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

Should you visit Porto or La Rochelle?

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 La Rochelle 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.

La Rochelle

La Rochelle is a quaint, charming, and peaceful coastal town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Porto and La Rochelle: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Porto or La Rochelle?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Porto than La Rochelle. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Porto is very popular for its nightlife, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while La Rochelle attracts visitors for its beaches, historical sights, hiking, and small town charm. Porto is more touristy than La Rochelle and is known for its authentic old town and the local port wine. It is also well known for Cais da Ribeira. La Rochelle is famous for its medieval towers, maritime history, and beautiful setting.

How is Porto different from La Rochelle?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 La Rochelle can be an interesting and educational experience. Filled with history, the town itself is like a living museum. Within town there are many sights such as the Vieux Port, La Rochelle Aquarium, Musée d'Histoire Naturelle, and Musée du Nouveau Monde de La Rochelle.

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

Both Porto and La Rochelle 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, La Rochelle is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. It may be small, but its filled with delicious cafes, bistros, and local restaurants. Seafood is the obvious choice in this coastal town and many visitors head to Vieux Port to eat, as many restaurants there offer waterfront views. If you want something a little less touristy, head to the St. Nicolas District, which was the town's former fishing district. Rue de la Fourche is also a charming road with many places to grab a bite or a drink. Or head to Rue St Jean-du-Perot, which is just off the old port.

Is Porto or La Rochelle Better for Nightlife?

Porto is great for nightlife and partying. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for its evening party scene.

Many people head to Porto for the nightlife scene. 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 La Rochelle. While it's known as a peaceful, seaside town, you'll still find wine bars, pubs, and even a club or two around town.

Is Porto or La Rochelle Better for Beaches?

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

Many people head to La Rochelle to enjoy the beach. There are three main beaches in town that each attract a crowd on warm summer days. Plage de la Concurrence, Plage Chef de Baie, and Plage des Minimes are the closest beaches to La Rochelle, and they are popular for sunbathing and water sports. They have a mix of sand, pebbles, and cliffside views that attract locals and tourists alike.

Porto is not a beach destination.

Is Porto or La Rochelle Better for its Old Town?

La Rochelle 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.

La Rochelle has a world-famous historical area. The old town is filled with wandering cobblestone streets, charming squares, and cafes that spill into the street.

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 La Rochelle Better for Hiking?

La Rochelle is very good for hiking. However, Porto is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting La Rochelle. There are many coastal walks just outside of town that take you along the scenic coastline. It's beautiful to stroll through the countryside and pass through many quaint villages.

Porto is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Porto or La Rochelle?

If you're looking to go shopping, Porto and La Rochelle both offer plenty of nice 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.

La Rochelle offers some nice shopping areas. The old town is filled with boutique shops as well as some name brands. Another fun place to visit is Les Halles, which is an indoor market with fresh produce, seafood, and many local cheeses.

Is Porto or La Rochelle Better for Families?

Porto is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town 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.

La Rochelle is a family-friendly place to visit. It's a coastal town with a port that you can explore. There's also an aquarium and many great seafood restaurants. A nice day trip is to go to l'Ile de Ré, which has nice beaches, some with playgrounds.

Is Porto or La Rochelle Better for Couples?

La Rochelle 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, La Rochelle has plenty to offer. This beautiful coastal town is seeped in history. There are beautiful squares, romantic parks, and cobblestone streets that you can wander down. It's also nice to take a coastal walk before grabbing dinner at a local seafood restaurant.

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 La Rochelle Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Porto is very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Porto is extremely popular for backpackers. By combining world-class activities with affordability, this city has become a popular stop off for backpackers in the area.

La Rochelle is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There aren't a ton of hostels in the area, but there are just enough that you should be able to find a place to stay.

Is Porto or La Rochelle Better for Students?

Porto is great for its student-friendly activities. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for 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.

La Rochelle is a good port city to visit for students. It's a touristy city with a lot for students to see and do, but the atmosphere is generally quiet and peaceful.

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

Porto is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town 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.

La Rochelle has a few public transit options. Public transit around town is operated by Yeló, and mostly consists of buses.

Is Porto or La Rochelle a more walkable city?

Porto and La Rochelle are great 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.

La Rochelle is a very walkable port city. It's filled with meandering cobblestone streets that are best explored on foot. Most places around town can be explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in La Rochelle or Porto?

How long in Porto or La Rochelle?

It's fun to spend time in either Porto or La Rochelle. 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 La Rochelle.

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

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

Porto is a dynamic port city where you can fill many days. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Most people visit for the food. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Even though La Rochelle is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the food. This coastal town 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 La Rochelle?

Porto is a cultural big city where you can fill many days. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This port city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

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

Porto is a dynamic port city where you can fill many days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

La Rochelle is a fun place to experience. La Rochelle is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Lots of people come for the food. 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 La Rochelle?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Porto. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people visit for the food. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

La Rochelle is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Paris, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris.

When comparing the travel costs between Porto and La Rochelle, 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 La Rochelle Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Porto or La Rochelle?

Porto has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of La Rochelle. When comparing the sizes of Porto and La Rochelle, 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 La Rochelle?

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 La Rochelle in the Summer?

Both La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle because of the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Porto is around the same temperature as La Rochelle. Typically, the summer temperatures in Porto in July average around 21°C (69°F), and La Rochelle averages at about 20°C (67°F).

It's quite sunny in La Rochelle. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Porto. Porto usually receives more sunshine than La Rochelle during summer. Porto gets 308 hours of sunny skies, while La Rochelle receives 267 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Porto usually receives less rain than La Rochelle. Porto gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while La Rochelle receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Porto or La Rochelle in the Autumn?

Both La Rochelle 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. Furthermore, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to La Rochelle this time of year.

In October, Porto is generally a little warmer than La Rochelle. Daily temperatures in Porto average around 17°C (62°F), and La Rochelle fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

In the autumn, Porto often gets more sunshine than La Rochelle. Porto gets 184 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Rochelle receives 141 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Porto. Porto usually gets more rain in October than La Rochelle. Porto gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while La Rochelle receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Porto or La Rochelle in the Winter?

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

Porto is a little warmer than La Rochelle in the winter. The daily temperature in Porto averages around 10°C (50°F) in January, and La Rochelle fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

Porto usually receives more sunshine than La Rochelle during winter. Porto gets 124 hours of sunny skies, while La Rochelle receives 72 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 La Rochelle. Porto gets 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while La Rochelle receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Porto or La Rochelle in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Porto as well as La Rochelle. Many travelers come to Porto for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Additionally, many visitors come to La Rochelle in the spring for the beaches and the small town charm.

In the spring, Porto is a little warmer than La Rochelle. Typically, the spring temperatures in Porto in April average around 14°C (56°F), and La Rochelle averages at about 11°C (52°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 La Rochelle. Porto gets 217 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Rochelle receives 187 hours of full sun.

Porto receives a lot of rain in the spring. Porto usually gets more rain in April than La Rochelle. Porto gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while La Rochelle receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for La Rochelle and Porto