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

Should you visit Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen 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.

Copenhagen

Copenhagen is a friendly, happy, and welcoming city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Porto

Porto is a cultural, cosmopolitan, and dynamic 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. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Copenhagen and Porto: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Copenhagen or Porto?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Porto than Copenhagen. While Copenhagen is larger than Porto, Porto has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Porto is very popular for its big city activities, while Copenhagen attracts visitors for its nightlife, shopping, and impressive beauty. Porto is more touristy than Copenhagen and is known for its authentic old town and the local port wine. It is also well known for Cais da Ribeira. Copenhagen is famous for its colorful buildings, beautiful canals, progressive policies, and happy population.

How is Copenhagen different from Porto?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Copenhagen and Porto.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Copenhagen. There are many sights and landmarks around town including Tivoli Gardens, Christiansborg Palace, Nyhavn Harbor, and The Round Tower. Some of the most popular museums are the National Museum of Denmark and the National Gallery of Denmark.

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.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at amazing restaurants in both Copenhagen and Porto.

Many restaurants in Copenhagen have been singled out for their culinary prowess. In recent years the celebrity food scene has put this city on the map. There are many Michelin star restaurants around town including the world famous Noma. But there's also a diversity of restaurants to choose from, ranging from elegant, award-winning options to cozy local eateries. Danish food includes a lot of pastries and sandwiches. Make sure you try a rød pølse, or local hot dog from one of the many stands around town.

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.

Is Copenhagen or Porto Better for Nightlife?

Copenhagen is very popular for nightlife. Also, Porto is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for nightlife and partying.

Copenhagen is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. The nightlife scene stays active until the early morning hours with many bars and clubs staying open until 5 or 6 in the morning. Some of the most popular areas for nightlife include Istedgade and EnghavePlads in Vesterbro, Sankt Hans Torv in Nørrebro and some areas around Frederiksberg.

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.

Is Copenhagen or Porto Better for its Old Town?

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

Copenhagen is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. Indre By is the oldest part of the city and where you'll find most of the sights and attractions. This is where most visitors stay and you'll find many great restaurants and activities to enjoy.

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 Copenhagen or Porto?

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

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Copenhagen. Design and style is notorious with Danish culture. You'll find many great local boutique or fashion design shops in town. Købmagergade is one of the busiest and most famous shopping streets in town, but you should also visit the street parallel to it, Pilestræde.

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

Is Copenhagen or Porto Better for Families?

Copenhagen 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.

Copenhagen is one of the most popular family destinations. The city almost feels like it was designed with kids in mind. There are countless playgrounds, beaches, and other kid-friendly places to explore. Also make sure you stop by Tivoli Gardens, which has rides and rollercoasters that everyone can enjoy. The city also has an aquarium, zoo, and even a deer park. The Little Mermaid statue may fascinate Disney lovers, and if you want to get out on the water there are boat tours through the canals.

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 Copenhagen or Porto Better for Couples?

Copenhagen is very popular for romance. Also, Porto is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its romantic activities.

For those traveling as a couple, Copenhagen has plenty to offer. The city is filled with a positive energy that will rejuvenate any couple. You can hire a bike or hop on a boat to explore town, or simply wander through the cobblestone streets. There are many parks and gardens to explore and culture lovers will appreciate the many museums.

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.

Is Copenhagen or Porto Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Porto is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Copenhagen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Porto is extremely popular for backpackers. By combining world-class activities with affordability, this city has become a popular stop off for backpackers in the area.

Copenhagen is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. While the city is expensive, there are still plenty of free things to do like simply wandering the neighborhoods. The city has a relaxed and friendly vibe that will almost make you forget all of the money you're spending.

Is Copenhagen or Porto Better for Students?

Both Copenhagen and Porto are superb destinations for students.

Students come from all over to stay in Copenhagen. The city has a reputation as the happiest in the world, and students are no exception. There are plenty of activities for students as well as a relaxed, yet productive, atmosphere. It's easy to explore the town on foot or by bike as well.

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.

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

Copenhagen is very popular for times when you don't have a car. Also, Porto is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its public transit.

Copenhagen has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. There are metros, s-trains, waterbuses, and regular buses available.

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.

Is Copenhagen or Porto a more walkable city?

Copenhagen is very popular for its walkability. Also, Porto is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its high level of walkability.

Copenhagen is a very easy city to get around on foot. It is compact enough to explore on foot, but there are also plenty of bikes available as well.

Porto is a very walkable 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 Copenhagen Worth Visiting? and Is Porto Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Porto or Copenhagen?

How long in Copenhagen or Porto?

In either Copenhagen or Porto, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Copenhagen has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Copenhagen than Porto. However, 2-5 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Couples should spend more time in Copenhagen than Porto. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Copenhagen that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

One day in Copenhagen or Porto?

In Copenhagen, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this happy destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

When visiting Porto, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Copenhagen or Porto?

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

When visiting Porto, people usually allow for lots of time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the food. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this port city.

Five days in Copenhagen or Porto?

Copenhagen is a fun place to experience. In Copenhagen, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. 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.

Porto, a popular port city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Visiting the old town is also a must. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this port city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Copenhagen or Porto?

You'll find food and shopping around the relaxed destination of Copenhagen. 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.

Porto is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the food. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

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

Which is Bigger, Copenhagen or Porto?

Copenhagen has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Porto. When comparing the sizes of Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen or Porto?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Copenhagen or Porto in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Copenhagen and Porto. Many visitors come to Copenhagen in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Porto for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Copenhagen is generally cooler than Porto. Daily temperatures in Copenhagen average around 17°C (63°F), and Porto fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

In July, Copenhagen usually receives more rain than Porto. Copenhagen gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Porto receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Copenhagen or Porto in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Copenhagen as well as Porto. Most visitors come to Copenhagen for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Additionally, 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.

Copenhagen is much colder than Porto in the autumn. The daily temperature in Copenhagen averages around 10°C (50°F) in October, and Porto fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

It's quite rainy in Porto. Copenhagen usually gets less rain in October than Porto. Copenhagen gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Porto receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Copenhagen or Porto in the Winter?

Both Porto and Copenhagen are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Copenhagen 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.

The weather in Copenhagen can be very cold. In the winter, Copenhagen is much colder than Porto. Typically, the winter temperatures in Copenhagen in January average around 1°C (33°F), and Porto averages at about 10°C (50°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Porto. In January, Copenhagen usually receives less rain than Porto. Copenhagen gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Porto receives 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Copenhagen or Porto in the Spring?

Both Porto and Copenhagen during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Copenhagen this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Porto for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Copenhagen is generally much colder than Porto. Daily temperatures in Copenhagen average around 7°C (45°F), and Porto fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

Porto gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Copenhagen usually gets less rain in April than Porto. Copenhagen gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Porto receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Porto and Copenhagen