A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Lillehammer vs. Portofino for Couples, Food, Nightlife, and Hiking

Should you visit Lillehammer or Portofino?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Lillehammer or Portofino, 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.

Lillehammer

Lillehammer is a natural, adventure-filled, and sporty city. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and skiing.

Portofino

Portofino is a luxurious, glamorous, and picturesque seaside village. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. It's also known for shopping, nightlife, and food.

Lillehammer and Portofino: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lillehammer or Portofino?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Portofino. Although Lillehammer and Portofino are popular destinations, Portofino has more sights and attractions for tourists. Portofino is very popular for its nightlife, resorts, beaches, historical sights, shopping, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Lillehammer attracts visitors for its skiing and museums. Portofino is more touristy than Lillehammer and is known for its picturesque harbor, high end shopping, strikingly blue waters, and popularity with superyachts. It is also well known for its scenic harbor. Lillehammer is famous for its winter sports and role as host for the 1994 Winter Olympics.

Its scenic harbor

How is Lillehammer different from Portofino?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Lillehammer or Portofino Better for Skiing?

Lillehammer is notable for snow skiing. However, Portofino is not a skiing destination.

People head to Lillehammer specifically to take advantage of the area's skiing and winter sports. There is both downhill skiing and cross country skiing in the area. There are five alpine centers that offer skiing for everyone from beginners to the world's elite. There are also 2,300 kilometers of cross country ski trails. The region is known for its long and reliable winter with great ski conditions.

Portofino is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Lillehammer or Portofino?

Lillehammer is a popular place for its sights and museums. However, Portofino is a mediocre seaside village for its museums and history.

Lillehammer offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are a number of sights that are related to the city's role as host of the 1994 Olympics. Check out the Norwegian Olympic Museum, Lysgårdsbakkene Ski Jumping Arena, and the Lillehammer Olympic Bobsleigh and Luge Track. Also make sure you visit the Maihaugen Open-Air Museum.

While most people don't head to Portofino specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. The village is mostly about soaking up the atmosphere, but you can also visit sights such as Sun Church of St. George and Cervara Abbey.

Is the Food Better in Lillehammer or Portofino? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Lillehammer and Portofino both to be very good destinations.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Lillehammer makes for a great culinary experience. Local food traditions date back centuries and you'll find a combination of simple recipes and elaborate menus. Dishes often include fish or local meat such as elk. There are also soups such as kål, which are made with bacon, meat, potatoes, and barley.

Portofino has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Located by the sea, you'll enjoy tons of great seafood here. Make sure you try the mussels, swordfish, and salt cod.

Is Lillehammer or Portofino Better for Nightlife?

Portofino is well known for nightlife. Also, Lillehammer is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

Portofino is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. Most of the nightlife is found around Piazzetta (Oliveri Square) and Molo Umberto I. Happy hours (aperitivo) start around 5pm or 6pm and then as the evening continues, the party often moves to Paraggi Beach.

If you're looking for night time activities Lillehammer has a few options to choose from. There is a lively atmosphere with many bars, clubs, and pubs around town.

Is Lillehammer or Portofino Better for Resorts?

Portofino is a world-class destination for its resorts. However, Lillehammer is not a resort destination.

Portofino offers an unforgettable resort vacation. Known for it's exclusive luxury, there are a number of high end resorts in the area. Popular options include Splendido, Sublimis Boutique Hotel, and Grand Hotel Miramare.

Lillehammer is not a resort destination.

Is Lillehammer or Portofino Better for Beaches?

Portofino is a nice place to visit for its beaches. However, Lillehammer is not a beach destination.

Portofino has a beach worth visiting. Like much of the Italian coast, the beaches in the area are dramatic and beautiful. They're also rocky and pebbly and can get a bit crowded during the summer months.

Lillehammer is not a beach destination.

Is Lillehammer or Portofino Better for its Old Town?

Portofino is well known for its historic old town. However, Lillehammer does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Portofino to see the historical old town. Despite evolving into a famous resort town, Portofino still holds on to its fishing village charm.

Lillehammer does not have a historic old town.

Is Lillehammer or Portofino Better for Hiking?

Lillehammer and Portofino are both places where visitors can find very good hiking trails.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Lillehammer. You'll find many hikes that take you through the alpine setting and the pristine landscapes. You can enjoy breathtaking views and strolls through nearby national parks.

Many visitors go to Portofino for the hiking trails. There are many beautiful hikes and treks along the coastline that pass by scenic landscapes and breathtaking views.

Is the Shopping Better in Lillehammer or Portofino?

Portofino is well known for shopping. Also, Lillehammer is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Portofino is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The quaint cobblestone streets are lined with high end boutiques that target the opulent jet-setter crowd that frequents Portofino. Much of the shopping is around Martiri dell'Olivetta Square.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Lillehammer. You'll find a number of shopping centers that have retail stores selling clothing, jewelry, sporting goods, and more.

Is Lillehammer or Portofino Better for Families?

Lillehammer is notable for its family-friendly activities. However, Portofino is a mediocre seaside village for its kid-friendly activities.

Lillehammer is a very kid-friendly city. The town has many winter and adventure sports that are great for the whole family. You can visit the Olympic Park, or spend the day at Hunderfossen Familiepark, which is one of the original amusement parks in the country. You can also visit Jorekstad Waterpark, go hiking in the summer, or skiing in the winter.

Portofino is not always a place people visit with their families. The town has a picturesque setting and some beautiful pebbly beaches. It's fun for kids to run around the town, explore by kayak, or play in the waters edge.

Is Lillehammer or Portofino Better for Couples?

Portofino is a world-class destination for romance. Also, Lillehammer is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Portofino has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Set beautifully against the ocean's edge, this famous Italian town makes for a truly romantic holiday. Ogle the mega yachts in the harbor and then wander the charming streets while you soak in the atmosphere.

Lillehammer is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. The skiing and other winter activities are great for winter sport enthusiasts. During the summer months there's hiking and other outdoor fun.

Is Lillehammer or Portofino Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lillehammer is a popular place for backpackers. However, Portofino is a mediocre seaside village for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Lillehammer. There's some camping and other affordable accommodation for backpackers in the area.

Portofino is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Known for it's high prices, the town isn't particularly popular with the backpacker crowd. It is possible to stay outside of town and head in for a day trip.

Is Lillehammer or Portofino Better for Students?

Lillehammer is a popular place for students. However, Portofino is not popular with students.

Lillehammer is a good city to visit for students. The city has a number of students and offers some great entertainment activities. The cost of living can be high though.

Portofino is not popular with students.

Is Lillehammer or Portofino Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Lillehammer is a popular place for its public transit. However, Portofino is a mediocre seaside village for times when you don't have a car.

Lillehammer has a few public transit options. There are trains and buses throughout the region.

Public transit is mostly limited in Portofino. The closet train stations are Santa Margherita Ligure and Camogli. You can catch a bus from the Santa Margherita train station. There are also some ferry options.

Is Lillehammer or Portofino a more walkable city?

Portofino is a world-class destination for its walkability. Also, Lillehammer is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

Getting around Portofino on foot is easy. It's easy to walk around the village and then explore the countryside on one of the nearby trails.

Lillehammer is a somewhat walkable place. There are some pedestrian streets and pedestrian-friendly areas in town.

For even more information, also check out Is Lillehammer Worth Visiting? and Is Portofino Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Portofino or Lillehammer?

How long in Lillehammer or Portofino?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Lillehammer than Portofino 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 Lillehammer.

One day in Lillehammer or Portofino?

You'll find skiing and nightlife around the city of Lillehammer. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Portofino is a small town with plenty to do. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Lillehammer or Portofino?

You'll find nightlife and food around the natural destination of Lillehammer. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Portofino might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This seaside village offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Lillehammer or Portofino?

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the adventure-filled city of Lillehammer. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Even though Portofino is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Lillehammer or Portofino?

Lillehammer is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Since Portofino is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in Norway, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Norway, The Best Historical Tours in Italy, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Lillehammer or Portofino?

Lillehammer has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Portofino. When comparing the sizes of Lillehammer and Portofino, 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.