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

Should you visit Porto or Bari?

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

Porto

Porto is a dynamic, historic, and cultural 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 museums, nightlife, and food.

Bari

Bari is a authentic, local, and cultural port city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Porto and Bari: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Porto or Bari?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Porto than Bari. While Bari is larger than Porto, Porto has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Porto is better known for its big city activities and impressive beauty, while Bari is more popular for its beaches. Porto is more touristy than Bari and is known for its authentic old town and the local port wine. Also, Porto is famous for Cais da Ribeira. Bari is well known for its authentic old town and its role as a ferry port for travelers headed across the Adriatic.

How is Porto different from Bari?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Spend time exploring the high quality sights and museums in either Porto or Bari.

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 Bari can be an interesting and educational experience. The city is filled with historical sights and archeological ruins. San Nicola is the main basilica in town and a popular tourist sight. The Castello is also a highlight, as is San Sabino.

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

Both Porto and Bari 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, Bari is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. It's off-the-beaten-path vibe means that you won't find the overpriced tourist restaurants that have taken over more touristy cities. Instead you'll find locally owned pasta shops that cater to the town's residents. You can taste authentic Pugliese cuisine, which is centered around wheat and olive oil. Orecchiette is the local pasta and seafood is one of the most common staples.

Is Porto or Bari Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find high quality options in both Porto and Bari.

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.

Bari offers plenty to do in the evening. The city really comes to life at night with many dance clubs, bars, and other fun venues. There's plenty of live music as well as jazz clubs and other local bars.

Is Porto or Bari Better for Beaches?

Bari is very good for its beaches. However, Porto is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Bari to enjoy the beach. There's a sandy beach that you can reach by bus outside of the city center. There are also many great beaches around Puglia if you're willing to take a day trip or travel a bit farther.

Porto is not a beach destination.

Is Porto or Bari Better for its Old Town?

Porto and Bari 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 Bari to see the historical old town. The old town is filled with historic sights, mazelike streets, and great food. It's pedestrian-only and, because Bari is not as popular with tourists, it holds on to its authentic charm.

Is the Shopping Better in Porto or Bari?

If you're looking to go shopping, Porto and Bari 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.

Bari offers some nice shopping areas. You won't find the souvenir shops that you find in more touristy cities, so if you take the time to do some shopping while you're in town, you can enjoy a truly authentic and cultural experience.

Is Porto or Bari Better for Families?

You'll find high quality kid-friendly activities in either Porto or Bari.

Porto is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Bari is a very kid-friendly port city. There are historical sites and castles to explore as well as the fun-filled Miragica amusement park. There's also an impressive underground city that will spark the kid's imagination. Other fun activities include visiting the nearby beaches, taking a kayak tour, or wandering around the old town.

Is Porto or Bari Better for Couples?

Porto is a great port city for couples. Also, Bari is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for romance.

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.

Bari is a nice destination for couples. The old town is filled with mazelike streets and the city has many unique activities that appeal to history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Is Porto or Bari Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Porto is terrific for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Bari is not as popular, but is still a nice port city 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.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Bari. There's plenty of hostels around town and the prices are usually very reasonable. Many backpackers pass through this port city on their way to Greece or other Adriatic destinations.

Is Porto or Bari Better for Students?

For students, both Porto and Bari are high quality 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.

Bari is a great port city to visit as a student. It's a great student city that offers access to many nearby Mediterranean destinations. There are also a number of historical sights within town that students can visit.

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

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

Many visitors use the public transit system in Porto. 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.

Bari has a few public transit options. There are buses around town that are operated by the AMTAB.

Is Porto or Bari a more walkable city?

Porto and Bari are high quality 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.

Bari is a very walkable port city. The old town is pedestrian-only and best explored on foot. It's also about a 20 minute walk from the central train station.

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

Should I spend more time in Bari or Porto?

How long in Porto or Bari?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Porto than Bari. 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 Bari 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 Bari?

Porto is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Bari, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this cultural destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the food. 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 Bari?

Porto is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the food. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

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

Porto is a historic big city where you can fill many days. This port city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Bari is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Bari. Lots of people come for the food. 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 Bari?

The cosmopolitan port city of Porto offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the local destination of Bari. 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 food. 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 Historical Tours in Italy, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Porto and Bari, 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 Bari Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Porto or Bari?

Bari has a larger population, and is about 27% larger than the population of Porto. When comparing the sizes of Porto and Bari, 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 Bari?

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 Bari in the Summer?

Both Bari and Porto are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Porto in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Bari for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Porto is generally cooler than Bari. Daily temperatures in Porto average around 21°C (69°F), and Bari fluctuates around 25°C (76°F).

It's quite sunny in Bari. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Porto. Porto usually receives less sunshine than Bari during summer. Porto gets 308 hours of sunny skies, while Bari receives 336 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Porto usually receives more rain than Bari. Porto gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Bari receives 9 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Porto or Bari in the Autumn?

Both Bari and Porto during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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 Bari because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Porto is around the same temperature as Bari in the autumn. The daily temperature in Porto averages around 17°C (62°F) in October, and Bari fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).

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

It rains a lot this time of the year in Porto. Porto usually gets more rain in October than Bari. Porto gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Bari receives 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Porto or Bari in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Porto and Bari. 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 Bari this time of year.

In the winter, Porto is around the same temperature as Bari. Typically, the winter temperatures in Porto in January average around 10°C (50°F), and Bari averages at about 10°C (49°F).

Porto usually receives more sunshine than Bari during winter. Porto gets 124 hours of sunny skies, while Bari receives 110 hours of full sun in the winter.

Porto gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Porto usually receives more rain than Bari. Porto gets 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Bari receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Porto or Bari in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Porto as well as Bari. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Porto this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bari for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In April, Porto is generally around the same temperature as Bari. Daily temperatures in Porto average around 14°C (56°F), and Bari fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bari. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Porto this time of the year. In the spring, Porto often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bari. Porto gets 217 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bari receives 203 hours of full sun.

Porto receives a lot of rain in the spring. Porto usually gets more rain in April than Bari. Porto gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Bari receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bari and Porto