A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Naples vs. Portland for Food, Attractions, Nightlife, and Couples

Should you visit Naples or Portland?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Naples or Portland, 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.

Naples

Naples is a historic, authentic, and gritty city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Portland

Portland is a eclectic, tree-lined, and nature-filled city. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include hiking, shopping, and nightlife.

Naples and Portland: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Naples or Portland?

You'll generally find more things to do in Naples than Portland. Naples is bigger than Portland, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Naples is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Portland is more popular for its music, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Portland is more touristy than Naples and is popular for its independent and vintage shops, thriving art scene, lush parks and gardens, progressive and quirky personality, and easy access to amazing natural beauty. Naples is well known for its colorful atmosphere, long running history, and influence on world cuisine as the birthplace of pizza. Also, Naples is famous for Piazza del Plebiscito.

How is Naples different from Portland?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Naples or Portland?

Naples is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Portland is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Naples. Most of the sights are concentrated in the city's historic center. The Naples Harbor is a gateway to the Mediterranean. Also worth visiting are the National Archeological Museum, Capodimonte Royal Palace, Castel Nuovo, and the Catacombs of San Gennaro.

Portland offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Visitors usually come for the city's outdoor recreation and eclectic personality more than the landmarks and museums. There are a few places to visit on a rainy day though including Pittock Mansion, the Portland Art Museum, and the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry.

Is the Food Better in Naples or Portland? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Naples is very popular for its restaurants. However, Portland is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Many restaurants in Naples have been singled out for their culinary prowess. As the birthplace of pizza, the city has a well known food reputation. Many local dishes, including an authentic Napoli pizza, use simple flavors such as olive oil, garlic, and tomatoes. The dishes are lighter than their northern counterparts and tomatoes are a very popular ingredient. In addition to the pizza, you should try Lasagna Al Forno Napoletana and Spaghetti Alla Vognole. Also check out a pizza making class.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Portland. The town is more famous for it's craft beer than it's food, but there are still a number of local restaurants that offer unique Oregon dishes. You'll find no shortage of vegetarian and vegan options on most menus. There is also a big farm-to-table scene with many farmers markets around town as well.

Is Naples or Portland Better for Nightlife?

Naples is a very popular place for nightlife. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Naples has a large number of nightlife venues. The nightlife scene includes small bars, wineries, and dance clubs, but much of the energy and activity is actually focused on being outdoors. There is plenty of live music and many nightclubs are actually "disco bars" that are found tucked away in the city's historic center.

Portland has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Famously, this town's nightlife is all about the craft beer and local breweries. Make sure you check out Bailey's Taproom, The Big Legrowlski, and The Commons Brewery.

Is Naples or Portland Better for Music?

Portland is a nice place to visit for its music scene. However, Naples is not a live music destination.

The music scene helps keep Portland active and fun. The town has a thriving live music and international folk dancing scene.

Naples is not a live music destination.

Is Naples or Portland Better for its Old Town?

Naples is a very popular place for its historic old town. However, Portland does not have a historic old town.

Naples is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. Most of the city's tourist attractions are found in the historic center, which includes beautiful fountains, grand churches, and an impressive network of catacombs and caves.

Portland does not have a historic old town.

Is Naples or Portland Better for Hiking?

Portland is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Naples is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Portland. Just outside of town you'll find amazing hikes and stunning natural beauty. In town there are many urban hikes through parks and gardens, but in just a short drive you also have access to Mount Hood and many of the region's most beautiful hikes around the Columbia River Gorge.

Naples is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Naples or Portland?

Naples is a very popular place for shopping. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Naples. There are shopping streets and districts that have boutique clothing vendors, high end brands, and major chains. There's plenty of diversity in the shopping scene and some of the best shopping areas include Via Toledo, the Chiaia District, and Poggioreale Market.

Portland offers some nice shopping areas. To fully experience shopping in town, head to the local vendors and thrift shops. There are many vintage clothing shops, book stores, and independent sellers around town. The city is also full of farmers markets. For some of the most interesting shopping, check out the Pearl District, Pioneer Place, Union Way, and Downtown neighborhoods.

Is Naples or Portland Better for Families?

Naples and Portland are both notable destinations for the whole family.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Naples. Despite its rough-around-the-edges reputation, the city actually has some fun kid-friendly activities. As the birthplace of pizza, a childhood favorite, eating is a kid approved activity. You can even try your hand at pizza making classes. Other fun kid-friendly activities include exploring the underground city, going to The Science Centre of Citta della Scienza, and running around Parco di Capodimonte.

Portland offers lots of family activities. This is an outdoor city by nature, so families will appreciate the many parks and outdoor recreational activities around town. It's easy to fill a couple of days exploring and having fun with the kids. Kid-friendly activities include the zoo, the aerial tram, and several great museums.

Is Naples or Portland Better for Couples?

Naples is a very popular place for romance. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Naples makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Dining on pizza, wine tasting, or taking a cruise on the Gulf of Naples all make this city a great couples destination. There are also many romantic day trips in the area, so many couples use Naples as a base for exploring the region.

Portland makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The laid-back, alternative vibe is fun to explore as a couple. There are independent bookstores, nice parks, and plenty of outdoor activities to choose from. Couples who enjoy an eclectic city, breweries, and nature, will find a lot to do in town.

Is Naples or Portland Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Naples and Portland are high quality places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Naples is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. It's more affordable than most of northern Italy, and it has plenty of hostels to choose from. The city makes a great stop for backpackers who want to see a different part of Italy. While not completely off the backpacker trail, Naples is not inundated with tourists the way some other Italian cities are.

Portland is very popular with the backpacker crowd. The town has drawn young explorers for years, and backpackers who like to step away from the mainstream will feel right at home here.

Is Naples or Portland Better for Students?

Naples and Portland are notable places to visit for students.

Naples is popular with students. It's a large city with a lot to see and do. Students also appreciate the many day trips that are available in the area.

It's common for students to visit Portland. It's a young and relaxed city that attracts independent thinkers. There are many bookstores and breweries around town. The cost of living can be a bit high though.

Is Naples or Portland Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Naples is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Visitors to Naples can move around easily with public transportation. There's a metro with two metro lines as well as four suburban train lines. There are also funiculars, regional trains, and ferries to the surrounding areas.

You'll find some public transit in Portland, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The town has a bus and light rail system as well the Aerial tram.

Is Naples or Portland a more walkable city?

Naples and Portland both are high quality when exploring on foot.

Naples is a very walkable destination. The historic center is flat and easy to explore on foot.

Portland is very walkable. It is quite walkable, particularly in the tourist areas such as Downtown, Pearl, and Old Town Chinatown.

For even more information, also check out Is Naples Worth Visiting? and Is Portland Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Portland or Naples?

How long in Naples or Portland?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Naples and Portland. In our opinion, Naples has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Naples than Portland. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Naples, and 2-3 days is enough time in Portland.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Naples than Portland 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 Naples.

One day in Naples or Portland?

Naples is a big city with plenty to do. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many travelers enjoy the live music and shopping when visiting the destination of Portland. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Naples or Portland?

Naples is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Naples, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Portland is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Naples or Portland?

Naples is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Portland. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Naples or Portland?

Naples is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Travelers enjoy the live music and shopping when visiting the scenic destination of Portland. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Italy, The Best 2-Week Tours in Italy, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Naples and Portland, we can see that Portland is more expensive. And not only is Naples much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Naples is in Europe and Portland is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Naples would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Naples 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 Portland would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Portland than you might in Naples.

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

Which is Bigger, Naples or Portland?

Naples has a larger population, and is about 83% larger than the population of Portland. When comparing the sizes of Naples and Portland, 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 Naples or Portland?

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 Naples or Portland in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Naples as well as Portland. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Naples this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Portland for the hiking, the small town charm, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Naples is a little warmer than Portland. Typically, the summer temperatures in Naples in July average around 23°C (74°F), and Portland averages at about 68°F (20°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Portland. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Naples this time of the year. In the summer, Naples often gets less sunshine than Portland. Naples gets 313 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland receives 338 hours of full sun.

Naples usually gets more rain in July than Portland. Naples gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Portland receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Naples or Portland in the Autumn?

Both Portland and Naples are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Naples for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Portland in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Naples is generally a little warmer than Portland. Daily temperatures in Naples average around 17°C (63°F), and Portland fluctuates around 55°F (13°C).

Naples usually receives more sunshine than Portland during autumn. Naples gets 189 hours of sunny skies, while Portland receives 155 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Naples. In October, Naples usually receives more rain than Portland. Naples gets 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Portland receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Naples or Portland in the Winter?

Both Portland and Naples during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Naples in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Portland for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Portland can be very cold during winter. Naples is much warmer than Portland in the winter. The daily temperature in Naples averages around 8°C (47°F) in January, and Portland fluctuates around 40°F (4°C).

In the winter, Naples often gets more sunshine than Portland. Naples gets 115 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland receives 86 hours of full sun.

Portland gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Naples. Naples usually gets less rain in January than Portland. Naples gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Portland receives 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Naples or Portland in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Naples and Portland. Most visitors come to Naples for the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Portland because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Naples is a little warmer than Portland. Typically, the spring temperatures in Naples in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Portland averages at about 51°F (11°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Portland this time of the year. Naples usually receives less sunshine than Portland during spring. Naples gets 189 hours of sunny skies, while Portland receives 231 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Naples usually receives more rain than Portland. Naples gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Portland receives 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Portland and Naples