A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bucharest vs. Faro for Nightlife, Food, Old Town, and Couples

Should you visit Bucharest or Faro?

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 Bucharest and Faro. 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.

Bucharest

Bucharest is a historical, less touristy, and undiscovered city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Faro

Faro is a busy, active, and popular resort town. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Bucharest and Faro: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bucharest or Faro?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Bucharest. Although Bucharest and Faro are popular destinations, Bucharest has more sights and attractions for tourists. Bucharest is very popular for its museums, food, and big city activities, while Faro attracts visitors for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Faro is more touristy than Bucharest and is popular for its historical sights and rich culture. Bucharest is famous for its wide avenues and longstanding religious institutions. It is also well known for The Palace of Parliament.

How is Bucharest different from Faro?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Bucharest or Faro?

Bucharest is a nice place to visit for its historical sights. However, Faro does not have museums and landmarks.

Bucharest is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The city is rich in landmarks and historical buildings. Popular sights include the Romanian Athenaeum, the Palace of the Parliament, Stavropoleos Church, and Curtea Veche.

Faro does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Bucharest or Faro? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bucharest is a nice place to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Faro is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Bucharest. Many Romanian recipes have been passed down through the generations and they still use traditional flavors. You'll see some German or Hungarian influences, but the flavors are still uniquely Romanian. Popular dishes include ciorba (tripe soup), cabbage rolls, and mici (grilled meat rolls).

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Faro. It has become a major tourist town, so you have to get a bit creative to find a more traditional restaurant. Look for fresh seafood like cod, monkfish, or shellfish if you want some local flavors.

Is Bucharest or Faro Better for Nightlife?

Faro is well known for nightlife and partying. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Faro is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city's bustling party scene thrives along Rua de São Pedro, Rua Conselheiro Bívar, and Rua do Prior.

If you're looking for night time activities Bucharest has a few options to choose from. The city has come to life with its party scene, with many bars and clubs that you can choose from. There are rooftop bars, chic dance clubs, and cozy pubs where you can pass the evening. You'll find most of the upscale clubs in the northern part of the city, with a more casual scene found in the downtown areas around Universitate and Romanā.

Is Bucharest or Faro Better for Resorts?

Faro is renowned for its resorts. However, Bucharest is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Faro for its luxury resorts. Popular resorts include Vila Vita Parc Resort and Spa, Conrad Algarve, and Tivoli Carvoeiro.

Bucharest is not a resort destination.

Is Bucharest or Faro Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Faro is a good destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Bucharest is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Faro. There are both snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities in the area. It's possible to snorkel off of several beaches or arrange a scuba diving excursion with a local dive shop.

Bucharest is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Bucharest or Faro Better for Beaches?

Faro is a good destination for the beache. However, Bucharest is not a beach destination.

Faro offers a nice beach destination. The most popular beach in the area is Faro Beach. It can get crowded during the summer months but if you walk a bit you can often get away from the crowds. To reach the beach you'll need a car or you can take the bus as the beach is about 10 km away.

Bucharest is not a beach destination.

Is Bucharest or Faro Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the nice old town areas in both Bucharest and Faro.

Many people head to Bucharest to see the old town. The old town dates back to the 15th and 16th centuries, with much of the historical charm seen in the architecture. Many of the buildings have been restored, but others are still awaiting repairs. This gives the area a sense of authenticity that you often miss in other old towns.

Faro has an old town worth visiting. You'll find historic buildings and cobblestone streets in the old town. It's a nice place to explore, grab a bite to eat, and do a little shopping.

Is the Shopping Better in Bucharest or Faro?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Faro and Bucharest.

Bucharest offers some nice shopping areas. The residents love fashion, and you'll find many shopping centers around town where you can find a good deal. In addition to the many malls, there are also antique shops, flea markets and boutique clothing stores where you might find a hidden gem.

Faro has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The town isn't as big as some others, so it's shopping scene isn't as comprehensive, but you will find the major brands as well as souvenir shops to peruse when you need a break from the beach.

Is Bucharest or Faro Better for Families?

Most people don't think of either Bucharest or Faro as a family destination.

Bucharest doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. Kid-friendly activities include kid's play areas, museums such as the Museum of the Senses, and water centered activities like rowing in the park or visiting the wellness center Therme.

For families, Faro is not always the best place to visit. There are some nice nature reserves in the area so kids who love wildlife will enjoy a visit.

Is Bucharest or Faro Better for Couples?

Faro is a good destination for its romantic activities. However, Bucharest is not particularly known for couples.

Faro makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With the beautiful natural areas and historic old town, this seaport makes a nice couples vacation.

Bucharest is not always the best place to visit for a couple. The city has some romantic settings such as wandering down Victory Avenue or exploring the historic Cotroceni Neighbourhood. There are also several gardens and a number of nice cafes to explore.

Is Bucharest or Faro Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bucharest and Faro are nice places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Bucharest. The city is affordable, but it's often overlooked by backpackers. Part of the charm for many is the sense of authenticity that can often be hard to find in travel these days.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Faro. The are some good hostels in the area, but it's a bit tricky to get around without a car.

Is Bucharest or Faro Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Bucharest is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Faro is not as popular, but is still a nice resort town for its public transit.

Public transit in Bucharest is fairly effecient and thorough. Public transit options include trams, buses, and trolley buses.

Faro has a few public transit options. There are buses that connect the city to the beach, the airport, and other outlying areas.

Is Bucharest or Faro a more walkable city?

Bucharest and Faro both are nice when exploring on foot.

Bucharest is a somewhat walkable place. Many of the tourist attractions are within a walkable area.

Faro is a somewhat walkable city. The city's old town is particularly walkable.

For even more information, also check out Is Bucharest Worth Visiting? and Is Faro Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Faro or Bucharest?

How long in Bucharest or Faro?

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

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

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

One day in Bucharest or Faro?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Bucharest. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the resort town of Faro. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

A weekend in Bucharest or Faro?

Bucharest is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the active destination of Faro. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this resort town has to offer. This resort town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Bucharest or Faro?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the less touristy destination of Bucharest. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

You'll find nightlife and scuba diving and snorkeling around the busy resort town of Faro. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this resort town makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this resort town has to offer.

A week in Bucharest or Faro?

The cultural city of Bucharest offers nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

Faro is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Bucharest, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Romania, The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal.

When comparing the travel costs between Bucharest and Faro, we can see that Faro is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Bucharest or Faro?

Bucharest has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Faro. When comparing the sizes of Bucharest and Faro, 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 Bucharest or Faro?

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 Bucharest or Faro in the Summer?

Both Faro and Bucharest during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Bucharest in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Faro for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Bucharest is generally cooler than Faro. Daily temperatures in Bucharest average around 23°C (73°F), and Faro fluctuates around 25°C (78°F).

In Faro, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Bucharest. In the summer, Bucharest often gets less sunshine than Faro. Bucharest gets 289 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Faro receives 374 hours of full sun.

Bucharest usually gets more rain in July than Faro. Bucharest gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Faro receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bucharest or Faro in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Bucharest and Faro. Most visitors come to Bucharest for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Faro because of the shopping scene.

Bucharest is much colder than Faro in the autumn. The daily temperature in Bucharest averages around 13°C (55°F) in October, and Faro fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Faro this time of the year. Bucharest usually receives less sunshine than Faro during autumn. Bucharest gets 177 hours of sunny skies, while Faro receives 222 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Bucharest usually receives less rain than Faro. Bucharest gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Faro receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Bucharest or Faro in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Bucharest as well as Faro. The winter months attract visitors to Bucharest because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Faro this time of year.

The weather in Bucharest can be very cold. In the winter, Bucharest is much colder than Faro. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bucharest in January average around -1°C (29°F), and Faro averages at about 12°C (54°F).

In the winter, Bucharest often gets less sunshine than Faro. Bucharest gets 71 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Faro receives 161 hours of full sun.

Bucharest usually gets less rain in January than Faro. Bucharest gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Faro receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bucharest or Faro in the Spring?

Both Faro and Bucharest are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The activities around the city are the main draw to Bucharest this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Faro for the beaches.

In April, Bucharest is generally cooler than Faro. Daily temperatures in Bucharest average around 12°C (54°F), and Faro fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

It's quite sunny in Faro. Bucharest usually receives less sunshine than Faro during spring. Bucharest gets 185 hours of sunny skies, while Faro receives 248 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Bucharest usually receives more rain than Faro. Bucharest gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Faro receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Faro and Bucharest