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

Should you visit Porto or Como?

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

Porto

Porto is a cultural, cosmopolitan, and dynamic 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 food, shopping, and museums.

Como

Como is a vibrant, scenic, and trendy lake area. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and nightlife.

Porto and Como: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Porto or Como?

You'll generally find more things to do in Porto than Como. Porto is bigger than Como, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Porto is better known for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, and big city activities, while Como is more popular for its beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty. Como is more touristy than Porto and is known for its long-running history as a resort retreat for upscale travelers. 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 Como?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Porto can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

Como offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most people visit for the lakeside setting, but there's history throughout, with notable buildings including the Duomo, Museo Civico, and Basilica di Sant'Abbondio.

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

Both Porto and Como offer terrific 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, Como is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The area has its own style of Italian food. Polenta is one of the most popular dishes and it's usually served with meat, fish, or cheese. You can also enjoy several different types of fish such as misultitt (dried fish), salmon trout, pike, bleak, lavarello, and perch.

Is Porto or Como Better for Nightlife?

Porto is an excellent place to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Como is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

Porto has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. This city comes to life in the evening, particularly on weekends when locals and tourists alike flock to the many bars, restaurants, and nightclubs.

Como has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. It is more known for its glamour and sophistication than its raging party scene. There are fine dining restaurants where you can sip wine and enjoy the view. There are also theaters and jazz clubs that offer a relaxing vibe and a nice night out.

Is Porto or Como Better for Beaches?

Como is very good for its beaches. However, Porto is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Como to enjoy the beach. You'll find lakeside beaches where you can relax, sunbath, or swim. Many are affiliated with clubs and the atmosphere is often trendy and upscale. Don't expect a secluded and natural setting, but there are often nice restaurants nearby.

Porto is not a beach destination.

Is Porto or Como Better for its Old Town?

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

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.

Como does not have a historic old town.

Is Porto or Como Better for Hiking?

Como is a great lake area for hiking. However, Porto is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Como for the hiking trails. There's a wide variety of hiking trails in the area that take you through the mountains or along the water's edge. One of the most popular trails is the Greenway del Lago di Como.

Porto is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Porto or Como?

Como 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 Como. The shopping is comparable to major cities, with everything from high end boutiques to outlets and local markets. There are clothing shops, jewelry stores, and places to pick up local souvenirs. Shopping is a favorite activity for many visitors to Lake Como.

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 Como Better for Families?

You'll find excellent kid-friendly activities in either Porto or Como.

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.

Como is a very kid-friendly port city. It has parks and gardens to explore, as well as Vezio Castle and many nice walking trails. A highlight for many kids is a visit to Lake Como Adventure Park.

Is Porto or Como Better for Couples?

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

For those traveling as a couple, Como has plenty to offer. Its beautiful walks, charming towns, and surrounding natural setting make this a great honeymoon and couple's getaway destination. Dine on Italian cuisine as you sip wine and look out on the pristine waters of Lake Como.

Porto is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Is Porto or Como Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Porto is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Como is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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 Como. It's a popular destination with all types of travelers, so you'll find a decent selection of hostels to choose from, and a number of other backpackers around to hang out with.

Is Porto or Como Better for Students?

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

Porto is a great port city to visit as a student. The city has a number of good research programs and study abroad opportunities that attract international students from around the world.

Como is not popular with students.

Is Porto or Como 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, Como is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

You'll find some public transit in Como, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses, ferries, and a funicular that travel to different towns around the lake.

Is Porto or Como a more walkable city?

Porto and Como are excellent 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.

Como is a very walkable port city. The entire area is very walkable and you'll enjoy many great views during your stroll.

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

Should I spend more time in Como or Porto?

How long in Porto or Como?

It's fun to spend time in either Porto or Como. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Porto due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Porto, and 2-4 days is enough time in Como.

Families should spend more time in Porto than Como. 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 Como than Porto. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Como that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

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

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 Como, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this trendy destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. This lake area 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 Como?

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 Como. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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 Como?

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.

Como is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Como. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Porto or Como?

The historic 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 nightlife and food around the trendy destination of Como. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Rome, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Rome.

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

Which is Bigger, Porto or Como?

Porto has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Como. When comparing the sizes of Porto and Como, 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 Como?

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 Como in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Porto and Como. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Porto this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Como for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Porto is generally cooler than Como. Daily temperatures in Porto average around 21°C (69°F), and Como fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Como this time of the year. In Porto, it's very sunny this time of the year. Porto usually receives more sunshine than Como during summer. Porto gets 308 hours of sunny skies, while Como receives 250 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Porto usually receives less rain than Como. Porto gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Como receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Porto or Como in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Porto as well as Como. Many travelers come to Porto for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, many visitors come to Como in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Porto is a little warmer than Como in the autumn. The daily temperature in Porto averages around 17°C (62°F) in October, and Como fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

In the autumn, Porto often gets more sunshine than Como. Porto gets 184 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Como receives 152 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Como. Porto receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Porto usually gets more rain in October than Como. Porto gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Como receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Porto or Como in the Winter?

Both Como and Porto are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Porto in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Como for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Como can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Porto is much warmer than Como. Typically, the winter temperatures in Porto in January average around 10°C (50°F), and Como averages at about 5°C (41°F).

Porto usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Como during winter. Porto gets 124 hours of sunny skies, while Como receives 119 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Porto. In January, Porto usually receives more rain than Como. Porto gets 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Como receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Porto or Como in the Spring?

Both Como and Porto during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Porto for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Como because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Porto is generally around the same temperature as Como. Daily temperatures in Porto average around 14°C (56°F), and Como fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

It's quite sunny in Porto. In the spring, Porto often gets more sunshine than Como. Porto gets 217 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Como receives 176 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Porto. Porto usually gets more rain in April than Como. Porto gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Como receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Como and Porto