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

Should you visit Bucharest or Porto?

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

Porto

Porto is a cosmopolitan, dynamic, and historic 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 shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Bucharest and Porto: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bucharest or Porto?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Porto than Bucharest. While Bucharest is larger than Porto, Porto has more sights and attractions for tourists. Porto is more touristy than Bucharest and is popular for its authentic old town and the local port wine. It is also well known for Cais da Ribeira. Bucharest is famous for its wide avenues and longstanding religious institutions.

How is Bucharest different from Porto?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Porto is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Bucharest. 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.

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

Porto is renowned for its restaurant scene. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eat your way through Porto, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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.

Bucharest is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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).

Is Bucharest or Porto Better for Nightlife?

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

Porto is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. This city comes to life in the evening, particularly on weekends when locals and tourists alike flock to the many bars, restaurants, and nightclubs.

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 Porto Better for its Old Town?

Porto is well known for its old town. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Porto. 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.

Bucharest has an old town worth visiting. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Bucharest or Porto?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Porto 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.

Porto has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The city has both your standard shopping mall stores as well as local vendors and boutique shops.

Is Bucharest or Porto Better for Families?

Porto is well known for its family-friendly activities. However, Bucharest is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

Porto is a very kid-friendly port city. 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.

For families, Bucharest is not always the best place to visit. 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.

Is Bucharest or Porto Better for Couples?

Porto is well known for its romantic activities. However, Bucharest is not particularly known for couples.

Couples visit Porto frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

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 Porto Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Porto is renowned for backpackers. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Plenty of budget travelers 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.

Is Bucharest or Porto Better for Students?

Porto is well known for students. However, Bucharest is not popular with students.

Many students visit Porto. The city has a number of good research programs and study abroad opportunities that attract international students from around the world.

Bucharest is not popular with students.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Bucharest and Porto.

The public transit in Bucharest can get you around easily. Public transit options include trams, buses, and trolley buses.

Porto offers a very effecient public transportation network. 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 Bucharest or Porto a more walkable city?

Porto is well known for its high level of walkability. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Porto is a very walkable port 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.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Porto or Bucharest?

How long in Bucharest or Porto?

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

Families should spend more time in Porto than Bucharest. 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 Bucharest. 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 Bucharest 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 Bucharest or Porto?

In Bucharest, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this cultural 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.

People visit Porto because there is so much to do. 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.

A weekend in Bucharest or Porto?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bucharest. 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.

People visit Porto because there is so much to do. 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 port city has to offer. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Bucharest or Porto?

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

People visit Porto because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this port city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Most people head to the area for the food. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this port city has to offer.

A week in Bucharest or Porto?

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

Porto 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.

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 Family-Friendly Tours to Portugal, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Portugal.

When comparing the travel costs between Bucharest and Porto, we can see that Bucharest 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 Porto Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Bucharest or Porto?

Bucharest has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Porto. When comparing the sizes of Bucharest 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 Bucharest 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 Bucharest or Porto in the Summer?

Both Porto and Bucharest during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Bucharest for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Porto in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Bucharest is generally a little warmer than Porto. Daily temperatures in Bucharest average around 23°C (73°F), and Porto fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

In Porto, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Bucharest. In the summer, Bucharest often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Porto. Bucharest gets 289 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Porto receives 308 hours of full sun.

Bucharest usually gets more rain in July than Porto. Bucharest gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Porto receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bucharest or Porto in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Bucharest and Porto. Many visitors come to Bucharest in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Porto for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Bucharest is cooler than Porto in the autumn. The daily temperature in Bucharest averages around 13°C (55°F) in October, and Porto fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

Bucharest usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Porto during autumn. Bucharest gets 177 hours of sunny skies, while Porto receives 184 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Porto receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Bucharest usually receives less rain than Porto. Bucharest gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Porto receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Bucharest or Porto in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Bucharest as well as Porto. Most visitors come to Bucharest for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Porto because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Bucharest can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Bucharest is much colder than Porto. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bucharest in January average around -1°C (29°F), and Porto averages at about 10°C (50°F).

In the winter, Bucharest often gets less sunshine than Porto. Bucharest gets 71 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Porto receives 124 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Porto. Bucharest usually gets less rain in January than Porto. Bucharest gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Porto receives 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bucharest or Porto in the Spring?

Both Porto and Bucharest are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Bucharest because of the activities around the city. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Porto this time of year.

In April, Bucharest is generally around the same temperature as Porto. Daily temperatures in Bucharest average around 12°C (54°F), and Porto fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

It's quite sunny in Porto. Bucharest usually receives less sunshine than Porto during spring. Bucharest gets 185 hours of sunny skies, while Porto receives 217 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Porto. In April, Bucharest usually receives less rain than Porto. Bucharest gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Porto receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Porto and Bucharest