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

Should you visit Porto or Hamburg?

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

Porto

Porto is a cosmopolitan, dynamic, and historic port city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Hamburg

Hamburg is a historic, energetic, and cultural port city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Porto and Hamburg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Porto or Hamburg?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Porto than Hamburg. While Hamburg is larger than Porto, Porto has more sights and attractions for tourists. Porto is better known for its food, historical sights, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Hamburg is more popular for its music and shopping. Porto is well known for its authentic old town and the local port wine. Also, Porto is famous for Cais da Ribeira. Hamburg is well known for its music clubs, beautiful architecture, relaxing natural areas, and green space.

How is Porto different from Hamburg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Spend time exploring the very good sights and museums in either Porto or Hamburg.

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 Hamburg can be an interesting and educational experience. The city's most famous district is the port area, which has a number of cultural sights and a pedestrian trail. There are also many museums and architectural landmarks around town.

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

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

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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Hamburg. The city has a mix of cosmopolitan restaurants and traditional places where you can enjoy a classic German dish like currywurst or labskaus (a type of stew).

Is Porto or Hamburg Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find very good options in both Porto and Hamburg.

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.

Hamburg offers plenty to do in the evening. The city is often overlooked, but it's nightlife scene is actually among the best. There are techno concerts, music festivals, and nightclubs that appeal to all personalities.

Is Porto or Hamburg Better for Music?

Hamburg is very popular for live music. However, Porto is not a live music destination.

Hamburg is known as a music capital around the world. The city is an influential power in the music scene around Europe. You'll find many clubs concentrated in the St. Pauli district.

Porto is not a live music destination.

Is Porto or Hamburg Better for its Old Town?

Porto is well known for its historic old town charm. However, Hamburg does not have a historic old town.

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.

Hamburg does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Porto or Hamburg?

Hamburg is a great port 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 Hamburg. The diversity of shopping venues includes flea markets and luxury shopping malls. One of the main shopping streets in town is the Mönkebergstrasse.

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 Hamburg Better for Families?

You'll find very good kid-friendly activities in either Porto or Hamburg.

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.

Hamburg is a very kid-friendly port city. The city has a surprising number of opportunities to see wildlife nearby including a zoo and a wildlife park just outside of town. The city also has great playgrounds that are fun for kids who need a break from sightseeing.

Is Porto or Hamburg Better for Couples?

Porto is well known for couples. Also, Hamburg is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Couples visit Porto frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Hamburg is a nice destination for couples. Romantic activities in town include taking a boat ride or harbor cruise or grabbing a cocktail at one of the city's many bars.

Is Porto or Hamburg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Porto is a very popular port city to visit for backpackers. By combining world-class activities with affordability, this city has become a popular stop off for backpackers in the area.

It's common for backpackers to visit Hamburg. Many backpackers overlook the city, but there are a number of good hostels and a relaxing vibe that makes for a nice visit.

Is Porto or Hamburg Better for Students?

Porto is well known for students. Also, Hamburg is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

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.

It's common for students to visit Hamburg. The city has a few great universities and a number of opportunities for international students.

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

Porto and Hamburg both offer very good public transit to get you around.

Public transit in Porto is fairly effecient and thorough. 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.

Hamburg has some very good public transit options. There are trains and buses that make their way around town.

Is Porto or Hamburg a more walkable city?

Porto and Hamburg are very good 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.

Hamburg is a very walkable port city. Most tourist areas can easily be explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Hamburg or Porto?

How long in Porto or Hamburg?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Porto and Hamburg. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Porto than in Hamburg. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Porto, and 1-3 days is enough time in Hamburg.

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

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

Because Porto is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This port city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Hamburg, many people enjoy the live music and food that this cultural destination offers. Lots of people come for the live music. This port 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 Hamburg?

Because Porto is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. One reason most visitors come is for the food. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Porto has to offer.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hamburg. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. 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 Hamburg?

Porto is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Porto has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Hamburg is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Hamburg. Lots of people come for the live music. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Porto or Hamburg?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Porto. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Porto. One reason most visitors come is for the food. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the vibrant destination of Hamburg. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the live music. 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 10-Day Tours from Berlin, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Berlin.

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

Which is Bigger, Porto or Hamburg?

Hamburg has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Porto. When comparing the sizes of Porto and Hamburg, 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 Hamburg?

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 Hamburg in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Porto as well as Hamburg. The summer months attract visitors to Porto because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the music scene and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Hamburg this time of year.

In July, Porto is generally a little warmer than Hamburg. Daily temperatures in Porto average around 21°C (69°F), and Hamburg fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hamburg. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Porto this time of the year. In the summer, Porto often gets more sunshine than Hamburg. Porto gets 308 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hamburg receives 207 hours of full sun.

Porto usually gets less rain in July than Hamburg. Porto gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Hamburg receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Porto or Hamburg in the Autumn?

Both Hamburg and Porto are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Porto this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Hamburg for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Porto is much warmer than Hamburg in the autumn. The daily temperature in Porto averages around 17°C (62°F) in October, and Hamburg fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Porto usually receives more sunshine than Hamburg during autumn. Porto gets 184 hours of sunny skies, while Hamburg receives 101 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Porto. In October, Porto usually receives more rain than Hamburg. Porto gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Hamburg receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Porto or Hamburg in the Winter?

Both Hamburg and Porto during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Porto for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Hamburg in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Hamburg can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Porto is much warmer than Hamburg. Typically, the winter temperatures in Porto in January average around 10°C (50°F), and Hamburg averages at about 0°C (33°F).

In the winter, Porto often gets more sunshine than Hamburg. Porto gets 124 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hamburg receives 42 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Porto. Porto usually gets more rain in January than Hamburg. Porto gets 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Hamburg receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Porto or Hamburg in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Porto and Hamburg. Many visitors come to Porto in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Hamburg for the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Porto is generally much warmer than Hamburg. Daily temperatures in Porto average around 14°C (56°F), and Hamburg fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

In Porto, it's very sunny this time of the year. Porto usually receives more sunshine than Hamburg during spring. Porto gets 217 hours of sunny skies, while Hamburg receives 161 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 Hamburg. Porto gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Hamburg receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Hamburg and Porto