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

Should you visit Oxford or Portofino?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Oxford or Portofino, 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.

Oxford

Oxford is a scholarly, collegiate, and beautiful college town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Portofino

Portofino is a breathtaking, opulent, and exclusive 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. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. Other reasons to visit include shopping, nightlife, and food.

Oxford and Portofino: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Oxford or Portofino?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Portofino. Although Oxford and Portofino are popular destinations, Portofino has more sights and attractions for tourists. Portofino is very popular for its food, resorts, beaches, historical sights, hiking, shopping, and quaint atmosphere, while Oxford attracts visitors for its museums. Portofino is more touristy than Oxford and is popular for its picturesque harbor, high end shopping, strikingly blue waters, and popularity with superyachts. It is also well known for its scenic harbor. Oxford is famous for being home to one of the world's most notable universities.

Its scenic harbor

How is Oxford different from Portofino?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Oxford offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. This town is filled with culture, history, and world class museums. Check out the Oxford University Museum of Natural History, The Museum of Modern Art, Ashmolean Museum, or the Museum of Oxford.

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 Oxford or Portofino? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Portofino is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Oxford is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Portofino. Located by the sea, you'll enjoy tons of great seafood here. Make sure you try the mussels, swordfish, and salt cod.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Oxford. In addition to the typical British pubs and fish and chips shops, you'll find a wide diversity of ethnic food around town. Thai, sushi, Indian, and more are common dining options. Head to the Oxford Covered Market to try a traditional British breakfast or have some delicious ice cream.

Is Oxford or Portofino Better for Nightlife?

The very good nightlife scene is relatively similar in Oxford and Portofino.

Oxford has a large number of nightlife venues. As a college town, you'll find an active nightlife scene with trivia nights and plenty of parties. There are pubs around town where you can grab a drink or find out if there's a concert while you're in town.

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 Oxford or Portofino Better for Resorts?

Portofino is very popular for its luxury resorts. However, Oxford is not a resort destination.

Portofino offers an unforgettable resort vacation. 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.

Oxford is not a resort destination.

Is Oxford or Portofino Better for Beaches?

Portofino is a nice place to visit for its beaches. However, Oxford is not a beach destination.

Portofino has a beach worth visiting. 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.

Oxford is not a beach destination.

Is Oxford or Portofino Better for its Old Town?

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

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.

Oxford does not have a historic old town.

Is Oxford or Portofino Better for Hiking?

Portofino is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Oxford 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.

Oxford is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Oxford or Portofino?

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

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Oxford offers some nice shopping areas. Shops around town offer the perfect opportunity to pick up some Oxford gear or by a few items from the Harry Potter franchise.

Is Oxford or Portofino Better for Families?

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

Oxford is a family-friendly place to visit. Families will enjoy taking a paddle boat out on the water and exploring the beautiful setting. There are also a number of sights that were influential in the making of Harry Potter. In particular, you'll find the inspiration for the "Great Hall" if you take a tour of Christ Church College. The tour must be booked in advance and they often sell out. Older kids will also enjoy exploring the Oxford University Museum of Natural History.

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 Oxford or Portofino Better for Couples?

Portofino is very popular for romance. Also, Oxford is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Portofino has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

Couples visit Oxford frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The beautiful campus and striking architecture make this a great destination for romance. Hire a boat and explore the water or wander through one of the impressive gardens.

Is Oxford or Portofino Better for Students?

Oxford is an unbeatable place for students. However, Portofino is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Oxford. At its heart, Oxford is a college town and students are at the heart of the city and its culture.

Portofino is not popular with students.

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

Oxford is a popular place for its public transit. However, Portofino is a mediocre seaside village for times when you don't have a car.

Oxford has a few public transit options. There are buses available if your legs get tired.

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 Oxford or Portofino a more walkable city?

Portofino is very popular for its walkability. Also, Oxford is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

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.

Oxford is a very walkable college town. The best way to explore most of the town is on foot, so you can soak up the full collegiate atmosphere.

For even more information, also check out Is Oxford Worth Visiting? and Is Portofino Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Portofino or Oxford?

How long in Oxford or Portofino?

In either Oxford or Portofino, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Portofino than Oxford because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Oxford, and 2-5 days is enough time in Portofino.

Couples should spend more time in Portofino than Oxford. 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 Portofino than Oxford 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 Portofino.

One day in Oxford or Portofino?

Even though Oxford is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Oxford has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the quaint small town of Portofino. 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 Oxford or Portofino?

Oxford is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this college town has to offer. This college town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Portofino 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 Oxford or Portofino?

Oxford is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Portofino. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Oxford or Portofino?

Oxford is a popular choice for travelers. 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.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the picturesque small town of Portofino. This seaside village 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 United Kingdom, The Best 3-Day 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 Oxford and Portofino, we can see that Portofino is more expensive. And not only is Oxford much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Oxford would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Oxford 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 Oxford.

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

Which is Bigger, Oxford or Portofino?

Oxford has a larger population, and is about 290 times larger than the population of Portofino. When comparing the sizes of Oxford 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.