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

Should you visit Helsinki 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 Helsinki 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.

Helsinki

Helsinki is a waterfront, active, and nature-focused city. 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.

Helsinki and Porto: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Helsinki or Porto?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Porto than Helsinki. While Helsinki is larger than Porto, Porto has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Porto is very popular for its food, nightlife, historical sights, and big city activities, while Helsinki attracts visitors for its shopping and impressive beauty. Porto is more touristy than Helsinki and is known for its authentic old town and the local port wine. It is also well known for Cais da Ribeira. Helsinki is famous for its rich culture that includes traditional elements as well as an active subculture scene.

How is Helsinki different from Porto?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Helsinki. Many of the city's sights and attractions center around nature and the water. Major hightlights of the city include the Fortress of Sveaborg, Seurasaari open-Air Museum, and Temppeliaukio Rock Church. The city is also home to The National Museum of Finland.

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 Helsinki or Porto? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Porto is a world-class destination for its restaurants. Also, Helsinki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Many restaurants in Porto have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Helsinki area. Food in town is all about local flavors and simple ingredients. The dishes let the flavor speak for itself without fancy cooking techniques or complex flavor combinations. Many of the restaurants are locally sourced with traditional ingredients. You'll find a lot of seafood, herring, grilled sausages, pancakes, and desserts.

Is Helsinki or Porto Better for Nightlife?

Porto is a very popular place for nightlife and partying. Also, Helsinki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Porto has a large number of nightlife venues. This city comes to life in the evening, particularly on weekends when locals and tourists alike flock to the many bars, restaurants, and nightclubs.

Helsinki has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The nightlife scene is at its best on weekends when the city center comes to life with parties, dance clubs, and student activities. Many of the best clubs and bars are concentrated in the city center. Weekends are a bit calmer and things quiet down a lot.

Is Helsinki or Porto Better for its Old Town?

Porto is a very popular place for its old town. However, Helsinki does not have a historic old town.

Porto is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. 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.

Helsinki does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Helsinki or Porto?

Helsinki 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 Helsinki. The city is great for shopping, with many brands focused on sustainability. There are local boutiques as well as name brands. Flea markets and vintage shops are also popular.

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

Is Helsinki or Porto Better for Families?

Both Helsinki and Porto are superb to visit with kids.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Helsinki is very family-friendly. The coastal setting offers many activities that kids and adults alike will enjoy. This capital city has a calm atmosphere with plenty of parkland to explore. The shoreline is dotted by islands where you'll also find a zoo and a fort. Kids will also enjoy exploring the islands by boat.

Porto is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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 Helsinki or Porto Better for Couples?

Both Helsinki and Porto are superb destinations for a couple's getaway.

Helsinki makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city's many parks offer the perfect setting for a picnic or a walk. There are also botanical gardens, evening boat rides, and saunas that will help you enjoy a romantic trip away.

Couples visit Porto frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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 Helsinki or Porto Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Porto is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Helsinki 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Helsinki. With its active nightlife scene, vibrant atmosphere, and inclusive personality, this city is a fun place for backpackers, but you should expect to pay a premium for the experience. Many backpackers avoid the city because they have heard how expensive it is. There are a few hostels around that will help you keep costs a bit more manageable.

Is Helsinki or Porto Better for Students?

Both Helsinki and Porto are superb destinations for students.

Students come from all over to stay in Helsinki. The city has an active student life with plenty of culture and nature. It's active nightlife scene and beautiful natural areas make it a wonderful place to study.

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

Visitors will find superb public transit in both Helsinki and Porto.

The public transit in Helsinki can get you around easily. Transit options include bus, tram, metro, commuter train and ferry services.

Porto offers a very effecient public transportation network. 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 Helsinki or Porto a more walkable city?

Porto is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. Also, Helsinki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

Porto is a very walkable port 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.

Helsinki is a somewhat walkable city. Many neighborhoods are easy to explore on foot. The air is also clean and the setting is refreshing.

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

Should I spend more time in Porto or Helsinki?

How long in Helsinki or Porto?

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

Families should spend more time in Porto than Helsinki. 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 Helsinki. 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 Helsinki 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 Helsinki or Porto?

In Helsinki, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this coastal 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.

Porto is a big city with plenty to do. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Helsinki or Porto?

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

Porto is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this port city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Porto, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Helsinki or Porto?

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

Porto is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Porto, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Helsinki or Porto?

You'll find food and shopping around the active destination of Helsinki. 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 great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This port city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Finland, The Best Tours for Seniors to Finland, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Portugal, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Portugal.

When comparing the travel costs between Helsinki and Porto, we can see that Helsinki 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.

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

Which is Bigger, Helsinki or Porto?

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

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

In July, Helsinki is generally cooler than Porto. Daily temperatures in Helsinki average around 17°C (62°F), and Porto fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Porto this time of the year. In Helsinki, it's very sunny this time of the year. Helsinki usually receives less sunshine than Porto during summer. Helsinki gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Porto receives 308 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Helsinki usually receives more rain than Porto. Helsinki gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Porto receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Helsinki or Porto in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Helsinki as well as Porto. Most visitors come to Helsinki for 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.

Helsinki is much colder than Porto in the autumn. The daily temperature in Helsinki averages around 6°C (42°F) in October, and Porto fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

In the autumn, Helsinki often gets less sunshine than Porto. Helsinki gets 90 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Porto receives 184 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Porto. Helsinki usually gets less rain in October than Porto. Helsinki gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Porto receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Helsinki or Porto in the Winter?

Both Porto and Helsinki are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Helsinki 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 Helsinki can be very cold. In the winter, Helsinki is much colder than Porto. Typically, the winter temperatures in Helsinki in January average around -6°C (21°F), and Porto averages at about 10°C (50°F).

Helsinki usually receives less sunshine than Porto during winter. Helsinki gets 39 hours of sunny skies, while Porto receives 124 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Porto. In January, Helsinki usually receives less rain than Porto. Helsinki gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Porto receives 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Helsinki or Porto in the Spring?

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

It's quite cold in Helsinki in the spring. In April, Helsinki is generally much colder than Porto. Daily temperatures in Helsinki average around 3°C (37°F), and Porto fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

In Porto, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Helsinki often gets less sunshine than Porto. Helsinki gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Porto receives 217 hours of full sun.

Porto gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Helsinki usually gets less rain in April than Porto. Helsinki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Porto receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Porto and Helsinki