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

Should you visit Porto or Dublin?

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 Dublin 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.

Dublin

Dublin is a laid-back, friendly, and welcoming city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Porto and Dublin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Porto or Dublin?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Dublin than Porto. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Dublin is very popular for its nightlife, music, and shopping, while Porto attracts visitors for its food, big city activities, and impressive beauty. Porto is famous for its authentic old town and the local port wine. Dublin is famous for its friendly and social nightlife, its local pubs, and its role as the birthplace of Guinness. It is also well known for The Guinness Storehouse.

How is Porto different from Dublin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Spend time exploring the excellent sights and museums in either Porto or Dublin.

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 Dublin can be an interesting and educational experience. There are a number of museums around town including the National Museum of Ireland, the Little Museum of Dublin, and the National Gallery of Ireland.

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

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

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Porto is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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.

Dublin is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Seafood has become popular around town, but you can also try traditional favorites like stew, pancakes, or coddle.

Is Porto or Dublin Better for Nightlife?

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

Dublin is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. Temple Bar is where you'll find the greatest concentration of pubs and nightlife. The city is among the friendliest and most welcoming, and this is seen even in the vibe around town at night.

Porto offers plenty to do in the evening. This city comes to life in the evening, particularly on weekends when locals and tourists alike flock to the many bars, restaurants, and nightclubs.

Is Porto or Dublin Better for Music?

Dublin is a great city for live music. However, Porto is not a live music destination.

Dublin has a thriving music scene. The best places to hear live music around town are the back street pubs that feature local groups.

Porto is not a live music destination.

Is Porto or Dublin Better for its Old Town?

Porto and Dublin 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 Dublin to see the historical old town. On the south side of the River Liffey are three different historic parts to the city. The Medieval Quarter is the oldest. To the east is Temple Bar, and further east is the Georgian Quarter.

Is the Shopping Better in Porto or Dublin?

Dublin 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 Dublin. Head to Grafton Street to see a number of brand name and local shops. It's a pedestrian street that is fun to wander around.

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 Dublin Better for Families?

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

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.

Dublin is a very kid-friendly port city. Explore the waterways with the viking splash, learn about the vikings at the museum Dublina, or visit any of the other kid-friendly museums around town, or see a show at The Gaiety.

Is Porto or Dublin Better for Couples?

Both Porto and Dublin are excellent 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.

Dublin is a very popular place to visit for couples. It's laid-back vibe and countless pubs make it a fun weekend getaway for couples.

Is Porto or Dublin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Porto is terrific for backpackers. Also, Dublin 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.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Dublin. There are a number of popular backpacker hostels around town. The pub scene is also popular with the young crowd.

Is Porto or Dublin Better for Students?

Porto is a great destination for students. Also, Dublin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

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.

It's common for students to visit Dublin. While student accommodation can be a bit expensive in town, the nightlife and social aspect of living in the city center makes it well worth it.

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

Porto is a great destination for its public transit. Also, Dublin is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

The public transit in Porto can get you around easily. 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.

While Dublin offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a comprehensive bus system around town.

Is Porto or Dublin a more walkable city?

Dublin 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.

Dublin is a very easy city to get around on foot. Because it is so compact and flat, it is easy to explore the city center 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 Dublin Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Dublin or Porto?

How long in Porto or Dublin?

In either Porto or Dublin, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. You can fill a similar amount of time in either place. However, 2-5 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

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 Dublin, many people enjoy the live music and food that this welcoming destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the nightlife. 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 Dublin?

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 Dublin. 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 Dublin?

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.

Dublin is a fun place to experience. In Dublin, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the nightlife. 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 Dublin?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic 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 museums and nightlife around the friendly destination of Dublin. 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 nightlife. 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 Walking Tours in Ireland, and The Best Luxury Tours to Ireland.

When comparing the travel costs between Porto and Dublin, we can see that Dublin 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 Dublin Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Porto or Dublin?

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

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 Dublin in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Porto as well as Dublin. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Porto this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Dublin for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Porto is a little warmer than Dublin. Typically, the summer temperatures in Porto in July average around 21°C (69°F), and Dublin averages at about 16°C (60°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 Dublin. Porto gets 308 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dublin receives 166 hours of full sun.

Porto usually gets less rain in July than Dublin. Porto gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Porto or Dublin in the Autumn?

Both Dublin and Porto are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Porto for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Dublin in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In October, Porto is generally much warmer than Dublin. Daily temperatures in Porto average around 17°C (62°F), and Dublin fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Porto usually receives more sunshine than Dublin during autumn. Porto gets 184 hours of sunny skies, while Dublin receives 97 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Porto. In October, Porto usually receives more rain than Dublin. Porto gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Porto or Dublin in the Winter?

Both Dublin and Porto during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Porto in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Dublin for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Porto is much warmer than Dublin in the winter. The daily temperature in Porto averages around 10°C (50°F) in January, and Dublin fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

In the winter, Porto often gets more sunshine than Dublin. Porto gets 124 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dublin receives 56 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Porto. Porto usually gets more rain in January than Dublin. Porto gets 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Porto or Dublin in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Porto and Dublin. 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 Dublin because of the activities around the city.

In the spring, Porto is much warmer than Dublin. Typically, the spring temperatures in Porto in April average around 14°C (56°F), and Dublin averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In Porto, it's very sunny this time of the year. Porto usually receives more sunshine than Dublin during spring. Porto gets 217 hours of sunny skies, while Dublin receives 157 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 Dublin. Porto gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Dublin and Porto