Is Lisbon or Sintra cheaper?

Lisbon is cheaper on average. A mid-range day in Lisbon costs about $90 vs $130 in Sintra, so Lisbon saves you roughly $40 per day compared to Sintra.

Is Lisbon or Sintra safer?

Sintra scores higher on our safety index (90/100 vs 80/100). Sintra is very safe.

How do daily costs in Lisbon and Sintra compare?

In Lisbon: budget ~$50-75/day, mid-range ~$120-180/day, luxury ~$300+/day. In Sintra: budget ~$40–65/day, mid-range ~$80–130/day, luxury ~$200–400/day.

← Back to Compare

Lisbon vs Sintra

Q: Which has better weather, Lisbon or Sintra?

Sintra has the more temperate climate year-round. Sintra's microclimate is famously different from Lisbon just 28 km away — the Serra de Sintra intercepts Atlantic moisture, creating a cool, misty, perpetually green environment. Summer days are often clear and warm above 500m while the serra is in cloud. Winter is mild (rarely below 8°C) but wet and foggy.

Which destination is right for your next trip?

🏆 Lisbon wins 86 OVR vs 81 · attribute matchup 5–2

Lisbon

Portugal

86OVR

Sintra

Portugal

81OVR

Safety

Affordability

Food

Culture

Nightlife

Walkability

Nature

Connectivity

Transit

Lisbon Guide →Sintra Guide →

Lisbon

Portugal

Sintra

Portugal

Lisbon

Safety: 82/100Pop: 545K (city), 2.9M (metro)Europe/Lisbon

Sintra

Safety: 87/100Pop: 28KEurope/Lisbon

💰 Budget

budget

Lisbon: $50-75Sintra: $40–65

mid-range

Lisbon: $120-180Sintra: $80–130

luxury

Lisbon: $300+Sintra: $200–400

🛡️ Safety

Lisbon82/100Safety Score✓87/100Sintra

Lisbon

Lisbon is generally a safe city for travelers. Violent crime is rare, but petty theft and pickpocketing are common in tourist-heavy areas, especially on Tram 28, in Bairro Alto at night, and around Rossio Square.

Sintra

Sintra is very safe. The main hazard is steep and slippery paths in wet weather — the serra's misty conditions make slopes treacherous year-round. Pickpocketing in crowded areas and on the train from Lisbon occurs.

⭐ Ratings

Lisbon4/5English Friendly4/5Sintra

Lisbon4/5✓Walkability3/5Sintra

Lisbon4/5✓Public Transit3/5Sintra

Lisbon5/5✓Food Scene4/5Sintra

Lisbon4/5✓Nightlife2/5Sintra

Lisbon4/5Cultural Sites✓5/5Sintra

Lisbon4/5Nature Access4/5Sintra

Lisbon4/5WiFi Reliability4/5Sintra

🌤️ Weather

Lisbon

Lisbon has a Mediterranean climate with mild, rainy winters and hot, dry summers. The city enjoys more sunshine than almost any other European capital, making it a year-round destination.

Spring (March - May)13-22°C

Summer (June - August)18-30°C

Autumn (September - November)14-26°C

Winter (December - February)8-15°C

Sintra

Sintra's microclimate is famously different from Lisbon just 28 km away — the Serra de Sintra intercepts Atlantic moisture, creating a cool, misty, perpetually green environment. Summer days are often clear and warm above 500m while the serra is in cloud. Winter is mild (rarely below 8°C) but wet and foggy.

Spring (March–May)12–20°C

Summer (June–August)18–28°C

Autumn (September–November)12–22°C

Winter (December–February)8–15°C

🚇 Getting Around

Lisbon

Lisbon has reliable public transit run by Carris (buses, trams) and Metropolitano (metro). The Viva Viagem rechargeable card works across all modes and offers a 24-hour unlimited pass for €6.80. The city's hills make walking tiring but rewarding.

Walkability: The city center is walkable but extremely hilly. Comfortable shoes are essential. The flat riverside promenade from Cais do Sodre to Belem is great on foot or by rented e-scooter. Funiculars (Bica, Gloria, Lavra) help with the steepest hills.

Metropolitano de Lisboa — €1.65 per ride with Viva Viagem; €6.80 for 24-hour unlimited

Carris Trams — €3.00 onboard cash; €1.65 with Viva Viagem card

Carris Buses — €2.00 onboard cash; €1.65 with Viva Viagem card

Sintra

The historic village centre is walkable but steep. Between palaces, Bus 434 is the best-value option connecting the train station, Old Town, Moorish Castle, and Pena Palace. Bus 403 continues to Cabo da Roca and Cascais.

Walkability: Moderate in town centre; steep paths to palaces require fitness. Bus 434 essential for most visitors.

Bus 434 (Palace Circuit) — €7.50 day pass

Bus 403 (Cascais Circuit) — €5–7 per leg

Walking Paths — Free

The Verdict

Choose Lisbon if...

you want sunny hilltop vistas, incredible seafood, vintage trams, a thriving nightlife scene, and outstanding value

Choose Sintra if...

you want Portugal's fairy-tale royal escape — colorful UNESCO palaces in forested hills, Pena Palace's Bavarian-Moorish fantasy, Cabo da Roca's westernmost Europe cliffs, and queijadas fresh from the bakery

Lisbon

View Full Guide Book Tours

Sintra

View Full Guide Book Tours