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

Should you visit Sintra or The Hague?

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

Should I visit Sintra or The Hague? 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 The Hague?

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.

The Hague

The Hague is a metropolitan city in the province of South Holland, where the Dutch government is located. King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima currently reside there with their three children. The Hague is home to the U.N.'s International Court of Justice, as well as the International Criminal Court. It is the third largest city in the country, with a population of just over 500,000.

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 Netherlands, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Netherlands.


Which place is cheaper, The Hague 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 The Hague is €218. 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 The Hague in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Sintra 57
    The Hague 104
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Sintra 114
    The Hague 208
Compare Hotels in Sintra and The Hague

Looking for a hotel in Sintra or The Hague? 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 The Hague


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 The Hague Hotel Prices.

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sintra

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Sintra:

  • Transfer From Lisbon To Albufeira Algarve: $269
  • Transfer From Lisboa to Nazaré: $132
  • Transfer From Lisboa To Portimão Algarve: $299
  • Transfer From Lisboa To Faro Algarve: $299
  • Transfer Cascais to Lisbon(8pax): $119
  • Transfer Cascais to Lisbon(3pax): $107
  • Tours and Transfers: $98
  • TRANSFER Cascais to Lisbon Airport: $89
  • Private Transfer To & From Lisbon: $35
  • Private Transfer From Lisbon Airport to/from Cascais: $84
  • Private San Francisco Transfer: $232
  • Lisbon: Private Transfer to Sintra: $47

Hired Cars and Shuttles in The Hague

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

  • Den Haag: Train Transfer Den Haag from/to Rotterdam: $9.05
  • Utrecht: Train Transfer Utrecht from/to Den Haag: $18
  • Eindhoven: Train Transfer Eindhoven from/to Den Haag: $30
  • Private Transfer: Amsterdam Airport to The Hague (Den Haag): $121
  • Private Transfer from The Hague City to Schiphol Airport : $155
  • The Hague to Amsterdam Cruise Port - Departure Private Transfer: $175
  • Premium Electric transfer from Delft to Schiphol Airport: $175
  • Premium electric Transfer from The Hague to Schiphol Airport : $179
  • Private Direct Transfer from The Hague to Amsterdam: $184
  • Private Tour of Delft and The Hague including Transfer: $226
  • Private Tour of Delft & Rotterdam with Cube House and Transfer: $227
  • Private Tour of The Hague and Gouda including Transfer: $262

Is it cheaper to fly into Sintra or The Hague?

Prices for flights to both The Hague 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
    The Hague 95

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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in The Hague

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

  • Small-Group Food Tour Scheveningen Beachside in The Hague: $77

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Sintra 23
    The Hague 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

Tours and Activities in The Hague

For The Hague, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • The Hague 2-Hour Walking Tour | Discover The City With A Local: $3.56
  • Delft 2-Hour Walking Tour | Discover The City With A Local: $3.57
  • The Hague Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour: $5.00
  • The Hague Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $6.41
  • Hague: The Heart of Old Town Exploration Game and Tour: $7.13
  • Delft Exploration Game and Tour: The Blue's Clues: $7.13
  • Courtyard Walking Tour: $9.40
  • City Walking Tour: $9.40
  • Dahlia Tour in Voorhout: $11
  • Muzee Scheveningen History Museum Entry Ticket: $12
  • Discover Delft's Golden Age: A Self-Guided Tour: $12
  • Pub Trail Delft: an adventure full of surprises: $13

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Sintra 17
    The Hague 30

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


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


Which is Bigger, Sintra or The Hague?

The Hague has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Sintra. When comparing the sizes of Sintra and The Hague, 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 The Hague?

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 The Hague in the Summer?

Both The Hague and Sintra during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to The Hague for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Sintra is a little warmer than The Hague in the summer. The daily temperature in Sintra averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and The Hague fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

In The Hague, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Sintra. In the summer, Sintra often gets more sunshine than The Hague. Sintra gets 352 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while The Hague receives 202 hours of full sun.

Sintra usually gets less rain in July than The Hague. Sintra gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while The Hague receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Sintra 23°C (73°F) 
    The Hague 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Sintra or The Hague in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Sintra and The Hague. Furthermore, many visitors come to The Hague in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In the autumn, Sintra is much warmer than The Hague. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Sintra in October average around 19°C (66°F), and The Hague averages at about 11°C (51°F).

In Sintra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Sintra usually receives more sunshine than The Hague during autumn. Sintra gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while The Hague receives 105 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Sintra usually receives more rain than The Hague. Sintra gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while The Hague receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Sintra 19°C (66°F) 
    The Hague 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Sintra or The Hague in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Sintra as well as The Hague. Additionally, most visitors come to The Hague for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

The Hague can be very cold during winter. In January, Sintra is generally much warmer than The Hague. Daily temperatures in Sintra average around 12°C (53°F), and The Hague fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

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

Sintra receives a lot of rain in the winter. Sintra usually gets more rain in January than The Hague. Sintra gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while The Hague receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Sintra 12°C (53°F) 
    The Hague 2°C (36°F)

Should I visit Sintra or The Hague in the Spring?

Both The Hague and Sintra are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the spring months attract visitors to The Hague because of the activities around the city.

Sintra is much warmer than The Hague in the spring. The daily temperature in Sintra averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and The Hague fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sintra. Sintra usually receives more sunshine than The Hague during spring. Sintra gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while The Hague receives 158 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Sintra usually receives more rain than The Hague. Sintra gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while The Hague receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Sintra 16°C (60°F) 
    The Hague 8°C (46°F)

Typical Weather for The Hague and Sintra

Sintra The Hague
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (53°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 2°C (36°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 3°C (37°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 14°C (58°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 8°C (46°F) 52 mm (2 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 12°C (54°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 15°C (59°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Aug 23°C (74°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 17°C (62°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 26 mm (1 in) 14°C (57°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 11°C (51°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 114 mm (4.5 in) 6°C (43°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 3°C (38°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)