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

Should you visit Porto or Bruges?

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 Bruges 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.

Bruges

Bruges is a beautiful, historic, and charming city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Porto and Bruges: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Porto or Bruges?

You'll generally find more things to do in Porto than Bruges. Porto is bigger than Bruges, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Porto is better known for its food, nightlife, and big city activities, while Bruges is more popular for its historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Bruges is more touristy than Porto and is known for its scenic old town, charming streets, local chocolate, and unique Christmas market. Porto is well known for its authentic old town and the local port wine. Also, Porto is famous for Cais da Ribeira.

How is Porto different from Bruges?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Bruges can be an interesting and educational experience. The city is filled with charming hidden corners as well as notable landmarks. The main square is Bruges' Markt which is where you'll find the the Belfry Tower. Other must-see sights include the Historium, Groeninge Museum, the Town Hall, and Brugse Vrije Museum.

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

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

Eat your way through Porto, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Bruges makes for a great culinary experience. From its world class breweries to its famous chocolate shops, there is plenty to eat and drink around town. In the old town prices can be a bit high, but the dishes and atmosphere are great. Popular local dishes include Belgian waffles, fries, mussels, and beef stew.

Is Porto or Bruges Better for Nightlife?

Porto is great for its evening party scene. Also, Bruges is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

Many people head to Porto for the nightlife scene. 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 Bruges. It's famous for its beer and breweries, so you'll find a number of places to gather in the evening. There is a lack of nightclubs, so if dancing and partying hard is your style, then this may not be your place. The vibes are generally chill and relaxed at night. Most places are concentrated around old town or near Kuipersstraat or Zilverstraat.

Is Porto or Bruges Better for its Old Town?

Bruges 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.

Bruges has a world-famous historical area. The old town is the main attraction, with its quaint cobblestone streets and beautiful brick architecture.

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 Bruges?

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

Bruges offers some nice shopping areas. The city offers plenty of shopping, whether you're looking for souvenirs, trendy European brands, or local items. It's more geared towards tourists than locals, and you want find the same diversity that you get in some of the larger nearby cities, but you'll find unique lace items and other local goods in the old town. The streets around Markt Square, Steenstraat, Geld Monstraat, and Jakobstraat are the main shopping areas.

Is Porto or Bruges Better for Families?

Porto is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Bruges is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Bruges is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy sampling the unique chocolate around town, eating their fill of waffles, and getting their energy out in the park or at a local playground. There are also canal boat tours and horse drawn carriage rides that are fun for the whole family.

Is Porto or Bruges Better for Couples?

Both Porto and Bruges 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.

Bruges is a very popular place to visit for couples. This romantic city has amazing restaurants, charming streets, and impressive architecture. Couples will enjoy exploring the canals by boat or taking a horse drawn carriage ride through the old town. There are also a number of cute bed and breakfasts where you can stay.

Is Porto or Bruges Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Porto is very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Bruges is not as popular, but is still a nice 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 Bruges. There are a few good hostels around town. The city sees its share of tourists, but many arrive as part of tours or river boat cruises. If you stay in a hostel, you shouldn't have trouble meeting other young travelers though. There are also plenty of well known breweries where you can gather with friends.

Is Porto or Bruges Better for Students?

Porto is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Bruges 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.

Bruges is not popular with students.

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

Porto is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Bruges is not as popular, but is still a nice 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.

Bruges has a few public transit options. There is a bus system that connects the train station to the old town. Otherwise, the city is best explored on foot.

Is Porto or Bruges a more walkable city?

Bruges 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.

Bruges is a very easy city to get around on foot. The train station is a short walk from the old town but the city is very walkable and best explored 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 Bruges Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bruges or Porto?

How long in Porto or Bruges?

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

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

Porto is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Bruges, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this historic 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 Bruges?

Porto is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Porto. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

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

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cosmopolitan big city of Porto. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find food and shopping around the beautiful destination of Bruges. 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 Cultural Tours in Belgium, and The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium.

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

Which is Bigger, Porto or Bruges?

Porto has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Bruges. When comparing the sizes of Porto and Bruges, 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 Bruges?

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 Bruges in the Summer?

Both Bruges 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 Bruges for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Porto is generally a little warmer than Bruges. Daily temperatures in Porto average around 21°C (69°F), and Bruges fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

It's quite sunny in Bruges. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Porto. Porto usually receives more sunshine than Bruges during summer. Porto gets 308 hours of sunny skies, while Bruges receives 202 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Porto usually receives less rain than Bruges. Porto gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Porto or Bruges in the Autumn?

Both Bruges 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. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Bruges because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Porto is a little warmer than Bruges in the autumn. The daily temperature in Porto averages around 17°C (62°F) in October, and Bruges fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Porto often gets more sunshine than Bruges. Porto gets 184 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bruges receives 105 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Porto. Porto usually gets more rain in October than Bruges. Porto gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Porto or Bruges in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Porto and Bruges. The winter months attract visitors to Porto because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Bruges this time of year.

It's quite cold in Bruges in the winter. In the winter, Porto is much warmer than Bruges. Typically, the winter temperatures in Porto in January average around 10°C (50°F), and Bruges averages at about 3°C (38°F).

Porto usually receives more sunshine than Bruges during winter. Porto gets 124 hours of sunny skies, while Bruges receives 47 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 Bruges. Porto gets 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Porto or Bruges in the Spring?

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

In April, Porto is generally much warmer than Bruges. Daily temperatures in Porto average around 14°C (56°F), and Bruges fluctuates around 8°C (47°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 Bruges. Porto gets 217 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bruges receives 158 hours of full sun.

Porto receives a lot of rain in the spring. Porto usually gets more rain in April than Bruges. Porto gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bruges and Porto