Which place is cheaper, Dubrovnik 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 Dubrovnik?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Sintra or Dubrovnik? 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 Dubrovnik?
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.
Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik, the "Pearl of the Adriatic", is a beautiful walled city in southern Croatia that sits on the edge of the Adriatic Sea. It's a small city, with only about 40,000 residents, but it's become one of the most significant tourist destinations in the Mediterranean. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The city was historically built on maritime trade, which is not surprising given its location near major Italian and Greek ports such as Venice, Bari, Corfu, and Trieste. It was a center of language and literature and was the home of many important poets, playwrights, painters, and scientists during the 15th and 16th centuries. Today its economy is dependent on tourism and it is one of the most popular destinations in the region. People visit the city for its impressive history, beautiful setting, great weather, and interesting architecture.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Portugal, The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal, The Best 2-Week Tours from Split, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Croatia.
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Sintra Prices
Portugal PricesDubrovnik Prices
Croatia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySintra €146Dubrovnik €121
The average daily cost (per person) in Sintra is €146, while the average daily cost in Dubrovnik is €121. 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 Dubrovnik in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSintra €57Dubrovnik €50
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSintra €114Dubrovnik €100
Compare Hotels in Sintra and Dubrovnik
Looking for a hotel in Sintra or Dubrovnik? 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 Dubrovnik Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sintra €21Dubrovnik €12
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sintra
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Sintra:
- Transfer From Lisboa To Portimão Algarve: $299
- Transfer From Lisboa To Faro Algarve: $299
- Transfer From Lisbon To Albufeira Algarve: $269
- Private San Francisco Transfer: $232
- Transfer From Lisboa to Nazaré: $132
- Transfer Cascais to Lisbon(8pax): $119
- Transfer Cascais to Lisbon(3pax): $107
- Tours and Transfers: $98
- TRANSFER Cascais to Lisbon Airport: $89
- Private Transfer From Lisbon Airport to/from Cascais: $84
- Ericeira Private Transfer to/from Lisbon: $66
- Lisbon: Private Transfer to Sintra: $47
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Dubrovnik
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Dubrovnik:
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Bus Around Town€1.43
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dubrovnik
Also for Dubrovnik, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Shared Airport Transfer to/from City Center: $18
- Lokrum Island Transfer with Panoramic Cruise from Dubrovnik: $18
- Koločep Island Boat Transfer: $23
- Sveti Jakov Beach Boat Transfer: $23
- Lopud Island Boat Transfer: $23
- Return transfer to Dubrovnik airport: $27
- Convenient Bus Transfer from/to Split: $29
- Private return transfer to Dubrovnik airport: $30
- From Dubrovnik Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer to Dubrovnik: $30
- Dubrovnik Luxury Airport Transfers: $32
- Bus transfer between Dubrovnik and Herceg Novi: $34
- Private AirPort Transfer Dubrovnik by CRUISER TAXI: $39
Is it cheaper to fly into Sintra or Dubrovnik?
Prices for flights to both Dubrovnik 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 €73Dubrovnik €57
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 Dubrovnik
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Dubrovnik:
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Seafood Dinner (for 2)€29
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dubrovnik
For Dubrovnik, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Sunset Dinner Cruise around the Old Town: $82
- Dinner in the Sky Dubrovnik - Dine 50m above ground: $101
- Dinner in the Sky Dubrovnik: $114
- Secret Food Tours in Dubrovnik: $118
- Croatian Traditional Cuisine: Peka Cooking Lesson: $143
- Old Town Food Tour: $157
- Dubrovnik Old Town Food Tour: Small-Group Experience: $167
- Konavle Wine& History&food Tour: $226
- Traditional Dalmatian Cooking Class from Dubrovnik: $234
- Pelješac Full-Day Wine and Food Tour from Dubrovnik: $246
- Dubrovnik Food Tour with Friendly Local Guide: $279
- Dubrovnik Scenic Tour & Lunch/Dinner at Country Estate: $410
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Sintra €23Dubrovnik €19
Tours and Activities in Sintra
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Sintra are as follows:
- E-Bike Self Guided Tour Sintra & Cabo da Roca : $57
- 19th Century Photography Experience: $48
- 2 Hours Guided Tuk Tuk Tour in Sintra: $78
- 4 hour tour | Sintra, Quinta da Regaleira, Cabo da Roca: $66
- 4x4 Tours in Portuguese Classic Jeeps (UMM) around Sintra: $167
- Almada’s Tale: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $12
- Boat tour: charming Cascais Coast to Lisbon lighthouse: $57
- Cascais Coastal EBike Tour: $66
- Cascais Coastal Secrets 90 Minute Cruise with Free Wine and Beer: $57
- Cascais Electric Bike Tour Self-Guided Half-Day Experience: $72
- Cascais to Lisbon Sunset Cruise with Open Bar: $57
- Cascais: Glamour and Decay by The Lisbon Coastline - Private Tour: $36
Typical Entertainment Prices in Dubrovnik
For Dubrovnik, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Boat to Lokrum Island (for 2)€13
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Dubrovnik City Wall Tour (for 2)€53
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Dubrovnik Cable Car (for 2)€45
Tours and Activities in Dubrovnik
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Dubrovnik.
- Time Traveler’s Trail: Self-Guided Puzzle Adventure in Dubrovnik: $5.97
- Cavtat Old Town: Exploration Game and Tour: $5.97
- Dubrovnik Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour: $6.68
- Dubrovnik Game Of Thrones self-guided tour with mobile app: $7.51
- Dubrovnik Old Town Walking Tour with Audioguide: $8.35
- Old Town Highlights Tour with Audio Guide: $9.36
- Private Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour in Dubrovnik Old Town: $9.56
- Love Stories Museum Skip-the-Line Entrance Ticket: $11
- Red History Museum Regular Ticket: $11
- Skip the Line: Love Stories Museum Admission Ticket: $11
- A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Dubrovnik's Old Town: $12
- Walls of Liberty: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Dubrovnik: $12
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySintra €17Dubrovnik €14
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 Dubrovnik
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Dubrovnik:
- Dubrovnik Sunset Tour with Wine Tasting : $42
- Panoramic Dubrovnik Tour Golden Hour Sunset and Wine Tasting: $46
- Sunset and Wine / Dubrovnik Sunset Tour and Premium Wine Tasting : $59
- Columbo Pub Crawl Dubrovnik: $70
- Sunset Wine Tasting At Panorama Point: $74
- Pub Crawl Nightlife Xperience: $80
- Day Tour of Korcula Island from Dubrovnik with Wine Tasting: $82
- Ston and Korcula Island Day Trip from Dubrovnik with Wine Tasting: $82
- Wine Tour - Get to know local grapes: $84
- Luxury Sunset Tour with Wine Tasting: $84
- From Korcula Island Tour with Wine Tasting: $88
- Sunset wine tasting in vineyard: $92
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sintra and Dubrovnik, we can see that Sintra is more expensive. And not only is Dubrovnik much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Dubrovnik would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Dubrovnik 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 Dubrovnik.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Sintra Expensive? and Is Dubrovnik Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Sintra or Dubrovnik?
Dubrovnik has a larger population, and is about 9% larger than the population of Sintra. When comparing the sizes of Sintra and Dubrovnik, 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 Dubrovnik?
Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Sintra or Dubrovnik in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Sintra as well as Dubrovnik. Additionally, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Dubrovnik this time of year.
In July, Sintra is generally around the same temperature as Dubrovnik. Daily temperatures in Sintra average around 23°C (73°F), and Dubrovnik fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
Sintra usually gets less rain in July than Dubrovnik. Sintra gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySintra 23°C (73°F)Dubrovnik 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Dubrovnik in the Autumn?
Both Dubrovnik and Sintra are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Dubrovnik for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Sintra is around the same temperature as Dubrovnik in the autumn. The daily temperature in Sintra averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Dubrovnik fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Dubrovnik. In October, Sintra usually receives less rain than Dubrovnik. Sintra gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 162 mm (6.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSintra 19°C (66°F)Dubrovnik 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Dubrovnik in the Winter?
Both Dubrovnik and Sintra during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Dubrovnik in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In the winter, Sintra is a little warmer than Dubrovnik. Typically, the winter temperatures in Sintra in January average around 12°C (53°F), and Dubrovnik averages at about 9°C (48°F).
Dubrovnik gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Sintra. Sintra usually gets less rain in January than Dubrovnik. Sintra gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 139 mm (5.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySintra 12°C (53°F)Dubrovnik 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Dubrovnik in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Sintra and Dubrovnik. Also, most visitors come to Dubrovnik for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.
In April, Sintra is generally a little warmer than Dubrovnik. Daily temperatures in Sintra average around 16°C (60°F), and Dubrovnik fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).
Dubrovnik receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Sintra usually receives less rain than Dubrovnik. Sintra gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSintra 16°C (60°F)Dubrovnik 14°C (57°F)
Typical Weather for Dubrovnik and Sintra
| Sintra | Dubrovnik | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 12°C (53°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 139 mm (5.5 in) |
| Feb | 13°C (55°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) |
| Mar | 14°C (58°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (60°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| May | 18°C (64°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (69°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (74°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 162 mm (6.4 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (59°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 198 mm (7.8 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (54°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 178 mm (7 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.