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

Should you visit Glasgow or Porto?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Glasgow 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.

Glasgow

Glasgow is a high energy, friendly, and cultural city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Porto

Porto is a dynamic, historic, and cultural port city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Glasgow and Porto: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Glasgow or Porto?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Porto than Glasgow. While Glasgow is larger than Porto, Porto has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Porto is better known for its food, historical sights, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Glasgow is more popular for its nightlife and music. Porto is more touristy than Glasgow and is known for its authentic old town and the local port wine. Also, Porto is famous for Cais da Ribeira. Glasgow is well known for its rich culture, its beautiful Victorian and art nouveau architecture, and its large student population.

How is Glasgow different from Porto?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

You'll find a number of excellent museums and attractions in both Porto and Glasgow.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Glasgow can be an interesting and educational experience. The city is rich in culture and offers many fascinating sights including the Glasgow Cathedral, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, and the Necropolis.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into 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 Glasgow or Porto? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Porto is a must-visit destination for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Glasgow is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant 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. There are plenty of cellar tours as well was waterfront seafood restaurants to choose from.

Glasgow offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The city's food scene continues to grow and innovate. You'll find plenty of seafood options as well as international cuisine and everything from fine dining to local cafes.

Is Glasgow or Porto Better for Nightlife?

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

Glasgow is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. The city has some of the best nightlife in the entire country. There are clubs, bars, techno warehouses and more. Some of the best clubs include Sub Club, The Berkeley Suite, and The Garage.

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 Glasgow or Porto Better for Music?

Glasgow is very popular for live music. However, Porto is not a live music destination.

Glasgow is known as a music capital around the world. Known to some as "the city of music", you'll find a wide range of music venues, live shows, festivals, and even a great underground music scene.

Porto is not a live music destination.

Is Glasgow or Porto Better for its Old Town?

Porto is great for its historic old town charm. Also, Glasgow is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its historic old town.

Many visitors go to Porto to see the historical old town. 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.

Many visitors go to Glasgow to see the historical old town. High Street is one of the oldest and most well known streets in the city.

Is the Shopping Better in Glasgow or Porto?

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

Glasgow has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The city has independent boutique shops as well as major brands. Head to the "Style Mile" for some of the best shopping. It's a district that offers pedestrian-friendly shopping and includes high end boutiques and independent markets. Also check out The Barras Market, Buchanan Street, and High Street.

Porto is a great destination for shopping. The city has both your standard shopping mall stores as well as local vendors and boutique shops.

Is Glasgow or Porto Better for Families?

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

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Porto. 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.

Glasgow is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has some family-friendly museums including the hands on The Burrell Collection, the Glasgow Science Center, and The Riverside Museum. If you have older kids who enjoy the water, there are some water activities in town. Check out Pinkston Watersports, Glasgow Wake Park or Outdoor Pursuits. There are also climbing gyms and skate parks.

Is Glasgow or Porto Better for Couples?

Porto is great for couples. Also, Glasgow is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Porto is a great port 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.

Glasgow is a nice destination for couples. Couples can enjoy a museum or one of the parks around town. There are also river cruises and spas. For a more locally specific activity, check out the Bothwell Castle.

Is Glasgow or Porto Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Porto is a must-visit destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Glasgow is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Porto, as it is a very popular port city for budget travelers. By combining world-class activities with affordability, this city has become a popular stop off for backpackers in the area.

Glasgow is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a good number of hostels around town as well as a good social scene, making this a decent option for backpackers.

Is Glasgow or Porto Better for Students?

For students, both Glasgow and Porto are excellent places to visit.

Glasgow is a great city to visit as a student. The city has the second largest student population in the UK, so you'll find plenty of students to hang out with.

Students come from all over to stay in Porto. The city has a number of good research programs and study abroad opportunities that attract international students from around the world.

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

Glasgow and Porto both offer excellent public transit to get you around.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Glasgow. The subway is convenient in the city center, west end, and southside. There are also buses throughout the city.

Public transit in Porto is fairly effecient and thorough. 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 Glasgow or Porto a more walkable city?

Glasgow and Porto are excellent when it comes to walkability.

Glasgow is a very walkable destination. The city center is generally walkable and can be explored on foot.

Porto is very 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.

For even more information, also check out Is Glasgow Worth Visiting? and Is Porto Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Porto or Glasgow?

How long in Glasgow or Porto?

In either Glasgow or Porto, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Porto than Glasgow because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Glasgow, and 2-5 days is enough time in Porto.

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

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

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

In Glasgow, many people enjoy the live music and food that this historic destination offers. 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.

Because Porto is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This port city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Glasgow or Porto?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Glasgow. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. 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.

Because Porto is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. One reason most visitors come is for the food. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Porto has to offer.

Five days in Glasgow or Porto?

Glasgow is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Glasgow. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Porto is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Porto has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Glasgow or Porto?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the cultural destination of Glasgow. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Porto. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Porto. One reason most visitors come is for the food. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United Kingdom, 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 Glasgow and Porto, we can see that Glasgow 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 Glasgow would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Glasgow 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 Glasgow Expensive? and Is Porto Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Glasgow or Porto?

Glasgow has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Porto. When comparing the sizes of Glasgow 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 Glasgow 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 Glasgow or Porto in the Summer?

Both Porto and Glasgow are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Glasgow for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Porto because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Glasgow is cooler than Porto. Typically, the summer temperatures in Glasgow in July average around 15°C (59°F), and Porto averages at about 21°C (69°F).

It's quite sunny in Porto. Glasgow usually receives less sunshine than Porto during summer. Glasgow gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Porto receives 308 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Glasgow usually receives more rain than Porto. Glasgow gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Porto receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Glasgow or Porto in the Autumn?

Both Porto and Glasgow during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Glasgow because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Furthermore, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Porto this time of year.

In October, Glasgow is generally much colder than Porto. Daily temperatures in Glasgow average around 10°C (49°F), and Porto fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

In the autumn, Glasgow often gets less sunshine than Porto. Glasgow gets 69 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Porto receives 184 hours of full sun.

Porto gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Glasgow. Glasgow usually gets more rain in October than Porto. Glasgow gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Porto receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Glasgow or Porto in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Glasgow and Porto. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Glasgow this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Porto for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Glasgow in the winter. Glasgow is much colder than Porto in the winter. The daily temperature in Glasgow averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Porto fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Glasgow usually receives less sunshine than Porto during winter. Glasgow gets 40 hours of sunny skies, while Porto receives 124 hours of full sun in the winter.

Porto receives a lot of rain in the winter. Glasgow gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Glasgow usually receives around the same amount of rain as Porto. Glasgow gets 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Porto receives 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Glasgow or Porto in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Glasgow as well as Porto. Many travelers come to Glasgow for the activities around the city. Additionally, many visitors come to Porto in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Glasgow is much colder than Porto. Typically, the spring temperatures in Glasgow in April average around 7°C (45°F), and Porto averages at about 14°C (56°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Porto. In the spring, Glasgow often gets less sunshine than Porto. Glasgow gets 134 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Porto receives 217 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Porto. Glasgow usually gets less rain in April than Porto. Glasgow gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Porto receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Porto and Glasgow