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

Should you visit Christchurch or Porto?

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

Should I visit Christchurch or Porto? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Christchurch

Christchurch is a cultural, outdoorsy, and adventure-filled city. Christchurch is a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums. See Christchurch travel costs.

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 Porto is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Porto travel costs.

Christchurch and Porto: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Christchurch or Porto?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Porto than Christchurch. While Christchurch is larger than Porto, Porto has more sights and attractions for tourists. Porto is very popular for its food, historical sights, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Christchurch attracts visitors for its beaches, hiking, and shopping. Porto is more touristy than Christchurch and is popular for its authentic old town and the local port wine. It is also well known for Cais da Ribeira. Christchurch is famous for its outdoor beauty and relaxing, scenic atmosphere.

How is Christchurch different from Porto?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Plenty of people visit the great sights and museums in both Christchurch and Porto.

Christchurch offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city is filled with street art and local galleries. There's also Canterbury Museum, the International Antarctic Centre, the Arts Centre, and the Riccarton House & Bush.

Many visitors head to Porto specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

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

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

For foodies, Porto is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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.

Christchurch has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There's a mix of cozy cafes and casual eateries around town. You'll also find some fine dining restaurants as well as international flavors.

Is Christchurch or Porto Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Christchurch and Porto.

Christchurch is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city has its share of dance clubs, live music venues, and laid back bars. You'll find a number of popular hangout spots around Oxford Terrace or on the historic New Regent Street.

Many people head to Porto for the nightlife scene. This city comes to life in the evening, particularly on weekends when locals and tourists alike flock to the many bars, restaurants, and nightclubs.

Is Christchurch or Porto Better for Beaches?

Christchurch is a great city for its beaches. However, Porto is not a beach destination.

Christchurch is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. There are sandy beaches in the area with water sports and various amenities. The summer months are the most popular time for hanging out at the beach, and you'll find local families playing in the sun or enjoying a picnic.

Porto is not a beach destination.

Is Christchurch or Porto Better for its Old Town?

Porto is well known for its old town. However, Christchurch does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting 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.

Christchurch does not have a historic old town.

Is Christchurch or Porto Better for Hiking?

Christchurch is a great city for hiking. However, Porto is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Christchurch for the hiking trails. There are many beautiful hikes in the area that take you along the coastline or past local historic sights. The landscape is diverse and you'll find many amazing parks in the area. Hooker Valley Track is one of the best hiking routes nearby.

Porto is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Christchurch or Porto?

Christchurch is a great 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 Christchurch. There's a mix of boutique shops, outlet malls, and open air markets. Some of the best shopping places include the Tannery and the Colombo.

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

Is Christchurch or Porto More Beautiful?

Porto is well known for its scenery and beauty. Also, Christchurch is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and beauty.

The beauty of Porto is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. The city sits beautifully on the water and it has a charming atmosphere.

Christchurch offers plenty of beauty for visitors. With its many beautiful parks, gardens, and outdoor spaces, this is a very scenic city.

Is Christchurch or Porto Better for Families?

Christchurch is very popular for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Porto is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its family-friendly activities.

Christchurch is one of the most popular family destinations. The International Antarctic Centre is a thrilling and fun experience. There's also the Orana Wildlife Park or Willowbank Wildlife Reserve. For adrenaline junkies there are the ropes courses at the Adrenalin Forest. There are also many indoor playgrounds and rock climbing facilities.

Porto is a very kid-friendly 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.

Is Christchurch or Porto Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Christchurch and Porto make for a great place to visit.

Couples visit Christchurch frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Punting on the Avon River is one of the most romantic activities in the city. There are also botanical gardens, parks, and natural areas that are fun to explore. Nearby, you can do a wine tour, or there are cocktail bars and charming restaurants in town. The city also has a nice theater and many other date night activities.

Porto is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. 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.

Is Christchurch or Porto Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Porto is terrific for backpackers. Also, Christchurch 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 and backpackers visit Christchurch. There's no shortage of hostels around town, and many backpackers pass through Christchurch on their epic New Zealand adventure.

Is Christchurch or Porto Better for Students?

Christchurch and Porto are great places to visit for students.

Christchurch is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. It's the largest city on the South Island and there are plenty of activities and nearby trips that you can enjoy.

Porto is very popular with students. The city has a number of good research programs and study abroad opportunities that attract international students from around the world.

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

Porto is well known for its public transit. Also, Christchurch is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Porto has some very good public transit options. 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.

While Christchurch offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. While it's not a diverse transit system, the buses are well connected and offer the cheapest way to get around town.

Is Christchurch or Porto a more walkable city?

Christchurch and Porto both are great when exploring on foot.

Christchurch is a very walkable city. The city center is relatively flat and easy to explore on foot.

Porto is a very walkable destination. 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 Christchurch Worth Visiting? and Is Porto Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Porto or Christchurch?

How long in Christchurch or Porto?

In either Christchurch or Porto, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Porto than Christchurch because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Christchurch, and 2-5 days is enough time in Porto.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Porto than Christchurch 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 Christchurch or Porto?

In Christchurch, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this outdoorsy destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. This 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.

Each neighborhood in Porto has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Christchurch or Porto?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Christchurch. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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.

Porto is a fun place to experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come for the food. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Christchurch or Porto?

Christchurch is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Christchurch. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Each neighborhood in Porto has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Lots of people come for the food. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A week in Christchurch or Porto?

You'll find food and shopping around the cultural destination of Christchurch. Most people come for the beaches. 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 place to visit. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to New Zealand, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Auckland, 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 Christchurch and Porto, we can see that Porto is more expensive. And not only is Christchurch much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Christchurch is in Pacific and Porto is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Christchurch would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Christchurch 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 Porto would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Porto than you might in Christchurch.

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

Which is Bigger, Christchurch or Porto?

Christchurch has a larger population, and is about 46% larger than the population of Porto. When comparing the sizes of Christchurch 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 Christchurch or Porto?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Christchurch is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Porto has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Christchurch or Porto in the Summer?

Both Porto and Christchurch during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Christchurch this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Porto for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In January, Christchurch is generally cooler than Portoin July. Daily temperatures in Christchurch average around 18°C (64°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 Christchurch. In the summer, Christchurch often gets less sunshine than Portoin July. Christchurch gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Porto receives 308 hours of full sun.

Christchurch usually gets more rain in January than Portoin July. Christchurch gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Porto receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Christchurch or Porto in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Christchurch and Porto. Many travelers come to Christchurch for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Porto in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Christchurch is cooler than Porto in the autumn. The daily temperature in Christchurch averages around 12°C (54°F) in April, and Porto fluctuates around 17°C (62°F)in October.

Christchurch usually receives less sunshine than Porto during autumn. Christchurch gets 161 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 April, Christchurch usually receives less rain than Portoin October. Christchurch gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Porto receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Christchurch or Porto in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Christchurch as well as Porto. Many visitors come to Christchurch in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Porto for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Christchurch is much colder than Porto. Typically, the winter temperatures in Christchurch in July average around 6°C (43°F), and Porto averages at about 10°C (50°F)in January.

In the winter, Christchurch often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Portoin January. Christchurch gets 122 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Porto receives 124 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Porto. Christchurch usually gets less rain in July than Portoin January. Christchurch gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Porto receives 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Christchurch or Porto in the Spring?

Both Porto and Christchurch are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Christchurch for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Porto because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In October, Christchurch is generally cooler than Portoin April. Daily temperatures in Christchurch average around 12°C (54°F), and Porto fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

It's quite sunny in Porto. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Christchurch. Christchurch usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Porto during spring. Christchurch gets 204 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 October, Christchurch usually receives less rain than Portoin April. Christchurch 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 Christchurch