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

Should you visit Porto or Amsterdam?

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 Porto and Amsterdam can help you decide which place is right for you.

Porto

Porto is a cosmopolitan, dynamic, and historic port city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a historic, canal-lined, and party-oriented city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and live music.

Porto and Amsterdam: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Porto or Amsterdam?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Amsterdam than Porto. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Amsterdam is very popular for its nightlife, music, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Porto attracts visitors for its food. Amsterdam is more touristy than Porto and is popular for its scenic canals, huge biking culture, and its wild nightlife scene. It is also well known for The Rijksmuseum. Porto is famous for its authentic old town and the local port wine.

How is Porto different from Amsterdam?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Porto or Amsterdam?

Spend time exploring the excellent sights and museums in either Porto or Amsterdam.

Many visitors head to Porto specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Amsterdam can be an interesting and educational experience. The city has a number of sights and museums including the Anne Frank House, the Van Gogh Museum, and the Royal Palace. The world renowned Rijksmuseum is a must see for any art enthusiast. There are also many smaller, lesser known museums that are well worth a visit.

Is the Food Better in Porto or Amsterdam? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Porto is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. However, Amsterdam is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Porto is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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.

Amsterdam may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Food is expensive in this city, particularly in the touristy areas. There are some markets that sell great local items and the dessert cafes are awesome!

Is Porto or Amsterdam Better for Nightlife?

Amsterdam is very popular for nightlife. Also, Porto is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for nightlife and partying.

Amsterdam is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. The city has some of the best nightlife in Europe. There are plenty of bars, dance clubs, and other activities that you can enjoy throughout the night.

Porto offers plenty to do in the evening. 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 Porto or Amsterdam Better for Music?

Amsterdam is very popular for live music. However, Porto is not a live music destination.

Amsterdam is known as a music capital around the world. The city attracts its share of world renowned DJs and musicians. Popular music venues include Paradiso, De Melkweg, and Chicago Social Club.

Porto is not a live music destination.

Is Porto or Amsterdam Better for its Old Town?

Porto and Amsterdam are both popular destinations with charming historical areas.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Porto. 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.

Many visitors go to Amsterdam to see the historical old town. The old city center is one of the best preserved in Europe. It's enclosed by canals and has many historic churches, plazas, and buildings.

Is the Shopping Better in Porto or Amsterdam?

Amsterdam is a great 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 Amsterdam. For the best shopping in town, head to the Nine Streets area in the historic district and the two main shopping streets of The Kalverstraat and Leidsestraat.

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

Is Porto or Amsterdam Better for Families?

Porto is well known for its family-friendly activities. However, Amsterdam is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

Porto is a very kid-friendly port city. 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.

For families, Amsterdam is not always the best place to visit. The city does it's share of partying, and there are some areas, like the red light district, that aren't exactly kid-friendly, but there are some nice parks, playgrounds, and the impressive NEMO Science Museum that you can explore.

Is Porto or Amsterdam Better for Couples?

Both Porto and Amsterdam are excellent destinations to visit as a couple.

Porto is a great port city if you're traveling as 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.

Amsterdam is a very popular place to visit for couples. For many, a visit to this city is all about the party, but for couples who enjoy history, architecture, or boat rides along the scenic canals, the city also makes a great getaway. It's also fun to stay in a houseboat and have a unique experience.

Is Porto or Amsterdam Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Porto and Amsterdam are terrific places to visit.

Many backpackers frequent Porto. By combining world-class activities with affordability, this city has become a popular stop off for backpackers in the area.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Amsterdam. With it's party-hard personality and countless low price hostels, this city attracts its share of backpackers. Do note that many of the hostels aren't focused on quality, so make sure you understand what you're paying for. It may be worth booking a slightly more expensive room in a hotel.

Is Porto or Amsterdam Better for Students?

Porto is well known for students. However, Amsterdam is not popular with students.

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.

Amsterdam is not popular with students.

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

Amsterdam is very popular for times when you don't have a car. Also, Porto is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its public transit.

Amsterdam has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. The city has metros, trams, buses, and ferries that help you get around. Since this is the Netherlands, getting around by bike is very popular.

Porto has some very good public transit options. 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 Porto or Amsterdam a more walkable city?

Amsterdam 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.

Amsterdam is a very easy city to get around on foot. The historic parts of the city are very walkable and much of the city is best explored on foot.

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 Porto Worth Visiting? and Is Amsterdam Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Amsterdam or Porto?

How long in Porto or Amsterdam?

Both Porto and Amsterdam have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Amsterdam than in Porto. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Porto, and 2-7 days is enough time in Amsterdam.

Families should spend more time in Porto than Amsterdam. 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 Amsterdam than Porto. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Amsterdam that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Amsterdam than Porto 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 Amsterdam.

One day in Porto or Amsterdam?

People visit Porto because there is so much to do. 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.

In Amsterdam, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this laid-back big city offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This 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.

A weekend in Porto or Amsterdam?

People visit Porto because there is so much to do. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Amsterdam. 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.

Five days in Porto or Amsterdam?

People visit Porto because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this port city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Most people head to the area for the food. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this port city has to offer.

Amsterdam is a fun place to experience. In Amsterdam, many people enjoy the nightlife and live music that this big city destination offers. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Porto or Amsterdam?

Porto 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.

In Amsterdam, many people enjoy the live music and shopping that this canal-lined big city offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Portugal, The Best 10-Day Tours in Portugal, The Best 10-Day Tours from Amsterdam, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Amsterdam.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Porto and Amsterdam, we can see that Amsterdam 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 Amsterdam would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Amsterdam 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 Porto Expensive? and Is Amsterdam Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Porto or Amsterdam?

Amsterdam has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Porto. When comparing the sizes of Porto and Amsterdam, 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 Porto or Amsterdam?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Porto or Amsterdam in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Porto as well as Amsterdam. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Porto this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Amsterdam for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Porto is a little warmer than Amsterdam. Typically, the summer temperatures in Porto in July average around 21°C (69°F), and Amsterdam averages at about 17°C (62°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Amsterdam. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Porto this time of the year. In the summer, Porto often gets more sunshine than Amsterdam. Porto gets 308 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amsterdam receives 204 hours of full sun.

Porto usually gets less rain in July than Amsterdam. Porto gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Porto or Amsterdam in the Autumn?

Both Amsterdam and Porto are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Porto for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Amsterdam in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Porto is generally much warmer than Amsterdam. Daily temperatures in Porto average around 17°C (62°F), and Amsterdam fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Porto usually receives more sunshine than Amsterdam during autumn. Porto gets 184 hours of sunny skies, while Amsterdam receives 99 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Porto. In October, Porto usually receives more rain than Amsterdam. Porto gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Porto or Amsterdam in the Winter?

Both Amsterdam and Porto during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Porto in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Amsterdam for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Amsterdam can be very cold during winter. Porto is much warmer than Amsterdam in the winter. The daily temperature in Porto averages around 10°C (50°F) in January, and Amsterdam fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

In the winter, Porto often gets more sunshine than Amsterdam. Porto gets 124 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amsterdam receives 46 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Porto. Porto usually gets more rain in January than Amsterdam. Porto gets 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Porto or Amsterdam in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Porto and Amsterdam. Most visitors come to Porto for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Amsterdam because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Porto is much warmer than Amsterdam. Typically, the spring temperatures in Porto in April average around 14°C (56°F), and Amsterdam averages at about 8°C (46°F).

In Porto, it's very sunny this time of the year. Porto usually receives more sunshine than Amsterdam during spring. Porto gets 217 hours of sunny skies, while Amsterdam receives 166 hours of full sun in the spring.

Porto gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Porto usually receives more rain than Amsterdam. Porto gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Amsterdam and Porto