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

Should you visit Newcastle upon Tyne or Porto?

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 Newcastle upon Tyne and Porto can help you decide which place is right for you.

Newcastle upon Tyne

Newcastle upon Tyne is a high energy, livable, and cultural port city. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Porto

Porto is a cultural, cosmopolitan, and dynamic 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 food, shopping, and museums.

Newcastle upon Tyne and Porto: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Newcastle upon Tyne or Porto?

You'll generally find more things to do in Porto than Newcastle upon Tyne. Porto is bigger than Newcastle upon Tyne, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Porto is better known for its food, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Newcastle upon Tyne is more popular for its shopping. Porto is more touristy than Newcastle upon Tyne and is known for its authentic old town and the local port wine. Also, Porto is famous for Cais da Ribeira. Newcastle upon Tyne is well known for its compact and livable atmosphere as well as its active nightlife scene.

How is Newcastle upon Tyne different from Porto?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Newcastle upon Tyne or Porto?

You'll find a number of very good museums and attractions in both Porto and Newcastle upon Tyne.

Many visitors head to Newcastle upon Tyne specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There are many historic and cultural sights around town. Some of the most interesting include the Historic Tyne Bridges, the Millennium Bridge, the Castle, Newcastle Cathedral, and the Great North Museum: Hancock.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Porto can be an interesting and educational experience. 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 Newcastle upon Tyne or Porto? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Porto is an amazing port city to visit for its restaurants. Also, Newcastle upon Tyne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Porto has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Newcastle upon Tyne makes for a great culinary experience. The city is known for its food and there are some interesting local flavors that you should try. For something unique, try the singing hinny (sweet bread), pan haggerty (similar to potato gratin), stottie cake (bread) or craster kippers (smoked herring). You'll also find a diversity of cosmopolitan restaurants around town.

Is Newcastle upon Tyne or Porto Better for Nightlife?

The very good nightlife scene is relatively similar in Newcastle upon Tyne and Porto.

Newcastle upon Tyne has a large number of nightlife venues. Because of the large student population, you'll find a very active nightlife scene. There are several party districts in the city that you should check out including Quayside, the Gate, the Diamond Strip, Bigg Market, and Dean Street.

Porto is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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 Newcastle upon Tyne or Porto Better for its Old Town?

Newcastle upon Tyne and Porto are both popular destinations with charming historical areas.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Newcastle upon Tyne. Known as Grainger Town, the city's historic commercial center is famous for its Georgian and Victorian buildings.

Many visitors go to Porto to see the historical old town. 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 Newcastle upon Tyne or Porto?

Newcastle upon Tyne is a great port 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 Newcastle upon Tyne. The city has boutique shops as well as major shopping malls. Some of the best shopping areas include the pedestrian shopping street of Northumberland Street, the historic Grey Street, and Grainger Market.

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

Is Newcastle upon Tyne or Porto Better for Families?

Porto is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Newcastle upon Tyne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Newcastle upon Tyne. Kids will love visiting the Newcastle Castle, but there are also ropes courses and the Victoria Tunnel Tours. Museum lovers will enjoy a visit to Discovery Museum, the Life Science Center, or Beamish, the Living Museum of the North.

Is Newcastle upon Tyne or Porto Better for Couples?

Porto is a very popular place for couples. Also, Newcastle upon Tyne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Porto makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Newcastle upon Tyne is a nice destination for couples. The city boasts many romantic walks as well as fine dining restaurants and interesting entertainment options. It's not hard to enjoy a fun date night out on the town.

Is Newcastle upon Tyne or Porto Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Porto is an amazing port city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Newcastle upon Tyne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Newcastle upon Tyne. There are a number of hostels to choose from and plenty of entertainment choices so you shouldn't have much trouble meeting other people.

Is Newcastle upon Tyne or Porto Better for Students?

Both Newcastle upon Tyne and Porto are very good destinations for students.

Newcastle upon Tyne is very popular with students. The city has a large student population and a lively nightlife scene, so it's a fun place for students to spend a semester or more.

Porto is a great port city to visit as a student. The city has a number of good research programs and study abroad opportunities that attract international students from around the world.

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

Visitors will find very good public transit in both Newcastle upon Tyne and Porto.

Newcastle upon Tyne offers a very effecient public transportation network. There are bus, ferry, and light rail services in the city.

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.

Is Newcastle upon Tyne or Porto a more walkable city?

Newcastle upon Tyne is very popular for its walkability. Also, Porto is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its high level of walkability.

Newcastle upon Tyne is a very easy port city to get around on foot. The city is one of the most walkable in the UK.

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 Newcastle upon Tyne Worth Visiting? and Is Porto Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Porto or Newcastle upon Tyne?

How long in Newcastle upon Tyne or Porto?

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

Families should spend more time in Porto than Newcastle upon Tyne. 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 Newcastle upon Tyne. 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 Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle upon Tyne or Porto?

In Newcastle upon Tyne, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this vibrant destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

Each neighborhood in Porto has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. Lots of people come for the food. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Newcastle upon Tyne or Porto?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Newcastle upon Tyne. 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.

Many people visit Porto for a weekend. Lots of people come for the food. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Porto, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Newcastle upon Tyne or Porto?

Newcastle upon Tyne is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Newcastle upon Tyne. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Each neighborhood in Porto has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Many people spend five days here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Porto, five days is sufficent for most.

A week in Newcastle upon Tyne or Porto?

You'll find food and shopping around the livable destination of Newcastle upon Tyne. 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.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Porto. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This port city offers something for everyone. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Historical Tours in United Kingdom, 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 Newcastle upon Tyne and Porto, we can see that Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle upon Tyne would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle upon Tyne Expensive? and Is Porto Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Newcastle upon Tyne or Porto?

Porto has a larger population, and is about 30% larger than the population of Newcastle upon Tyne. When comparing the sizes of Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle upon Tyne or Porto in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Newcastle upon Tyne and Porto. The summer months attract visitors to Newcastle upon Tyne because of the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Porto this time of year.

In the summer, Newcastle upon Tyne is cooler than Porto. Typically, the summer temperatures in Newcastle upon Tyne in July average around 15°C (59°F), and Porto averages at about 21°C (69°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Porto this time of the year. Newcastle upon Tyne usually receives less sunshine than Porto during summer. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Porto receives 308 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Newcastle upon Tyne usually receives more rain than Porto. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Porto receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Newcastle upon Tyne or Porto in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Newcastle upon Tyne as well as Porto. The shopping scene are the main draw to Newcastle upon Tyne this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Porto for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Newcastle upon Tyne is generally much colder than Porto. Daily temperatures in Newcastle upon Tyne average around 10°C (49°F), and Porto fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

In the autumn, Newcastle upon Tyne often gets less sunshine than Porto. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 69 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Porto receives 184 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Porto. Newcastle upon Tyne receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Newcastle upon Tyne usually gets more rain in October than Porto. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Porto receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Newcastle upon Tyne or Porto in the Winter?

Both Porto and Newcastle upon Tyne are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Newcastle upon Tyne for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Porto in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Newcastle upon Tyne. Newcastle upon Tyne is much colder than Porto in the winter. The daily temperature in Newcastle upon Tyne averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Porto fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Newcastle upon Tyne usually receives less sunshine than Porto during winter. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 40 hours of sunny skies, while Porto receives 124 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Porto. It's quite rainy in Newcastle upon Tyne. In January, Newcastle upon Tyne usually receives around the same amount of rain as Porto. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Porto receives 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Newcastle upon Tyne or Porto in the Spring?

Both Porto and Newcastle upon Tyne during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Porto for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Newcastle upon Tyne is much colder than Porto. Typically, the spring temperatures in Newcastle upon Tyne in April average around 7°C (45°F), and Porto averages at about 14°C (56°F).

In Porto, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Newcastle upon Tyne often gets less sunshine than Porto. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 134 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Porto receives 217 hours of full sun.

Porto gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Newcastle upon Tyne usually gets less rain in April than Porto. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 78 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 Newcastle upon Tyne