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

Should you visit Porto or Limerick?

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

Porto

Porto is a dynamic, historic, and cultural port city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Limerick

Limerick is a historic, outdoorsy, and fun-filled city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Porto and Limerick: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Porto or Limerick?

You'll generally find more things to do in Porto than Limerick. Porto is bigger than Limerick, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Porto is more touristy than Limerick and is known for its authentic old town and the local port wine. Also, Porto is famous for Cais da Ribeira. Limerick is well known for its castle, old town, and outdoor activities.

How is Porto different from Limerick?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Porto is a great port city for its historical sights. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

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.

Limerick is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The town is famous for King John's Castle as well as St. Mary's Cathedral, and St. John's Square and Cathedral.

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

Porto is terrific for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its 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.

Limerick offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You'll find a mix of traditional Irish restaurants and more modern international cuisine. Local specialties to try include Limerick Ham, Cahill's Whiskey Cheese, and Walnut Cheddar.

Is Porto or Limerick Better for Nightlife?

Porto is a great port city for its evening party scene. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Limerick. It's a student town so much of the nightlife scene centers around the student population. There are lively pubs and clubs around town so it's not hard to have a fun night out.

Is Porto or Limerick Better for its Old Town?

Porto is a great port city for its historic old town charm. However, Limerick 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.

Limerick does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Porto or Limerick?

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

Limerick offers some nice shopping areas. You'll find a mix of brand name chains and independent boutiques in the city center. There are several major shopping streets in town including O'Connell Street, and the pedestrian streets of Bedford Row and Cruises Street.

Is Porto or Limerick Better for Families?

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

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Porto. 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.

Limerick is a family-friendly place to visit. Families will enjoy visiting King John's Castle but for kids who need a break from the sightseeing, there are kid-friendly activities around town like Curraghchase Forest Park and the Peoples Park. Families should also check out the Dreamland Fun Center. Museums like Foynes Flying Boat & Maritime Museum are also fun for the whole family.

Is Porto or Limerick Better for Couples?

Porto is a great port city for couples. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

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.

Limerick is a nice destination for couples. There are river cruises, kayaking, and nature to explore. Head to the Curraghchase Forest Park or any of the many beautiful parks around town. Couples can combine history with nature and enjoy a nice, romantic trip through Limerick.

Is Porto or Limerick Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Porto is terrific for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Limerick is not known for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Porto, as it is a very popular port city for budget travelers. By combining world-class activities with affordability, this city has become a popular stop off for backpackers in the area.

Limerick is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There aren't many hostels in the area so it can be hard to find other likeminded travelers.

Is Porto or Limerick Better for Students?

Porto is a great port city for its student-friendly activities. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.

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.

Limerick is a good port city to visit for students. The city has a nice student scene with plenty of areas to explore.

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

Porto is a great port city for times when you don't have a car. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

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.

Limerick has a few public transit options. There's a city bus service that travels around town.

Is Porto or Limerick a more walkable city?

Porto is a great port city for its ease of walking around. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Limerick is somewhat walkable. There are compact and walkable parts to the city that can be explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Limerick or Porto?

How long in Porto or Limerick?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Porto or Limerick to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Porto than Limerick 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 Limerick.

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

Porto is a big city with plenty to do. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Limerick, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this outdoorsy destination offers. This 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 Limerick?

Porto is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this port city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Porto, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

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

Porto is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Porto, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

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

A week in Porto or Limerick?

Porto is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This port city offers something for everyone.

You'll find food and shopping around the historic destination of Limerick. 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 2-Week Tours from Dublin, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Ireland.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Porto or Limerick?

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

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 Limerick in the Summer?

Both Limerick and Porto are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Porto because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Limerick this time of year.

In July, Porto is generally a little warmer than Limerick. Daily temperatures in Porto average around 21°C (69°F), and Limerick fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Porto. Porto usually receives more sunshine than Limerick during summer. Porto gets 308 hours of sunny skies, while Limerick receives 142 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Porto usually receives less rain than Limerick. Porto gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Limerick receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Porto or Limerick in the Autumn?

Both Limerick and Porto during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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 Limerick for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Porto is a little warmer than Limerick in the autumn. The daily temperature in Porto averages around 17°C (62°F) in October, and Limerick fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Porto often gets more sunshine than Limerick. Porto gets 184 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Limerick receives 82 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Porto. Porto usually gets more rain in October than Limerick. Porto gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Limerick receives 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Porto or Limerick in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Porto and Limerick. Many travelers come to Porto for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Limerick in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Porto is much warmer than Limerick. Typically, the winter temperatures in Porto in January average around 10°C (50°F), and Limerick averages at about 6°C (42°F).

Porto usually receives more sunshine than Limerick during winter. Porto gets 124 hours of sunny skies, while Limerick receives 49 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 Limerick. Porto gets 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Limerick receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Porto or Limerick in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Porto as well as Limerick. Many visitors come to Porto in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Limerick for the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Porto is generally much warmer than Limerick. Daily temperatures in Porto average around 14°C (56°F), and Limerick fluctuates around 9°C (48°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 Limerick. Porto gets 217 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Limerick receives 148 hours of full sun.

Porto receives a lot of rain in the spring. Porto usually gets more rain in April than Limerick. Porto gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Limerick receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Limerick and Porto