A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Manchester vs. Portofino for Couples, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Manchester or Portofino?

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 Manchester and Portofino can help you decide which place is right for you.

Manchester

Manchester is a dynamic, diverse, and cultural city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the food, shopping, and museums.

Portofino

Portofino is a breathtaking, opulent, and exclusive seaside village. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and nightlife.

Manchester and Portofino: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Manchester or Portofino?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Manchester. Although Manchester and Portofino are popular destinations, Manchester has more sights and attractions for tourists. Manchester is very popular for its museums, music, and big city activities, while Portofino attracts visitors for its resorts, beaches, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Portofino is more touristy than Manchester and is popular for its picturesque harbor, high end shopping, strikingly blue waters, and popularity with superyachts. Manchester is famous for its strong music culture as well as being home to the world-renowned Manchester United Football Club. It is also well known for The National Football Museum.

How is Manchester different from Portofino?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Manchester is notable for its sights and museums. However, Portofino is a mediocre seaside village for its museums and history.

Manchester offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Head to the Science and Industry Museum, the Imperial War Museum North, Manchester Cathedral, or John Rylands Library & Manchester Central Library to see some of the cities most interesting sights.

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 Manchester or Portofino? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Manchester and Portofino offer great local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Manchester. You'll find a great food scene with diverse restaurant options that include international flavors, vegetarian options, and more. There are also many great places to try craft beer.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Portofino. Located by the sea, you'll enjoy tons of great seafood here. Make sure you try the mussels, swordfish, and salt cod.

Is Manchester or Portofino Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is great in both Manchester and Portofino.

Many people head to Manchester for the nightlife scene. The nightlife scene is diverse and high energy. Head to Deansgate or the Northern Quarter for some of the best nightlife venues. You'll also find a huge rave scene in town.

Portofino has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

Is Manchester or Portofino Better for Music?

Manchester is notable for its live music scene. However, Portofino is not a live music destination.

If you love music, you'll find something to enjoy in Manchester. There's a long running music reputation here. Some of the iconic bands that began here include Oasis and Stone Roses.

Portofino is not a live music destination.

Is Manchester or Portofino Better for Resorts?

Portofino is very popular for its luxury resorts. However, Manchester is not a resort destination.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Portofino is a perfect choice. 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.

Manchester is not a resort destination.

Is Manchester or Portofino Better for Beaches?

Portofino is very good for its beaches. However, Manchester is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Portofino to enjoy the beach. 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.

Manchester is not a beach destination.

Is Manchester or Portofino Better for its Old Town?

Portofino is great for its historic old town. However, Manchester does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Portofino. Despite evolving into a famous resort town, Portofino still holds on to its fishing village charm.

Manchester does not have a historic old town.

Is Manchester or Portofino Better for Hiking?

Portofino is great for hiking. However, Manchester is not a hiking destination.

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.

Manchester is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Manchester or Portofino?

If you're looking to go shopping, Manchester and Portofino both offer plenty of great spots.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Manchester. From jewelry to boutique clothing outlets, there are many places to shop around town. Head to Manchester Arndale, Trafford Centre, or Market Street for some of the best shopping.

Portofino is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Is Manchester or Portofino Better for Families?

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

Manchester is a very kid-friendly city. You'll find a number of kid-friendly activities around town including the popular Legoland Discovery Center. Another fun activity is taking a behind the scenes CBBC interactive tour at MediaCityUK. Animal lovers will enjoy visiting the SeaLife Aquarium or the Chester Zoo and sports enthusiasts will not want to miss a visit to the National Football Museum or doing a tour of Old Trafford where you can also visit the Manchester United Museum.

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 Manchester or Portofino Better for Couples?

Portofino is very popular for romance. Also, Manchester is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

For those traveling as a couple, Portofino has plenty to offer. 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.

Manchester is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples can enjoy a visit to a spa, a nice meal out, or simply wandering down the canal. For a unique experience, you can hit to slopes at Chill Factore.

Is Manchester or Portofino Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Manchester. You'll find hostels around town and a number of visitors, particularly during the sports season.

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 Manchester or Portofino Better for Students?

Manchester is notable for students. However, Portofino is not popular with students.

Manchester is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. There's a large number of students as well as a great music scene and tons of festivals that make this a great city to do your studies.

Portofino is not popular with students.

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

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

Public transit in Manchester can get you to some places easily. The city has bus, train, and tram options for travel.

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 Manchester or Portofino a more walkable city?

Portofino is very popular for its walkability. Also, Manchester is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its high level of walkability.

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

Manchester is a somewhat walkable place. Some neighborhoods are more walkable than others.

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

Should I spend more time in Portofino or Manchester?

How long in Manchester or Portofino?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Portofino than Manchester. 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 Manchester 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 Manchester.

One day in Manchester or Portofino?

People visit Manchester because there is so much to do. 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 might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Manchester or Portofino?

People visit Manchester because there is so much to do. 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.

Even though Portofino is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this seaside village.

Five days in Manchester or Portofino?

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the vibrant city of Manchester. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Portofino, a popular seaside village, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this seaside village. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Manchester or Portofino?

Manchester is a popular choice for travelers. 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.

Portofino is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. 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 2-Week Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Historical Tours in Italy, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Manchester and Portofino, we can see that Portofino is more expensive. And not only is Manchester much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Manchester would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Manchester 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 Manchester.

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

Which is Bigger, Manchester or Portofino?

Manchester has a larger population, and is about 750 times larger than the population of Portofino. When comparing the sizes of Manchester 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.