A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Auckland vs. Faro for Food, Nightlife, Beaches, and Families

Should you visit Auckland or Faro?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Auckland and Faro can help you decide which place is right for you.

Auckland

Auckland is a cosmopolitan , adventurous, and adrenaline-filled city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums. See Auckland travel costs.

Faro

Faro is a busy, active, and popular resort town. Visitors also love the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping. See Faro travel costs.

Auckland and Faro: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Auckland or Faro?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Auckland. Although Auckland and Faro are popular destinations, Auckland has more sights and attractions for tourists. Auckland is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, beaches, hiking, shopping, and big city activities, while Faro attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and historical sights. Auckland is famous for its waterfront setting, diverse beaches, and active and adrenaline-filled environment. It is also well known for the Sky Tower. Faro is famous for its historical sights and rich culture.

How is Auckland different from Faro?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Faro and Auckland. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Auckland or Faro?

Auckland is great for its historical sights. However, Faro does not have museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Auckland can be an interesting and educational experience. The waterfront is filled with sights for tourists, and many of the city's attractions are geared towards thrill seekers. The Sky Tower is a popular landmark with its Sky Walk and Sky Jump. There are also many thrilling experiences that you can have along the Harbour Bridge. For museums, head to the New Zealand Maritime Museum, the Auckland Art Gallery, or the Auckland War Memorial Museum.

Faro does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Auckland or Faro? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Auckland is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Faro is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Auckland. The city has a diverse selection of restaurants, but you'll also find many places that highlight local ingredients such as seafood and lamb. You'll often find the standard dishes such as fish and chips, oysters, and green-lipped mussels on the menus.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Faro. It has become a major tourist town, so you have to get a bit creative to find a more traditional restaurant. Look for fresh seafood like cod, monkfish, or shellfish if you want some local flavors.

Is Auckland or Faro Better for Nightlife?

Both Auckland and Faro have excellent vibes after the sun sets.

Auckland has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The city has a cosmopolitan atmosphere and there are many bars and clubs that you can explore in the evening. Some of the best nightlife options are found in the vibrant Britomart precinct and around the trendy Ponsonby Road. Other popular areas include Viaduct Harbour and Wynyard Quarter.

The people in Faro know how to have a good time. The city's bustling party scene thrives along Rua de São Pedro, Rua Conselheiro Bívar, and Rua do Prior.

Is Auckland or Faro Better for Resorts?

Faro is a must-visit destination for its luxury resorts. However, Auckland is not a resort destination.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Faro is a perfect choice. Popular resorts include Vila Vita Parc Resort and Spa, Conrad Algarve, and Tivoli Carvoeiro.

Auckland is not a resort destination.

Is Auckland or Faro Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Faro is very good for its diving and snorkeling. However, Auckland is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Faro. There are both snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities in the area. It's possible to snorkel off of several beaches or arrange a scuba diving excursion with a local dive shop.

Auckland is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Auckland or Faro Better for Beaches?

Auckland is great for its beaches. Also, Faro is not as popular, but is still a nice resort town for the beach.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Auckland. You don't have to head too far from the city to find some impressive beaches that are diverse and beautiful. There are beaches that are secluded and private as well as more lively beaches with all of the amenities and activities that you might want.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Faro. The most popular beach in the area is Faro Beach. It can get crowded during the summer months but if you walk a bit you can often get away from the crowds. To reach the beach you'll need a car or you can take the bus as the beach is about 10 km away.

Is Auckland or Faro Better for its Old Town?

Faro is very good for its old town. However, Auckland does not have a historic old town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Faro. You'll find historic buildings and cobblestone streets in the old town. It's a nice place to explore, grab a bite to eat, and do a little shopping.

Auckland does not have a historic old town.

Is Auckland or Faro Better for Hiking?

Auckland is a nice place to visit for hiking. However, Faro is not a hiking destination.

Auckland has hiking trails worth exploring. Locals love to get outdoors, and you'll find many local hikes in the area. There are easy paths that are family-friendly and perfect for a stroll, as well as longer stretches that present more of a challenge.

Faro is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Auckland or Faro?

Auckland is great for shopping. Also, Faro is not as popular, but is still a nice resort town for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Auckland. The city centre is cosmopolitan and full of diverse shopping venues that sell international brands as well as local designers. Some of the most popular shopping areas are Britomart, High Street, and Queen Street.

Faro offers some nice shopping areas. The town isn't as big as some others, so it's shopping scene isn't as comprehensive, but you will find the major brands as well as souvenir shops to peruse when you need a break from the beach.

Is Auckland or Faro Better for Families?

Auckland is great for its kid-friendly activities. However, Faro is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

Auckland is a very family-friendly destination. There's a big focus on getting kids outside in the city, so you'll find many outdoor parks and play spaces. Popular activities for families include visiting the Huia Lodge Discovery Centre, going to the Museum of Transport and Technology, and wandering through the botanical garden.

Faro is not the most family-friendly destination. There are some nice nature reserves in the area so kids who love wildlife will enjoy a visit.

Is Auckland or Faro Better for Couples?

Auckland is great for romance. Also, Faro is not as popular, but is still a nice resort town for its romantic activities.

Auckland is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. There are many romantic restaurants in the city, as well as spas, cocktail bars, and evening venues. Couples will also enjoy one of the many thrill-seeking activities that New Zealand is famous for.

Faro makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With the beautiful natural areas and historic old town, this seaport makes a nice couples vacation.

Is Auckland or Faro Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Auckland is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Faro is not as popular, but is still a nice resort town for backpackers.

Auckland is very popular with the backpacker crowd. Auckland is high on many backpackers' wish list, and usually they pass through the city at some point during their trip. You'll find a number of hostels in the city that are perfect for socializing and saving money.

Faro is a good city to visit for backpackers. The are some good hostels in the area, but it's a bit tricky to get around without a car.

Is Auckland or Faro Better for Students?

Auckland is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Faro is not popular with students.

Auckland is a great city to visit as a student. Some of the country's best universities are found in the city, many of which are popular with international students.

Faro is not popular with students.

Is Auckland or Faro Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Auckland and Faro.

Auckland has some public transit options. There's a mishmash of different public transit options, and trips often include a variety of modes of transport. In the city you'll find ferries, trains, and buses to help you get around.

You'll find some public transit in Faro, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses that connect the city to the beach, the airport, and other outlying areas.

Is Auckland or Faro a more walkable city?

Faro is very good for its high level of walkability. However, Auckland is lacking in options for its ease of walking around.

Faro is a somewhat walkable place. The city's old town is particularly walkable.

Auckland is generally not very walkable. It is a very car-centric city and it can be challenging to explore on foot alone.

For even more information, also check out Is Auckland Worth Visiting? and Is Faro Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Faro or Auckland?

How long in Auckland or Faro?

In either Auckland or Faro, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Faro than Auckland because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Auckland, and 2-5 days is enough time in Faro.

Families should spend more time in Auckland than Faro. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Auckland, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Auckland than Faro. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Auckland that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Auckland than Faro if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Auckland.

One day in Auckland or Faro?

Auckland is a big city destination where you can fill many days. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

The resort town of Faro offers nightlife and scuba diving and snorkeling. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Auckland or Faro?

Auckland is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It's also a great beach destination, too. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Faro is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this resort town makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Faro, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Auckland or Faro?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the adrenaline-filled big city of Auckland. This city offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Faro is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Faro, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Auckland or Faro?

The cosmopolitan city of Auckland offers nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

Faro is a great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This resort town offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to New Zealand, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in New Zealand, The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal.

When comparing the travel costs between Auckland and Faro, we can see that Faro is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Auckland is in Pacific and Faro is in Europe, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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

Which is Bigger, Auckland or Faro?

Auckland has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Faro. When comparing the sizes of Auckland and Faro, 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 Auckland or Faro?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Auckland is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Faro has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Auckland or Faro in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Auckland and Faro. The beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Auckland this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Faro for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

In January, Auckland is generally cooler than Faroin July. Daily temperatures in Auckland average around 20°C (68°F), and Faro fluctuates around 25°C (78°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Faro this time of the year. In Auckland, it's very sunny this time of the year. Auckland usually receives less sunshine than Faro during summer. Auckland gets 240 hours of sunny skies, while Faro receives 374 hours of full sun in the summer.

In January, Auckland usually receives more rain than Faroin July. Auckland gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Faro receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Auckland or Faro in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Auckland as well as Faro. Many travelers come to Auckland for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene. Additionally, many visitors come to Faro in the autumn for the shopping scene.

Auckland is cooler than Faro in the autumn. The daily temperature in Auckland averages around 16°C (61°F) in April, and Faro fluctuates around 20°C (68°F)in October.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Faro. In the autumn, Auckland often gets less sunshine than Faroin October. Auckland gets 162 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Faro receives 222 hours of full sun.

Auckland usually gets more rain in April than Faroin October. Auckland gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Faro receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Auckland or Faro in the Winter?

Both Faro and Auckland are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Auckland in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Faro for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Auckland is cooler than Faro. Typically, the winter temperatures in Auckland in July average around 11°C (52°F), and Faro averages at about 12°C (54°F)in January.

Auckland usually receives less sunshine than Faro during winter. Auckland gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Faro receives 161 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Auckland. In July, Auckland usually receives more rain than Faroin January. Auckland gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Faro receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Auckland or Faro in the Spring?

Both Faro and Auckland during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Auckland for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Faro because of the beaches.

In October, Auckland is generally cooler than Faroin April. Daily temperatures in Auckland average around 14°C (58°F), and Faro fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

In Faro, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Auckland often gets less sunshine than Faroin April. Auckland gets 192 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Faro receives 248 hours of full sun.

Auckland usually gets more rain in October than Faroin April. Auckland gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Faro receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Faro and Auckland