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

Should you visit Sintra or Bergen?

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

Should I visit Sintra or Bergen? 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 Bergen?

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.

Bergen

Bergen is the second largest city in Norway, and a major tourist destination due to its proximity and easy access to the fjords in West Norway. The nature that surrounds the city is stunning, and you can easily hop into the nearby countryside for some incredible hikes and outdoor adventures. The city itself is well known for its music and art scenes, making it a cultural haven in the country. There are many reasons to visit Bergen, not the least of which is the people that live there. Bergen is the most hilly city within Norway. It is surrounded by the Seven Mountains, which restrict development and keep the city contained. Situated in the far west of Norway, Bergen can be reached by a very scenic seven hour train ride from Oslo.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Portugal, The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal, The Best 10-Day Tours in Norway, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Norway.


Which place is cheaper, Bergen or Sintra?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Sintra is €146, while the average daily cost in Bergen is €123. 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 Bergen in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Sintra 57
    Bergen 63
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Sintra 114
    Bergen 126
Compare Hotels in Sintra and Bergen

Looking for a hotel in Sintra or Bergen? 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 Bergen


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 Bergen Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Sintra 21
    Bergen 9.04

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 Bergen

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bergen:

  • BGO Airport to City Centre|Hotels Private Transfer: $37
  • Premium Transfer Service Bergen Norway: $71
  • Bergen Airport BGO Private Transfer to Starefossen Bergen Hotels: $85
  • Private transfer between Bergen Airport to/from Bergen City.: $102
  • Private Transfer from Bergen Airport to City Center: $112
  • Private One-Way Bergen Airport and City Transfers: $114
  • Private Transfer from Bergen Airport (BGO): $115
  • Bergen Private Transfer from Bergen (BGO) Airport to City centre: $116
  • Departure Private Transfer from Bergen City to Bergen Cruise Port by luxury van: $125
  • Private Airport Transfer From Bergen Airport or Hotels in Bergen: $129
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Bergen Airport BGO to Bergen by Car: $135
  • Departure Private Transfer from Bergen City to Bergen Cruise Port by Minibus: $146

Is it cheaper to fly into Sintra or Bergen?

Prices for flights to both Bergen 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 73
    Bergen 50

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 Bergen

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bergen.

  • Ulriken Enjoy a 5-course dinner with panoramic views: $162
  • Half Day Fishing and Outdoor Cooking in Bergen: $226
  • Guided Fishing Tour with Outdoor Cooking: $262

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Sintra 23
    Bergen 15

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

Tours and Activities in Bergen

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Bergen are as follows:

  • The Headless Horseman in A Self Guided Walking Tour Game: $8.63
  • Guided Walking Tour with Local Guide: $15
  • Authentic Morning Walking Tour: $20
  • Troll Museum Entry Ticket: $25
  • Bergen Troll Museum Entry Ticket: $26
  • Megazone Laser Tag Entry Ticket: $26
  • The Cube Adventure at Fangene på Fortet: $29
  • City Tour on Foot: $29
  • Nordnes Neighborhood Hidden Gems Walking Tour: $29
  • City Walking Tour - Bergen On Foot: $30
  • Magic Ice Bar Entry Ticket with Welcome Drink: $30
  • Bergen Floibanen Funicular Ticket: $31

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Sintra 17
    Bergen 6.43

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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sintra and Bergen, we can see that Sintra is more expensive. And not only is Bergen much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bergen would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bergen 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 Sintra would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sintra than you might in Bergen.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Sintra Expensive? and Is Bergen Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Sintra or Bergen?

Bergen has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Sintra. When comparing the sizes of Sintra and Bergen, 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 Bergen?

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 Bergen in the Summer?

Both Bergen and Sintra are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bergen this time of year.

In July, Sintra is generally much warmer than Bergen. Daily temperatures in Sintra average around 23°C (73°F), and Bergen fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bergen. In July, Sintra usually receives less rain than Bergen. Sintra gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Sintra 23°C (73°F) 
    Bergen 15°C (58°F)

Should I visit Sintra or Bergen in the Autumn?

Both Bergen and Sintra during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Bergen for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

Sintra is much warmer than Bergen in the autumn. The daily temperature in Sintra averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Bergen fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Bergen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Sintra usually gets less rain in October than Bergen. Sintra gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 271 mm (10.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Sintra 19°C (66°F) 
    Bergen 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Sintra or Bergen in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Sintra and Bergen. Furthermore, many visitors come to Bergen in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Bergen can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Sintra is much warmer than Bergen. Typically, the winter temperatures in Sintra in January average around 12°C (53°F), and Bergen averages at about 2°C (35°F).

Bergen receives a lot of rain in the winter. Sintra gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Sintra usually receives less rain than Bergen. Sintra gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Sintra 12°C (53°F) 
    Bergen 2°C (35°F)

Should I visit Sintra or Bergen in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Sintra as well as Bergen. Additionally, most visitors come to Bergen for the small town charm during these months.

In April, Sintra is generally much warmer than Bergen. Daily temperatures in Sintra average around 16°C (60°F), and Bergen fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

It's quite rainy in Bergen. Sintra usually gets less rain in April than Bergen. Sintra gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Sintra 16°C (60°F) 
    Bergen 6°C (43°F)

Typical Weather for Bergen and Sintra

Sintra Bergen
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (53°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 2°C (35°F) 190 mm (7.5 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 2°C (35°F) 152 mm (6 in)
Mar 14°C (58°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 4°C (38°F) 170 mm (6.7 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 6°C (43°F) 114 mm (4.5 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 11°C (51°F) 106 mm (4.2 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 14°C (56°F) 132 mm (5.2 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 15°C (58°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
Aug 23°C (74°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 15°C (58°F) 190 mm (7.5 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 26 mm (1 in) 12°C (53°F) 283 mm (11.1 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 9°C (48°F) 271 mm (10.7 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 114 mm (4.5 in) 5°C (41°F) 259 mm (10.2 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 3°C (37°F) 235 mm (9.3 in)