A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Portimao vs. Bordeaux for Food, Families, Couples, and Nightlife

Should you visit Portimao or Bordeaux?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Portimao and Bordeaux. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Portimao

Portimao is a colorful, stunning, and dramatic coastal city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Bordeaux

Bordeaux is a elegant, charming, and romantic city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Portimao and Bordeaux: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Portimao or Bordeaux?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Bordeaux. Although Portimao and Bordeaux are both popular with visitors, Bordeaux has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Bordeaux is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Portimao is known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Portimao is popular for it's dramatic and beautiful beaches and its many activities. Bordeaux is popular for its world-renowned wine and the many nearby vineyards. It is also home to Cathédrale Saint-André.

How is Portimao different from Bordeaux?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Portimao or Bordeaux?

Bordeaux is a good destination for its sights and museums. However, Portimao does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Bordeaux. The city has many historical landmarks and museums to explore. Cathédrale Saint-André, Tour Le Grand-Théâtre, and Basilique Saint-Seurin are all notable monuments that are worth visiting.

Portimao does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Portimao or Bordeaux? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bordeaux is renowned for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Portimao is not a good coastal city for its restaurants.

Eat your way through Bordeaux, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Both food and wine are a major draw to this culinary city, which is known for its pastries and rich flavors. Popular local dishes include grilled duck, duck foie gras, and canelés.

Portimao offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Many resorts have attached restaurants where visitors often find themselves dining. For a slightly more local vibe, you can check out one of the many restaurants around town. Much of the restaurant scene is centered around the Alvor District where you'll find unique options that serve local dishes mixed in with some international choices. The city is most famous for its grilled sardines, which are considered a local specialty.

Is Portimao or Bordeaux Better for Nightlife?

Portimao is a great destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Bordeaux is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

The people in Portimao know how to have a good time. The city's nightlife scene is mostly found around Praia da Rocha. It's a compact area that makes it easy to hop from bar to bar on foot. Particularly during the summer months you'll find plenty of parties and all night activities that draw a crowd. Sunset boat parties are also a popular activity in the area.

If you're looking for night time activities Bordeaux has a few options to choose from. The city comes to life at night with dance clubs, wine bars, student pubs, and more.

Is Portimao or Bordeaux Better for Resorts?

Portimao is a world-class destination for its resorts. However, Bordeaux is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Portimao is a great choice. The area has all types of resorts, from all-inclusive options to luxury or more family-friendly. Many of the resorts are surprisingly affordable and offer easy access to the beach.

Bordeaux is not a resort destination.

Is Portimao or Bordeaux Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Portimao is a great destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Bordeaux is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting Portimao. The best water conditions are during the summer months but this is also when the beaches are crowded and swimmers can kick up a lot of sand. There are a variety of vendors where you can book snorkeling or diving trips in the area.

Bordeaux is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Portimao or Bordeaux Better for Beaches?

Portimao is a world-class destination for the beache. However, Bordeaux is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Portimao. The stunning beaches are a major draw to the area. They are sandy and feature a backdrop of dramatic red cliffs. The most popular beach in town is Praia da Rocha, which can get crowded during the summer months, but it is quite large so you should still be able to find a spot. The strip behind the beach is lined with shops, bars, restaurants, and a casino. If you want to avoid some of the crowds you can make the walk down to Praia do Vau. Families often enjoy Praia de Alvor, which has a boardwalk that leads to Ria de Alvor nature reserve.

Bordeaux is not a beach destination.

Is Portimao or Bordeaux Better for its Old Town?

Bordeaux is a good destination for its historic old town charm. However, Portimao does not have a historic old town.

Bordeaux offers a nice historic old town area. The old town is between Cours de l'Intendance and rue Peyronnet. The area has many distinct neighborhoods, monuments, and historical buildings.

Portimao does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Portimao or Bordeaux?

Bordeaux is a well-known place for its shopping areas. Also, Portimao is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Bordeaux. The city has a mix of luxury fashion brands, jewelry shops, perfume suppliers, and leather goods. There are department stores, local boutiques, and pedestrian shopping areas that you can explore.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Portimao. It's the second largest city in the Algarve so you'll find several large and modern shopping centers including Aqua Portimão.

Is Portimao or Bordeaux Better for Families?

Portimao is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Bordeaux is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Portimao is a very family-friendly destination. Kids will love the wide range of activities available near Portimao. They can kayak through caves, see an underwater world snorkeling, learn to surf, visit waterparks, explore nature parks, and more. There are activities that the whole family can enjoy, making this stretch of coastline the perfect option for those traveling with kids.

Bordeaux offers lots of family activities. The city has a number of parks and playgrounds as well as museums, including a kid's science museum. Kids also enjoy splashing around in the Miroir d’eau, which is the world's largest water mirror.

Is Portimao or Bordeaux Better for Couples?

Portimao is a world-class destination for its romantic activities. Also, Bordeaux is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Portimao makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. This beautiful stretch of coastline offers unique beaches and stunning outdoor activities. It makes a wonderful honeymoon destination for couples who enjoy adventure, pampering, and romantic resorts. There are great restaurants as well as places to relax or activities for thrill seekers.

Bordeaux is a great coastal city if you're traveling as a couple. Wine lovers will enjoy an amazing weekend in this beautiful city. Some of the most romantic activities include wine walks, river cruises, and exploring scenic gardens.

Is Portimao or Bordeaux Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Portimao and Bordeaux are good destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Portimao. Most people think of high end resorts when they think of the Mediterranean coast, but there are a couple of hostels available for backpackers. You should also consider transportation options. While buses are available, many visitors prefer to have access to a car so they can experience the outlying regions. The good news is the area in general is not particularly expensive so you can enjoy a touch of luxury at a lower cost.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Bordeaux. There are a handful of hostels and a diversity of activities that backpackers can enjoy.

Is Portimao or Bordeaux Better for Students?

Bordeaux is a well-known place for students. However, Portimao is not popular with students.

Many students visit Bordeaux. The city has a great student atmosphere and a unique culture with a diversity of activities. It's grown in popularity with students, and the prices have climbed a bit over the past few years.

Portimao is not popular with students.

Is Portimao or Bordeaux Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Bordeaux is a well-known place for its public transit. However, Portimao is not a good coastal city for times when you don't have a car.

Bordeaux offers a very effecient public transportation network. There are buses, trams and a ferry that runs along the river.

Public transit is mostly limited in Portimao. There are local buses around town but many routes don't run on weekends.

Is Portimao or Bordeaux a more walkable city?

Bordeaux is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. However, Portimao is not a good coastal city for its walkability.

Bordeaux is a very walkable destination. The city has many pedestrian areas and large squares to explore.

Portimao is generally not a very walkable coastal city. While there are some nice walks along the coastline, the city is fairly large and spread out with many resorts located far from the center of town.

For even more information, also check out Is Portimao Worth Visiting? and Is Bordeaux Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bordeaux or Portimao?

How long in Portimao or Bordeaux?

In either Portimao or Bordeaux, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Bordeaux than Portimao because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Portimao, and 2-5 days is enough time in Bordeaux.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bordeaux than Portimao 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 Bordeaux.

One day in Portimao or Bordeaux?

The beautiful coastal city of Portimao offers nightlife and scuba diving and snorkeling. Most people come for the beaches. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

The beautiful city of Bordeaux offers food and shopping. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Portimao or Bordeaux?

Portimao is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this coastal city makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Portimao, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Bordeaux 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. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Bordeaux, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Portimao or Bordeaux?

Portimao is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that beaches 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.

Bordeaux is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Bordeaux, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Portimao or Bordeaux?

Portimao is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This coastal city offers something for everyone.

Bordeaux is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Portugal, The Best Bicycle Tours in Portugal, The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Portimao and Bordeaux, we can see that Portimao is more expensive. And not only is Bordeaux much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bordeaux would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bordeaux 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 Portimao would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Portimao than you might in Bordeaux.

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

Which is Bigger, Portimao or Bordeaux?

Bordeaux has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Portimao. When comparing the sizes of Portimao and Bordeaux, 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 Portimao or Bordeaux?

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 Portimao or Bordeaux in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Portimao and Bordeaux. The beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Portimao this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Bordeaux for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Portimao is generally a little warmer than Bordeaux. Daily temperatures in Portimao average around 25°C (78°F), and Bordeaux fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

In July, Portimao usually receives less rain than Bordeaux. Portimao gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Portimao or Bordeaux in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Portimao as well as Bordeaux. Many travelers come to Portimao for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, many visitors come to Bordeaux in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Portimao is a little warmer than Bordeaux in the autumn. The daily temperature in Portimao averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Bordeaux fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

Portimao usually gets less rain in October than Bordeaux. Portimao gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Portimao or Bordeaux in the Winter?

Both Bordeaux and Portimao are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Portimao in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Bordeaux for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Portimao is much warmer than Bordeaux. Typically, the winter temperatures in Portimao in January average around 11°C (52°F), and Bordeaux averages at about 6°C (43°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bordeaux. In January, Portimao usually receives less rain than Bordeaux. Portimao gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Portimao or Bordeaux in the Spring?

Both Bordeaux and Portimao during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Portimao for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Bordeaux because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Portimao is generally a little warmer than Bordeaux. Daily temperatures in Portimao average around 15°C (60°F), and Bordeaux fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Portimao usually gets less rain in April than Bordeaux. Portimao gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bordeaux and Portimao