A Travel Price Comparison for Portugal Faro vs. Porto for Food, Backpackers, Nightlife, and Old Town

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Should you visit Faro or Porto?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Faro or Porto, 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 shopping, nightlife, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Porto

Porto is a dynamic, historic, and cultural 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. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

How is Faro different from Porto?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Is Faro or Porto better for Food?

Foodies will appreciated the dining options available in Porto a bit more than Faro.

Known for it's food scene, Porto is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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.

Faro offers some easy restaurants to choose from. 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 Porto better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is comparable in Faro and Porto.

Many people head to Faro for the nightlife scene. The city's bustling party scene thrives along Rua de São Pedro, Rua Conselheiro Bívar, and Rua do Prior.

The nightlife in Porto has something for everybody. 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 Faro or Porto better for its Old Town?

Faro and Porto both have historical old towns that attract visitors.

Faro is a good destination for visiting its 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.

There is a nice variety of sights 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 Faro or Porto better for Shopping?

If you're looking to go shopping, Faro and Porto both offer plenty of spots.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Faro. 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Porto. The city has both your standard shopping mall stores as well as local vendors and boutique shops.

Is Faro or Porto better for Families?

Families will find a wider variety of activities in Porto than Faro.

Porto is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

For families, Faro is not always the best place to visit. There are some nice nature reserves in the area so kids who love wildlife will enjoy a visit.


Is Faro or Porto better for Couples?

Faro and Porto are both fun to visit as a couple.

Faro is a nice destination for couples. With the beautiful natural areas and historic old town, this seaport makes a nice couples vacation.

Porto is a great resort town if you're traveling as a couple. You can visit the palaces, enjoy shopping, or dine in a nice Portuguese restaurant. The area is also famous for its wine, so the city has plenty for couples to do on a romantic getaway.

Is Faro or Porto better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Travelers usually think of Porto as a better destination for backpackers than Faro.

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.

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.

Is Faro or Porto better for Public Transit?

Faro and Porto both offer 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.

While Porto offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. 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 Faro or Porto a more walkable city?

Faro and Porto are similar when it comes to walkability.

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

Porto is somewhat walkable. 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.


Faro and Porto: Pros and Cons

Faro
Pros
  • Good for couples and romance
Cons
  • Less popular for food
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers
Porto
Pros
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Big city activities
  • Impressive beauty


Should I spend more time in Porto or Faro?

How long in Faro or Porto?

In either Faro or Porto, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. You can fill a similar amount of time in either place.

The ideal length of time for a trip to Faro is 2-5 days, and the ideal length of time for a trip to Porto is 2-5 days.


  • How many days in Faro or Porto? Ideal Length of Stay
    Faro 2-5 
    Porto 2-5

One day in Faro or Porto?

In Faro, many people enjoy the nightlife and scuba diving and snorkeling that this active destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This resort town 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.

Porto is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered around the area. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Faro or Porto?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Faro. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. 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. Most people visit for the food. 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 spend here. The entire area has lots to do.

Five days in Faro or Porto?

Faro is a fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Porto is a cultural big city where you can fill many days. This port city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Plenty of people spend five days here when traveling. Five days is often enough time to spend here.

A week in Faro or Porto?

You'll find nightlife and scuba diving and snorkeling around the busy destination of Faro. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered around the area. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

The historic port city of Porto 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.

Which city is cheaper, Porto or Faro?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Faro is €107, while the average daily cost in Porto is €100. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Faro and Porto in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Faro €60
    Porto €52
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Faro €120
    Porto €104

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Faro €7.62
    Porto €16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Faro

Also for Faro, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from Faro (FAO) Airport to Braga: $1,769
  • Private Transfer from Faro (FAO) Airport to Madrid: $1,407
  • Private Transfer from Faro (FAO) Airport to Sierra Nevada: $1,061
  • Private Transfer from Faro (FAO) Airport to Málaga: $909
  • Private Transfer from Faro (FAO) Airport to Cádiz: $761
  • Chauffeur ALGARVE ALL CITIES Private Transfer to LISBON (1 to 8 passengers): $498
  • Chauffeur ALGARVE ALL CITIES Private Transfer to SEVILLE (5 to 8 passengers): $498
  • Private Transfer Lisbon - Eastern Algarve: $460
  • Faro Airport Private Transfer to SEVILLE (5 to 8 passengers): $440
  • Private Transfer Lisbon - Pine Cliffs Algarve (5 to 8 passangers): $435
  • Chauffeur ALGARVE ALL CITIES Private Transfer to SEVILLE (1 to 4 passengers): $435
  • Private Transfer from Faro (FAO) Airport to Lisbon: $424

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Porto

Also for Porto, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private and exclusive transfer Porto to Faro (vice versa): $1,148
  • Minivan transfer Lisbon to Porto: $914
  • Transfer Porto - Up to 7 People: $871
  • Lisbon to Porto Private Transfer: $846
  • Transfer Porto - Up to 3 People: $746
  • Transfer Tour Between Lisbon and Porto: $743
  • Porto to/from Lisbon Private Transfer With Stops Aveiro, Coimbra, Fátima, Óbidos: $709
  • Private and exclusive transfer Porto to Lisboa (vice versa): $641
  • Transfer Porto / Lisboa or Lisboa / Porto with Tour: $608
  • Transfer Porto | Lisbon or Lisbon | Porto: $597
  • Private and exclusive transfer Porto to Compostela (vice versa): $574
  • Hassle-Free transfer from Porto to Lisbon: $504

Is it cheaper to fly into Faro or Porto?

Prices for flights to both Porto and Faro change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Faro €29
    Porto €29

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Porto

For Porto, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Pastel de Nata Cooking Class with Grandma's Recipe: $23
  • Traditional Portuguese sweets cooking class: $30
  • Pastel de Nata cooking class in Porto: $30
  • Authentic Porto Food Tour & Market Experience for private groups: $61
  • Private Food Tour – 10 Tastings with Locals: $65
  • Half-Day Brunch Food Tour in Porto: $66
  • Half-Day Food Tour: $68
  • Craft Beer & Food Tour: $73
  • Withlocals The 10 Tastings: Porto Private Food Tour: $73
  • 3-Hour Porto by Night Tour with Fado Show & Dinner: $74
  • Half-Day Porto Walking Food Tour and Tasting for Small-Group: $75
  • Withlocals Your Way: Porto 100% Personalised Private Food Tour: $77

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Faro €7.53
    Porto €20

Tours and Activities in Faro

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Faro.

  • 3 Days in BMW R nineT Scrambler Tour: $523
  • 7 Fountains Walking Tour from Faro: $118
  • 7-Day Off The Beaten Track Algarve Walk Tour: $2,687
  • 8 Days Tour - North & South of Portugal: $1,896
  • Albufeira: MiniGolf Adventure Park Entry Ticket: $11
  • Algarve Beauties cave Tour - Benagil cave and Marinha beach from Faro: $64
  • Algarve Dolphin Watching & Marine Life Eco Tour: $56
  • Algarve Private & CustomTour: $93
  • Algarve Tour: $435
  • Algarve: 2-Hour Ria Formosa Kayak Tour from Faro: $57
  • Amoreira River Kayak Tour: $50
  • Amoreira River Stand Up Paddle Tour: $50

Tours and Activities in Porto

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Porto.

  • 2-Hours of Porto Sunset Segway Tour - Guided Experience: $58
  • 3-Hour Best of Porto Segway Tour - Guided Experience: $61
  • 3-Hour Electric Porto Bike Tour: $51
  • 3-Hour Guided Walking Tour of Porto: $31
  • 3-Hour Porto Bike Tour: $44
  • 3-Hour Walking Tour: Tiles of Porto: $34
  • 3-Hour of Porto Highlights on a Electric Bike - Guided Tour: $45
  • 4 hour Cultural Walking Tour and Fado Show: $51
  • 5 Food & Wine Houses Walking Tour: $80
  • 6-Day North Portugal Tour: Porto, Braga, Fátima, Coimbra, Guimaraes, Aveiro and Batalha, from Lisbon: $1,157
  • 7-Day The Way of St James Bike Tour- The Coast Path - Camino to Santiago: $2,011
  • Admission Ticket to Casa São Roque Art Center: $9.95

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Faro €2.50
    Porto €15

Sample the Local Flavors in Faro

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Faro:

  • Traditional Portuguese Guitar performance with Exhibition Museum & Wine Tasting: $21

Sample the Local Flavors in Porto

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Porto:

  • Magic Train Tour and Port Wine Tastings: $14
  • Cálem Cellar Tour, Interactive Museum & Wine Tasting: $16
  • Porto Hop-On Hop-Off Tour with Optional River Cruise and Wine Tasting: $19
  • Porto Pub Crawl with Unlimited beer: $19
  • Graham's Port Lodge Guided Tour and Wine Tasting: $19
  • Private Porto Secrets Walking Tour With free Port Wine Tasting: $21
  • 4-hour Guided Porto Pub Crawl including drinks: $22
  • Fun Discovery Walk in Porto's Centre: the most mysterious pub crawl: $23
  • Pub Crawl Porto: $24
  • Cálem Cellar Tour, Fado Show & Wine Tasting: $26
  • Authentic Oporto Walking Tour with Wine Tasting: $30
  • Graham's Port Lodge Tour with Wine Tasting & Pairings: $34

About these numbers

When comparing the travel costs between Faro and Porto, we can see that Faro is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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Faro vs. Porto Travel Comparison

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