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

Should you visit Porto or Antwerp?

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 Antwerp 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.

Antwerp

Antwerp is a vibrant, authentic, and genuine port city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Porto and Antwerp: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Porto or Antwerp?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Porto than Antwerp. While Antwerp is larger than Porto, Porto has more sights and attractions for tourists. Porto is very popular for its food, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Antwerp attracts visitors for its shopping. Porto is more touristy than Antwerp and is popular for its authentic old town and the local port wine. It is also well known for Cais da Ribeira. Antwerp is famous for its historic train station, festive chocolate shops, decadent waffle stands, and down-to-earth old town.

How is Porto different from Antwerp?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Spend time exploring the very good sights and museums in either Porto or Antwerp.

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 Antwerp can be an interesting and educational experience. The city has a number of cathedrals, museums, and art galleries that are fun to explore. The history and culture of the town is best experienced by wandering the streets and soaking up the architecture.

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

Porto is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. Also, Antwerp is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Porto has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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.

Antwerp is becoming an appealing option for foodies. People with a sweet tooth will enjoy the chocolates and biscuits that make this city famous. You'll also find plenty of fries and casual dining options to choose from. Local favorites include mussels and fish and chips, and of course, you must try the beer!

Is Porto or Antwerp Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find very good options in both Porto and Antwerp.

The nightlife in Porto has something for everybody. This city comes to life in the evening, particularly on weekends when locals and tourists alike flock to the many bars, restaurants, and nightclubs.

Antwerp offers plenty to do in the evening. With its large student population and young vibe, you'll find an active nightlife scene around town. Many of the the clubs and bars are concentrated in the docklands, but you'll also find places to hang out everywhere around town.

Is Porto or Antwerp Better for its Old Town?

Porto and Antwerp 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 Antwerp to see the historical old town. The old city has a long running history and many unique spots to explore. At the heart of the old town is Grote Markt, which is surrounded by beautiful buildings and cobblestone streets. There are a diversity of restaurants including local cuisines, Italian restaurants, and a number of different ethnic food. You'll also find local chocolate shops, waffle vendors, and ice cream.

Is the Shopping Better in Porto or Antwerp?

Antwerp is very popular for shopping. Also, Porto is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Antwerp. The city has become known for its fashion scene. The main shopping street is Meir, which is where you'll find a variety of European fashion chains. It's also fun to buy chocolates, art, or other souvenirs around town. You'll find both locals and tourists perusing the main shopping areas around town.

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 Antwerp Better for Families?

Porto is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Antwerp is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Antwerp offers lots of family activities. Favorite kid-friendly activities around town include taking a ride on the Ferris Wheel, going to the local zoo, or exploring the indoor play area Plopsa Station. Kids will also enjoy exploring the underground canals or taking a boat ride. Chocolate lovers will have fun checking out the many chocolate shops around town.

Is Porto or Antwerp Better for Couples?

Porto is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Antwerp is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit Porto frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Antwerp is a good port city for couples to visit. The city has a wonderful café culture with great restaurants and beautiful neighborhoods to explore. There are many great restaurants as well as plenty of shopping opportunities.

Is Porto or Antwerp Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Porto is an unbeatable place for backpackers. Also, Antwerp is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Porto. By combining world-class activities with affordability, this city has become a popular stop off for backpackers in the area.

It's common for backpackers to visit Antwerp. With a handful of hostels and a variety of free activities, this is an affordable place to visit. It's often overlooked by backpackers so those that visit will be rewarded. It has a vibe of authenticity which is great for backpacker's who are a bit jaded from the tourism scene.

Is Porto or Antwerp Better for Students?

For students, both Porto and Antwerp are very good places to visit.

Porto is very popular with students. The city has a number of good research programs and study abroad opportunities that attract international students from around the world.

Antwerp is a great port city to visit as a student. There's a good student culture and a lot of activities that give the city a fun and youthful vibe. It's a relatively big city with a lot of transportation connections, so it makes a great base for exploring other areas.

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

Porto is well known for its public transit. Also, Antwerp is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

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.

While Antwerp offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are both tram and bus lines around town. The city also has a large and impressive train station with many connections, making it a good base for exploring other areas.

Is Porto or Antwerp a more walkable city?

Porto and Antwerp are very good when it comes to walkability.

Porto is very walkable. 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.

Antwerp is a very walkable port city. The old town can be comfortably explored on foot, particularly the area around Grote Markt.

For even more information, also check out Is Porto Worth Visiting? and Is Antwerp Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Antwerp or Porto?

How long in Porto or Antwerp?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Porto and Antwerp. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Porto than in Antwerp. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Porto, and 1-3 days is enough time in Antwerp.

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

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

One day in Porto or Antwerp?

Because Porto is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This port city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Antwerp, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this vibrant destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the shopping. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Porto or Antwerp?

Because Porto is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. One reason most visitors come is for the food. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Porto has to offer.

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

Porto is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Porto has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Antwerp is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Antwerp. Lots of people come for the shopping. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Porto or Antwerp?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Porto. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Porto. One reason most visitors come is for the food. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

You'll find food and shopping around the genuine destination of Antwerp. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the shopping. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Portugal, The Best 10-Day Tours in Portugal, The Best Cultural Tours in Belgium, and The Best Budget Tours to Belgium.

When comparing the travel costs between Porto and Antwerp, we can see that Porto is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Porto or Antwerp?

Antwerp has a larger population, and is about 84% larger than the population of Porto. When comparing the sizes of Porto and Antwerp, 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 Antwerp?

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 Antwerp in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Porto as well as Antwerp. The summer months attract visitors to Porto because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Antwerp this time of year.

In the summer, Porto is a little warmer than Antwerp. Typically, the summer temperatures in Porto in July average around 21°C (69°F), and Antwerp averages at about 17°C (63°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Antwerp. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Porto this time of the year. In the summer, Porto often gets more sunshine than Antwerp. Porto gets 308 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Antwerp receives 202 hours of full sun.

Porto usually gets less rain in July than Antwerp. Porto gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Antwerp receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Porto or Antwerp in the Autumn?

Both Antwerp and Porto are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Porto this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Antwerp for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Porto is generally a little warmer than Antwerp. Daily temperatures in Porto average around 17°C (62°F), and Antwerp fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Porto usually receives more sunshine than Antwerp during autumn. Porto gets 184 hours of sunny skies, while Antwerp receives 105 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Porto. In October, Porto usually receives more rain than Antwerp. Porto gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Antwerp receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Porto or Antwerp in the Winter?

Both Antwerp and Porto during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Porto for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Antwerp in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Antwerp can get quite cold in the winter. Porto is much warmer than Antwerp in the winter. The daily temperature in Porto averages around 10°C (50°F) in January, and Antwerp fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Porto often gets more sunshine than Antwerp. Porto gets 124 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Antwerp receives 47 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Porto. Porto usually gets more rain in January than Antwerp. Porto gets 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Antwerp receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Porto or Antwerp in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Porto and Antwerp. Many visitors come to Porto in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Antwerp for the activities around the city during these months.

In the spring, Porto is much warmer than Antwerp. Typically, the spring temperatures in Porto in April average around 14°C (56°F), and Antwerp averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In Porto, it's very sunny this time of the year. Porto usually receives more sunshine than Antwerp during spring. Porto gets 217 hours of sunny skies, while Antwerp receives 158 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 Antwerp. Porto gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Antwerp receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Antwerp and Porto