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

Should you visit Cadiz or Porto?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Cadiz and Porto can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Cadiz

Cadiz is a authentic, friendly, and undiscovered port city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

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.

Cadiz and Porto: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cadiz or Porto?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Porto than Cadiz, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Porto is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Cadiz is known for its beaches and shopping. Porto is more touristy than Cadiz and is popular for its authentic old town and the local port wine. It is also home to Cais da Ribeira. Cadiz is popular for its long-running maritime history and its charming old town.

How is Cadiz different from Porto?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Porto is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Cadiz is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its museums and history.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into 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.

Cadiz offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. As the oldest city in Europe, there are countless historic sights and monuments to see. Some of the most interesting historic sights include Catedral Nueva, the Arcos de los Blancos, Torre Tavira, and Museo de Cádiz.

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

Porto is renowned for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Cadiz is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its restaurants.

Many restaurants in Porto have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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.

Cadiz has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The restaurants are good, but if you don't have reservations you're out of luck. Many restaurants fill up during the peak summer months. If you do have reservations then you can expect fresh seafood including everything from oysters to prawns and even fresh caught fish like Bluefin tuna. Make sure you try the shrimp fritters and papas con choco (cuttlefish and potato stew). Tapas are a great way to sample a number of small local dishes. Also finish your meal off with some churros.

Is Cadiz or Porto Better for Nightlife?

Porto is a well-known place for nightlife. Also, Cadiz is not as famous, but is still a good port 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 Cadiz. The nightlife scene is diverse, with both cultural activities and dance clubs to choose from. Whether you're looking for a late night party or a more mellow evening on the town, there are a number of options available.

Is Cadiz or Porto Better for Beaches?

Cadiz is adequate for its beaches. However, Porto is not a beach destination.

Cadiz is a good spot to see the beach. The beaches remain relatively undiscovered on the international level, so you won't have to deal with the crowds that you find at many Spanish beaches. They are urban beaches that make a good place to cool off, but aren't particularly scenic. The beaches are popular with nearby locals, and the atmosphere remains chill and relaxed. While there are many beaches to choose from outside of town, the closest in town beach is La Caleta. It's even been featured in a few Hollywood films such as Die Another Day.

Porto is not a beach destination.

Is Cadiz or Porto Better for its Old Town?

Both Cadiz and Porto have superb historic old towns worth visiting.

Cadiz is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The old town offers a patchwork network of cobblestone streets that intertwine plazas, churches, and historic buildings.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Cadiz or Porto?

Cadiz is a great port city for shopping. Also, Porto is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Cadiz. There's a diverse mix of local boutiques, food markets, shopping centers, and street markets where you can pick up everything from local items to European fashion. If you happen to be in town on a weekend, keep in mind that many shops are only open in the morning on Saturdays and closed all day Sundays.

Porto offers some nice shopping areas. The city has both your standard shopping mall stores as well as local vendors and boutique shops.

Is Cadiz or Porto Better for Families?

Porto is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Cadiz is not as famous, but is still a good port 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.

Cadiz is a family-friendly port city. The city has beaches where everyone can splash around, as well as some parks and playgrounds where kids can get their energy out. Outside of town you'll find waterparks and other fun activities as well.

Is Cadiz or Porto Better for Couples?

Porto is a well-known place for romance. Also, Cadiz is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit 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.

Cadiz makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With its history and beaches, there are many romantic activities that couples can enjoy. Wander around old town and enjoy local cuisine. Visit the historic ruins and take a hike outside of the city.

Is Cadiz or Porto Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Porto is renowned for backpackers. Also, Cadiz is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Cadiz. One of the biggest draws to the city is there huge Carnival festival every February. This is a popular time to visit and backpackers will appreciate the lively atmosphere.

Is Cadiz or Porto Better for Students?

Porto is a well-known place for students. However, Cadiz is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Porto. The city has a number of good research programs and study abroad opportunities that attract international students from around the world.

Cadiz is not popular with students.

Is Cadiz 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. Also, Cadiz is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Porto is fairly effecient and thorough. 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.

Cadiz has some public transit options. There are five bus lines around town. The buses are comfortable and air conditioned.

Is Cadiz or Porto a more walkable city?

Cadiz and Porto both are superb when exploring on foot.

Cadiz is very walkable. It is a walkable city that is historic and compact enough to explore on foot. It can be a bit of a walk to get from the old town to the beach though.

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Porto or Cadiz?

How long in Cadiz or Porto?

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

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

In Cadiz, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this undiscovered destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

Each neighborhood in Porto has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the food. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Cadiz or Porto?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cadiz. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Porto. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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.

Five days in Cadiz or Porto?

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

Porto is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Porto has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Lots of people come for the food. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Cadiz or Porto?

You'll find food and shopping around the friendly destination of Cadiz. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

You'll find food and shopping around the dynamic big city of Porto. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the food. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to Spain, The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain, 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 Cadiz and Porto, we can see that Cadiz 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 Cadiz would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cadiz 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 Cadiz Expensive? and Is Porto Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cadiz or Porto?

Porto has a larger population, and is about 89% larger than the population of Cadiz. When comparing the sizes of Cadiz 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 Cadiz 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 Cadiz or Porto in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Cadiz as well as Porto. Many visitors come to Cadiz in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Porto for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Cadiz is a little warmer than Porto in the summer. The daily temperature in Cadiz averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Porto fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Porto. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cadiz this time of the year. In the summer, Cadiz often gets more sunshine than Porto. Cadiz gets 356 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Porto receives 308 hours of full sun.

Cadiz usually gets less rain in July than Porto. Cadiz gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Porto receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cadiz or Porto in the Autumn?

Both Porto and Cadiz are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Cadiz for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Porto because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Cadiz is a little warmer than Porto. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cadiz in October average around 20°C (68°F), and Porto averages at about 17°C (62°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cadiz. Cadiz usually receives more sunshine than Porto during autumn. Cadiz gets 235 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, Cadiz usually receives less rain than Porto. Cadiz gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Porto receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Cadiz or Porto in the Winter?

Both Porto and Cadiz during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Cadiz because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Porto this time of year.

In January, Cadiz is generally a little warmer than Porto. Daily temperatures in Cadiz average around 13°C (55°F), and Porto fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

In the winter, Cadiz often gets more sunshine than Porto. Cadiz gets 174 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. Cadiz usually gets less rain in January than Porto. Cadiz gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Porto receives 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cadiz or Porto in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Cadiz and Porto. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Cadiz this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Porto for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Cadiz is a little warmer than Porto in the spring. The daily temperature in Cadiz averages around 17°C (63°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. In Cadiz, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cadiz usually receives more sunshine than Porto during spring. Cadiz gets 253 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, Cadiz usually receives less rain than Porto. Cadiz gets 45 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 Cadiz