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

Should you visit Porto or Biarritz?

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

Porto

Porto is a cultural, cosmopolitan, and dynamic 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. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Biarritz

Biarritz is a cultural, relaxing, and quirky seaside town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Other reasons to visit include shopping, nightlife, and food.

Porto and Biarritz: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Porto or Biarritz?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Porto. Although Porto and Biarritz are popular destinations, Porto has more sights and attractions for tourists. Porto is very popular for its museums, food, historical sights, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Biarritz attracts visitors for its resorts, beaches, shopping, and small town charm. Porto is famous for its authentic old town and the local port wine. It is also well known for Cais da Ribeira. Biarritz is famous for its surfing culture, long beaches, and seaside atmosphere.

How is Porto different from Biarritz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Porto is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Biarritz is lacking in options for its museums and landmarks.

Porto offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

Biarritz offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most people pass their time relaxing on the beach or taking a walk, but you can also visit the Biarritz Aquarium or the Biarritz Lighthouse.

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

Porto is renowned for its restaurants. Also, Biarritz is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

For foodies, Porto is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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.

Dining out in Biarritz is an experience not to be missed. The food is a delicious mix of French, Spanish, and Basque flavors. Seafood is an obvious influence, but you'll also find meat and bread in many dishes. Local specialties include the oysters, pintxos (a snack of bread topped with ham, cheese, or vegetables), and marmitako (tuna stew).

Is Porto or Biarritz Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find great options in both Porto and Biarritz.

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.

Biarritz offers plenty to do in the evening. The city center has the most bars and clubs if you're looking for a party. Head to Port Vieux or Les Halles for some of the city's best nightlife. For a more relaxed night out, there are night markets as well as beach front terraces and rooftops where you can sip wine in a mellow atmosphere.

Is Porto or Biarritz Better for Resorts?

Biarritz is a great seaside town for its luxury resorts. However, Porto is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Biarritz. You'll find a mix of holiday cottages, vacation rentals, and beachfront hotels. There are also hostels around town for those on a budget.

Porto is not a resort destination.

Is Porto or Biarritz Better for Beaches?

Biarritz is a great seaside town for its beaches. However, Porto is not a beach destination.

Biarritz is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. There are plenty of sandy beaches near the town that offer great surfing. For calmer water you can head to some of the smaller bays. Some of the most popular beaches in the area include Le Grande Plage, Plage du Miramar, and Plage Port Vieux.

Porto is not a beach destination.

Is Porto or Biarritz Better for its Old Town?

Porto is an excellent place to visit for its old town. However, Biarritz does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting 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.

Biarritz does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Porto or Biarritz?

Biarritz is a great seaside town 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 Biarritz. The town has many market halls, boutiques, and department stores. Head to Avenue de Verdun for some quirky local stores or Place Georges Clemenceau for more high end shopping.

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 Biarritz Better for Families?

You'll find great kid-friendly activities in either Porto or Biarritz.

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.

Biarritz is a very kid-friendly port city. The sandy beaches are great for surfing, but you'll also find some calm water where kids can play. There are plenty of surf schools in the area that will help kids learn if they're just beginning to surf. Kids who love the ocean will find tons of entertainment in this seaside town.

Is Porto or Biarritz Better for Couples?

Both Porto and Biarritz are great 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.

Biarritz is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are many coastal walks, sandy beaches, and surfing opportunities that couples can enjoy. Combine that with great French cuisine and a lively atmosphere, and you won't find a better couples getaway.

Is Porto or Biarritz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Porto is extremely popular for backpackers. By combining world-class activities with affordability, this city has become a popular stop off for backpackers in the area.

Biarritz is a very popular port city for backpackers and budget travelers. The town attracts surfers and there are plenty of hostels and other accommodation options for budget travelers or backpackers.

Is Porto or Biarritz Better for Students?

Porto is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Biarritz is not popular with students.

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

Biarritz is not popular with students.

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

Porto is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Biarritz is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Public transit in Porto can get you to some 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 Biarritz, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are regional bus lines to nearby towns operated by Chronoplus and PESA.

Is Porto or Biarritz a more walkable city?

Porto and Biarritz are great 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.

Biarritz is a very walkable port city. The city center is very walkable and you can reach many of the beaches on foot as well.

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

Should I spend more time in Biarritz or Porto?

How long in Porto or Biarritz?

Both Porto and Biarritz have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Biarritz than in Porto. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Porto, and 3-7 days is enough time in Biarritz.

Families should spend more time in Porto than Biarritz. 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 Biarritz. 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 Biarritz 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 Biarritz?

Porto is a big city with plenty to do. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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.

In Biarritz, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this quirky destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This seaside town 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 Biarritz?

Porto is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this port city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Porto, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Biarritz. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Porto or Biarritz?

Porto 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 Porto, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Biarritz is a fun place to experience. In Biarritz, many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife that this destination offers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Porto or Biarritz?

Porto is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This port city offers something for everyone.

In Biarritz, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this quirky destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 Tours for Seniors to France, and The Best Contiki Tours to France.

When comparing the travel costs between Porto and Biarritz, we can see that Biarritz 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 Biarritz Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Porto or Biarritz?

Porto has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Biarritz. When comparing the sizes of Porto and Biarritz, 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 Biarritz?

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 Biarritz in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Porto and Biarritz. Most visitors come to Porto for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Biarritz because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Porto is around the same temperature as Biarritz. Typically, the summer temperatures in Porto in July average around 21°C (69°F), and Biarritz averages at about 20°C (68°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Biarritz this time of the year. In Porto, it's very sunny this time of the year. Porto usually receives more sunshine than Biarritz during summer. Porto gets 308 hours of sunny skies, while Biarritz receives 209 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Porto usually receives less rain than Biarritz. Porto gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Porto or Biarritz in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Porto as well as Biarritz. The autumn months attract visitors to Porto because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Biarritz this time of year.

In October, Porto is generally around the same temperature as Biarritz. Daily temperatures in Porto average around 17°C (62°F), and Biarritz fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Porto often gets more sunshine than Biarritz. Porto gets 184 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Biarritz receives 144 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Biarritz. Porto receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Porto usually gets less rain in October than Biarritz. Porto gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Porto or Biarritz in the Winter?

Both Biarritz and Porto are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Porto this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Biarritz for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Porto is a little warmer than Biarritz in the winter. The daily temperature in Porto averages around 10°C (50°F) in January, and Biarritz fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Porto usually receives more sunshine than Biarritz during winter. Porto gets 124 hours of sunny skies, while Biarritz receives 85 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Biarritz. It's quite rainy in Porto. In January, Porto usually receives around the same amount of rain as Biarritz. Porto gets 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Porto or Biarritz in the Spring?

Both Biarritz and Porto during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Porto for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Biarritz in the spring for the beaches and the small town charm.

In the spring, Porto is a little warmer than Biarritz. Typically, the spring temperatures in Porto in April average around 14°C (56°F), and Biarritz averages at about 12°C (54°F).

It's quite sunny in Porto. In the spring, Porto often gets more sunshine than Biarritz. Porto gets 217 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Biarritz receives 141 hours of full sun.

Biarritz gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Porto. Porto usually gets less rain in April than Biarritz. Porto gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Biarritz and Porto