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

Should you visit Porto or Imperia?

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

Porto

Porto is a historic, cultural, and cosmopolitan 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 nightlife, food, and shopping.

Imperia

Imperia is a authentic, charming, and undiscovered town. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Porto and Imperia: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Porto or Imperia?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Porto than Imperia, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Porto is more touristy than Imperia and is popular for its authentic old town and the local port wine. Also, Porto is famous for Cais da Ribeira. Imperia is well known for its access to the Ligurian coastline.

How is Porto different from Imperia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Porto is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

Porto offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

Imperia is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several interesting buildings of importance around town.

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

Porto is a must-visit destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

For foodies, Porto is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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 Imperia. Food ranges from typical Italian dishes to local recipes that use local ingredients. Unique ingredients in the area include trumpet zucchini, flat breads, and anchovies.

Is Porto or Imperia Better for Nightlife?

Porto is notable for its evening party scene. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for nightlife.

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

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Imperia. There are some bars and lively restaurants around town where you can spend an enjoyable evening.

Is Porto or Imperia Better for its Old Town?

Porto is notable for its historic old town charm. However, Imperia does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting 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.

Imperia does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Porto or Imperia?

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

Imperia offers some nice shopping areas. There are some shopping streets in town that have a mix of local brands and standard clothing shops.

Is Porto or Imperia Better for Families?

Porto is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Porto is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Imperia is a family-friendly port city. There's some nice walking trails in the countryside that the kids will enjoy.

Is Porto or Imperia Better for Couples?

Porto is notable for couples. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for romance.

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.

Imperia is a nice destination for couples. It's a beautiful town with a nice atmosphere that offers a nice break from the tourist crowds.

Is Porto or Imperia Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Porto is a must-visit destination for backpackers. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit 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.

Imperia is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Accommodation tends to be affordable and there's an off-the-beaten-path vibe that some backpackers will appreciate.

Is Porto or Imperia Better for Students?

Porto is notable for students. However, Imperia 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.

Imperia is not popular with students.

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

Porto is notable for its public transit. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Imperia has some public transit options. There are buses that connect the city to different areas.

Is Porto or Imperia a more walkable city?

Porto is notable for its ease of walking around. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its walkability.

Porto is a very walkable destination. 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.

Imperia is somewhat walkable. Parts of the town are convenient to walk around.

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

Should I spend more time in Imperia or Porto?

How long in Porto or Imperia?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Porto or Imperia to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Porto than Imperia because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Porto, and 1-2 days is enough time in Imperia.

Families should spend more time in Porto than Imperia. 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 Imperia. 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 Imperia 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 Imperia?

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 Imperia, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this authentic destination offers. This 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 Imperia?

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 Imperia. 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 Imperia?

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.

Imperia is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Imperia. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Porto or Imperia?

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 food and shopping around the undiscovered destination of Imperia. 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 Walking Tours in Italy, and The Best Luxury Tours to Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Porto and Imperia, we can see that Porto is more expensive. And not only is Imperia much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Imperia would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Imperia 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 Imperia.

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

Which is Bigger, Porto or Imperia?

Porto has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Imperia. When comparing the sizes of Porto and Imperia, 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 Imperia?

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 Imperia in the Summer?

Both Imperia and Porto during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Porto for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Imperia because of the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Porto is generally cooler than Imperia. Daily temperatures in Porto average around 21°C (69°F), and Imperia fluctuates around 25°C (76°F).

In Imperia, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Porto. In the summer, Porto often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Imperia. Porto gets 308 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Imperia receives 295 hours of full sun.

Porto usually gets more rain in July than Imperia. Porto gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Imperia receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Porto or Imperia in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Porto and Imperia. 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. Furthermore, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Imperia this time of year.

Porto is cooler than Imperia in the autumn. The daily temperature in Porto averages around 17°C (62°F) in October, and Imperia fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

Porto usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Imperia during autumn. Porto gets 184 hours of sunny skies, while Imperia receives 183 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Porto gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Porto usually receives more rain than Imperia. Porto gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Imperia receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Porto or Imperia in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Porto as well as Imperia. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Porto this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Imperia for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Porto is around the same temperature as Imperia. Typically, the winter temperatures in Porto in January average around 10°C (50°F), and Imperia averages at about 11°C (51°F).

In the winter, Porto often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Imperia. Porto gets 124 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Imperia receives 127 hours of full sun.

Porto receives a lot of rain in the winter. Porto usually gets more rain in January than Imperia. Porto gets 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Imperia receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Porto or Imperia in the Spring?

Both Imperia and Porto are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Porto for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Imperia in the spring for the natural beauty.

In April, Porto is generally around the same temperature as Imperia. Daily temperatures in Porto average around 14°C (56°F), and Imperia fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Porto. Porto usually receives more sunshine than Imperia during spring. Porto gets 217 hours of sunny skies, while Imperia receives 198 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Porto. In April, Porto usually receives more rain than Imperia. Porto gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Imperia receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Imperia and Porto