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

Should you visit Porto or Dubrovnik?

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 Dubrovnik 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.

Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is a famous, cultural, and coastal coastal town. 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 hiking, shopping, and museums.

Porto and Dubrovnik: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Porto or Dubrovnik?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Porto than Dubrovnik, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Porto is better known for its nightlife and big city activities, while Dubrovnik is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Dubrovnik is more touristy than Porto and is known for its well-preserved medieval old town that is surrounded by stone walls and has been the production sight for many major movies and television shows. 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 Dubrovnik?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Spend time exploring the great sights and museums in either Porto or Dubrovnik.

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 Dubrovnik can be an interesting and educational experience. The old town is a living museum that is filled with historic landmarks like the old town walls, the Dubrovnik Cathedral and Treasury, and Loggia Square.

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

Both Porto and Dubrovnik 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, Dubrovnik is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. Restaurants are usually locally-sourced with fresh produce and seafood. Traditional local dishes include black risotto (made with squid ink), pašticada (a beef dish), and various pasta dishes.

Is Porto or Dubrovnik Better for Nightlife?

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

The nightlife in Porto has something for everybody. 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 Dubrovnik. There are many bars around town that take advantage of the unique architecture of the city. There are far less clubs, but for a drink in a laid back setting, you'll find plenty of options.

Is Porto or Dubrovnik Better for Resorts?

Dubrovnik is a great coastal town for its luxury resorts. However, Porto is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Dubrovnik. The old town is the most famous and charming part of the city, but you'll find most of the resorts spanning the coastline outside of town. Inside the old town there are a few boutique hotels and a number of rooms available for rent, but make sure you book early during peak seasons. For a resort, look outside of the old town with popular options including Hotel Dubrovnik Palace, the Hilton Imperial, and Rixos Premium.

Porto is not a resort destination.

Is Porto or Dubrovnik Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Dubrovnik is adequate for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Porto is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are few places where you can go snorkeling in Dubrovnik. On clear days, snorkeling can be a fun activity, but the weather and visibility can vary so conditions are unpredictable. Buža is a popular snorkeling spot in town, but you can also organize tours to other areas.

Porto is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Porto or Dubrovnik Better for Beaches?

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

Many people head to Dubrovnik to enjoy the beach. The old town is the main appeal of the area, but there are several beaches that are nice for taking a swim or sunbathing. They are often pebbly, but the water is blue and the views are beautiful.

Porto is not a beach destination.

Is Porto or Dubrovnik Better for its Old Town?

Dubrovnik 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.

Dubrovnik has a world-famous historical area. This walled old town is among the most famous in Europe. It's sits beautifully along the coast and it is pedestrian only. You can spend plenty of time exploring the historic lanes, popping in shops and restaurants, and soaking up the charming atmosphere.

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 Porto or Dubrovnik Better for Hiking?

Dubrovnik is a great coastal town for hiking. However, Porto is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Dubrovnik for the hiking trails. There are a number of hikes outside of town that take you along the dramatic coastal. The paths offer spectacular views back towards town or along the water.

Porto is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Porto or Dubrovnik?

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

Dubrovnik offers some nice shopping areas. The old town offers some nice boutique shops where you can buy designer clothes, jewelry, or trinkets.

Is Porto or Dubrovnik Better for Families?

You'll find great kid-friendly activities in either Porto or Dubrovnik.

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.

Dubrovnik is a very kid-friendly port city. The city has nice beaches, beautiful hikes, and historic city walls that are fun to explore with kids. The food is also kid-friendly and the locals love meeting children.

Is Porto or Dubrovnik Better for Couples?

Dubrovnik 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, Dubrovnik has plenty to offer. With its beautiful old town, nice beaches, and laid back atmosphere, this makes the perfect couple's getaway destination. Pop in a local restaurant and try the seafood before exploring the charming squares and historic buildings.

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 Dubrovnik Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Porto and Dubrovnik are world-class places to visit.

Many backpackers frequent Porto. By combining world-class activities with affordability, this city has become a popular stop off for backpackers in the area.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Dubrovnik. It's not hard to find a room in a local's home near old town at an affordable price. The food is delicious and affordable as well, and you'll find plenty of other backpackers in town to hang out with.

Is Porto or Dubrovnik Better for Students?

Porto is a great port city for its student-friendly activities. However, Dubrovnik is not popular with students.

Porto is a very popular port city for students and younger travelers. The city has a number of good research programs and study abroad opportunities that attract international students from around the world.

Dubrovnik is not popular with students.

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

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

The public transit in Porto can get you to most places 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.

Dubrovnik has a few public transit options. There are 12 bus lines that connect all parts of the city with the city center.

Is Porto or Dubrovnik a more walkable city?

Dubrovnik 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.

Dubrovnik is a very easy coastal town to get around on foot. The old town is completely pedestrian-only and you can also explore the city's historic walls 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 Dubrovnik Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Dubrovnik or Porto?

How long in Porto or Dubrovnik?

In either Porto or Dubrovnik, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Dubrovnik has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Dubrovnik than Porto. In general, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Porto, and 1-5 days is enough time in Dubrovnik.

Families should spend more time in Dubrovnik than Porto. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Dubrovnik, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Dubrovnik than Porto 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 Dubrovnik.

One day in Porto or Dubrovnik?

People visit Porto because there is so much to do. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Dubrovnik, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this coastal destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Lots of people come for the food. This coastal town 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 Dubrovnik?

People visit Porto because there is so much to do. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this port city has to offer. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

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

People visit Porto because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this port city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Most people head to the area for the food. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this port city has to offer.

Dubrovnik is a fun place to experience. In Dubrovnik, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this quaint destination offers. Lots of people come for the food. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Porto or Dubrovnik?

Porto is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

You'll find food and shopping around the historic destination of Dubrovnik. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 2-Week Tours from Split, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Croatia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Porto and Dubrovnik, we can see that Porto is more expensive. And not only is Dubrovnik much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Dubrovnik would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Dubrovnik 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 Porto would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Porto than you might in Dubrovnik.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Porto Expensive? and Is Dubrovnik Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Porto or Dubrovnik?

Porto has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Dubrovnik. When comparing the sizes of Porto and Dubrovnik, 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 Dubrovnik?

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 Dubrovnik in the Summer?

Both Dubrovnik and Porto are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Porto for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Dubrovnik because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Porto is generally cooler than Dubrovnik. Daily temperatures in Porto average around 21°C (69°F), and Dubrovnik fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

In July, Porto usually receives less rain than Dubrovnik. Porto gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Porto or Dubrovnik in the Autumn?

Both Dubrovnik and Porto during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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 hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Dubrovnik this time of year.

Porto is around the same temperature as Dubrovnik in the autumn. The daily temperature in Porto averages around 17°C (62°F) in October, and Dubrovnik fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

Dubrovnik gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Porto. Porto usually gets less rain in October than Dubrovnik. Porto gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 162 mm (6.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Porto or Dubrovnik in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Porto and Dubrovnik. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Porto this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Dubrovnik for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Porto is around the same temperature as Dubrovnik. Typically, the winter temperatures in Porto in January average around 10°C (50°F), and Dubrovnik averages at about 9°C (48°F).

Dubrovnik receives a lot of rain in the winter. Porto gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Porto usually receives more rain than Dubrovnik. Porto gets 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 139 mm (5.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Porto or Dubrovnik in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Porto as well as Dubrovnik. Many travelers come to Porto for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Dubrovnik in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Porto is generally around the same temperature as Dubrovnik. Daily temperatures in Porto average around 14°C (56°F), and Dubrovnik fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

It's quite rainy in Dubrovnik. Porto receives a lot of rain in the spring. Porto usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Dubrovnik. Porto gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Dubrovnik and Porto