A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Porto vs. Lake Garda for Food, Families, Backpackers, and Attractions

Should you visit Porto or Lake Garda?

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 Lake Garda can help you decide which place is right for you.

Porto

Porto is a cultural, cosmopolitan, and dynamic 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 food, shopping, and museums.

Lake Garda

Lake Garda is a energetic, scenic, and playful lake. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Porto and Lake Garda: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Porto or Lake Garda?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Porto. Although Porto and Lake Garda are popular destinations, Porto has more sights and attractions for tourists. Porto is very popular for its museums, food, historical sights, and big city activities, while Lake Garda attracts visitors for its beaches and hiking. Porto is famous for its authentic old town and the local port wine. It is also well known for Cais da Ribeira. Lake Garda is famous for its beautiful setting, charming towns, and fun amusement parks.

How is Porto different from Lake Garda?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Porto is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. Also, Lake Garda is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Lake Garda. While most people come for the natural beauty, there are also great castles that you can explore. Castello Scaligeri, Grotte di Catullo, and Castello Scaligero.

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

Porto is terrific for its restaurants. Also, Lake Garda is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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.

Dining out in Lake Garda is an experience not to be missed. You'll find many great local restaurants in the area. Most make use of local ingredients such as olive oil, lemons, wine, and fish. Pasta and risotto are both popular throughout the area as well.

Is Porto or Lake Garda Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find great options in both Porto and Lake Garda.

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.

Lake Garda offers plenty to do in the evening. You'll find clubs and bars in various towns that make for a great nightlife scene. You'll even find beach parties and fireworks shows during the most popular times of the year.

Is Porto or Lake Garda Better for Beaches?

Lake Garda is a great lake for its beaches. However, Porto is not a beach destination.

Lake Garda is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. Despite there being no ocean, there are many great swimming beaches in the area. Many have sand and great places to relax. There's also plenty of watersports to choose from.

Porto is not a beach destination.

Is Porto or Lake Garda Better for its Old Town?

Porto is an excellent place to visit for its old town. However, Lake Garda 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.

Lake Garda does not have a historic old town.

Is Porto or Lake Garda Better for Hiking?

Lake Garda is a great lake for hiking. However, Porto is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Lake Garda for the hiking trails. There are many great walking and hiking trails in the area that take you through the natural beauty, connect the charming towns, and offer spectacular viewpoints.

Porto is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Porto or Lake Garda?

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

Lake Garda offers some nice shopping areas. Many villages around the lake are great for shopping. You'll find clothing stores, jewelry shops, and souvenir vendors with something for everyone.

Is Porto or Lake Garda Better for Families?

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

Lake Garda is one of the most popular family destinations. The nearby amusement parks, including Gardaland, make this a popular destination for families. The area also has many places to swim, trails to explore, and castles to experience. Kids and adults alike will love this amazing kid-friendly area.

Porto is a very kid-friendly port city. 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.

Is Porto or Lake Garda Better for Couples?

Both Porto and Lake Garda are great 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.

Lake Garda is a very popular place to visit for couples. You'll find a lot of families in the area because of the amusement parks, but that doesn't mean that this isn't a romantic and beautiful spot for couples. There are many charming towns to explore and scenic viewpoints to check out. There are also excellent romantic restaurants that you should try.

Is Porto or Lake Garda Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Porto is terrific for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Lake Garda is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Lake Garda is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a few good hostels around the lake that are affordable and fun. The area also see enough backpackers to keep the atmosphere fun and social.

Is Porto or Lake Garda Better for Students?

Porto is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Lake Garda 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.

Lake Garda is not popular with students.

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

Porto and Lake Garda both offer great 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.

Lake Garda has some very good public transit options. There are ferries, buses, and trains in the area.

Is Porto or Lake Garda a more walkable city?

Porto and Lake Garda 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.

Lake Garda is a very walkable port city. There are walking trails that connect the villages around the lake and this how many people choose to get around.

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

Should I spend more time in Lake Garda or Porto?

How long in Porto or Lake Garda?

It's fun to spend time in either Porto or Lake Garda. 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 Lake Garda.

Families should spend more time in Lake Garda than Porto. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Lake Garda, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Porto than Lake Garda. 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 Lake Garda 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 Lake Garda?

When visiting Porto, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Lake Garda, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this scenic destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. This lake 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 Lake Garda?

When visiting Porto, people usually allow for lots of time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the food. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this port city.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lake Garda. 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 Lake Garda?

Porto, a popular port city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Visiting the old town is also a must. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this port city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Lake Garda is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Lake Garda. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Porto or Lake Garda?

Porto is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the food. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find food and shopping around the scenic destination of Lake Garda. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Tours for Seniors to Italy, and The Best Contiki Tours to Italy.

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

When is the best time to visit Porto or Lake Garda?

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 Lake Garda in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Porto and Lake Garda. Most visitors come to Porto for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Lake Garda because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Porto is cooler than Lake Garda. Typically, the summer temperatures in Porto in July average around 21°C (69°F), and Lake Garda averages at about 24°C (75°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lake Garda this time of the year. In Porto, it's very sunny this time of the year. Porto usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Lake Garda during summer. Porto gets 308 hours of sunny skies, while Lake Garda receives 286 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Porto usually receives less rain than Lake Garda. Porto gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Porto or Lake Garda in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Porto as well as Lake Garda. 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. Additionally, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Lake Garda this time of year.

In October, Porto is generally a little warmer than Lake Garda. Daily temperatures in Porto average around 17°C (62°F), and Lake Garda fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

In the autumn, Porto often gets more sunshine than Lake Garda. Porto gets 184 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lake Garda receives 137 hours of full sun.

Porto receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Porto usually gets more rain in October than Lake Garda. Porto gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Porto or Lake Garda in the Winter?

Both Lake Garda and Porto are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Porto this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Lake Garda for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Lake Garda. Porto is much warmer than Lake Garda in the winter. The daily temperature in Porto averages around 10°C (50°F) in January, and Lake Garda fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

Porto usually receives more sunshine than Lake Garda during winter. Porto gets 124 hours of sunny skies, while Lake Garda receives 98 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Porto. In January, Porto usually receives more rain than Lake Garda. Porto gets 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Porto or Lake Garda in the Spring?

Both Lake Garda and Porto during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Porto for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Lake Garda in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Porto is around the same temperature as Lake Garda. Typically, the spring temperatures in Porto in April average around 14°C (56°F), and Lake Garda averages at about 13°C (55°F).

It's quite sunny in Porto. In the spring, Porto often gets more sunshine than Lake Garda. Porto gets 217 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lake Garda receives 169 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Porto. Porto usually gets more rain in April than Lake Garda. Porto gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Lake Garda and Porto