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

Should you visit Porto or Innsbruck?

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

Porto

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

Innsbruck

Innsbruck is a mountainous, scenic, and youthful city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Since it has a quaint atmosphere, you'll want to spend time soaking it all in. Other reasons to visit include hiking, skiing, and nightlife.

Porto and Innsbruck: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Porto or Innsbruck?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Porto than Innsbruck. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Porto is very popular for its museums, food, shopping, and big city activities, while Innsbruck attracts visitors for its skiing, historical sights, hiking, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Innsbruck is more touristy than Porto and is popular for its mountain hiking, skiing, and winter sports. Porto is famous for its authentic old town and the local port wine. It is also well known for Cais da Ribeira.

How is Porto different from Innsbruck?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Innsbruck and Porto. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Porto or Innsbruck Better for Skiing?

Innsbruck is a great city for skiing. However, Porto is not a skiing destination.

Innsbruck offers world-class skiing that is fun for everyone. This city offers easy access to excellent skiing without having to travel too far. There are 9 ski resorts around town that make up the Olympia SkiWorld Innsbruck. Each resort has its own personality and style. You can reach the Seegrube mountain in about 20 minutes using the funicular and cable car.

Porto is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Porto or Innsbruck?

Porto is notable for its sights and museums. However, Innsbruck does not have museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Porto. 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.

Innsbruck does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Porto is very popular for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Innsbruck is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Many restaurants in Porto have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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.

Innsbruck has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city is known for the hearty and filling food that is perfect for a cold winter day. There are cafes and restaurants around old town that offer traditional dishes including käsespätzle, wiener schnitzel, and apfelstrudel. If you're ready for something a little less heavy, there are a number of ethnic restaurants to choose from outside of the old town.

Is Porto or Innsbruck Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find superb options in both Porto and Innsbruck.

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.

Innsbruck offers plenty to do in the evening. With its large student population and wide range of young visitors who enjoy high energy activities, there's plenty to do here when the sunsets. There are bars and dance clubs that stay active late into the night.

Is Porto or Innsbruck Better for its Old Town?

Innsbruck 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.

Innsbruck has a world-famous historical area. The old town is filled with charming restaurants and cafes as well as comfortable outdoor places to relax when the weather is nice. One of the most notable landmarks is the The Goldenes Dachl, or the "little golden roof", but the atmosphere around old town is what makes this place really special.

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 Innsbruck Better for Hiking?

Innsbruck is a great city for hiking. However, Porto is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Innsbruck for the hiking trails. The city is nestled in the Austrian mountains with many beautiful hikes just outside of town. There are hikes for all skill levels that offer spectacular views of some of the best scenery in Austria.

Porto is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Porto or Innsbruck?

Porto is a port city with good options for its shopping opportunities. However, Innsbruck is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Porto offers some nice shopping areas. The city has both your standard shopping mall stores as well as local vendors and boutique shops.

Innsbruck is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Porto or Innsbruck Better for Families?

You'll find superb kid-friendly activities in either Porto or Innsbruck.

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.

Innsbruck is a very kid-friendly port city. The city has a pleasant atmosphere with a charming old town and plenty of outdoor activities that the whole family can enjoy. There's also the popular Swarovski Crystal Worlds, which is fun for kids and adults alike. The Alpine Zoo and the city's many parks and playgrounds all make it a great stop if you're traveling with kids.

Is Porto or Innsbruck Better for Couples?

Both Porto and Innsbruck are superb 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.

Innsbruck is a very popular place to visit for couples. The city's old town is filled with restaurants that make for great date nights. There are also many hikes, viewpoints, and activities that are perfect for a couple's getaway.

Is Porto or Innsbruck Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Porto is very popular for backpackers. Also, Innsbruck is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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 Innsbruck. The city has a number of hostels and affordable restaurants that make it a reasonable option for backpackers and budget travelers. Outdoor activities like nearby hiking are affordable ways to spend the day as well.

Is Porto or Innsbruck Better for Students?

For students, both Porto and Innsbruck are superb places to visit.

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.

Innsbruck is a great port city to visit as a student. The city's laid back vibe and wide range of universities make it a great place for students. There are cafes, bars, and many outdoor activities that students enjoy while they're in the area.

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

Porto and Innsbruck both offer superb 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.

Innsbruck has some very good public transit options. The system includes trams and buses that will take you to outlying areas around town.

Is Porto or Innsbruck a more walkable city?

Porto and Innsbruck are superb 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.

Innsbruck is a very walkable port city. The old town is particularly walkable, and if you stay anywhere nearby, it's easy to reach it on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Innsbruck or Porto?

How long in Porto or Innsbruck?

It's fun to spend time in either Porto or Innsbruck. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Porto due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Porto, and 2-4 days is enough time in Innsbruck.

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

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 Innsbruck, many people enjoy the skiing and nightlife that this youthful 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 Innsbruck?

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 Innsbruck. 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 Innsbruck?

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.

Innsbruck is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the food and skiing when visiting the quaint destination of Innsbruck. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Porto or Innsbruck?

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 skiing and nightlife around the scenic destination of Innsbruck. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Vienna, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Salzburg.

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

Which is Bigger, Porto or Innsbruck?

Porto has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Innsbruck. When comparing the sizes of Porto and Innsbruck, 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.