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

Should you visit Lucerne or Porto?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Lucerne and Porto. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Lucerne

Lucerne is a active, cultural, and historic city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

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.

Lucerne and Porto: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lucerne or Porto?

You'll generally find more things to do in Porto than Lucerne. Porto is bigger than Lucerne, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Porto is better known for its food and big city activities, while Lucerne is more popular for its shopping. Lucerne is well known for it's wooden bridge, its waterfront setting, and the many nearby alpine day trips. Porto is well known for its authentic old town and the local port wine. Also, Porto is famous for Cais da Ribeira.

How is Lucerne different from Porto?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

You'll find a number of high quality museums and attractions in both Porto and Lucerne.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Lucerne. Top sights in town include the famous Chapel Bridge, the Lion Monument and the town walls and towers. There are also a number of museums including the Swiss Transport Museum and Museum Sammlung Rosengart.

Porto offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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 Lucerne or Porto? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Porto is very popular for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Lucerne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Eat your way through Porto, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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.

Lucerne offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. Food is expensive around town, but there are some unique specialties like fondue, brätwurst, and of course, chocolate. It's nice to sit out by the river and enjoy a hearty meal while you soak up the view.

Is Lucerne or Porto Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is high quality in both Lucerne and Porto.

Many people head to Lucerne for the nightlife scene. The city has some of the best nightlife in Switzerland, with many lively clubs, bars, and pubs. There are also many local events that are hosted in town and bring in a crowd.

Porto has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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 Lucerne or Porto Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the high quality old town areas in both Lucerne and Porto.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Lucerne. Sitting on the water's edge, this old town has a number of historic buildings and the beautiful Chapel Bridge.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting 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 the Shopping Better in Lucerne or Porto?

Lucerne 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 Lucerne. The city is filled with high end shopping opportunities with everything from boutique shops to major chains. Popular items to purchase in town include chocolate, watches, jewelry, and Swiss army knives.

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

Is Lucerne or Porto Better for Families?

Porto is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Lucerne 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.

Lucerne is a family-friendly place to visit. The city is filled with history and there are a number of playgrounds around town. Also make sure you pop in a chocolate shop so that everyone can enjoy a sweet treat. If the weather's warm, you can also take a swim in Lake Lucerne. Many kids enjoy escaping the city and doing a day trip to the amazing Mt. Titlis, or other peaks that are nearby.

Is Lucerne or Porto Better for Couples?

Lucerne and Porto both high quality destinations for a couple.

Lucerne is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. The city has many pleasant squares, excellent restaurants, and a romantic atmosphere that makes for a great couple's getaway. There are a number of nice hotels to choose from as well.

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 Lucerne or Porto Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Porto is very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Lucerne is not a good destination 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.

Lucerne is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Prices are high everywhere in the area but there are a few hostels that attract backpackers. It's also possible to find free activities like swimming in the lake or simply wandering around town. Prices at restaurants are very high, so you'll do best to pick up food at supermarkets and prepare your own meals. Because it's a larger city, there are options that you might not find in smaller towns around Switzerland.

Is Lucerne or Porto Better for Students?

Porto is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Lucerne is not a good destination for students.

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.

Lucerne is a decent spot for students. Most people don't think of the city as a student town but there are some good opportunities for international students. The prices are high, but the city is surrounded by stunning natural beauty that is fun to explore.

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

Porto is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Lucerne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Porto. 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.

Lucerne has a few public transit options. There's a comprehensive system of buses around town.

Is Lucerne or Porto a more walkable city?

Porto is great for its ease of walking around. Also, Lucerne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.

Porto is a very walkable destination. 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.

Lucerne is somewhat walkable. The major tourist areas are fairly walkable if your hotel is in a convenient location.

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

Should I spend more time in Porto or Lucerne?

How long in Lucerne or Porto?

In either Lucerne or Porto, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Porto than Lucerne because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Lucerne, and 2-5 days is enough time in Porto.

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

In Lucerne, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this historic destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

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 Lucerne or Porto?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lucerne. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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.

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 Lucerne or Porto?

Lucerne is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Lucerne. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Lucerne or Porto?

You'll find food and shopping around the scenic destination of Lucerne. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Switzerland, The Best 2-Week Tours in Switzerland, 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 Lucerne and Porto, we can see that Lucerne 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 Lucerne would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Lucerne 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 Lucerne Expensive? and Is Porto Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Lucerne or Porto?

Porto has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Lucerne. When comparing the sizes of Lucerne 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 Lucerne 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 Lucerne or Porto in the Summer?

Both Porto and Lucerne are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Lucerne for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Porto in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Lucerne is around the same temperature as Porto. Typically, the summer temperatures in Lucerne in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Porto averages at about 21°C (69°F).

It's quite sunny in Porto. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lucerne. Lucerne usually receives less sunshine than Porto during summer. Lucerne gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Porto receives 308 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Lucerne usually receives more rain than Porto. Lucerne 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 Lucerne or Porto in the Autumn?

Both Porto and Lucerne during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Lucerne in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Porto for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Lucerne is generally cooler than Porto. Daily temperatures in Lucerne average around 13°C (56°F), and Porto fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

In the autumn, Lucerne often gets less sunshine than Porto. Lucerne gets 120 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. Lucerne usually gets less rain in October than Porto. Lucerne 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 Lucerne or Porto in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Lucerne and Porto. Most visitors come to Lucerne for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Porto because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Lucerne can be very cold during winter. Lucerne is much colder than Porto in the winter. The daily temperature in Lucerne averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Porto fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Lucerne usually receives less sunshine than Porto during winter. Lucerne gets 55 hours of sunny skies, while Porto receives 124 hours of full sun in the winter.

Porto receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Lucerne usually receives less rain than Porto. Lucerne 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 Lucerne or Porto in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Lucerne as well as Porto. The spring months attract visitors to Lucerne because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Additionally, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Porto this time of year.

In the spring, Lucerne is cooler than Porto. Typically, the spring temperatures in Lucerne in April average around 12°C (53°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, Lucerne often gets less sunshine than Porto. Lucerne gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Porto receives 217 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Porto. Lucerne usually gets less rain in April than Porto. Lucerne 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 Lucerne