A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Auxerre vs. Portofino for Couples, Food, Nightlife, and Attractions

Should you visit Auxerre or Portofino?

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 Auxerre and Portofino can help you decide which place is right for you.

Auxerre

Auxerre is a under-rated, undiscovered, and authentic town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. And you can't forget about the food and museums.

Portofino

Portofino is a exclusive, luxurious, and glamorous seaside village. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. It's also popular because of the hiking, shopping, and nightlife.

Auxerre and Portofino: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Auxerre or Portofino?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Portofino. Although Auxerre and Portofino are both popular with visitors, Portofino has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Portofino is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, beaches, historical sights, hiking, shopping, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Auxerre is known for its museums. Portofino is more touristy than Auxerre and is popular for its picturesque harbor, high end shopping, strikingly blue waters, and popularity with superyachts. It is also home to its scenic harbor. Auxerre is popular for its food, wine, and art history.

Its scenic harbor

How is Auxerre different from Portofino?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Auxerre or Portofino?

Auxerre is a popular place for its sights and museums. However, Portofino is a mediocre seaside village for its museums and history.

Auxerre offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Although the town is often overlooked by tourists, there are many nice cathedrals and churches around town.

While most people don't head to Portofino specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. The village is mostly about soaking up the atmosphere, but you can also visit sights such as Sun Church of St. George and Cervara Abbey.

Is the Food Better in Auxerre or Portofino? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Portofino is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Auxerre is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Portofino has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Located by the sea, you'll enjoy tons of great seafood here. Make sure you try the mussels, swordfish, and salt cod.

Auxerre offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The town is a the heart of the wine industry, so you'll find many great restaurants where you can enjoy local food and wine.

Is Auxerre or Portofino Better for Nightlife?

Portofino is great for its evening party scene. However, Auxerre is not a good destination for nightlife.

Many people head to Portofino for the nightlife scene. Most of the nightlife is found around Piazzetta (Oliveri Square) and Molo Umberto I. Happy hours (aperitivo) start around 5pm or 6pm and then as the evening continues, the party often moves to Paraggi Beach.

Most people don't head to Auxerre specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. It has a quiet nightlife with some nice bars and pubs.

Is Auxerre or Portofino Better for Resorts?

Portofino is an amazing seaside village to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Auxerre is not a resort destination.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Portofino is a perfect choice. Known for it's exclusive luxury, there are a number of high end resorts in the area. Popular options include Splendido, Sublimis Boutique Hotel, and Grand Hotel Miramare.

Auxerre is not a resort destination.

Is Auxerre or Portofino Better for Beaches?

Portofino is very good for the beach. However, Auxerre is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Portofino to enjoy the beach. Like much of the Italian coast, the beaches in the area are dramatic and beautiful. They're also rocky and pebbly and can get a bit crowded during the summer months.

Auxerre is not a beach destination.

Is Auxerre or Portofino Better for its Old Town?

Portofino is great for its historic old town charm. However, Auxerre does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Portofino. Despite evolving into a famous resort town, Portofino still holds on to its fishing village charm.

Auxerre does not have a historic old town.

Is Auxerre or Portofino Better for Hiking?

Portofino is great for hiking. However, Auxerre is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Portofino for the hiking trails. There are many beautiful hikes and treks along the coastline that pass by scenic landscapes and breathtaking views.

Auxerre is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Auxerre or Portofino?

Portofino is great for its shopping areas. However, Auxerre is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Portofino. The quaint cobblestone streets are lined with high end boutiques that target the opulent jet-setter crowd that frequents Portofino. Much of the shopping is around Martiri dell'Olivetta Square.

Auxerre is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Auxerre or Portofino Better for Families?

Auxerre is a popular place for its family-friendly activities. However, Portofino is a mediocre seaside village for its kid-friendly activities.

Auxerre is a family-friendly place to visit. There's the Zoo de La Fleche and the Aquarium de Touraine. You can also wander through Musee de l'Avallon or des Plantes.

Portofino is not always a place people visit with their families. The town has a picturesque setting and some beautiful pebbly beaches. It's fun for kids to run around the town, explore by kayak, or play in the waters edge.

Is Auxerre or Portofino Better for Couples?

Portofino is an amazing seaside village to visit for couples. Also, Auxerre is not as popular, but is still a nice town for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, Portofino has plenty to offer. Set beautifully against the ocean's edge, this famous Italian town makes for a truly romantic holiday. Ogle the mega yachts in the harbor and then wander the charming streets while you soak in the atmosphere.

Auxerre is a nice destination for couples. There are many great eateries as well nice architecture and, of course, excellent wine.

Is Auxerre or Portofino Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Auxerre is a popular place for its public transit. However, Portofino is a mediocre seaside village for times when you don't have a car.

Auxerre has a few public transit options. There are buses around town.

Public transit is mostly limited in Portofino. The closet train stations are Santa Margherita Ligure and Camogli. You can catch a bus from the Santa Margherita train station. There are also some ferry options.

Is Auxerre or Portofino a more walkable city?

Portofino is an amazing seaside village to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Auxerre is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its walkability.

Portofino is a very easy seaside village to get around on foot. It's easy to walk around the village and then explore the countryside on one of the nearby trails.

Auxerre is somewhat walkable. The center is walkable but it is a bit more difficult to navigate than some nearby towns.

For even more information, also check out Is Auxerre Worth Visiting? and Is Portofino Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Portofino or Auxerre?

How long in Auxerre or Portofino?

In either Auxerre or Portofino, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Portofino than Auxerre because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Auxerre, and 2-5 days is enough time in Portofino.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Portofino than Auxerre 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 Portofino.

One day in Auxerre or Portofino?

You'll find food and museums around the town of Auxerre. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Auxerre has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Portofino is a small town with plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This seaside village offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Auxerre or Portofino?

You'll find museums and food around the authentic destination of Auxerre. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Portofino might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Portofino has to offer.

Five days in Auxerre or Portofino?

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the under-rated town of Auxerre. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Portofino is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Portofino has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Auxerre or Portofino?

Auxerre is a popular choice for travelers. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Portofino. Since Portofino is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France, The Best 2-Week Tours in France, The Best Historical Tours in Italy, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Auxerre and Portofino, we can see that Portofino is more expensive. And not only is Auxerre much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Auxerre would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Auxerre 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 Portofino would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Portofino than you might in Auxerre.

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

Which is Bigger, Auxerre or Portofino?

Auxerre has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Portofino. When comparing the sizes of Auxerre and Portofino, 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.