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

Should you visit Sintra or Ljubljana?

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

Should I visit Sintra or Ljubljana? 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 Ljubljana?

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.

Ljubljana

Most people don't travel to Ljubljana to see specific sights, as there aren't many famous attractions around town. Instead, this is a city that is about atmosphere. It's a city that you explore and immerse yourself in completely. You meet the people, you go to the clubs, you find the interesting restaurants. That is the best way to learn about Ljubljana.

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


Which place is cheaper, Ljubljana 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 Ljubljana is €98. 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 Ljubljana in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Sintra 57
    Ljubljana 54
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Sintra 114
    Ljubljana 108
Compare Hotels in Sintra and Ljubljana

Looking for a hotel in Sintra or Ljubljana? 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 Ljubljana


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 Ljubljana Hotel Prices.

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

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ljubljana

Also for Ljubljana, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Airport Transfer to/from Ljubljana Station: $14
  • Ljubljana airport: Airport Transfer from Bled: $22
  • Ljubljana Central: Convenient Transfer to/from Bled Central: $22
  • Ljubljana- Airport Ljubljana. Private transfer. : $68
  • Ljubljana-Airport Ljubljana. Private transfer. Or vice versa.: $69
  • Private transfer from Ljubljana city to Kamnik: $77
  • Private transfer from Kamnik to Ljubljana city: $77
  • Private Transfer from Kranj to Ljubljana Airport (LJU): $78
  • Private Transfer from Ljubljana Airport (LJU) to Kranj: $78
  • Private transfer from Kamnik to airport Ljubljana: $81
  • CO2-Offset Arrival Transfer Ljubljana Airport to Ljubljana City : $87
  • Private transfer from Kranj to Ljubljana city: $101

Is it cheaper to fly into Sintra or Ljubljana?

Prices for flights to both Ljubljana 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
    Ljubljana 29

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 Ljubljana

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Ljubljana:


  • Horsemeat Hot Dog
    2.00

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ljubljana

For Ljubljana, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Ljubljana International Dinner: $5.87
  • Slovenia: Belokranjska Pogača Cooking Class: $53
  • Traditional Slovenian štrukelj Cooking Class: $70
  • Traditional Slovenian Dinner and Show: $71
  • sLOVEnian Strukelj Traditional Cooking Class: $72
  • Traditional Slovenian Dinner and Show: $81
  • Flavour of Slovenia: Very Small Group Food Tour in Ljubljana: $90
  • Dinner in the Dark: $116
  • Medieval coast and romantic fish dinner in Piran from Ljubljana at 16:00: $144
  • Ljubljana Food Tour by Sigismundi, Eat & Drink: $152
  • The Cradle of Lipizzaner horses - Half Day Trip from Ljubljana: $177

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Sintra 23
    Ljubljana 14

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 Ljubljana

For Ljubljana, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Castle Tower Entrance (for 2)
    8.00

Tours and Activities in Ljubljana

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Ljubljana.

  • Ljubljana Self Guided Audio Experience: $9.00
  • WOOP! Pixel Interactive Game Experience: $9.36
  • Ljubljana Historic Downtown Audio Guided Walking Tour: $9.75
  • House of Illusions Entrance Ticket: $16
  • Classic Ljubljana Group Tour: $17
  • Castle Entry Ticket with Optional Funicular Ride: $18
  • Ljubljana Castle: Entrance Ticket: $18
  • Gokart experience at Woop! karting - the fastest attraction: $19
  • 2.5h walking tour with local guide: $23
  • Wonderful tour fun experience time history: $23
  • Private Guided City Tour: $23
  • Ljubljana Festively Decorated Walking Tour: $24

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Sintra 17
    Ljubljana 11

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

Typical Alcohol Prices in Ljubljana

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Ljubljana are as follows:


  • Drinks at a Sidewalk Cafe (for 2)
    6.00

Sample the Local Flavors in Ljubljana

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Ljubljana:

  • Broken Bones Distillery Guided Tasting: $15
  • Ljubljana Pub Crawl: $26
  • Pub Crawl Ljubljana: $26
  • Wine Tasting with Pairing Snacks in Vipava Valley: $30
  • Wine Tasting, Slovenian Wine Story: $59
  • Wine Tasting Experience: $60
  • Wine Tasting Experience with Appetizers: $64
  • Slovenian Wine Tasting at Wine Bar Šuklje: $67
  • Slovenian Wine Tasting Experience at Wine Bar Šuklje: $68
  • 2-Hour Interactive Wine Tasting Experience in Ljubljana: $72
  • Food & Wine tour with a Sommelier: $104
  • BEER WAY Kamnik Beer Tasting & Brewery Tour: $107


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sintra and Ljubljana, we can see that Sintra is more expensive. And not only is Ljubljana much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Ljubljana would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ljubljana 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 Ljubljana.

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


Which is Bigger, Sintra or Ljubljana?

Ljubljana has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Sintra. When comparing the sizes of Sintra and Ljubljana, 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 Ljubljana?

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 Ljubljana in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Sintra as well as Ljubljana. Additionally, many visitors come to Ljubljana in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Sintra is around the same temperature as Ljubljana in the summer. The daily temperature in Sintra averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Ljubljana fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ljubljana. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sintra this time of the year. In the summer, Sintra often gets more sunshine than Ljubljana. Sintra gets 352 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ljubljana receives 260 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Ljubljana. Sintra usually gets less rain in July than Ljubljana. Sintra gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Sintra 23°C (73°F) 
    Ljubljana 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Sintra or Ljubljana in the Autumn?

Both Ljubljana and Sintra are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Ljubljana for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Sintra is a little warmer than Ljubljana. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Sintra in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Ljubljana averages at about 13°C (56°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sintra. Sintra usually receives more sunshine than Ljubljana during autumn. Sintra gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Ljubljana receives 116 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ljubljana. In October, Sintra usually receives less rain than Ljubljana. Sintra gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 115 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Sintra 19°C (66°F) 
    Ljubljana 13°C (56°F)

Should I visit Sintra or Ljubljana in the Winter?

Both Ljubljana and Sintra during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Ljubljana because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Ljubljana can be very cold. In January, Sintra is generally much warmer than Ljubljana. Daily temperatures in Sintra average around 12°C (53°F), and Ljubljana fluctuates around 1°C (34°F).

In the winter, Sintra often gets more sunshine than Ljubljana. Sintra gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ljubljana receives 47 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sintra. Sintra usually gets more rain in January than Ljubljana. Sintra gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Sintra 12°C (53°F) 
    Ljubljana 1°C (34°F)

Should I visit Sintra or Ljubljana in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Sintra and Ljubljana. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Ljubljana this time of year.

Sintra is a little warmer than Ljubljana in the spring. The daily temperature in Sintra averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Ljubljana fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In Sintra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Sintra usually receives more sunshine than Ljubljana during spring. Sintra gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while Ljubljana receives 162 hours of full sun in the spring.

Ljubljana receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Sintra usually receives less rain than Ljubljana. Sintra gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Sintra 16°C (60°F) 
    Ljubljana 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Ljubljana and Sintra

Sintra Ljubljana
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (53°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 1°C (34°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 4°C (39°F) 80 mm (3.2 in)
Mar 14°C (58°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 8°C (46°F) 98 mm (3.8 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 12°C (54°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 17°C (62°F) 122 mm (4.8 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 20°C (68°F) 155 mm (6.1 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 22°C (72°F) 122 mm (4.8 in)
Aug 23°C (74°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 22°C (71°F) 145 mm (5.7 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 26 mm (1 in) 18°C (65°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 13°C (56°F) 115 mm (4.5 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 114 mm (4.5 in) 7°C (45°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 2°C (36°F) 101 mm (4 in)