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

Should you visit Porto or Florence?

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

Porto

Porto is a dynamic, historic, and cultural 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. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Florence

Florence is a iconic, alluring, and historical city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Porto and Florence: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Porto or Florence?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Florence than Porto. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Florence is very popular for its museums, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Porto attracts visitors for its nightlife and big city activities. Florence is more touristy than Porto and is known for its iconic beauty, world-renowned Renaissance art and architecture, and beautifully maintained gardens. It is also well known for The Duomo (Santa Maria del Fiore). Porto is famous for its authentic old town and the local port wine.

How is Porto different from Florence?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Florence is very popular for its historical sights. Also, Porto is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its sights and museums.

Travelers visit Florence from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. Because of it's important role in the Renaissance, the city has many world-renowned museums that you can visit. Famous sights and landmarks include the Uffizi Gallery, the Duomo, and the Academy Gallery.

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.

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

Both Porto and Florence 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, Florence is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. Once you've worked up an appetite exploring museums and churches, you'll find many amazing local restaurants around town. Local dishes incorporate a lot of hearty vegetables and meats. Famous dishes include a Florentine steak dish, rabbit, and a bean bed and cabbage soup.

Is Porto or Florence Better for Nightlife?

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

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 Florence. You'll find the most active nightlife in the Santa Croce neighborhood. The area attracts study abroad students as well as tourists who party late into the night.

Is Porto or Florence Better for its Old Town?

Florence 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.

Florence has a world-famous historical area. The historic center of the city is where you'll find many of the most beautiful buildings, art works, and quaint streets. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it was at the heart of the Renaissance period.

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 Florence?

Florence 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 Florence. There are many shops in the tourist heart of the city. Most are geared specifically to tourists so you may have to search to find a more authentic shopping experience. Famous items available in the city include gold jewelry, ceramics, leather, and perfume.

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 Florence Better for Families?

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

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Porto is very family-friendly. 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.

Florence is a family-friendly place to visit. Most famous for its art and history, the city also has a number of activities that kids will enjoy. There's a carousel and a park that are perfect to let the little ones run around. There are a few kid-friendly museums, as well as a historic city center that will mesmerize the old and young alike.

Is Porto or Florence Better for Couples?

Florence 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, Florence has plenty to offer. Art and history lovers will enjoy a visit to this truly beautiful city. Couples who enjoy museums, historic buildings, and world-renowned art, will find plenty to do in this city.

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 Florence Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Porto and Florence are terrific 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 Florence. The city is part of a popular route through Italy, and you'll find many backpackers and students in town. There are also many hostels, so you should have no trouble meeting other young travelers.

Is Porto or Florence Better for Students?

Florence is very popular for its student-friendly activities. Also, Porto is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Florence. Many students visit this city as part of a short term study abroad program, or for the entire length of their studies. The city is beautiful, and whether your focus is art, history, or culture, this city will not disappoint.

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.

Is Porto or Florence 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, Florence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Public transit in Porto can get you to some 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.

Florence has a few public transit options. There is a comprehensive bus system.

Is Porto or Florence a more walkable city?

Florence 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.

Florence is a very easy city to get around on foot. Most people explore the city 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 Florence Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Florence or Porto?

How long in Porto or Florence?

Both Porto and Florence have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Florence than in Porto. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Porto, and 2-7 days is enough time in Florence.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Florence 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 Florence.

One day in Porto or Florence?

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 Florence, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this alluring destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Florence?

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 Florence. 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 Florence?

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.

Florence is a fun place to experience. In Florence, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. 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 Florence?

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.

In Florence, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this historical destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Portugal, The Best 10-Day Tours in Portugal, The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Porto or Florence?

Florence has a larger population, and is about 49% larger than the population of Porto. When comparing the sizes of Porto and Florence, 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 Florence?

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 Florence in the Summer?

Both Florence and Porto are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Porto this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Florence for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Porto is cooler than Florence. Typically, the summer temperatures in Porto in July average around 21°C (69°F), and Florence averages at about 25°C (77°F).

It's quite sunny in Florence. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Porto. Porto usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Florence during summer. Porto gets 308 hours of sunny skies, while Florence receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Porto usually receives less rain than Florence. Porto gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Florence receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Porto or Florence in the Autumn?

Both Florence and Porto during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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 Florence in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Porto is generally around the same temperature as Florence. Daily temperatures in Porto average around 17°C (62°F), and Florence fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Porto often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Florence. Porto gets 184 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florence receives 177 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Porto. Porto usually gets more rain in October than Florence. Porto gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Florence receives 96 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Porto or Florence in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Porto and Florence. Many visitors come to Porto in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Florence for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Porto is a little warmer than Florence in the winter. The daily temperature in Porto averages around 10°C (50°F) in January, and Florence fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

Porto usually receives more sunshine than Florence during winter. Porto gets 124 hours of sunny skies, while Florence receives 105 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 Florence. Porto gets 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Florence receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Porto or Florence in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Porto as well as Florence. 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 Florence because of the natural beauty.

In the spring, Porto is around the same temperature as Florence. Typically, the spring temperatures in Porto in April average around 14°C (56°F), and Florence averages at about 14°C (57°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 Florence. Porto gets 217 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florence receives 192 hours of full sun.

Porto receives a lot of rain in the spring. Porto usually gets more rain in April than Florence. Porto gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Florence receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Florence and Porto