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

Should you visit Porto or Milan?

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 Milan 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.

Milan

Milan is a cultural, trendy, and chic city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Porto and Milan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Porto or Milan?

You'll generally find more things to do in Milan than Porto. Milan is bigger than Porto, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Porto is more touristy than Milan and is known for its authentic old town and the local port wine. Milan is well known for its grand squares, dramatic architecture, and its leadership in the fashion world. Also, Milan is famous for Piazza del Duomo.

How is Porto different from Milan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Spend time exploring the superb sights and museums in either Porto or Milan.

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 Milan can be an interesting and educational experience. The Milan Cathedral is the most famous landmark in the city, but other sights include Castello Sforzesco, Pinacoteca di Brera, and Sant'Ambrogio.

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

Both Porto and Milan offer amazing 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, Milan is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The city has a mix of traditional dishes combined with modernized, trendy restaurants. You can try a new dish by a groundbreaking chef, or sample a long running favorite like risotto alla Milanese.

Is Porto or Milan Better for Nightlife?

Milan is very popular for nightlife. Also, Porto is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for nightlife and partying.

Milan is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. The city has a huge number of students and young professionals, which make it a fun place with an active nightlife. There are cocktail bars, trendy clubs, and relaxed pubs that you can chose from.

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

Is Porto or Milan Better for Music?

Milan is very popular for live music. However, Porto is not a live music destination.

Milan is known as a music capital around the world. The diversity of music ranges from classical concerts to techno raves. Popular venues include Blue Note Milan, Santeria Social Club, and Spirit de Milan.

Porto is not a live music destination.

Is Porto or Milan Better for its Old Town?

Milan 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.

Milan has a world-famous historical area. Known as the Centro Storic, this area is the most popular with tourists. It's where you'll find the most historic buildings and beautiful sights in the city.

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 the Shopping Better in Porto or Milan?

Milan is very popular for shopping. Also, Porto is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Milan. Famous as the fashion capital of Italy, shopping is the thing to do here. There are many streets that are lined with the biggest designers in fashion. Make sure you check out Via Monte Napoleone, Via Della Spiga, and Corso Buenos Aires.

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

Is Porto or Milan Better for Families?

Porto is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Milan 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.

Milan is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has a science museum and a children's museum, MuBa, that is great for the kids. There are also a number of parks to explore as well as playgrounds where the kids and get out their energy.

Is Porto or Milan Better for Couples?

Both Porto and Milan 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.

Milan is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are many beautiful buildings, excellent shopping, and romantic restaurants that make for a wonderful couple's getaway.

Is Porto or Milan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Porto is an amazing port city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Milan is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Milan. While not as popular with backpackers as some Italian city's, there are a number of hostels and great activities that are fun for visitors.

Is Porto or Milan Better for Students?

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

Students come from all over the world to visit Milan. It is one of the more popular city's for international students in Italy. It is very livable with a lot of culture and a fun nightlife, so you're sure to have the experience of a lifetime.

Porto is a great port city to visit as a student. The city has a number of good research programs and study abroad opportunities that attract international students from around the world.

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

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

Milan has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. Options include metro, bus, tram, and train lines.

Porto has some very good public transit options. 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.

Is Porto or Milan a more walkable city?

Milan is very popular for its walkability. Also, Porto is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its high level of walkability.

Milan is a very easy city to get around on foot. In particular, the city center is walkable.

Porto is a very walkable port city. 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.

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

Should I spend more time in Milan or Porto?

How long in Porto or Milan?

In either Porto or Milan, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Milan has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Milan than Porto. In general, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Porto, and 1-5 days is enough time in Milan.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Milan than Porto 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 Milan.

One day in Porto or Milan?

Each neighborhood in Porto has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the food. This port 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.

In Milan, many people enjoy the live music and food that this chic big city offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Milan?

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

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

Porto is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Porto has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Lots of people come for the food. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Milan is a fun place to experience. In Milan, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this big city destination offers. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Porto or Milan?

You'll find food and shopping around the historic big city of Porto. 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the trendy big city of Milan. 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 Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Porto or Milan?

Milan has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Porto. When comparing the sizes of Porto and Milan, 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 Milan?

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 Milan in the Summer?

Both Milan and Porto are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Porto for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Milan in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Porto is generally cooler than Milan. Daily temperatures in Porto average around 21°C (69°F), and Milan fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

It's quite sunny in Milan. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Porto. Porto usually receives more sunshine than Milan during summer. Porto gets 308 hours of sunny skies, while Milan receives 250 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Porto usually receives less rain than Milan. Porto gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Milan receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Porto or Milan in the Autumn?

Both Milan and Porto during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Porto in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Milan for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Porto is a little warmer than Milan in the autumn. The daily temperature in Porto averages around 17°C (62°F) in October, and Milan fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

In the autumn, Porto often gets more sunshine than Milan. Porto gets 184 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milan receives 152 hours of full sun.

Milan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Porto. Porto usually gets more rain in October than Milan. Porto gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Milan receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Porto or Milan in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Porto and Milan. Most visitors come to Porto for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Milan because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Milan can be very cold. In the winter, Porto is much warmer than Milan. Typically, the winter temperatures in Porto in January average around 10°C (50°F), and Milan averages at about 5°C (41°F).

Porto usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Milan during winter. Porto gets 124 hours of sunny skies, while Milan receives 119 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 Milan. Porto gets 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Milan receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Porto or Milan in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Porto as well as Milan. The spring months attract visitors to Porto because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Additionally, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Milan this time of year.

In April, Porto is generally around the same temperature as Milan. Daily temperatures in Porto average around 14°C (56°F), and Milan fluctuates around 13°C (55°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 Milan. Porto gets 217 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milan receives 176 hours of full sun.

Porto receives a lot of rain in the spring. Porto usually gets more rain in April than Milan. Porto gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Milan receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Milan and Porto