Which place is cheaper, Bilbao 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 Bilbao?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Sintra or Bilbao? 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 Bilbao?
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.
Bilbao
The industrial city of Bilbao is located on a port of the Nervión River in northern Spain, an important location of Basque country. While the downtown is filled with skyscrapers and innovative architecture, it sits between a river and mountains of natural allure. A city of hard-workers to the core, Bilbao displays remnants of its industrial past, though in more recent years it has transformed into a center for art. It is now a popular location for visitors looking to experience art galleries and museums.
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 Spain, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain.
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Sintra Prices
Portugal PricesBilbao Prices
Spain Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySintra €146Bilbao €170
The average daily cost (per person) in Sintra is €146, while the average daily cost in Bilbao is €170. 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 Bilbao in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSintra €57Bilbao €72
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSintra €114Bilbao €144
Compare Hotels in Sintra and Bilbao
Looking for a hotel in Sintra or Bilbao? 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 Bilbao Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sintra €21Bilbao €26
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sintra
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Sintra:
- Ericeira Private Transfer to/from Lisbon: $66
- Estoril, Cascais or Sintra Private Transfer to Lisbon: $30
- Lisbon: Private Transfer to Sintra: $47
- Private San Francisco Transfer: $232
- Private Transfer From Lisbon Airport to/from Cascais: $84
- Private Transfer To & From Lisbon: $35
- 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 Faro Algarve: $299
- Transfer From Lisboa To Portimão Algarve: $299
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bilbao
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bilbao:
- Bilbao Airport Private Departure Transfer: $52
- Arrival Private Transfer from Bilbao airport BIO to Bilbao City by Business Car: $60
- Bilbao city to Bilbao Airport (BIO) - Departure Private Transfer: $68
- Bilbao Airport (BIO) to Bilbao City - Arrival Private Transfer: $68
- Bilbao Private Transfer from Bilbao city centre to Bilbao Airport: $80
- Private Transfer from Bilbao Cruise Port to Bilbao Airport (BIO): $95
- Bilbao Airport to the Basque Country: Private Transfers: $105
- Arrival Private Transfer from Bilbao airport BIO to Bilbao City by Luxury Van: $105
- Transfer Bilbao or San Sebastian Airports to San Sebastian by Van: $116
- Bilbao Airport (BIO) to Bilbao city - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $137
- Private Transfer from Bilbao city to Vitoria: $176
- Private Transfer from Vitoria to Bilbao: $176
Is it cheaper to fly into Sintra or Bilbao?
Prices for flights to both Bilbao 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 €73Bilbao €77
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 Bilbao
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bilbao.
- Bilbao Food Tour with Pintxos & Drinks with a Local: $105
- Bilbao Food Tour: Pintxos, Drinks, and Tapas with a Local: $107
- The Original Bilbao Food Tour with Wine Pairings: $112
- Basque Food Tour and Wine Tasting with Guide: $112
- Basque Pintxos and Tapas Cooking Class: $112
- Basque Pintxos and Tapas Cooking Class in Bilbao: $120
- Pintxos and Tapas Cooking Class in Bilbao : $120
- The Award-Winning Bilbao Food Tour & Wine Pairing by Basque Local: $126
- Paella Cooking Class with Sangria in Bilbao: $148
- Paella Cooking Class (with Basque Sangria) in Bilbao: $150
- Immersive Basque Cooking Class: $165
- Gourmet Pintxos & Premium Wines small groups Food Tour: $216
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Sintra €23Bilbao €29
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 Bilbao
Here are a few actual costs in Bilbao for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Bilbao Year of Love: Romantic Exploration Game and Tour: $8.38
- Bilbao Cathedral and San Anton Church Entry Ticket: $12
- 1- or 2-Hour Sightseeing Boat Tour: $17
- San Mamés Museum and Stadium Tour: $19
- I am a tour guide who shows the history of the town of Bilbao.: $20
- Bilbao Walking Tour and cable car in spanish: $22
- Bilbao Estuary and Abra Bay Boat Tour: $22
- Bilbao Historical Tour in small group: $23
- Bilbao old town walking tour: $23
- Old Town Bilbao Tour in small group: $30
- Self Guided Bike Tour in Getxo (Scenic Bilbao's Seaside): $30
- Historical Walking Tour and Highlights: $30
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySintra €17Bilbao €21
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 Bilbao
Also in Bilbao, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Unique Spanish Wine Tasting with Sommelier - In Bilbao: $53
- Basque Wine Tasting with Sommelier (Bilbao): $54
- Gaztelugatxe, Bermeo, Mundaka, Gernika, & Wine Tour: $70
- From La Rioja Wineries Day Trip with Wine Tastings: $75
- Pintxos and Wine Tasting Tour with Local Guide: $100
- Basque Best Bites - #1 Food & Wine tour of Bilbao: $120
- Bilbao Txakoli Wine Tour: $195
- Bilbao Txakoli Wine Tour: $198
- Guided Txacoli Wine Tasting: $207
- Boutique Rioja Wine Tour with Charming Lunch (From Bilbao): $266
- Marques de Riscal and Ysios Rioja Wine Tour w/ Lunch from Bilbao: $274
- Rioja Wine Tour: 2 Wineries From Bilbao: $287
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sintra and Bilbao, we can see that Bilbao 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 Bilbao would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bilbao 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 Bilbao Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Sintra or Bilbao?
Bilbao has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Sintra. When comparing the sizes of Sintra and Bilbao, 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 Bilbao?
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 Bilbao in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Sintra and Bilbao. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Bilbao because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Sintra is a little warmer than Bilbao. Typically, the summer temperatures in Sintra in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Bilbao averages at about 20°C (68°F).
In Sintra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Sintra usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during summer. Sintra gets 352 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 188 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Sintra usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Sintra gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySintra 23°C (73°F)Bilbao 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Bilbao in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Sintra as well as Bilbao. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Bilbao this time of year.
In October, Sintra is generally a little warmer than Bilbao. Daily temperatures in Sintra average around 19°C (66°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 16°C (62°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sintra this time of the year. In the autumn, Sintra often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Sintra gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 125 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Bilbao. Sintra usually gets less rain in October than Bilbao. Sintra gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSintra 19°C (66°F)Bilbao 16°C (62°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Bilbao in the Winter?
Both Bilbao and Sintra are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Bilbao for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Sintra is a little warmer than Bilbao in the winter. The daily temperature in Sintra averages around 12°C (53°F) in January, and Bilbao fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).
Sintra usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during winter. Sintra gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 77 hours of full sun in the winter.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Bilbao. It's quite rainy in Sintra. In January, Sintra usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Sintra gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySintra 12°C (53°F)Bilbao 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Bilbao in the Spring?
Both Bilbao and Sintra during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Bilbao in the spring for the activities around the city.
In the spring, Sintra is a little warmer than Bilbao. Typically, the spring temperatures in Sintra in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Bilbao averages at about 12°C (54°F).
It's quite sunny in Sintra. In the spring, Sintra often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Sintra gets 235 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 117 hours of full sun.
Bilbao gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Sintra usually gets less rain in April than Bilbao. Sintra gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSintra 16°C (60°F)Bilbao 12°C (54°F)
Typical Weather for Bilbao and Sintra
| Sintra | Bilbao | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 12°C (53°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Feb | 13°C (55°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) |
| Mar | 14°C (58°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (60°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) |
| May | 18°C (64°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (69°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (74°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 16°C (62°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (59°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (54°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 135 mm (5.3 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.