A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Basel vs. Porto for Food, Backpackers, Attractions, and Nightlife

Should you visit Basel or Porto?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Basel or Porto, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Basel

Basel is a cultural, museum-filled, and easily accessible city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Porto

Porto is a historic, cultural, and cosmopolitan port city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Basel and Porto: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Basel or Porto?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Porto than Basel. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Porto is very popular for its food, nightlife, and big city activities, while Basel attracts visitors for its shopping. Porto is more touristy than Basel and is popular for its authentic old town and the local port wine. It is also well known for Cais da Ribeira. Basel is famous for its many museums and its nice old town.

How is Basel different from Porto?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Basel or Porto?

Plenty of people visit the excellent sights and museums in both Basel and Porto.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Basel can be an interesting and educational experience. The city is filled with history. Head to Minster Hill to see the beautiful historic church and Münsterplatz. There are also several unique museums around town including Jean Tinguely Museum, the Paper Mill Museum, the Historical Museum, and the Museum of Art.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Porto. With such a long history, there are many landmarks and sights in the city. Popular attractions include the Clérigos Tower, Palácio da Bolsa, and Igreja de São Francisco.

Is the Food Better in Basel or Porto? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Porto is a world-class destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Porto is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The area's cuisine combines the ocean setting with the agriculture of the surrounding area, so you'll enjoy both seafood dishes as well as fresh meats and vegetables. The area is also famous for its Port wines and red wines. There are plenty of cellar tours as well was waterfront seafood restaurants to choose from.

Basel is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Food around town can be expensive, but there are some outdoor markets where you can buy fruit and a bratwurst for a reasonable price. The city is known for its breads, soups, and pastries, which are all delicious.

Is Basel or Porto Better for Nightlife?

Porto is notable for nightlife and partying. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

Porto has plenty to do after the sun goes down. This city comes to life in the evening, particularly on weekends when locals and tourists alike flock to the many bars, restaurants, and nightclubs.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Basel. The city's nightlife comes alive as the sun sets. There are bars, pubs, and dance clubs that stay active until the early morning hours.

Is Basel or Porto Better for its Old Town?

Basel and Porto both have excellent historical old towns that attract visitors.

Many visitors go to Basel to see the historical old town. The charming old town is fun to explore on foot with its quaint streets and meandering alleys. The beautiful architecture and ornate fountains give the area a unique personality. On the hottest days you may even see locals swimming in some of the fountains.

Porto is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. Known as Porto Ribeira, the city's historic district is the most visited part of the town. It begins on the banks of the River Douro and climbs into the hills behind it.

Is the Shopping Better in Basel or Porto?

Basel is a great city for shopping. Also, Porto is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Basel. The old town is filled with shops that you can wander through as you explore. Popular shopping streets include Freie Strasse and the area around Marktplatz, where you'll find boutique shops and interesting trinkets. You can also head to the city's oldest department store - Manor.

Porto offers some nice shopping areas. The city has both your standard shopping mall stores as well as local vendors and boutique shops.

Is Basel or Porto Better for Families?

Basel and Porto are both excellent destinations for the whole family.

Basel is a very kid-friendly city. The city has an impressive zoo, a really unique toy museum, as well as Aquabasilea with its pools and slides. It's also compact enough that little legs can explore and enjoy everything that it has to offer. If the weather's warm, head for the river to cool off.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Porto. The city has several cool museums including the interactive museum - The World of Discoveries. There are also parks, playgrounds, zoos, and aquariums that you can explore. For families that enjoy being outside, this is a great city. Kids will enjoy spotting street art, riding the funicular, and taking a cellar tour. If the kids need a break from the city, head to the beach for the day.

Is Basel or Porto Better for Couples?

Porto is notable for its romantic activities. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Porto is a very popular place to visit for couples. You can visit the palaces, enjoy shopping, or dine in a nice Portuguese restaurant. Take a cellar tour and sample port then catch a ride on the funicular. This city has plenty for couples to do on a romantic getaway.

Basel is a good city for couples to visit. Nice restaurants, interesting museums, and several great spas make this a nice place for a romantic trip.

Is Basel or Porto Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Porto is a world-class destination for backpackers. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Porto. By combining world-class activities with affordability, this city has become a popular stop off for backpackers in the area.

Basel is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a few hostels and a really useful City Pass that make this city an option for backpackers and budget travelers. It's also a major transit center so accessibility is convenient. If you're traveling around Europe by train, you'll likely pass through Basel at some point.

Is Basel or Porto Better for Students?

Basel and Porto are both excellent destinations for students and younger travelers.

Basel is a great city to visit as a student. The University of Basel brings in international students from around the world. The city makes a nice base for exploring Europe, but it's also a bit expensive which can be challenging on a student income.

Students come from all over to stay in Porto. The city has a number of good research programs and study abroad opportunities that attract international students from around the world.

Is Basel or Porto Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Basel and Porto offer excellent public transit options.

Basel has some very good public transit options. Trams and buses make it easy to get around town.

The public transit in Porto can get you to most places easily. There is a metro system as well as a bus system. While the metro system does have six lines, most stations aren't close to the tourist attractions, so it likely won't be that helpful to visitors.

Is Basel or Porto a more walkable city?

Basel is very popular for its walkability. Also, Porto is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its high level of walkability.

Basel is a very easy city to get around on foot. The old town and most of the major attractions are easily accessible on foot.

Porto is a very walkable city. The city center is very compact with most of the sights within a short walk of each other. The area is also very hilly, so getting from place to place can require a bit of effort.

For even more information, also check out Is Basel Worth Visiting? and Is Porto Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Porto or Basel?

How long in Basel or Porto?

In either Basel or Porto, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Porto than Basel because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Basel, and 2-5 days is enough time in Porto.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Porto than Basel 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 Porto.

One day in Basel or Porto?

In Basel, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this historic destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

Each neighborhood in Porto has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the food. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Basel or Porto?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Basel. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Porto. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Basel or Porto?

Basel is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Basel. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Porto is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Porto has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Lots of people come for the food. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Basel or Porto?

You'll find food and shopping around the cultural destination of Basel. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

You'll find food and shopping around the cosmopolitan big city of Porto. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the food. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Switzerland, The Best Bicycle Tours in Switzerland, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Portugal, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Portugal.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Basel or Porto?

Porto has a larger population, and is about 52% larger than the population of Basel. When comparing the sizes of Basel and Porto, 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 Basel or Porto?

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 Basel or Porto in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Basel as well as Porto. Most visitors come to Basel for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Porto because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Basel is generally around the same temperature as Porto. Daily temperatures in Basel average around 21°C (70°F), and Porto fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Porto. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Basel this time of the year. In the summer, Basel often gets less sunshine than Porto. Basel gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Porto receives 308 hours of full sun.

Basel usually gets more rain in July than Porto. Basel gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Porto receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Basel or Porto in the Autumn?

Both Porto and Basel are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Basel because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Porto this time of year.

Basel is cooler than Porto in the autumn. The daily temperature in Basel averages around 13°C (56°F) in October, and Porto fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

Basel usually receives less sunshine than Porto during autumn. Basel gets 120 hours of sunny skies, while Porto receives 184 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Porto. In October, Basel usually receives less rain than Porto. Basel gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Porto receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Basel or Porto in the Winter?

Both Porto and Basel during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Basel this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Porto for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Basel in the winter. In the winter, Basel is much colder than Porto. Typically, the winter temperatures in Basel in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Porto averages at about 10°C (50°F).

In the winter, Basel often gets less sunshine than Porto. Basel gets 55 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Porto receives 124 hours of full sun.

Porto gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Basel usually gets less rain in January than Porto. Basel gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Porto receives 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Basel or Porto in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Basel and Porto. Many travelers come to Basel for the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Porto in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Basel is generally cooler than Porto. Daily temperatures in Basel average around 12°C (53°F), and Porto fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Porto this time of the year. Basel usually receives less sunshine than Porto during spring. Basel gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Porto receives 217 hours of full sun in the spring.

Porto receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Basel usually receives less rain than Porto. Basel gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Porto receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Porto and Basel