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

Should you visit Belfast or Porto?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Belfast 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.

Belfast

Belfast is a affordable, under-rated, and authentic city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include nightlife and shopping.

Porto

Porto is a historic, cultural, and cosmopolitan port city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Belfast and Porto: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Belfast or Porto?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Porto. Although Belfast and Porto are both popular with visitors, Porto has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Porto is more touristy than Belfast and is popular for its authentic old town and the local port wine. It is also home to Cais da Ribeira. Belfast is popular for being the birthplace of the Titanic and the location of the era of the "Troubles".

How is Belfast different from Porto?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Porto is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Belfast does not have museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Porto can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

Belfast does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Porto is an unbeatable place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Belfast is not a good city 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Belfast. While many restaurants have moved towards more modern cuisines, there are still places that hold tight to the traditions of the area. Traditional dishes include pasties, full Irish breakfasts, and oysters.

Is Belfast or Porto Better for Nightlife?

Porto is a well-known place for nightlife. Also, Belfast is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

Porto offers plenty to do in the evening. 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 Belfast. The city has a number of bars and clubs with local DJs or musicians.

Is Belfast or Porto Better for its Old Town?

Porto is a well-known place for its historic old town. However, Belfast does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Porto to see the historical old town. 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.

Belfast does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Belfast or Porto?

Both Belfast and Porto are good shopping destinations.

Belfast is a great destination for shopping. The main shopping areas in the city are Victoria Square Shopping Centre and CastleCourt.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Porto. The city has both your standard shopping mall stores as well as local vendors and boutique shops.

Is Belfast or Porto Better for Families?

Porto is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Belfast is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Porto is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Belfast is a family-friendly city. The city has several great kid-friendly museums, a zoo, and a few indoor or outdoor activity centers where you can let kids play and explore.

Is Belfast or Porto Better for Couples?

Porto is a well-known place for romance. However, Belfast is not a good city for its romantic activities.

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.

Most people don't think of Belfast as a couple's destination. There are gardens and parks to explore, several nice hotels with spas, and an Observatory on the 23rd floor of the Grand Central Hotel.

Is Belfast or Porto Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Porto is an unbeatable place for backpackers. However, Belfast is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Porto is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. By combining world-class activities with affordability, this city has become a popular stop off for backpackers in the area.

Belfast is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's a reasonably affordable destination with a few hostels to choose from, but most backpackers don't make their way to this city.

Is Belfast or Porto Better for Students?

Porto is a well-known place for students. Also, Belfast is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Porto is a great port city to visit as a student. The city has a number of good research programs and study abroad opportunities that attract international students from around the world.

Plenty of students visit Belfast. The city's affordability has made it a popular option for international students headed to the area.

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

Porto is a well-known place for its public transit. However, Belfast is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Porto. 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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Belfast. There is a bus service in the city.

Is Belfast or Porto a more walkable city?

Porto is a well-known place for its walkability. Also, Belfast is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

Porto is very walkable. 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.

Belfast is a somewhat walkable place.

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

Should I spend more time in Porto or Belfast?

How long in Belfast or Porto?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Porto than Belfast. 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 Belfast 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 Belfast or Porto?

In Belfast, many people enjoy the nightlife and shopping that this affordable destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

Because Porto is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This port city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Belfast or Porto?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Belfast. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. 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.

Because Porto is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. One reason most visitors come is for the food. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Porto has to offer.

Five days in Belfast or Porto?

Belfast is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the destination of Belfast. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Porto is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Porto has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Belfast or Porto?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the affordable destination of Belfast. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Porto. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Porto. One reason most visitors come is for the food. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Budget Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom, 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 Belfast and Porto, we can see that Belfast 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 Belfast would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Belfast 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 Belfast Expensive? and Is Porto Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Belfast or Porto?

Belfast has a larger population, and is about 10% larger than the population of Porto. When comparing the sizes of Belfast 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 Belfast 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 Belfast or Porto in the Summer?

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

Belfast is cooler than Porto in the summer. The daily temperature in Belfast averages around 15°C (59°F) in July, and Porto fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Porto. In the summer, Belfast often gets less sunshine than Porto. Belfast gets 151 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Porto receives 308 hours of full sun.

Belfast usually gets more rain in July than Porto. Belfast gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Porto receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Belfast or Porto in the Autumn?

Both Porto and Belfast are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Belfast because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. 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.

In the autumn, Belfast is much colder than Porto. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Belfast in October average around 9°C (48°F), and Porto averages at about 17°C (62°F).

Belfast usually receives less sunshine than Porto during autumn. Belfast gets 92 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, Belfast usually receives less rain than Porto. Belfast gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Porto receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Belfast or Porto in the Winter?

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

It's quite cold in Belfast in the winter. In January, Belfast is generally much colder than Porto. Daily temperatures in Belfast average around 4°C (39°F), and Porto fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

In the winter, Belfast often gets less sunshine than Porto. Belfast gets 50 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. Belfast usually gets less rain in January than Porto. Belfast gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Porto receives 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Belfast or Porto in the Spring?

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

Belfast is much colder than Porto in the spring. The daily temperature in Belfast averages around 8°C (46°F) in April, and Porto fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Porto this time of the year. Belfast usually receives less sunshine than Porto during spring. Belfast 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, Belfast usually receives less rain than Porto. Belfast gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Porto receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Porto and Belfast