Which place is cheaper, Cologne 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 Cologne?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Sintra or Cologne? 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 Cologne?
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.
Cologne
Spanning the Rhine River in western Germany, the city of Cologne dates back 2,000 years, once existing as the largest city of the Holy Roman Empire in medieval times. Today, it is the region's cultural hub - a center of museums, galleries, and towering Gothic cathedrals.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Portugal, The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal, The Best Luxury Tours to Germany, and The Best Budget Tours to Germany.
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Sintra Prices
Portugal PricesCologne Prices
Germany Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySintra €146Cologne €197
The average daily cost (per person) in Sintra is €146, while the average daily cost in Cologne is €197. 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 Cologne in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSintra €57Cologne €91
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSintra €114Cologne €182
Compare Hotels in Sintra and Cologne
Looking for a hotel in Sintra or Cologne? 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 Cologne Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sintra €21Cologne €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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cologne
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cologne:
- Cologne Bonn CGN Airport to Hotels Private Transfer: $37
- Cologne CGN Airpot to Köln | Bonn | Dusseldorf Private Transfer: $42
- Departure Private Transfer Cologne Airport CGN to Cologne by Car: $72
- Arrival Transfer Cologne Airport CGN to Cologne City by Sedan: $72
- Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) to Bonn hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $78
- Transfer from Cologne Airport CGN to Cologne City by Luxury Car: $91
- Private Limousine Transfer from Cologne Airport to Cologne City: $108
- Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) to Bonn hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $155
- Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) to Cologne hotels - Round-trip Private Transfer : $167
Is it cheaper to fly into Sintra or Cologne?
Prices for flights to both Cologne 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 €73Cologne €87
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 Cologne
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Cologne:
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Dinner€14
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Donner Kebab€4.00
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cologne
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cologne.
- Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $32
- Hard Rock Cafe Cologne With Set Lunch or Dinner: $35
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Sintra €23Cologne €20
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 Cologne
Here are a few actual costs in Cologne for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Walking tour of The essential and unmissable: $3.57
- The Dark Side of the Dom Tour: $3.58
- Cologne Highlights, Stories, and Local Atmosphere Tour: $3.58
- Cologne Cathedral tour audio guide with mobile app: $4.92
- Cologne Walking Tour from Roman Era to World War 2 with an App : $6.93
- Aachen Cathedral tour with audioguide on mobile app: $6.93
- Cologne Walking Tour with Audioguide: City and Cathedral: $8.35
- Aachen Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour: $8.36
- Cologne Interactive City Tour: $8.36
- Cologne Self Guided Audio Experience: $9.00
- Cologne Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour: $9.55
- Aachen Exploration Game and City Tour on your Phone: $9.55
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySintra €17Cologne €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 Cologne
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Cologne:
- Old Town Walking Tour with 1 Brewery Visit & 1 Beer: $21
- Informative and fun brewery tour in German, public: $23
- Pub Crawl Cologne Including Admission Fee for Bars and Shots: $24
- Public brewery tour in Cologne in English: $24
- Public brewery tour in German in Cologne: $24
- Brewery tour in Cologne including a variety of tastings: $29
- South Cologne Walking Tour with brewery visit: $29
- Night Pub Crawl Tour in Cologne - Shots and Party!: $30
- Brewery Tour with 3 Kölsch Beer Tastings: $32
- Entertaining Brewery Tour: Feel Good Package including local beer: $33
- Kölsch Brewery Tour with 3 Beers Included: $33
- The Legendary Kölsch Brewery Tour: $33
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sintra and Cologne, we can see that Cologne 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 Cologne would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cologne 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 Cologne Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Sintra or Cologne?
Cologne has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Sintra. When comparing the sizes of Sintra and Cologne, 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 Cologne?
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 Cologne in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Sintra and Cologne. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cologne this time of year.
In July, Sintra is generally a little warmer than Cologne. Daily temperatures in Sintra average around 23°C (73°F), and Cologne fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
In Sintra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Sintra usually receives more sunshine than Cologne during summer. Sintra gets 352 hours of sunny skies, while Cologne receives 184 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Sintra usually receives less rain than Cologne. Sintra gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySintra 23°C (73°F)Cologne 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Cologne in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Sintra as well as Cologne. Also, many travelers come to Cologne for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Sintra is much warmer than Cologne in the autumn. The daily temperature in Sintra averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Cologne fluctuates around 12°C (54°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 Cologne. Sintra gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cologne receives 104 hours of full sun.
Sintra usually gets more rain in October than Cologne. Sintra gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSintra 19°C (66°F)Cologne 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Cologne in the Winter?
Both Cologne and Sintra are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Cologne in the winter for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Cologne can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Sintra is much warmer than Cologne. Typically, the winter temperatures in Sintra in January average around 12°C (53°F), and Cologne averages at about 3°C (37°F).
Sintra usually receives more sunshine than Cologne during winter. Sintra gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Cologne receives 43 hours of full sun in the winter.
It's quite rainy in Sintra. In January, Sintra usually receives more rain than Cologne. Sintra gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySintra 12°C (53°F)Cologne 3°C (37°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Cologne in the Spring?
Both Cologne and Sintra during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Cologne for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.
In April, Sintra is generally much warmer than Cologne. Daily temperatures in Sintra average around 16°C (60°F), and Cologne fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).
It's quite sunny in Sintra. In the spring, Sintra often gets more sunshine than Cologne. Sintra gets 235 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cologne receives 152 hours of full sun.
Sintra usually gets more rain in April than Cologne. Sintra gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSintra 16°C (60°F)Cologne 10°C (50°F)
Typical Weather for Cologne and Sintra
| Sintra | Cologne | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 12°C (53°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Feb | 13°C (55°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Mar | 14°C (58°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (60°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| May | 18°C (64°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (69°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (74°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 62 mm (2.5 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (59°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (54°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 71 mm (2.8 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.