A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Nice vs. Portofino for Food, Nightlife, Resorts, and Couples

Should you visit Nice or Portofino?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Nice and Portofino 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.

Nice

Nice is a beautiful, opulent, and trendy seaside destination. You'll find world class beauty here as well. This is an attractive and quaint destination worth visiting as well. And you can't forget about the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Portofino

Portofino is a opulent, exclusive, and luxurious seaside village. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and beaches.

Nice and Portofino: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nice or Portofino?

Both Portofino and Nice have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Nice is better known for its food, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Portofino is more popular for its museums, hiking, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere. Nice is well known for its beachfront setting in the French Riviera as well as its popularity with A-list celebrities. Portofino is well known for its picturesque harbor, high end shopping, strikingly blue waters, and popularity with superyachts.

How is Nice different from Portofino?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Portofino is a moderate seaside village for its sights and museums. However, Nice does not have museums and landmarks.

Portofino offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. 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.

Nice does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Nice or Portofino? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Nice is an unbeatable place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Portofino is not as famous, but is still a good seaside village to visit for its restaurants.

For foodies, Nice is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The cuisine brings together fresh regional ingredients and mixes Provençal and Niçoise flavors. You'll find a lot of Italian influence as well. Fresh seafood is the thing to try while you're in town, but other local favorites include socca, Ratatouille, and Salade niçoise.

Portofino has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Located by the sea, you'll enjoy tons of great seafood here. Make sure you try the mussels, swordfish, and salt cod.

Is Nice or Portofino Better for Nightlife?

Nice is an unbeatable place for nightlife and partying. Also, Portofino is not as famous, but is still a good seaside village to visit for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Nice is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. The city has some of the best nightlife on the Cote d'Azur. You'll find a number of nightclubs along the seaside as well a bars and pubs in the Old Town. Some of the best clubs are along Promenade des Anglais.

Portofino has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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 Nice or Portofino Better for Resorts?

If luxury resorts are your style, both Nice and Portofino have terrific options.

Nice is a world class resort vacation destination. The city has boutique hotels as well high end luxury resorts. Popular options include Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Méditerranée, Hôtel Suisse, and AC Hotel by Marriott.

Vacationers flock to Portofino for its luxury resorts. 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.

Is Nice or Portofino Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Nice is a popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Portofino is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Nice has a few good snorkeling spots. There are some places where you can arrange a snorkeling or dive trip to explore the underwater setting.

Portofino is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Nice or Portofino Better for Beaches?

Nice is notable for the beache. Also, Portofino is not as famous, but is still a good seaside village to visit for the beach.

Nice is considered a top beach destination. The city has about 4 miles of beach along its coastline and there are both public and private beaches available. La Réserve is a public beach with a laid back and fun vibe. Plage Beau Rivage is a private beach with many amenities, making it a favorite for visitors. Blue Beach is another private beach that is very family-friendly.

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.

Is Nice or Portofino Better for its Old Town?

Both Nice and Portofino have excellent historic old towns worth visiting.

Nice is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. Wandering around the charming old town is a quintessential part of visiting this city. There are many historic churches and squares, as well as great restaurants and shops that you can pop in.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Portofino. Despite evolving into a famous resort town, Portofino still holds on to its fishing village charm.

Is Nice or Portofino Better for Hiking?

Portofino is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Nice is not a hiking destination.

Portofino is a popular spot for hiking. There are many beautiful hikes and treks along the coastline that pass by scenic landscapes and breathtaking views.

Nice is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Nice or Portofino?

Both Nice and Portofino are excellent shopping destinations.

Nice is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city has long been a favorite for the rich and famous, so you'll find plenty of shopping opportunities around town. The boutique shops are chic, trendy, and fashionable, but for those on a budget, you can sometimes find a unique local purchase in your budget.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Portofino. 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 Nice or Portofino Better for Families?

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

Nice is a family-friendly place to visit. The town has many fun playgrounds, kid-friendly beaches, and unique cultural opportunities that kids can enjoy. It also makes a great base for exploring the French Riviera and everything that it has to offer.

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 Nice or Portofino Better for Couples?

Both Nice and Portofino are terrific destinations for a couple's getaway.

Nice is a great seaside destination for couples, as it has plenty to offer. The old town is filled with romance and charm. You can also take a walk along the Promenade Des Anglais or soak up the romantic countryside that surrounds the town.

Portofino is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

Is Nice or Portofino Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Nice. Because it's one of the most popular tourist destinations in France, many backpackers make their way here. Nice is known for its high end vibe, so it can be challenging to find affordable options, but if you know where to look, they are around.

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

Nice 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 Nice can get you to some places easily. There are both buses and trams.

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 Nice or Portofino a more walkable city?

Nice and Portofino both are terrific when exploring on foot.

It is easy to get around Nice on foot. You should definitely spend some time exploring the 7 kilometer long Promenade des Anglais.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Portofino. 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 Nice Worth Visiting? and Is Portofino Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Portofino or Nice?

How long in Nice or Portofino?

In either Nice or Portofino, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Nice has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Nice than Portofino. In general, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Nice, and 2-5 days is enough time in Portofino.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Nice 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 Nice.

One day in Nice or Portofino?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the quaint seaside destination of Nice. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 where visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Nice or Portofino?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the beautiful destination of Nice. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This seaside destination offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Portofino is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Nice or Portofino?

You'll find nightlife and food around the opulent seaside destination of Nice. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this seaside destination makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this seaside destination has to offer.

Portofino might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. This seaside village offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Nice or Portofino?

Nice is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

Because Portofino is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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 10-Day Tours in France, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France, The Best Historical Tours in Italy, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Nice or Portofino?

Nice has a larger population, and is about 640 times larger than the population of Portofino. When comparing the sizes of Nice 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.