Which place is cheaper, Lucerne or Sintra?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Sintra or Lucerne?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Sintra or Lucerne? 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 Lucerne?
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.
Lucerne
Lucerne is a relatively small city in the center of Switzerland. It is located across the lake from Altdorf and it has a thriving tourism industry. It's close proximity to many of the major sights in the country make it a great base for exploration. Many people use it as a jumping off point for exploring Mount Rigi and the Rutli Meadow.
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 in Switzerland, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Switzerland.
-
Sintra Prices
Portugal PricesLucerne Prices
Switzerland Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySintra €146Lucerne €257
The average daily cost (per person) in Sintra is €146, while the average daily cost in Lucerne is €257. 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 Lucerne in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSintra €57Lucerne €136
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSintra €114Lucerne €272
Compare Hotels in Sintra and Lucerne
Looking for a hotel in Sintra or Lucerne? 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 Lucerne Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sintra €21Lucerne €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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lucerne
Also for Lucerne, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Bad Ragaz Resorts to Zurich Airport ZRH - Departure Transfer: $126
- Private Transfer between Lucerne & Engelberg / Mount Titlis: $201
- Private direct transfer from Lucerne to Basel, local driver: $247
- From Canyoning in Interlaken w/ Return Transfer: $308
- Private Transfer from Lucerne to Zurich Airport: $327
- From Basel, Basel Port, Airport: Private Transfer to Lucerne: $428
- Private Transfer from Lucerne to Basel, Basel Port, Airport: $428
- St Moritz: Private transfer from Zurich airport to St Moritz: $597
Is it cheaper to fly into Sintra or Lucerne?
Prices for flights to both Lucerne 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 daySintra €73Lucerne €106
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
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Sintra €23Lucerne €34
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 Lucerne
For Lucerne, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
-
1 Day Bicycle Rental€34
-
The Swiss Transport Museum Entrance Fee€35
Tours and Activities in Lucerne
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Lucerne.
- Smartphone walking tour - cool Lucerne old town: $6.29
- Revealing Self-Guided Reading City Tour: $6.29
- Revealing Self-Guided Audio City Tour: $6.29
- Porrentruy Secret Tour: $13
- Swiss Chocolate Adventure Experience: $23
- Culture & Congress Centre Behind the Scenes Tour: $25
- Guided Walking Tour with an Official Guide: $31
- Official Guided City Tour of Lucerne: $32
- Guided Walking Tour in Lucerne: $34
- Round-Trip Catamaran Cruise on Lake Lucerne: $35
- Lake Lucerne 1-Hour Catamaran Cruise : $35
- Private Walking Tour with a Local Guide: $37
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one daySintra €17Lucerne €22
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 Lucerne
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Lucerne:
- Walking and Boat Tour with Cheese & Wine Tasting: $112
- Lake Lucerne Region Wine Tasting: $314
- Private Walking Tour with Wine Tasting: $326
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sintra and Lucerne, we can see that Lucerne 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 Lucerne would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Lucerne 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 Lucerne Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Sintra or Lucerne?
Lucerne has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Sintra. When comparing the sizes of Sintra and Lucerne, 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 Lucerne?
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 Lucerne in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Sintra as well as Lucerne. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Lucerne because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Sintra is generally around the same temperature as Lucerne. Daily temperatures in Sintra average around 23°C (73°F), and Lucerne fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lucerne. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sintra this time of the year. In the summer, Sintra often gets more sunshine than Lucerne. Sintra gets 352 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lucerne receives 241 hours of full sun.
Sintra usually gets less rain in July than Lucerne. Sintra gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Lucerne receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulySintra 23°C (73°F)Lucerne 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Lucerne in the Autumn?
Both Lucerne and Sintra are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Lucerne this time of year.
Sintra is a little warmer than Lucerne in the autumn. The daily temperature in Sintra averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Lucerne fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sintra. Sintra usually receives more sunshine than Lucerne during autumn. Sintra gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Lucerne receives 120 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Sintra usually receives more rain than Lucerne. Sintra gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Lucerne receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSintra 19°C (66°F)Lucerne 13°C (56°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Lucerne in the Winter?
Both Lucerne and Sintra during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Lucerne for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Lucerne. In the winter, Sintra is much warmer than Lucerne. Typically, the winter temperatures in Sintra in January average around 12°C (53°F), and Lucerne averages at about 3°C (37°F).
In the winter, Sintra often gets more sunshine than Lucerne. Sintra gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lucerne receives 55 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Sintra. Sintra usually gets more rain in January than Lucerne. Sintra gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Lucerne receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySintra 12°C (53°F)Lucerne 3°C (37°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Lucerne in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Sintra and Lucerne. Furthermore, many visitors come to Lucerne in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
In April, Sintra is generally a little warmer than Lucerne. Daily temperatures in Sintra average around 16°C (60°F), and Lucerne fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).
In Sintra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Sintra usually receives more sunshine than Lucerne during spring. Sintra gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while Lucerne receives 150 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Sintra usually receives less rain than Lucerne. Sintra gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Lucerne receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilSintra 16°C (60°F)Lucerne 12°C (53°F)
Typical Weather for Lucerne and Sintra
| Sintra | Lucerne | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 12°C (53°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Feb | 13°C (55°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Mar | 14°C (58°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (60°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| May | 18°C (64°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (69°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (74°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (59°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (54°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 83 mm (3.3 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.