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

Should you visit Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle upon Tyne and Portofino can help you decide which place is right for you.

Newcastle upon Tyne

Newcastle upon Tyne is a vibrant, high energy, and livable port city. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Portofino

Portofino is a exclusive, luxurious, and glamorous seaside village. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. It's also popular because of the hiking, shopping, and nightlife.

Newcastle upon Tyne and Portofino: Pros and Cons

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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Portofino. Although Newcastle upon Tyne and Portofino are both popular with visitors, Portofino has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Portofino is more popular for its resorts, beaches, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Newcastle upon Tyne is known for its museums. Portofino is more touristy than Newcastle upon Tyne and is popular for its picturesque harbor, high end shopping, strikingly blue waters, and popularity with superyachts. It is also home to its scenic harbor. Newcastle upon Tyne is popular for its compact and livable atmosphere as well as its active nightlife scene.

Its scenic harbor

How is Newcastle upon Tyne different from Portofino?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Portofino 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 Portofino?

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

Newcastle upon Tyne offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

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 Newcastle upon Tyne or Portofino? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Newcastle upon Tyne and Portofino can be difficult as they are each great in their own way.

Newcastle upon Tyne has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Portofino makes for a great culinary experience. Located by the sea, you'll enjoy tons of great seafood here. Make sure you try the mussels, swordfish, and salt cod.

Is Newcastle upon Tyne or Portofino Better for Nightlife?

The great nightlife scene is relatively similar in Newcastle upon Tyne and Portofino.

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.

Portofino is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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 Newcastle upon Tyne or Portofino Better for Resorts?

Portofino is an amazing seaside village to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Newcastle upon Tyne 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.

Newcastle upon Tyne is not a resort destination.

Is Newcastle upon Tyne or Portofino Better for Beaches?

Portofino is very good for the beach. However, Newcastle upon Tyne 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.

Newcastle upon Tyne is not a beach destination.

Is Newcastle upon Tyne or Portofino Better for its Old Town?

Newcastle upon Tyne and Portofino 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 Portofino to see the historical old town. Despite evolving into a famous resort town, Portofino still holds on to its fishing village charm.

Is Newcastle upon Tyne or Portofino Better for Hiking?

Portofino is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Newcastle upon Tyne is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Portofino. There are many beautiful hikes and treks along the coastline that pass by scenic landscapes and breathtaking views.

Newcastle upon Tyne is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Newcastle upon Tyne or Portofino?

Shoppers can find a variety of great stores in both Newcastle upon Tyne and Portofino.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in 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.

Portofino is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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 Newcastle upon Tyne or Portofino Better for Families?

Newcastle upon Tyne is a popular place for its family-friendly activities. However, Portofino is a mediocre seaside village for its kid-friendly activities.

Newcastle upon Tyne is a family-friendly place to visit. 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.

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 Newcastle upon Tyne or Portofino Better for Couples?

Portofino is an amazing seaside village to visit for couples. Also, Newcastle upon Tyne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

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.

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 Portofino Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers 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.

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 Newcastle upon Tyne or Portofino Better for Students?

Newcastle upon Tyne is notable for students. However, Portofino is not popular with students.

Newcastle upon Tyne is a very popular port city for students and younger travelers. 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.

Portofino is not popular with students.

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

Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle upon Tyne can get you to some places easily. There are bus, ferry, and light rail services in the city.

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 Newcastle upon Tyne or Portofino a more walkable city?

Newcastle upon Tyne and Portofino are world-class when it comes to walkability.

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

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

For even more information, also check out Is Newcastle upon Tyne Worth Visiting? and Is Portofino Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Newcastle upon Tyne or Portofino?

In either Newcastle upon Tyne or Portofino, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Portofino 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 Portofino.

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

Couples should spend more time in Portofino than Newcastle upon Tyne. 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 Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle upon Tyne.

One day in Newcastle upon Tyne or Portofino?

You'll find shopping and museums around the port city of Newcastle upon Tyne. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 is a small town with plenty to do. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Portofino?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the livable destination of Newcastle upon Tyne. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this port city has to offer. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Many people visit Portofino for a weekend. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. Hikers are also drawn to this area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Portofino, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Newcastle upon Tyne or Portofino?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historical port city of Newcastle upon Tyne. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Even though Portofino is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Many people spend five days here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Portofino, five days is sufficent for most.

A week in Newcastle upon Tyne or Portofino?

Newcastle upon Tyne is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

Since Portofino is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This seaside village 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 Historical Tours in Italy, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Italy.

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

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 Portofino Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Newcastle upon Tyne or Portofino?

Newcastle upon Tyne has a larger population, and is about 360 times larger than the population of Portofino. When comparing the sizes of Newcastle upon Tyne 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.