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

Should you visit Porto or Bonn?

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

Porto

Porto is a dynamic, historic, and cultural port city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Bonn

Bonn is a outdoorsy, lively, and cultural city. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Porto and Bonn: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Porto or Bonn?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Porto than Bonn. While Bonn is larger than Porto, Porto has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Porto is more popular for its food, nightlife, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Bonn is known for its shopping and quaint atmosphere. Porto is more touristy than Bonn and is known for its authentic old town and the local port wine. It is also home to Cais da Ribeira. Bonn is popular for its many museums, cultural venues, and university atmosphere, as well as being the birthplace of Beethoven.

How is Porto different from Bonn?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Spend time exploring the great sights and museums in either Porto or Bonn.

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 Bonn can be an interesting and educational experience. Some of the most popular museums include Haus der Geschichte (history), Beethoven's House, and Kunstmuseum Bonn (art). For architecture check out the Old Town Hall and Bonn Minster. Other landmarks include Poppelsdorf Palace and Schloss Drachenburg.

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

Porto is very popular for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Bonn is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Bonn. Like much of the food in Germany, you'll find local dishes are hearty and filling. Potatoes and meats are popular ingredients, as are milk, butter, and vegetables. For local flavors try the Rhenish Sauerbraten (veal stew), Reibekuchen (German pancakes), or Christmas Sausages.

Is Porto or Bonn Better for Nightlife?

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

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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Bonn. There are bars and nightclubs around town but even more popular are the cultural events that the city hosts. If nightlife is important to you, try to visit during one of the festivals around town.

Is Porto or Bonn Better for its Old Town?

Porto and Bonn 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 Bonn to see the historical old town. The old town is filled with cobblestone streets and charming shops. There are also cafes and restaurants where you can grab a bite to eat.

Is the Shopping Better in Porto or Bonn?

Bonn 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 Bonn. A mix of local shops and major chains make shopping fun and easy. Whether you're interested in souvenir gifts or a new outfit, there are countless stores 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 Bonn Better for Families?

Bonn is very popular for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Porto is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its family-friendly activities.

Bonn is one of the most popular family destinations. Just outside of the town is the Haribo factory outlet store where you can pick up a number of sweet treats and spend some time exploring with the kids. Another favorite activity for the whole family is a trip to nearby Phantasialand. This is one of the best amusement parks in Germany and it has many rides for teens and younger kids alike. In town, you'll find playgrounds and kid-friendly museums. Kids will also love a visit to Schloss Drachenburg Castle.

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.

Is Porto or Bonn Better for Couples?

Porto is a great port city for romance. Also, Bonn is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

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.

Bonn makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Churches, architecture, and botanical gardens all make this a great couples destination. You can take a cruise down the Rhein or enjoy a meal at one of the best restaurants.

Is Porto or Bonn Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Porto is very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Bonn is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

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

Bonn is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Many backpackers skip this town, so its a good option for travelers who want to get off the beaten backpacker trail. There are affordable hotels and hostels around town as well as restaurants where you can pick up something cheap to eat.

Is Porto or Bonn Better for Students?

For students, both Porto and Bonn are great 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.

Bonn is a great port city to visit as a student. The city has a very international vibe and you'll likely run into people speaking English around town. Job opportunities in the area are good and there are schools that attract students from around the globe.

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

Porto and Bonn both offer great public transit to get you around.

Public transit in Porto is fairly effecient and thorough. 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.

Bonn has some very good public transit options. There is a light rail system that includes 9 lines and 64 stations. There are also buses around town. Bonn is connected to the region by convenient commuter trains so it's possible to visit as a day trip.

Is Porto or Bonn a more walkable city?

Porto and Bonn 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.

Bonn is a very walkable port city. The compact old town is easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Bonn or Porto?

How long in Porto or Bonn?

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

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

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

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 Bonn, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this beautiful destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This 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 Bonn?

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 Bonn. 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 Bonn?

Porto is a cultural 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.

Bonn is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Bonn. 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 Bonn?

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 outdoorsy destination of Bonn. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin.

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

Which is Bigger, Porto or Bonn?

Bonn has a larger population, and is about 25% larger than the population of Porto. When comparing the sizes of Porto and Bonn, 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 Bonn?

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 Bonn in the Summer?

Both Bonn and Porto are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Porto for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Bonn because of the family-friendly experiences.

Porto is around the same temperature as Bonn in the summer. The daily temperature in Porto averages around 21°C (69°F) in July, and Bonn fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Porto. Porto usually receives more sunshine than Bonn during summer. Porto gets 308 hours of sunny skies, while Bonn receives 191 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Porto usually receives less rain than Bonn. Porto gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Bonn receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Porto or Bonn in the Autumn?

Both Bonn and Porto during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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. Also, the shopping scene are the main draw to Bonn this time of year.

In the autumn, Porto is a little warmer than Bonn. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Porto in October average around 17°C (62°F), and Bonn averages at about 12°C (53°F).

In the autumn, Porto often gets more sunshine than Bonn. Porto gets 184 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bonn receives 109 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Porto. Porto usually gets more rain in October than Bonn. Porto gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Bonn receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Porto or Bonn in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Porto and Bonn. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Porto this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bonn for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Bonn. In January, Porto is generally much warmer than Bonn. Daily temperatures in Porto average around 10°C (50°F), and Bonn fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Porto usually receives more sunshine than Bonn during winter. Porto gets 124 hours of sunny skies, while Bonn receives 45 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 Bonn. Porto gets 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Bonn receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Porto or Bonn in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Porto as well as Bonn. Many travelers come to Porto for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Porto is a little warmer than Bonn in the spring. The daily temperature in Porto averages around 14°C (56°F) in April, and Bonn fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Porto this time of the year. In the spring, Porto often gets more sunshine than Bonn. Porto gets 217 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bonn receives 145 hours of full sun.

Porto receives a lot of rain in the spring. Porto usually gets more rain in April than Bonn. Porto gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Bonn receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bonn and Porto