°C (53°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| Feb | 13°C (55°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Mar | 14°C (58°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 52 mm (2.1 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (60°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 50 mm (1.9 in) |
| May | 18°C (64°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (69°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (74°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (59°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (54°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 5°C (42°F) | 55 mm (2.2 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.