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

Should you visit Interlaken or Porto?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Interlaken and Porto can help you decide which place is right for you.

Interlaken

Interlaken is a breathtaking, world-class, and stunning town. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. Other reasons to visit include skiing, food, and hiking.

Porto

Porto is a cultural, cosmopolitan, and dynamic 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 food, shopping, and museums.

Interlaken and Porto: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Interlaken or Porto?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Porto. Although Interlaken and Porto are both popular with visitors, Porto has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Porto is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Interlaken is known for its skiing, hiking, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Interlaken is more touristy than Porto and is known for its adventure sports, alpine setting, and beautiful lakes. Porto is popular for its authentic old town and the local port wine. It is also home to Cais da Ribeira.

How is Interlaken different from Porto?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Interlaken or Porto Better for Skiing?

Interlaken is very good for skiing. However, Porto is not a skiing destination.

Interlaken is a great destination for skiing with plenty areas to explore. While the city itself has no skiing, there is access to several ski areas in Jungfrau. There are several different resorts in the area near Grindelwald, Wengen, and Mürren. You'll need to take a train or ski bus to get most places.

Porto is not a skiing destination.

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

Porto is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Interlaken does not have museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to Porto specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

Interlaken does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

Porto has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Interlaken. Restaurants in the area serve local classics like fondue, local meats, cheeses, and chocolate. You can finish your meal off with strudel or head to a local bakery and try their samplings. Meals are expensive but the quality is good. You should also out into the countryside and enjoy a meal looking out over the mountains.

Is Interlaken or Porto Better for Nightlife?

Porto is an excellent place to visit for nightlife. However, Interlaken is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Porto has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. This city comes to life in the evening, particularly on weekends when locals and tourists alike flock to the many bars, restaurants, and nightclubs.

Interlaken is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Interlaken or Porto Better for its Old Town?

Porto is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town. However, Interlaken does not have a historic old town.

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.

Interlaken does not have a historic old town.

Is Interlaken or Porto Better for Hiking?

Interlaken is very popular for hiking. However, Porto is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Interlaken specifically for its hiking. Hikes in the area range from easy to challenging with every option in between. You can experience beautiful waterfalls, breathtaking views, and dramatic ridge hikes. Several of the best hikes in the area include Schynige Platte Ridge Trail, Mt Niesen Panorama Trail, and Giessbach Waterfalls.

Porto is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Interlaken or Porto?

Porto is very good for shopping. However, Interlaken is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Interlaken is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Interlaken or Porto Better for Families?

Interlaken 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.

Interlaken is one of the most popular family destinations. While the city is beautiful, it's really the surrounding areas that you and your family will enjoy. There are amazing hikes, stunning views, playgrounds, lakes, and more. There's also an impressive ropes course that adventurous kids will love, funiculars, gondolas, and so many water sports!

Porto is a very kid-friendly town. 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 Interlaken or Porto Better for Couples?

Interlaken 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, Interlaken has plenty to offer. The mountaintop views, breathtaking hikes, and beautiful lakes make this a top destination for couples. Make sure you head out of town and fully immerse yourself in everything that the area has to offer. Kayaking, canoeing, paragliding, and more will make this a trip of a lifetime.

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 Interlaken or Porto Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Porto is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Interlaken is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent 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 Interlaken. It's a world class destination with so many activities that backpackers will love, but it's also one of the most expensive areas in one of the most expensive countries. There are hostels in town as well as a few in the nearby towns and countryside, but prices are steep. Cook when you can and enjoy all of the free activities that the area has to offer.

Is Interlaken or Porto Better for Students?

Porto is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Interlaken is not popular with students.

Porto is very popular with students. The city has a number of good research programs and study abroad opportunities that attract international students from around the world.

Interlaken is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find very good public transit in both Interlaken and Porto.

Public transit in Interlaken is fairly effecient and thorough. Buses travel around town, but to get into the mountains there are trains, cog railways, funiculars, and gondolas.

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 Interlaken or Porto a more walkable city?

Porto is an excellent place to visit for its walkability. Also, Interlaken is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

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.

Interlaken is a somewhat walkable place. The old town is relatively walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Porto or Interlaken?

How long in Interlaken or Porto?

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

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

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

In Interlaken, many people enjoy the skiing and food that this adventurous destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Lots of people come for the hiking. This 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.

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 Interlaken or Porto?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Interlaken. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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 Interlaken or Porto?

Interlaken is a fun place to experience. In Interlaken, many people enjoy the skiing and food that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the hiking. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Interlaken or Porto?

You'll find food and skiing around the adventurous destination of Interlaken. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the hiking. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Geneva, The Best 10-Day Tours from Zurich, 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 Interlaken and Porto, we can see that Interlaken 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 Interlaken would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Interlaken 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 Interlaken Expensive? and Is Porto Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Interlaken or Porto?

Porto has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Interlaken. When comparing the sizes of Interlaken 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 Interlaken 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 Interlaken or Porto in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Interlaken and Porto. The summer months attract visitors to Interlaken because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Porto this time of year.

Interlaken is around the same temperature as Porto in the summer. The daily temperature in Interlaken averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Porto fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Porto this time of the year. In Interlaken, it's very sunny this time of the year. Interlaken usually receives less sunshine than Porto during summer. Interlaken gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Porto receives 308 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Interlaken usually receives more rain than Porto. Interlaken gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Porto receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Interlaken or Porto in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Interlaken as well as Porto. The hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Interlaken this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Porto for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Interlaken is cooler than Porto. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Interlaken in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Porto averages at about 17°C (62°F).

In the autumn, Interlaken often gets less sunshine than Porto. Interlaken gets 120 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Porto receives 184 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Porto. Interlaken usually gets less rain in October than Porto. Interlaken gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Porto receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Interlaken or Porto in the Winter?

Both Porto and Interlaken are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Interlaken for the skiing and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Porto in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Interlaken. In January, Interlaken is generally much colder than Porto. Daily temperatures in Interlaken average around 3°C (37°F), and Porto fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Interlaken usually receives less sunshine than Porto during winter. Interlaken gets 55 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, Interlaken usually receives less rain than Porto. Interlaken gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Porto receives 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Interlaken or Porto in the Spring?

Both Porto and Interlaken during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Interlaken in the spring for the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Porto for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

Interlaken is cooler than Porto in the spring. The daily temperature in Interlaken averages around 12°C (53°F) in April, and Porto fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

In Porto, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Interlaken often gets less sunshine than Porto. Interlaken gets 150 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. Interlaken usually gets less rain in April than Porto. Interlaken gets 79 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 Interlaken