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

Should you visit Belfast or Portofino?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Belfast or Portofino, 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 under-rated, authentic, and affordable city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the nightlife and shopping.

Portofino

Portofino is a luxurious, glamorous, and picturesque seaside village. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. It's also known for shopping, nightlife, and food.

Belfast and Portofino: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Belfast or Portofino?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Portofino. Although Belfast and Portofino are popular destinations, Portofino has more sights and attractions for tourists. Portofino is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, resorts, beaches, historical sights, hiking, shopping, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Belfast attracts visitors for its big city activities. Portofino is more touristy than Belfast and is known for its picturesque harbor, high end shopping, strikingly blue waters, and popularity with superyachts. It is also well known for its scenic harbor. Belfast is famous for being the birthplace of the Titanic and the location of the era of the "Troubles".

Its scenic harbor

How is Belfast different from Portofino?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Portofino 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 Portofino?

Portofino is a moderate seaside village for its sights and museums. However, Belfast does not have museums and landmarks.

Portofino offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. 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.

Belfast does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Portofino is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Belfast is not a good city for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Portofino makes for a great culinary experience. Located by the sea, you'll enjoy tons of great seafood here. Make sure you try the mussels, swordfish, and salt cod.

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 Portofino Better for Nightlife?

Portofino 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.

Portofino offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

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 Portofino Better for Resorts?

Portofino is an unbeatable place for its resorts. However, Belfast is not a resort destination.

Portofino offers an unforgettable resort vacation. 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.

Belfast is not a resort destination.

Is Belfast or Portofino Better for Beaches?

Portofino is a nice place to visit for its beaches. However, Belfast is not a beach destination.

Portofino has a beach worth visiting. 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.

Belfast is not a beach destination.

Is Belfast or Portofino Better for its Old Town?

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

Many visitors go to Portofino to see the historical old town. Despite evolving into a famous resort town, Portofino still holds on to its fishing village charm.

Belfast does not have a historic old town.

Is Belfast or Portofino Better for Hiking?

Portofino is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Belfast is not a hiking destination.

Portofino is a popular spot for hiking. There are many beautiful hikes and treks along the coastline that pass by scenic landscapes and breathtaking views.

Belfast is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Belfast or Portofino?

Portofino is a well-known place for shopping. Also, Belfast is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Portofino is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Belfast. The main shopping areas in the city are Victoria Square Shopping Centre and CastleCourt.

Is Belfast or Portofino Better for Families?

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

Belfast is a family-friendly place to visit. 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.

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 Belfast or Portofino Better for Couples?

Portofino is an unbeatable place for romance. However, Belfast is not a good city for its romantic activities.

Portofino has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

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 Portofino Better for Students?

Belfast is a popular place for students. However, Portofino is not popular with students.

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

Portofino is not popular with students.

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

Both Belfast and Portofino offer reasonable public transit options.

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

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 Belfast or Portofino a more walkable city?

Portofino is an unbeatable place for its walkability. Also, Belfast is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

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

Belfast is a somewhat walkable place.

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

Should I spend more time in Portofino or Belfast?

How long in Belfast or Portofino?

In either Belfast or Portofino, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Portofino 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 Portofino.

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

Couples should spend more time in Portofino than Belfast. 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 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 Portofino.

One day in Belfast or Portofino?

You'll find nightlife and shopping around the city of Belfast. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Belfast 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 Belfast or Portofino?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the affordable destination of Belfast. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city 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 Belfast or Portofino?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the affordable city of Belfast. 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 Belfast or Portofino?

Belfast 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 Budget Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom, The Best Historical Tours in Italy, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Belfast and Portofino, we can see that Portofino is more expensive. And not only is Belfast much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Belfast would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Belfast 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 Belfast.

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

Which is Bigger, Belfast or Portofino?

Belfast has a larger population, and is about 520 times larger than the population of Portofino. When comparing the sizes of Belfast 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.