A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Beaune vs. Portofino for Food, Old Town, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Beaune or Portofino?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Beaune and Portofino. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Beaune

Beaune is a quaint, vineyard-filled, and cultural town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Portofino

Portofino is a opulent, exclusive, and luxurious seaside village. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, and hiking.

Beaune and Portofino: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Beaune or Portofino?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Portofino than Beaune, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Portofino is better known for its nightlife, resorts, beaches, hiking, shopping, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Beaune is more popular for its museums, food, and historical sights. Portofino is more touristy than Beaune and is known for its picturesque harbor, high end shopping, strikingly blue waters, and popularity with superyachts. Also, Portofino is famous for its scenic harbor. Beaune is well known for its surrounding vineyards and world-renowned wines.

Its scenic harbor

How is Beaune different from Portofino?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Beaune is notable for its sights and museums. However, Portofino is a mediocre seaside village for its museums and history.

Beaune offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Top sights and museums around town include Hôtel-Dieu (a former hospital), Château de Savigny, and Château de la Rochepot.

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 Beaune or Portofino? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Beaune is an unbeatable place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Portofino is not as famous, but is still a good seaside village to visit for its restaurants.

For foodies, Beaune is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The restaurant scene is made up of small, narrow, local bistros that serve local dishes with regional ingredients. Many of the menus are focused on wine with the dishes designed specifically to compliment the wines. This is a tourist town, and you'll find many visitors come specifically to enjoy the French cuisine.

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.

Is Beaune or Portofino Better for Nightlife?

Portofino is a great destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Beaune is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

The people in Portofino know how to have a good time. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Beaune has a few options to choose from. You'll find bars and pubs as well as many places to sip French wine and enjoy the evening.

Is Beaune or Portofino Better for Resorts?

Portofino is terrific for its resorts. However, Beaune is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Portofino for its luxury resorts. 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.

Beaune is not a resort destination.

Is Beaune or Portofino Better for Beaches?

Portofino is a good destination for the beache. However, Beaune is not a beach destination.

Portofino offers a nice beach destination. 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.

Beaune is not a beach destination.

Is Beaune or Portofino Better for its Old Town?

Beaune is an unbeatable place for its old town. Also, Portofino is not as famous, but is still a good seaside village to visit for its historic old town charm.

With a famous historical old-town, Beaune offers plenty to see. The old town is walled and compact. It is centered around the medieval hospital complex and it is filled with cobblestone streets and shops.

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.

Is Beaune or Portofino Better for Hiking?

Portofino is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Beaune is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Portofino. There are many beautiful hikes and treks along the coastline that pass by scenic landscapes and breathtaking views.

Beaune is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Beaune or Portofino?

Portofino is a great destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Beaune is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Portofino is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Beaune has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Boutiques, wine shops, and independent vendors are fun to explore in town.

Is Beaune or Portofino Better for Families?

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

Beaune is a family-friendly place to visit. The town has museums like Hospices de Beaune, Hotel-Dieu (a formal hospital), as well as vineyards that you can hike through. Many people enjoy taking a hot air balloon ride while they're in the region.

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 Beaune or Portofino Better for Couples?

Beaune and Portofino both amazing destinations for a couple.

Beaune is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Couples will enjoy exploring vineyards, sipping French wine, and wandering through the charming old town. There are breathtaking hot air balloon rides and wonderful French restaurants that make for a romantic trip.

Portofino makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

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

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

Beaune has a few public transit options. While you can walk around the historic center, it's possible to take a bus if you're traveling further.

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 Beaune or Portofino a more walkable city?

Beaune and Portofino both are amazing when exploring on foot.

Getting around Beaune on foot is easy. It's a walkable town that's perfect for taking a stroll.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Portofino or Beaune?

How long in Beaune or Portofino?

In either Beaune or Portofino, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Portofino than Beaune because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Beaune, and 2-5 days is enough time in Portofino.

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

Couples should spend more time in Portofino than Beaune. 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.

One day in Beaune or Portofino?

You'll find shopping and museums around the town of Beaune. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Portofino might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Beaune or Portofino?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of Beaune. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Beaune or Portofino?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the culinary town of Beaune. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Most people head to the area for the food. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Portofino. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Beaune or Portofino?

Beaune is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

Portofino is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This seaside village offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in France, The Best Food and Culinary 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 Beaune and Portofino, we can see that Portofino is more expensive. And not only is Beaune much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Beaune would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Beaune 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 Beaune.

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

Which is Bigger, Beaune or Portofino?

Beaune has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Portofino. When comparing the sizes of Beaune 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.