A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Budapest vs. Portofino for Couples, Backpackers, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Budapest or Portofino?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Budapest and Portofino can help you decide which place is right for you.

Budapest

Budapest is a bustling, cultural, and artistic city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty 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.

Portofino

Portofino is a glamorous, picturesque, and breathtaking seaside village. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the hiking, shopping, and nightlife.

Budapest and Portofino: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Budapest or Portofino?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Budapest than Portofino, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Budapest is better known for its museums and big city activities, while Portofino is more popular for its food, resorts, beaches, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Portofino is more touristy than Budapest and is popular for its picturesque harbor, high end shopping, strikingly blue waters, and popularity with superyachts. Budapest is well known for its thermal hot springs, European spas, rich culture, and wild nightlife scene. Also, Budapest is famous for The Hungarian Parliament Building.

How is Budapest different from Portofino?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Budapest offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Famous sights include the Buda Castle and Castle Hill, the Hungarian Parliament Building, and St. Stephen's Basilica.

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 Budapest or Portofino? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Portofino is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Budapest is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Portofino has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Located by the sea, you'll enjoy tons of great seafood here. Make sure you try the mussels, swordfish, and salt cod.

Budapest may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Traditional dishes tend to be heavy on the meat and bread. They make good comfort food and are very filling meals. The city also has many great pastry shops. Make sure you check out the stuffed cabbage, goulash, and chimney cake.

Is Budapest or Portofino Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is great in both Budapest and Portofino.

Many people head to Budapest for the nightlife scene. The city's active nightlife includes dance clubs, local pubs, and cultural festivals throughout the year.

Portofino has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

Is Budapest or Portofino Better for Resorts?

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

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Portofino is a perfect choice. 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.

Budapest is not a resort destination.

Is Budapest or Portofino Better for Beaches?

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

Many people head to Portofino to enjoy the beach. 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.

Budapest is not a beach destination.

Is Budapest or Portofino Better for its Old Town?

Budapest and Portofino are both popular destinations with charming historical areas.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Budapest. The city grew from the merging of two towns, Buda and Pest, which were divided by the Danube River. Buda is the more historical part of town and Pest is more modern.

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.

Is Budapest or Portofino Better for Hiking?

Portofino is great for hiking. However, Budapest is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Portofino for the hiking trails. There are many beautiful hikes and treks along the coastline that pass by scenic landscapes and breathtaking views.

Budapest is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Budapest or Portofino?

If you're looking to go shopping, Budapest and Portofino both offer plenty of great spots.

Budapest is well-known for its shopping. The city has a diverse shopping scene that you can experience by visiting the Central Market or Váci Street.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Portofino. 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.

Is Budapest or Portofino Better for Families?

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

Budapest is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has the typical trampoline parks and playgrounds, but kids will also enjoy the baths and pools around town. Do take note that most of the museums are less hands on than kids prefer.

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 Budapest or Portofino Better for Couples?

Portofino is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Budapest is not as popular, but is still a nice city for couples.

For those traveling as a couple, Portofino has plenty to offer. 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.

Budapest is a very popular place to visit for couples. With it's many beautiful neighborhoods, and unique entertainment options including the opera, this is a fun city for couples. The baths and spas also make for a great experience for couples.

Is Budapest or Portofino Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Budapest is an unbeatable place for backpackers. However, Portofino is a mediocre seaside village for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Budapest. The city is more affordable than many large cities and it has a number of fun hostels to choose from. There's a good backpacker vibe around town with many places to meet and hang out with other travelers.

Portofino is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Known for it's high prices, the town isn't particularly popular with the backpacker crowd. It is possible to stay outside of town and head in for a day trip.

Is Budapest or Portofino Better for Students?

Budapest is an unbeatable place for students. However, Portofino is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Budapest. The city has a great international vibe with several good universities that are welcoming to international students that are studying abroad.

Portofino is not popular with students.

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

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

Visitors in Budapest can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. The metro, trams, and buses make it easy to get around town.

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 Budapest or Portofino a more walkable city?

Budapest and Portofino are world-class when it comes to walkability.

Budapest is a very easy city to get around on foot. Pest is very flat, making for an easy stroll, while Buda is more hilly.

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Portofino or Budapest?

How long in Budapest or Portofino?

In either Budapest or Portofino, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. You can fill a similar amount of time in either place. However, 2-5 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

One day in Budapest or Portofino?

People visit Budapest 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.

Portofino is a small town where visitors enjoy the nightlife and food. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Budapest or Portofino?

People visit Budapest 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 city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Portofino is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this seaside village makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Portofino, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Budapest or Portofino?

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

Portofino is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Portofino, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Budapest or Portofino?

Budapest 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 great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This seaside village offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Budapest, The Best 2-Week Tours from Budapest, The Best Historical Tours in Italy, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Budapest or Portofino?

Budapest has a larger population, and is about 3210 times larger than the population of Portofino. When comparing the sizes of Budapest 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.