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

Should you visit Sintra or Brescia?

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

Should I visit Sintra or Brescia? 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 Brescia?

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.

Brescia

As you look up to the heavens, marveling at the scattered puffs of white clouds kissed by the sun in its golden hue and set against a clear blue sky, you return your gaze to your surrounding land: an Italian paradise of lush forests, majestic Alps, mouth-watering aromas of local bakeries and restaurants, and a romantic cityscape. Brescia is located in the Lombardy region of Northern Italy. Nestled away between the two bustling cities of Milan and Verona, Brescia stands at the foot of the Alps beside the breathtaking Lake Garda. Once a "pass-through" city of Italy, Brescia is now considered the "lioness of Italy" in its rich culture and impressive history. Founded over 3,200 years ago, Brescia's significance in pre-Roman times has allowed it to still retain in its global fame. From the oldest ruins of Northern Italy to hidden gems of Lombardy's natural world, Brescia holds some of the most well-preserved Roman architecture in Italy. A dynamic, hardworking city, Brescia holds about 200,000 inhabitants and is the second-largest city in the Lombardy region. A city that captures the heart and soul of Italian tradition, experience Italy in all its glory in Brescia!

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 Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Brescia 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 Brescia is €178. 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 Brescia in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Sintra 57
    Brescia 75
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Sintra 114
    Brescia 150
Compare Hotels in Sintra and Brescia

Looking for a hotel in Sintra or Brescia? 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 Brescia


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 Brescia Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Sintra 21
    Brescia 19

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Sintra or Brescia?

Prices for flights to both Brescia 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
    Brescia 81

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

Typical Food Prices in Brescia

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Brescia:


  • Dinner at Pizzaria (for 2)
    23

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Brescia

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

  • 3 Hour Private Italian Tradition Cooking Class in Brescia: $84
  • Italian Pasta Cooking Course: $95
  • Dining Experience at a local's Home in Desenzano del Garda with Show Cooking: $101
  • Dining Experience at a local's Home in Brescia with Show Cooking: $101
  • Cooking class in a garden: handmade pasta: $124
  • Private Cooking Class at a Cesarina's Home in Desenzano del Garda: $173

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Sintra 23
    Brescia 31

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 Brescia

Here are a few actual costs in Brescia for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Brescia Walking Tour with Audio and Written Guide by a Local: $6.56
  • Sirmione Sunset Tour: $48
  • Desenzano: Boat Tour to Isola del Garda & Gulf of Salò: $60
  • Lake Garda Tour with Boat Trip from Western Hotels: $78
  • Canyoning "Gumpenfever" - beginner Canyoningtour for everyone: $92
  • Desenzano Sunset Walking and Boat Tour with a Drink On Board: $95
  • E Bike Tour with Olive Oil Tasting from San Felice del Benaco: $100
  • 3 Hours Walking Tour with a Drink in Brescia Italy: $101
  • Desenzano e-bike tour: $107
  • Dining Experience at a Local's Home at Lake Garda : $118
  • Brescia Private Walking Tour: $125
  • Moniga del Garda: Lake Garda self-guided Vespa tour: $152

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Sintra 17
    Brescia 23

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 Brescia

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Brescia:

  • Wine Tour and Tasting of Lugana Wines in Desenzano: $58
  • E-Bike tour and Wine tasting from Desenzano Inland: $101
  • Franciacorta Wine Tour & Tasting with Local Pairings: $101
  • Self-guided Wine tour in Franciacorta, Full-Day Experience with Lunch: $161
  • From Milan: Lake Iseo, Bergamo & Franciacorta Wine Tour: $805
  • VIP Experience to Lake Iseo and Franciacorta Wine Tasting: $1,983


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sintra and Brescia, we can see that Brescia 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 Brescia would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Brescia 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 Brescia Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Sintra or Brescia?

Brescia has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Sintra. When comparing the sizes of Sintra and Brescia, 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 Brescia?

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 Brescia in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Sintra and Brescia. Also, many visitors come to Brescia in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

Sintra is around the same temperature as Brescia in the summer. The daily temperature in Sintra averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Brescia fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Brescia this time of the year. In Sintra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Sintra usually receives more sunshine than Brescia during summer. Sintra gets 352 hours of sunny skies, while Brescia receives 286 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Sintra usually receives less rain than Brescia. Sintra gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Brescia receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Sintra 23°C (73°F) 
    Brescia 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Sintra or Brescia in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Sintra as well as Brescia. Also, most visitors come to Brescia for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Sintra is a little warmer than Brescia. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Sintra in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Brescia averages at about 14°C (58°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 Brescia. Sintra gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brescia receives 137 hours of full sun.

Sintra usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Brescia. Sintra gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Brescia receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Sintra 19°C (66°F) 
    Brescia 14°C (58°F)

Should I visit Sintra or Brescia in the Winter?

Both Brescia and Sintra are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Brescia because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Brescia can be very cold. In January, Sintra is generally much warmer than Brescia. Daily temperatures in Sintra average around 12°C (53°F), and Brescia fluctuates around 1°C (35°F).

Sintra usually receives more sunshine than Brescia during winter. Sintra gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Brescia receives 98 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Sintra. In January, Sintra usually receives more rain than Brescia. Sintra gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Brescia receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Sintra 12°C (53°F) 
    Brescia 1°C (35°F)

Should I visit Sintra or Brescia in the Spring?

Both Brescia and Sintra during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the natural beauty are the main draw to Brescia this time of year.

Sintra is a little warmer than Brescia in the spring. The daily temperature in Sintra averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Brescia fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

It's quite sunny in Sintra. In the spring, Sintra often gets more sunshine than Brescia. Sintra gets 235 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brescia receives 169 hours of full sun.

Sintra usually gets less rain in April than Brescia. Sintra gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Brescia receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Sintra 16°C (60°F) 
    Brescia 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Brescia and Sintra

Sintra Brescia
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (53°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 1°C (35°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 6°C (42°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Mar 14°C (58°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 9°C (47°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 13°C (55°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 17°C (63°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 21°C (71°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 24°C (75°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Aug 23°C (74°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 26 mm (1 in) 20°C (67°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 14°C (58°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 114 mm (4.5 in) 7°C (45°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 3°C (38°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)