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

Should you visit Porto or Bordeaux?

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 Bordeaux 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.

Bordeaux

Bordeaux is a historical, elegant, and charming city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Porto and Bordeaux: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Porto or Bordeaux?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Porto than Bordeaux. While Bordeaux is larger than Porto, Porto has more sights and attractions for tourists. Porto is very popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, and big city activities, while Bordeaux attracts visitors for its shopping. Bordeaux is more touristy than Porto and is popular for its world-renowned wine and the many nearby vineyards. Porto is famous for its authentic old town and the local port wine. It is also well known for Cais da Ribeira.

How is Porto different from Bordeaux?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Porto is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Bordeaux is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Bordeaux. The city has many historical landmarks and museums to explore. Cathédrale Saint-André, Tour Le Grand-Théâtre, and Basilique Saint-Seurin are all notable monuments that are worth visiting.

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

Both Porto and Bordeaux offer world-class 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, Bordeaux is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. Both food and wine are a major draw to this culinary city, which is known for its pastries and rich flavors. Popular local dishes include grilled duck, duck foie gras, and canelés.

Is Porto or Bordeaux Better for Nightlife?

Porto is a great destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Bordeaux is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

The people in Porto know how to have a good time. This city comes to life in the evening, particularly on weekends when locals and tourists alike flock to the many bars, restaurants, and nightclubs.

If you're looking for night time activities Bordeaux has a few options to choose from. The city comes to life at night with dance clubs, wine bars, student pubs, and more.

Is Porto or Bordeaux Better for its Old Town?

Porto is a great destination for its old town. Also, Bordeaux is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

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.

Bordeaux has an old town worth visiting. The old town is between Cours de l'Intendance and rue Peyronnet. The area has many distinct neighborhoods, monuments, and historical buildings.

Is the Shopping Better in Porto or Bordeaux?

Bordeaux 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 Bordeaux. The city has a mix of luxury fashion brands, jewelry shops, perfume suppliers, and leather goods. There are department stores, local boutiques, and pedestrian shopping areas that you can explore.

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 Bordeaux Better for Families?

Porto is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Bordeaux 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.

Bordeaux offers lots of family activities. The city has a number of parks and playgrounds as well as museums, including a kid's science museum. Kids also enjoy splashing around in the Miroir d’eau, which is the world's largest water mirror.

Is Porto or Bordeaux Better for Couples?

Both Porto and Bordeaux 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.

Bordeaux is a very popular place to visit for couples. Wine lovers will enjoy an amazing weekend in this beautiful city. Some of the most romantic activities include wine walks, river cruises, and exploring scenic gardens.

Is Porto or Bordeaux Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Porto is a world-class destination for backpackers. Also, Bordeaux 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.

Bordeaux is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a handful of hostels and a diversity of activities that backpackers can enjoy.

Is Porto or Bordeaux Better for Students?

For students, both Porto and Bordeaux 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.

Bordeaux is a great port city to visit as a student. The city has a great student atmosphere and a unique culture with a diversity of activities. It's grown in popularity with students, and the prices have climbed a bit over the past few years.

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

Porto and Bordeaux 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.

Bordeaux has some very good public transit options. There are buses, trams and a ferry that runs along the river.

Is Porto or Bordeaux a more walkable city?

Porto and Bordeaux 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.

Bordeaux is a very walkable port city. The city has many pedestrian areas and large squares to explore.

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

Should I spend more time in Bordeaux or Porto?

How long in Porto or Bordeaux?

In either Porto or Bordeaux, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Porto has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Porto than Bordeaux. However, 2-5 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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 Bordeaux, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this romantic destination offers. Lots of people come for the food. This city 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 Bordeaux?

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 Bordeaux. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. 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 Bordeaux?

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.

Bordeaux is a fun place to experience. In Bordeaux, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the food. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Porto or Bordeaux?

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.

You'll find food and shopping around the historical destination of Bordeaux. 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 10-Day Tours from Paris, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris.

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

Which is Bigger, Porto or Bordeaux?

Bordeaux has a larger population, and is about 20% larger than the population of Porto. When comparing the sizes of Porto and Bordeaux, 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 Bordeaux?

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 Bordeaux in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Porto as well as Bordeaux. Most visitors come to Porto for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Bordeaux because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bordeaux. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Porto this time of the year. In the summer, Porto often gets more sunshine than Bordeaux. Porto gets 308 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bordeaux receives 276 hours of full sun.

Porto usually gets less rain in July than Bordeaux. Porto gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Porto or Bordeaux in the Autumn?

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

In October, Porto is generally a little warmer than Bordeaux. Daily temperatures in Porto average around 17°C (62°F), and Bordeaux fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

Porto usually receives more sunshine than Bordeaux during autumn. Porto gets 184 hours of sunny skies, while Bordeaux receives 165 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Porto. In October, Porto usually receives more rain than Bordeaux. Porto gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Porto or Bordeaux in the Winter?

Both Bordeaux and Porto during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Porto this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bordeaux for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Porto is much warmer than Bordeaux in the winter. The daily temperature in Porto averages around 10°C (50°F) in January, and Bordeaux fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

In the winter, Porto often gets more sunshine than Bordeaux. Porto gets 124 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bordeaux receives 86 hours of full sun.

Bordeaux gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Porto. Porto usually gets more rain in January than Bordeaux. Porto gets 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Porto or Bordeaux in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Porto and Bordeaux. Many travelers come to Porto for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Bordeaux in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Porto is a little warmer than Bordeaux. Typically, the spring temperatures in Porto in April average around 14°C (56°F), and Bordeaux averages at about 12°C (53°F).

In Porto, it's very sunny this time of the year. Porto usually receives more sunshine than Bordeaux during spring. Porto gets 217 hours of sunny skies, while Bordeaux receives 190 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 Bordeaux. Porto gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bordeaux and Porto