A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Porto vs. Avignon for Attractions, Food, Old Town, and Backpackers

Should you visit Porto or Avignon?

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 Avignon can help you decide which place is right for you.

Porto

Porto is a cultural, cosmopolitan, and dynamic port city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Avignon

Avignon is a scenic, picturesque, and historical town. Since it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors, too. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Porto and Avignon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Porto or Avignon?

You'll generally find more things to do in Porto than Avignon. Porto is bigger than Avignon, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Porto is better known for its nightlife, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Avignon is more popular for its museums, historical sights, and small town charm. Porto is well known for its authentic old town and the local port wine. Also, Porto is famous for Cais da Ribeira. Avignon is well known for its architectural beauty and historical importance.

How is Porto different from Avignon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Avignon is very popular for its historical sights. Also, Porto is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its sights and museums.

Travelers visit Avignon from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The town is filled with historical landmarks such as Palais des Papes, Pont Saint Bénézet, Musée du Petit Palais, and Basilique Métropolitaine Notre-Dame des Doms.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Porto can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

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

Both Porto and Avignon offer first-rate local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Avignon is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. For such a small town you'll find many great eateries where you can sample French cuisine. You'll find bakeries, patisseries, restaurants, chocolatiers, and cafes to try. Cooking classes are also a popular activity in town.

Is Porto or Avignon Better for Nightlife?

Porto is a very popular place for its evening party scene. However, Avignon is lacking in good options for nightlife.

Porto has a large number of nightlife venues. This city comes to life in the evening, particularly on weekends when locals and tourists alike flock to the many bars, restaurants, and nightclubs.

Avignon is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. There's a limited nightlife scene but the bars you'll find are usually centered around Place de lHorloge, Place du Palais, Rue Carnot, and Place des Corps-Saints.

Is Porto or Avignon Better for its Old Town?

Avignon is very popular for its historic old town. Also, Porto is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its old town.

Avignon has a world-famous historical area. The walled medieval old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it's filled with history.

Many visitors go to Porto to see the historical old town. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Porto or Avignon?

If you're looking to go shopping, Porto and Avignon both offer plenty of notable spots.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Porto. The city has both your standard shopping mall stores as well as local vendors and boutique shops.

Avignon offers some nice shopping areas. There are several shopping streets in town like Rue de la Republique, Rue Joseph-Vernet, and Rue St Agricol.

Is Porto or Avignon Better for Families?

Porto is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Avignon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Porto. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Avignon. Families can enjoy cooking classes, boat tours, and exploring the old town together.

Is Porto or Avignon Better for Couples?

Both Porto and Avignon are high quality 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.

Avignon is a very popular place to visit for couples. Filled with history, couples can enjoy strolling through the old town or dinner on amazing French food.

Is Porto or Avignon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Porto is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Avignon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Porto, as it is a very popular port city for budget travelers. By combining world-class activities with affordability, this city has become a popular stop off for backpackers in the area.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Avignon. You'll find a few affordable hotels, but hostels are a little bit more difficult to come by.

Is Porto or Avignon Better for Students?

Porto is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Avignon is not popular with students.

Many students visit Porto. The city has a number of good research programs and study abroad opportunities that attract international students from around the world.

Avignon is not popular with students.

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

Porto is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Avignon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

The public transit in Porto can get you to most places easily. 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.

You'll find some public transit in Avignon, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are city buses as well as tourist shuttles around town.

Is Porto or Avignon a more walkable city?

Avignon 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.

Avignon is a very easy town to get around on foot. There's almost no traffic in the city center so it's easy to explore 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 Avignon Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Avignon or Porto?

How long in Porto or Avignon?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Porto or Avignon to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Porto than Avignon because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Porto, and 1-2 days is enough time in Avignon.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Porto than Avignon 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 Avignon?

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.

Even though Avignon is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This town 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 Avignon?

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 Avignon. 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 Avignon?

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.

Avignon is a fun place to experience. Avignon is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. 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 Avignon?

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.

Avignon is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. 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 10-Day Tours in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.

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

Which is Bigger, Porto or Avignon?

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

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 Porto or Avignon in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Porto and Avignon. Many visitors come to Porto in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Avignon for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Porto is generally cooler than Avignon. Daily temperatures in Porto average around 21°C (69°F), and Avignon fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Avignon this time of the year. In Porto, it's very sunny this time of the year. Porto usually receives less sunshine than Avignon during summer. Porto gets 308 hours of sunny skies, while Avignon receives 354 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Porto usually receives less rain than Avignon. Porto gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Avignon receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Porto or Avignon in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Porto as well as Avignon. Most visitors come to Porto for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Avignon because of the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

Porto is around the same temperature as Avignon in the autumn. The daily temperature in Porto averages around 17°C (62°F) in October, and Avignon fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Porto often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Avignon. Porto gets 184 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Avignon receives 178 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Avignon. Porto receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Porto usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Avignon. Porto gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Avignon receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Porto or Avignon in the Winter?

Both Avignon and Porto are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Porto because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Avignon this time of year.

In the winter, Porto is a little warmer than Avignon. Typically, the winter temperatures in Porto in January average around 10°C (50°F), and Avignon averages at about 7°C (44°F).

Porto usually receives less sunshine than Avignon during winter. Porto gets 124 hours of sunny skies, while Avignon receives 146 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Porto. In January, Porto usually receives more rain than Avignon. Porto gets 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Avignon receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Porto or Avignon in the Spring?

Both Avignon and Porto during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Porto this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Avignon for the small town charm.

In April, Porto is generally around the same temperature as Avignon. Daily temperatures in Porto average around 14°C (56°F), and Avignon fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In Avignon, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Porto. In the spring, Porto often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Avignon. Porto gets 217 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Avignon receives 218 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Porto. Porto usually gets more rain in April than Avignon. Porto gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Avignon receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Avignon and Porto