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

Should you visit Cambridge or Portofino?

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 Cambridge and Portofino. 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.

Cambridge

Cambridge is a charming, historic, and beautiful university town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Portofino

Portofino is a breathtaking, opulent, and exclusive seaside village. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and hiking.

Cambridge and Portofino: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cambridge or Portofino?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Portofino. Although Cambridge and Portofino are popular destinations, Portofino has more sights and attractions for tourists. Portofino is very popular for its nightlife, resorts, beaches, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Cambridge attracts visitors for its museums. Portofino is more touristy than Cambridge and is popular for its picturesque harbor, high end shopping, strikingly blue waters, and popularity with superyachts. It is also well known for its scenic harbor. Cambridge is famous for its iconic university and the many colleges associated with it.

Its scenic harbor

How is Cambridge different from Portofino?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Cambridge offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The history is rich and impressive in this university town. There are countless museums and architectural sights that you should check out. High on the list are the Cambridge University buildings, The Fitzwilliam Museum, the Bridge of Sighs, The Round Church, and many more.

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 Cambridge or Portofino? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Cambridge and Portofino offer a number of superb restaurants to choose from.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Cambridge. You'll find college pubs, local eateries, and fine dining, all in one charming town. Enjoy afternoon tea or fish chips at one of the many local restaurants around town.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Portofino. Located by the sea, you'll enjoy tons of great seafood here. Make sure you try the mussels, swordfish, and salt cod.

Is Cambridge or Portofino Better for Nightlife?

Portofino is an excellent place to visit for nightlife. Also, Cambridge is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Portofino has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

Cambridge has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The nightlife scene is centered around the student culture and you'll find many university pubs, some lively clubs, theaters, and wine bars around town. Whether you're looking for a chill night with friends or a more wild experience, there are options in Cambridge.

Is Cambridge or Portofino Better for Resorts?

Portofino is a must-visit destination for its luxury resorts. However, Cambridge is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Portofino for its luxury resorts. 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.

Cambridge is not a resort destination.

Is Cambridge or Portofino Better for Beaches?

Portofino is a good destination for its beaches. However, Cambridge is not a beach destination.

Portofino offers a nice beach destination. 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.

Cambridge is not a beach destination.

Is Cambridge or Portofino Better for its Old Town?

Portofino is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town. However, Cambridge does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Portofino. Despite evolving into a famous resort town, Portofino still holds on to its fishing village charm.

Cambridge does not have a historic old town.

Is Cambridge or Portofino Better for Hiking?

Portofino is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Cambridge is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Portofino. There are many beautiful hikes and treks along the coastline that pass by scenic landscapes and breathtaking views.

Cambridge is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cambridge or Portofino?

Shoppers can find a variety of superb stores in both Cambridge and Portofino.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Cambridge. The town offers independent boutique shops, local brands, and a 7 day a week market. The three main shopping areas in town are The Grafton, Lion Yard and Grand Arcade.

Portofino is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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 Cambridge or Portofino Better for Families?

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

Cambridge is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy following the Treasure Trail, or climbing to the top of the Great St Mary’s Tower. Punting is another iconic experience. On a rainy day, head to the Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences, the Museum of Zoology, or the Cambridge Science Centre.

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 Cambridge or Portofino Better for Couples?

Portofino is a must-visit destination for romance. Also, Cambridge is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Portofino is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

Couples visit Cambridge frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The quaint town is fun to explore as a couple. Try your hand at punting or take a tour of one of the colleges. You can also enjoy a picnic in the botanical gardens or have tea at the Orchard Tea Garden.

Is Cambridge or Portofino Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cambridge is a popular place for backpackers. However, Portofino is a mediocre seaside village for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Cambridge. With a handful of hostels and a vibrant student population, the town makes for a fun stop on your backpacking trip.

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 Cambridge or Portofino Better for Students?

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

Many students frequent Cambridge. The town is home to more than 25,000 students who come from 140 different countries. This is one of the most iconic university towns in the world, and there's really no better place for students to visit or reside.

Portofino is not popular with students.

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

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

Cambridge has a few public transit options. There is a regional bus service that operates through 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 Cambridge or Portofino a more walkable city?

Cambridge and Portofino are amazing when it comes to walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Cambridge. Walking is the best way to explore the town.

Getting around Portofino on foot is easy. 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 Cambridge Worth Visiting? and Is Portofino Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Portofino or Cambridge?

How long in Cambridge or Portofino?

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

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

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

One day in Cambridge or Portofino?

You'll find shopping and museums around the university town of Cambridge. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cambridge has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Even though Portofino is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. 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 Cambridge or Portofino?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of Cambridge. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this university town has to offer. This university town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Portofino is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this seaside village has to offer. This seaside village offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Cambridge or Portofino?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the charming university town of Cambridge. 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 small town with plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this seaside village makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this seaside village has to offer.

A week in Cambridge or Portofino?

Cambridge 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.

Portofino 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 3-Day Tours from London, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from London, The Best Historical Tours in Italy, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Cambridge or Portofino?

Cambridge has a larger population, and is about 240 times larger than the population of Portofino. When comparing the sizes of Cambridge 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.