Which place is cheaper, Belfast 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 Belfast?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Sintra or Belfast? 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 Belfast?
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.
Belfast
Belfast is the capital of Northern Ireland and the second largest city on the island of Ireland after Dublin. It has a population of about 270,000 and almost 500,000 in the metropolitan area. It's located on the mouth of the River Lagan and is set between many low hills that rise up around it.
One of the most famous, and tragic times in Belfast's history is referred to as "The Troubles." During this time, between 1969 and 1997, there were many bomb and gun attacks throughout the city. This left many areas as essentially no-go zones. Neighborhoods became completely lawless do to the lack of security and the damage is still visible today in some areas. In 1998 the Good Friday Agreement was signed and much of the politically motivated violence ended. The city actually received praise recently as the safest city in the UK based on crime rate. Tourism is growing and many visitors enjoy seeing this less popular travel destination. The city has a lot of character and will give you an interesting take on Irish and British history.
Belfast has a temperate climate and temperature and precipitation have little variation throughout the year. The climate is influenced by the warming effects of the Gulf Stream, making it warmer than many cities that are found at the same latitude. Rain is common with precipitation falling an average of 157 days a year. Snow is much less common, although it does happen about ten days a year. The warmest days during the summer may reach a temperature around 25 degrees Celsius and the coldest days have lows that drop just below freezing.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Portugal, The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal, The Best Budget Tours to United Kingdom, and The Best Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom.
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Sintra Prices
Portugal PricesBelfast Prices
UK Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySintra €146Belfast €194
The average daily cost (per person) in Sintra is €146, while the average daily cost in Belfast is €194. 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 Belfast in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSintra €57Belfast €78
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSintra €114Belfast €156
Compare Hotels in Sintra and Belfast
Looking for a hotel in Sintra or Belfast? 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 Belfast Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sintra €21Belfast €16
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Belfast
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Belfast:
- Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Holywood: $50
- Private One-way Transfer from Belfast to Belfast Int. Airport: $52
- Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Bangor : $55
- Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Comber: $55
- Game of Thrones Studio Tour Admission and Transfer from Belfast : $62
- Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Groomsport: $62
- Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Whiterock: $68
- Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Carrickfergus : $68
- Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Lisburn Central: $73
- Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Lisburn Accommodation - Arrival Private Transfer: $75
- Game of Thrones Studio Tour Admission and Transfer from Dublin: $75
- Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Donaghadee : $78
Is it cheaper to fly into Sintra or Belfast?
Prices for flights to both Belfast 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 €73Belfast €100
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Belfast
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Belfast.
- Rhythms and Tales of Belfast Irish Dance Show and Dinner: $81
- Taste & Tour: Craft Beer and Food Tour of Belfast: $112
- Belfast Centre Food Tour of 12+ Local Irish Dishes & Drinks: $112
- Guided Craft Beer and Street Food Tour: $115
- Taste & Tour: The original Belfast Food Tour™️ with drinks: $120
- The Original Belfast Food Tour™ with Drinks: $124
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Sintra €23Belfast €21
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Belfast
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Belfast are as follows:
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Movie Tickets€9.15
Tours and Activities in Belfast
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Belfast are as follows:
- Free Tour of the Titanic in Spanish (13:00): $3.81
- Belfast's Iconic Sites: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.47
- Belfast’s Titanic Quarter: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
- Haunted Belfast Exploration Game and Tour: $7.16
- Belfast Self Guided Walking Tour with an APP: $7.99
- Game of Thrones Northern Ireland Self Guided Coastal Drive Tour: $15
- Ulster Transport Museum Entry Ticket: $16
- Ulster Folk Museum Entry Ticket: $16
- Hop-On Hop-Off Belfast Open Top Bus Tour: $18
- Belfast Walking Tour with a Local – History & Craic: $20
- If Buildings Could Talk Tour Belfast: $20
- If Buildings Could Talk Tour: $21
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySintra €17Belfast €8.98
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
Sample the Local Flavors in Belfast
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Belfast:
- Pub Crawl and Bar Walking Tour with Two Drinks: $19
- McConnell's Distillery Guided Tour with Tasting: $27
- Explore & Taste: Distillery Tour at Titanic Distillers: $34
- Belfast Giant's Causeway and Titanic Distillery Whiskey Tour: $74
- Giant's Causeway and Whisky Distillery tasting tour from Belfast : $75
- Historic Pub Tour: $202
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sintra and Belfast, we can see that Belfast 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 Belfast would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Belfast 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 Belfast Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Sintra or Belfast?
Belfast has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Sintra. When comparing the sizes of Sintra and Belfast, 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 Belfast?
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 Belfast in the Summer?
Both Belfast and Sintra are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Belfast in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
Sintra is much warmer than Belfast in the summer. The daily temperature in Sintra averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Belfast fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sintra. Sintra usually receives more sunshine than Belfast during summer. Sintra gets 352 hours of sunny skies, while Belfast receives 151 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Sintra usually receives less rain than Belfast. Sintra gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Belfast receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySintra 23°C (73°F)Belfast 15°C (59°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Belfast in the Autumn?
Both Belfast and Sintra during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Belfast for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.
In the autumn, Sintra is much warmer than Belfast. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Sintra in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Belfast averages at about 9°C (48°F).
It's quite sunny in Sintra. In the autumn, Sintra often gets more sunshine than Belfast. Sintra gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Belfast receives 92 hours of full sun.
Sintra usually gets less rain in October than Belfast. Sintra gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Belfast receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSintra 19°C (66°F)Belfast 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Belfast in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Sintra and Belfast. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Belfast because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.
The weather in Belfast can be very cold. In January, Sintra is generally much warmer than Belfast. Daily temperatures in Sintra average around 12°C (53°F), and Belfast fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).
Sintra usually receives more sunshine than Belfast during winter. Sintra gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Belfast receives 50 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 Belfast. Sintra gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Belfast receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySintra 12°C (53°F)Belfast 4°C (39°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Belfast in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Sintra as well as Belfast. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Belfast this time of year.
Sintra is much warmer than Belfast in the spring. The daily temperature in Sintra averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Belfast fluctuates around 8°C (46°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 Belfast. Sintra gets 235 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Belfast receives 150 hours of full sun.
Sintra usually gets more rain in April than Belfast. Sintra gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Belfast receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSintra 16°C (60°F)Belfast 8°C (46°F)
Typical Weather for Belfast and Sintra
| Sintra | Belfast | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 12°C (53°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Feb | 13°C (55°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Mar | 14°C (58°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (60°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| May | 18°C (64°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (69°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (74°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (59°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (54°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 80 mm (3.1 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.