Which place is cheaper, Sintra or Istanbul?
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 Istanbul or Sintra?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Istanbul or Sintra, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Istanbul or Sintra?
Istanbul
Istanbul is strategically located on the Bosphorus and is split between Europe and Asia. It truly is a city where east meets west. Istanbul is the cultural and financial hub of Turkey, and also the most populous city. The sites are countless and there's something for everybody, whether you're interested in art, music, food, or adventure. You can pass many days exploring both the residential and commercial pockets of this city. Much of the appeal is hidden away along back alleys or within corner shops.
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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Turkey, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Turkey, The Best Budget Tours to Portugal, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal.
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Istanbul Prices
Turkey PricesSintra Prices
Portugal Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayIstanbul $179Sintra $172
The average daily cost (per person) in Istanbul is $179, while the average daily cost in Sintra is $172. 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 Istanbul and Sintra in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personIstanbul $83Sintra $66
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomIstanbul $166Sintra $132
Compare Hotels in Istanbul and Sintra
Looking for a hotel in Istanbul or Sintra? 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: Istanbul Hotel Prices and Sintra Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Istanbul $39Sintra $24
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Istanbul
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Istanbul:
- Istanbul VIP Private Transfer for Airports, Cruise Ports, Hotels: $15
- Istanbul Princes Island Tour with Lunch and Transfer: $19
- Sapanca and Masukiye Day Trip with Lunch and Hotel Transfer: $22
- Narita Airport to Tokyo one way Transfer : $28
- Transfer Istanbul City Center to Istanbul Ataturk Airport: $29
- Transfer Istanbul Ataturk Airport (ISL) to City Center: $29
- Bursa Uludağ Mountain Tour From Istanbul w/Lunch & Hotel Transfer: $29
- Sapanca and Masukiye Full Day Tour with Lunch, Guide and Transfer: $29
- Guided Byzantine & Bosphorus Tour with Transfer In Istanbul: $30
- istanbul airport transfer: $30
- Guided Half Day Afternoon Istanbul Bosphorus Tour With Transfer: $30
- Reliable & Safe Istanbul Airport Taxi Transfer – VIP Service : $30
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sintra
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Sintra:
- Estoril, Cascais or Sintra Private Transfer to Lisbon: $30
- Private Transfer To & From Lisbon: $35
- Lisbon: Private Transfer to Sintra: $47
- 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
- Private San Francisco Transfer: $232
- Transfer From Lisbon To Albufeira Algarve: $269
Is it cheaper to fly into Istanbul or Sintra?
Prices for flights to both Sintra and Istanbul 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 dayIstanbul $66Sintra $86
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Istanbul
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Istanbul.
- Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Turkish Night Show: $27
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Show and Private Table: $30
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Turkish Dance Shows with Private Table: $31
- Istanbul Bosphorus Cruise Dinner, Drinks & Show with Pickup: $32
- Dinner Cruise On The Bosphorus with Turkish night show: $34
- Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise Turkish Show and Private Table: $35
- Luxury Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Shows Private Table & Free Wi-Fi: $36
- Bosphorus Elite Dinner Cruise w/VIP Menu & Private Table Option: $42
- Luxury Dinner & Traditional Dance Bosphorus Cruise: $42
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Folklore Show & Belly Dancers: $46
- Bosphorus Tour Dinner Cruise with Turkish Night Show : $47
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Turkish Night Show Non-Alcoholic: $47
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: $109
- 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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Istanbul $43Sintra $27
Tours and Activities in Istanbul
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Istanbul are as follows:
- Old Town Of Istanbul Orientation - Tip Based Walking Tour: $3.50
- Istanbul Culture History and UNESCO Treasures Kickstart Tour: $3.57
- Highlights of Istanbul Walking Tour: $3.58
- Alternative Tour; Daily Life, Customs, Stories - Tip Based Tour: $5.00
- Istanbul Sites: Peel back the layers of Turkish history a self-guided audio tour: $5.40
- Istanbul The Sultan’s Secret: Exploration Game and Tour: $5.96
- Bosphorus Explorer: 3-Hour Cruise with Asian Side Visit: $7.17
- Istanbul Bosphorus Tour With Whirling Dervish Show: $7.50
- Istanbul Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.98
- Kadikoy's history, theatres and sweet shops: a self-guided audio tour: $8.99
- Istanbul Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
- Princes Islands Tour WITH Private Boat, optional Pickup & Lunch: $9.56
Tours and Activities in Sintra
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Sintra are as follows:
- Sintra Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $4.49
- Spy Nest in Estoril: Self-Guided Cold War Puzzle Adventure: $7.15
- Pena Palace and Park Entrance Ticket: $12
- Frigate D. Fernando II e Glória Warship Entry Ticket: $12
- Almada’s Tale: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $12
- Convent of the Capuchos Fast Track Entry Ticket: $13
- Monserrate Palace & Park Ticket: $14
- Castle of the Moors Skip-the-Line Ticket: $14
- National Palace and Gardens Skip-the-Line Ticket: $15
- National Sintra Palace E-Ticket and Audio Guide: $17
- Palace of Monserrate Skip-the-Ticket-Line Entry Ticket: $18
- Pena Palace Entry Visit Ticket Experience: $20
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayIstanbul $12Sintra $20
Sample the Local Flavors in Istanbul
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Istanbul:
- Istanbul Nightlife Pub Crawl Pub and İstanbul Club Adventure: $19
- Istanbul Pub Crawl: Adults-Only Nightlife Adventure: $31
- Istanbul Wine Tasting at Home with Local Family: $78
- Istanbul Private Wine Tasting Tour Through 3 City Wineries : $209
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
- From Sintra, Mafra, or Ericeira: Hike and Wine Tour: $100
- Lisbon Region Wine Tour: Mafra & Ericeira + Hotel Pick-Up: $197
- PRIVATE TOUR WINE TASTING QUINTA BACALHÔA & JOSÉ MARIA FONSECA (Setubal Region): $233
- Hidden Gems: Sintra & Cascais Private Tour with Wine Tasting: $316
When comparing the travel costs between Istanbul and Sintra, we can see that Istanbul 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 Istanbul Expensive? and Is Sintra Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Istanbul or Sintra?
Istanbul has a larger population, and is about 430 times larger than the population of Sintra. When comparing the sizes of Istanbul and Sintra, 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 Istanbul or Sintra?
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 Istanbul or Sintra in the Summer?
Both Sintra and Istanbul are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Istanbul in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
Istanbul is around the same temperature as Sintra in the summer. The daily temperature in Istanbul averages around 24°C (74°F) in July, and Sintra fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
It's quite sunny in Sintra. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Istanbul. Istanbul usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Sintra during summer. Istanbul gets 333 hours of sunny skies, while Sintra receives 352 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Istanbul usually receives more rain than Sintra. Istanbul gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Sintra receives 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyIstanbul 24°C (74°F)Sintra 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Istanbul or Sintra in the Autumn?
Both Sintra and Istanbul during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Istanbul for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In the autumn, Istanbul is cooler than Sintra. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Istanbul in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Sintra averages at about 19°C (66°F).
In Sintra, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Istanbul often gets less sunshine than Sintra. Istanbul gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sintra receives 213 hours of full sun.
Istanbul usually gets less rain in October than Sintra. Istanbul gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Sintra receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberIstanbul 16°C (61°F)Sintra 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Istanbul or Sintra in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Istanbul and Sintra. The winter months attract visitors to Istanbul because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In January, Istanbul is generally much colder than Sintra. Daily temperatures in Istanbul average around 6°C (43°F), and Sintra fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).
Istanbul usually receives less sunshine than Sintra during winter. Istanbul gets 75 hours of sunny skies, while Sintra receives 144 hours of full sun in the winter.
Sintra receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Istanbul usually receives less rain than Sintra. Istanbul gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Sintra receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryIstanbul 6°C (43°F)Sintra 12°C (53°F)
Should I visit Istanbul or Sintra in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Istanbul as well as Sintra. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Istanbul this time of year.
Istanbul is cooler than Sintra in the spring. The daily temperature in Istanbul averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Sintra fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sintra. In the spring, Istanbul often gets less sunshine than Sintra. Istanbul gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sintra receives 235 hours of full sun.
Istanbul usually gets less rain in April than Sintra. Istanbul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Sintra receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilIstanbul 13°C (55°F)Sintra 16°C (60°F)
Typical Weather for Sintra and Istanbul
| Istanbul | Sintra | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 6°C (43°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (44°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Mar | 8°C (47°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Apr | 13°C (55°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| May | 17°C (63°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (71°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (74°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (74°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Sep | 20°C (69°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| Oct | 16°C (61°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Nov | 12°C (54°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) |
| Dec | 9°C (47°F) | 122 mm (4.8 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 108 mm (4.3 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.