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

Should you visit Porto or Brussels?

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

Porto

Porto is a cosmopolitan, dynamic, and historic 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. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Brussels

Brussels is a authentic, colorful, and multicultural city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Porto and Brussels: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Porto or Brussels?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Brussels than Porto, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Brussels is more popular for its shopping and big city activities, while Porto is known for its food, nightlife, and impressive beauty. Porto is more touristy than Brussels and is popular for its authentic old town and the local port wine. Brussels is popular for its beautiful architecture, grand squares, diverse population, and delicious waffles. It is also home to La Grand Place (Grote Markt).

La Grand Place (Grote Markt)

How is Porto different from Brussels?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Brussels can be an interesting and educational experience. Popular sights include Saint-Michel Cathedral, Place Royale, and the Belgian Royal Museum of Fine Arts. The city is filled with impressive architecture, fascinating art museums, and innovative science and technology museums.

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

Porto is renowned for its restaurant scene. Also, Brussels is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

Brussels has a huge number of terrific restaurants. While the city is most known for its waffles and fries, the diversity of dishes and international restaurant selection continues to grow. There are Lebanese, Japanese, and Indian restaurants among others. Popular local dishes include moules-frites, waterzooi (a stew), and stoemp (made with mashed potatoes and vegetables).

Is Porto or Brussels Better for Nightlife?

Porto is well known for nightlife. Also, Brussels is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

Porto is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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 Brussels has a few options to choose from. The city's nightlife is quieter and more mellow than some other major cities around Europe. That doesn't mean there aren't plenty of dance clubs and bars where you can hang out. Keep your wits about you after the sun goes down as some areas are a bit rougher than others.

Is Porto or Brussels Better for its Old Town?

Porto and Brussels 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 Brussels to see the historical old town. The old town in the city center is where you'll find the greatest concentration of historic sights. The area is surrounded by tree-lined boulevards and is easy to explore.

Is the Shopping Better in Porto or Brussels?

Brussels is very popular for shopping. Also, Porto is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Brussels. Although it's famous for diamonds, the city also has many shopping streets where you can find designer brands, vintage shops, and other unique boutiques that are fun to 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 Brussels Better for Families?

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

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.

Brussels is a very kid-friendly port city. The city has a number of unique kid-friendly activities including a Mini-Europe Museum, a Comic Strip Museum, and Train World. The city is also a chocolate lover's dream with many factories and chocolate shops around town.

Is Porto or Brussels Better for Couples?

Both Porto and Brussels 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.

Brussels is a very popular place to visit for couples. From beautiful buildings and museums to shopping, dining, and chocolate shops, there are plenty of romantic spots around town. There's a vibrant nightlife scene and many diverse restaurants that couples can enjoy exploring.

Is Porto or Brussels Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Porto is renowned for backpackers. Also, Brussels is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Porto is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. By combining world-class activities with affordability, this city has become a popular stop off for backpackers in the area.

Many backpackers visit Brussels. The city has an active nightlife and a number of hostels that are great for backpackers, but do take note that some areas can get a bit rough at night, so make sure you understand where you are.

Is Porto or Brussels Better for Students?

For students, both Porto and Brussels 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.

Brussels is a great port city to visit as a student. The city has a number of universities that attract students from around the world. The multicultural setting is great for students of the world.

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

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

Brussels has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. Transit options include train, tram, metro, bus, and waterbuses.

Porto has some very good public transit options. 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.

Is Porto or Brussels a more walkable city?

Porto and Brussels 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.

Brussels is a very walkable port city. If you stay in the historical area, it's easy to walk around and many boulevards are being converted to pedestrian areas.

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

Should I spend more time in Brussels or Porto?

How long in Porto or Brussels?

In either Porto or Brussels, 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 Brussels. In general, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Porto, and 1-5 days is enough time in Brussels.

Families should spend more time in Porto than Brussels. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Porto than Brussels 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 Brussels?

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 Brussels, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this colorful big city offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the shopping. 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 Brussels?

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 Brussels. 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 Brussels?

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.

Brussels is a fun place to experience. In Brussels, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this big city destination offers. Lots of people come for the shopping. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Porto or Brussels?

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 authentic big city of Brussels. 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 shopping. 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 Brussels, we can see that Brussels 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 Brussels Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Porto or Brussels?

Brussels has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Porto. When comparing the sizes of Porto and Brussels, 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 Brussels?

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 Brussels in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Porto as well as Brussels. Many visitors come to Porto in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Brussels for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Porto is a little warmer than Brussels in the summer. The daily temperature in Porto averages around 21°C (69°F) in July, and Brussels fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Porto this time of the year. In the summer, Porto often gets more sunshine than Brussels. Porto gets 308 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brussels receives 186 hours of full sun.

Porto usually gets less rain in July than Brussels. Porto gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Porto or Brussels in the Autumn?

Both Brussels and Porto are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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 Brussels because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Porto is a little warmer than Brussels. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Porto in October average around 17°C (62°F), and Brussels averages at about 12°C (54°F).

Porto usually receives more sunshine than Brussels during autumn. Porto gets 184 hours of sunny skies, while Brussels receives 114 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Porto. In October, Porto usually receives more rain than Brussels. Porto gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Porto or Brussels in the Winter?

Both Brussels and Porto during the winter are popular places to visit. 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 Brussels this time of year.

It's quite cold in Brussels in the winter. In January, Porto is generally much warmer than Brussels. Daily temperatures in Porto average around 10°C (50°F), and Brussels fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Porto often gets more sunshine than Brussels. Porto gets 124 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brussels receives 49 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Porto. Porto usually gets more rain in January than Brussels. Porto gets 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Porto or Brussels in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Porto and Brussels. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Porto this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Brussels for the activities around the city.

Porto is a little warmer than Brussels in the spring. The daily temperature in Porto averages around 14°C (56°F) in April, and Brussels fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

In Porto, it's very sunny this time of the year. Porto usually receives more sunshine than Brussels during spring. Porto gets 217 hours of sunny skies, while Brussels receives 147 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 Brussels. Porto gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Brussels and Porto