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

Should you visit Messina 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 Messina 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.

Messina

Messina is a historic, bustling, and local port city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Porto

Porto is a cosmopolitan, dynamic, and historic 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. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Messina and Porto: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Messina or Porto?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Porto. Although Messina and Porto are both popular with visitors, Porto has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Porto is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Messina is known for its beaches. Porto is more touristy than Messina and is popular for its authentic old town and the local port wine. It is also home to Cais da Ribeira. Messina is popular for being the entry and departure point to Sicily for those traveling by ferry.

How is Messina different from Porto?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Porto is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into 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.

Messina offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are a number of historic sights around town including the Cathedral and the Piazza del Duomo, the Bell Tower and Astronomical Clock, Santissima Annunziata dei Catalani, and the Regional Museum. There are also many ornate fountains around town.

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

Porto is renowned for its restaurant scene. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

Messina has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The city's cuisine is a mix of the cultures that have influenced Sicily over the centuries. The city has a longstanding fishing industry and one of the most popular dishes are swordfish rolls. Also try the pidone (similar to calzones with different fillings), and the focaccia (a local bread).

Is Messina or Porto Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Messina and Porto.

Messina is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The nightlife scene is mostly centered around the old town and you'll find a mix of locals and tourists hanging out in pubs and bars. During the summer months there are often free outdoor concerts to enjoy.

Many people head to Porto for the nightlife scene. 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 Messina or Porto Better for Beaches?

Messina is adequate for its beaches. However, Porto is not a beach destination.

Messina is a good spot to see the beach. There are pebbly beaches in the area that are becoming more popular with tourists.

Porto is not a beach destination.

Is Messina or Porto Better for its Old Town?

Porto is well known for its historic old town. However, Messina 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.

Messina does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Messina or Porto?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Porto and Messina.

Messina is a great destination for shopping. The best shopping is around Piazza Cairoli with the main shopping streets being Viale Europa and Viale San Martino. There are many small boutiques that have cheaper prices than some of the more upscale Sicilian towns.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Porto. The city has both your standard shopping mall stores as well as local vendors and boutique shops.

Is Messina or Porto Better for Families?

Both Messina and Porto are superb to visit with kids.

Messina is a very family-friendly place to visit. There are a number outdoor activities that kids will enjoy including Parco Avventura Dei Peloritani, which has ropes and obstacle courses. There's also the Karting Center, which is fun for the whole family, or a small aquarium in town. If you're looking for an excursion outside of town, head to Cascata Cataolo waterfall, which is very kid-friendly.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Porto is very family-friendly. 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 Messina or Porto Better for Couples?

Porto is well known for romance. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

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.

Messina makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Most visitors see the city as an arrival or departure point for Sicily, but those couples who linger will appreciate a number of historical sights and a nice atmosphere.

Is Messina or Porto Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Porto is renowned for backpackers. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Porto is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. By combining world-class activities with affordability, this city has become a popular stop off for backpackers in the area.

Plenty of backpackers visit Messina. If you're traveling by train or ferry, you'll likely arrive or depart from this city. There are a number of hostels and cheap guesthouses around town that offer affordable accommodation.

Is Messina or Porto Better for Students?

Porto is well known for students. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Students come from all over to stay in Porto. The city has a number of good research programs and study abroad opportunities that attract international students from around the world.

It's common for students to visit Messina. There are a few study abroad opportunities that bring international students to town. The city also have good transportation connections and a friendly atmosphere that is welcoming to students.

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

Porto is well known for its public transit. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation 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.

While Messina offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. If your legs are tired then there's an efficient bus system that you can use.

Is Messina or Porto a more walkable city?

Messina and Porto both are superb when exploring on foot.

Messina is very walkable. Most of the city's attractions can be reached on foot and the port is a ten to fifteen minute walk from Piazza del Duomo.

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Porto or Messina?

How long in Messina or Porto?

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

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

In Messina, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this local destination offers. This port 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.

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 Messina or Porto?

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

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 Messina or Porto?

Messina is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Messina. 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 Messina or Porto?

You'll find food and shopping around the local destination of Messina. 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 Food and Culinary Tours in Italy, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Portugal, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Portugal.

When comparing the travel costs between Messina and Porto, we can see that Porto 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 Messina Expensive? and Is Porto Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Messina or Porto?

Messina has a larger population, and is about 1% larger than the population of Porto. When comparing the sizes of Messina 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 Messina or Porto?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Messina or Porto in the Summer?

Both Porto and Messina during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Messina in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Porto for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Messina is a little warmer than Porto in the summer. The daily temperature in Messina averages around 27°C (80°F) in July, and Porto fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

In Porto, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Messina. In the summer, Messina often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Porto. Messina gets 332 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Porto receives 308 hours of full sun.

Messina usually gets more rain in July than Porto. Messina gets 19 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Porto receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Messina or Porto in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Messina and Porto. Most visitors come to Messina for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Furthermore, 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.

In the autumn, Messina is a little warmer than Porto. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Messina in October average around 21°C (69°F), and Porto averages at about 17°C (62°F).

Messina usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Porto during autumn. Messina gets 189 hours of sunny skies, while Porto receives 184 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Porto receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Messina gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Messina usually receives less rain than Porto. Messina gets 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Porto receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Messina or Porto in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Messina as well as Porto. The winter months attract visitors to Messina because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Porto this time of year.

In January, Messina is generally a little warmer than Porto. Daily temperatures in Messina average around 13°C (55°F), and Porto fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

In the winter, Messina often gets less sunshine than Porto. Messina gets 115 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Porto receives 124 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Porto. Messina receives a lot of rain in the winter. Messina usually gets less rain in January than Porto. Messina gets 113 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Porto receives 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Messina or Porto in the Spring?

Both Porto and Messina are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Messina this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Porto for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Messina is a little warmer than Porto in the spring. The daily temperature in Messina averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Porto fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

It's quite sunny in Porto. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Messina. Messina usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Porto during spring. Messina gets 207 hours of sunny skies, while Porto receives 217 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Porto. In April, Messina usually receives less rain than Porto. Messina gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Porto receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Porto and Messina