A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Faro vs. Bath for Couples, Nightlife, Old Town, and Food

Should you visit Faro or Bath?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Faro or Bath, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Faro

Faro is a popular, busy, and active resort town. Other reasons to visit include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Bath

Bath is a charming, historical, and beautiful spa town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Faro and Bath: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Faro or Bath?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Bath. Although Faro and Bath are both popular with visitors, Bath has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Bath is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Faro is known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Faro is popular for its historical sights and rich culture. Bath is popular for its world-renowned Roman built baths as well as its historical architecture and many museums. It is also home to The Historic Roman Baths.

The Historic Roman Baths

How is Faro different from Bath?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Faro or Bath?

Bath is a must-visit destination for its historical sights. However, Faro does not have museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Bath from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The main draw to Bath is the rich history and most sights are focused on the area's spa city past. The Roman Baths are a highlight of a trip to the city, but other not to be missed places include Bath Abbey, the Royal Crescent, and Pulteney Bridge.

Faro does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Faro or Bath? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bath is a nice place to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Faro is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Bath. Sample afternoon tea or try some local fish and chips. There are a diversity of restaurants to choose from so it's easy to find local favorites, vegetarian options, or international cuisine.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Faro. It has become a major tourist town, so you have to get a bit creative to find a more traditional restaurant. Look for fresh seafood like cod, monkfish, or shellfish if you want some local flavors.

Is Faro or Bath Better for Nightlife?

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

Faro has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The city's bustling party scene thrives along Rua de São Pedro, Rua Conselheiro Bívar, and Rua do Prior.

Bath has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Head to George Street, which is the liveliest part of the city at night. You'll find a mix of high end restaurants, pubs, and cocktail bars that keep the energy high. One of the most popular nightlife venues in Bath is Bath Komedia, which is a popular music and comedy club.

Is Faro or Bath Better for Resorts?

Faro is an unbeatable place for its luxury resorts. However, Bath is not a resort destination.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Faro is a perfect choice. Popular resorts include Vila Vita Parc Resort and Spa, Conrad Algarve, and Tivoli Carvoeiro.

Bath is not a resort destination.

Is Faro or Bath Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Faro is very good for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Bath is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Faro. There are both snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities in the area. It's possible to snorkel off of several beaches or arrange a scuba diving excursion with a local dive shop.

Bath is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Faro or Bath Better for Beaches?

Faro is very good for its beaches. However, Bath is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Faro to enjoy the beach. The most popular beach in the area is Faro Beach. It can get crowded during the summer months but if you walk a bit you can often get away from the crowds. To reach the beach you'll need a car or you can take the bus as the beach is about 10 km away.

Bath is not a beach destination.

Is Faro or Bath Better for its Old Town?

Bath is great for its historic old town. Also, Faro is not as popular, but is still a nice resort town for its old town.

Many visitors go to Bath to see the historical old town. The Roman old town has charming streets and a vibrant environment. On pleasant weekends you'll find tourists and locals alike filling the restaurants and town squares, giving the city an energy and lively atmosphere.

Many people head to Faro to see the old town. You'll find historic buildings and cobblestone streets in the old town. It's a nice place to explore, grab a bite to eat, and do a little shopping.

Is the Shopping Better in Faro or Bath?

Bath is great for shopping. Also, Faro is not as popular, but is still a nice resort town for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Bath. Head to Stall Street and Union Street for the most popular shopping streets in town. Many visitors pick up jewelry, glass, and fudge or other sweets while exploring the area.

Faro offers some nice shopping areas. The town isn't as big as some others, so it's shopping scene isn't as comprehensive, but you will find the major brands as well as souvenir shops to peruse when you need a break from the beach.

Is Faro or Bath Better for Families?

Bath is a nice place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. However, Faro is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

Bath offers lots of family activities. The city is all about history and architecture, so at times it can be challenging for the kids to stay entertained. For a change of pace, take a boat on the canal or explore one of the beautiful gardens.

Faro is not the most family-friendly destination. There are some nice nature reserves in the area so kids who love wildlife will enjoy a visit.

Is Faro or Bath Better for Couples?

Bath is a must-visit destination for romance. Also, Faro is not as popular, but is still a nice resort town for its romantic activities.

Bath has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. With its beautiful architecture and fascinating history, this city is perfect for couples. Take a canal cruise or wander through the scenic areas to enjoy a romantic trip.

Faro makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With the beautiful natural areas and historic old town, this seaport makes a nice couples vacation.

Is Faro or Bath Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Faro and Bath are good places to visit.

It's common for backpackers to visit Faro. The are some good hostels in the area, but it's a bit tricky to get around without a car.

Bath is a good resort town to visit for backpackers. You'll find a surprising number of hostels around town so it's not hard to meet other backpackers while you're in the area.

Is Faro or Bath Better for Students?

Bath is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Faro is not popular with students.

Bath is a great spa town to visit as a student. The University of Bath offers a number of different programs so this is a popular city for local and international students.

Faro is not popular with students.

Is Faro or Bath Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Faro and Bath both offer good public transit to get you around.

While Faro offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses that connect the city to the beach, the airport, and other outlying areas.

Bath has a few public transit options. You likely won't need public transit because it's easy to walk most places, but there are buses around town.

Is Faro or Bath a more walkable city?

Bath is a must-visit destination for its walkability. Also, Faro is not as popular, but is still a nice resort town for its high level of walkability.

Bath is a very easy spa town to get around on foot. It is a very walkable city with most sights and activities packed into a very compact area. There are also many pedestrian areas that are easy to explore on foot.

Faro is a somewhat walkable place. The city's old town is particularly walkable.

For even more information, also check out Is Faro Worth Visiting? and Is Bath Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bath or Faro?

How long in Faro or Bath?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Faro and Bath. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Faro than in Bath. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Faro, and 1-3 days is enough time in Bath.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bath than Faro 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 Bath.

One day in Faro or Bath?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Faro. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Bath. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Faro or Bath?

Faro is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Bath is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the museums. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Faro or Bath?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the busy destination of Faro. This resort town offers something for everyone. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historical destination of Bath. This spa town offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Faro or Bath?

The busy resort town of Faro offers shopping and nightlife. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

The charming spa town of Bath offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Kingdom, and The Best 3-Day Tours in United Kingdom.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Faro and Bath, we can see that Bath is more expensive. And not only is Faro much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Faro would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Faro 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 Bath would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bath than you might in Faro.

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

Which is Bigger, Faro or Bath?

Bath has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Faro. When comparing the sizes of Faro and Bath, 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.