Which place is cheaper, Zurich or Sintra?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Sintra or Zurich?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Sintra or Zurich? 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 Zurich?
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.
Zurich
Zurich has the biggest connection for trains in Switzerland. It also has the country's biggest and busiest airport. Because of its importance as a transportation center, it is likely to be the first place you visit in Switzerland. It is the financial capital of the country (although, contrary to what you may have thought, not the political capital). It has many international companies, and is home to the country's stock exchange.
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 Switzerland, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Switzerland.
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Sintra Prices
Portugal PricesZurich Prices
Switzerland Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySintra €146Zurich €310
The average daily cost (per person) in Sintra is €146, while the average daily cost in Zurich is €310. 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 Zurich in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSintra €57Zurich €168
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSintra €114Zurich €336
Compare Hotels in Sintra and Zurich
Looking for a hotel in Sintra or Zurich? 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 Zurich Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sintra €21Zurich €35
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sintra
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Sintra:
- Estoril, Cascais or Sintra Private Transfer to Lisbon: $30
- Lisbon: Surf Experience at Caparica with Transfer: $60
- Ericeira Private Transfer to/from Lisbon: $66
- Private Transfer From Lisbon Airport to/from Cascais: $84
- TRANSFER Cascais to Lisbon Airport: $89
- Tours and Transfers: $98
- Transfer Cascais to Lisbon(3pax): $107
- Transfer Cascais to Lisbon(8pax): $119
- Transfer From Lisboa to Nazaré: $132
- Transfer From Lisbon To Albufeira Algarve: $271
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Zurich
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Zurich:
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City Pass (2)€28
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zurich
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zurich:
- Zurich Airport Stress-Free Private Transfer: $36
- ZRH Airport to City Centre|Hotels Private Transfer: $42
- Zurich Airport ZRH Private Transfer to Zurich/Lucerne/Interlaken: $48
- Private One-way Airport Transfer from Zurich to Zurich Airport: $72
- Private One-way Airport Transfer from Zurich Airport to Zurich: $72
- Zurich Airport (ZRH) to Zurich - Arrival Private Transfer: $81
- Zurich to Zurich Airport (ZRH) - Departure Private Transfer : $81
- Transfer from Zurich City Center to Zurich Airport (ZRH): $81
- Zurich Airport (ZRH) to Titisee-Neustadt Thermal Arrival Transfer: $84
- Transfer from Zurich Airport (ZRH) to Zurich City Center: $84
- Private Transfer from Zurich Hotels to Zurich Airport: $87
- Airport Transfer: Zurich Airport ZRH to Zurich by Business Car: $100
Is it cheaper to fly into Sintra or Zurich?
Prices for flights to both Zurich 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 €73Zurich €106
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sintra
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Sintra.
- Lisbon Countryside Food Tour on Vintage Car: $103
- Boho Chic Picnic Dinner with Water Views: $110
- DINNER OR TAPAS in a Poruguese Home : $113
- Authentic Portuguese Cooking Experience: $120
- Pastel de Nata or Portuguese Cooking Class in Sintra with Locals: $140
Typical Food Prices in Zurich
Some typical examples of dining costs in Zurich are as follows:
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Breakfast for 2€13
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zurich
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Zurich.
- Food Tour of 8+ Tastings with Cheeses & Chocolates: $154
- Zurich Food Tour of 10+ Swiss Specialties w/ Cheeses & Chocolates: $156
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Sintra €23Zurich €35
Tours and Activities in Sintra
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Sintra are as follows:
- Spy Nest in Estoril: Self-Guided Cold War Puzzle Adventure: $7.15
- Frigate D. Fernando II e Glória Warship Entry Ticket: $12
- Almada’s Tale: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $12
- Monserrate Palace Skip The Line Tickets : $19
- National Palace of Sintra Entry Ticket: $20
- Pena Palace Entry Visit Ticket Experience: $20
- Sintra Moorish Castle Entry Tickets: $22
- Sintra National Palace E-Ticket with Audio Guide: $23
- Pena Palace and Park Tickets: $26
- Quinta da Regaleira Entry Tickets with Host From Meeting Point: $28
- Walk Tour in Historical Cascais: $30
- Sintra Walking Tour : $30
Tours and Activities in Zurich
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Zurich are as follows:
- Zurich in the Mirror of the Past: Self-Guided Reading Tour: $6.29
- Zurich Self Guided Audio Experience: $9.00
- Winterthur Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $9.04
- Schaffhausen Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $9.04
- Zurich Highlights Self guided scavenger hunt and city tour: $12
- Swiss Finance Museum Admission Ticket: $13
- The Dark Side of Self-Guided Audio City Tour: $13
- Zurich in the Mirror of the Past: Self-Guided Audio Tour: $13
- Self-Guided Audio Tour to the Dark Side of Zurich: $13
- Zurich Old Town Walking Tour: 2-Hours: $16
- Swiss National Museum Entry Ticket: $16
- City Walking Tour Made in Zurich: $19
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySintra €17Zurich €29
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: $84
- Wine Tasting Tour: $89
- Half Day in Sintra and Cabo da Roca with Wine Tasting: $90
- Lisbon Region Wine Tour: Mafra & Ericeira + Hotel Pick-Up: $198
- PRIVATE TOUR WINE TASTING QUINTA BACALHÔA & JOSÉ MARIA FONSECA (Setubal Region): $235
- Hidden Gems: Sintra & Cascais Private Tour with Wine Tasting: $316
Sample the Local Flavors in Zurich
Also in Zurich, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Pub Crawl Nightlife Tour with Shots and Snacks: $38
- Pub Crawl Zurich: $39
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sintra and Zurich, we can see that Zurich 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 Zurich would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Zurich 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 Zurich Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Sintra or Zurich?
Zurich has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Sintra. When comparing the sizes of Sintra and Zurich, 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 Zurich?
Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Sintra or Zurich in the Summer?
Both Zurich and Sintra are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Zurich because of the music scene and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Sintra is around the same temperature as Zurich. Typically, the summer temperatures in Sintra in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Zurich averages at about 21°C (70°F).
It's quite sunny in Zurich. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sintra. Sintra usually receives more sunshine than Zurich during summer. Sintra gets 352 hours of sunny skies, while Zurich receives 241 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Sintra usually receives less rain than Zurich. Sintra gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySintra 23°C (73°F)Zurich 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Zurich in the Autumn?
Both Zurich and Sintra during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Zurich this time of year.
In October, Sintra is generally a little warmer than Zurich. Daily temperatures in Sintra average around 19°C (66°F), and Zurich fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).
It's quite sunny in Sintra. In the autumn, Sintra often gets more sunshine than Zurich. Sintra gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zurich receives 120 hours of full sun.
Sintra usually gets more rain in October than Zurich. Sintra gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSintra 19°C (66°F)Zurich 13°C (56°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Zurich in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Sintra and Zurich. Also, many travelers come to Zurich for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Zurich. Sintra is much warmer than Zurich in the winter. The daily temperature in Sintra averages around 12°C (53°F) in January, and Zurich fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).
Sintra usually receives more sunshine than Zurich during winter. Sintra gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Zurich receives 55 hours of full sun in the winter.
Sintra gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Sintra usually receives more rain than Zurich. Sintra gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySintra 12°C (53°F)Zurich 3°C (37°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Zurich in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Sintra as well as Zurich. Also, many visitors come to Zurich in the spring for the natural beauty.
In the spring, Sintra is a little warmer than Zurich. Typically, the spring temperatures in Sintra in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Zurich averages at about 12°C (53°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sintra this time of the year. In the spring, Sintra often gets more sunshine than Zurich. Sintra gets 235 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zurich receives 150 hours of full sun.
Sintra usually gets less rain in April than Zurich. Sintra gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSintra 16°C (60°F)Zurich 12°C (53°F)
Typical Weather for Zurich and Sintra
| Sintra | Zurich | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 12°C (53°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Feb | 13°C (55°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Mar | 14°C (58°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (60°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| May | 18°C (64°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (69°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (74°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (59°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (54°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 83 mm (3.3 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.