A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Porto vs. Mont-Saint-Michel for Attractions, Food, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Porto or Mont-Saint-Michel?

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 Mont-Saint-Michel can help you decide which place is right for you.

Porto

Porto is a cosmopolitan, dynamic, and historic 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 shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Mont-Saint-Michel

Mont-Saint-Michel is a breathtaking, inspiring, and iconic island. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include food, hiking, and museums.

Porto and Mont-Saint-Michel: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Porto or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Porto. Although Porto and Mont-Saint-Michel are popular destinations, Porto has more sights and attractions for tourists. Porto is very popular for its food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Mont-Saint-Michel attracts visitors for its museums, hiking, and impressive beauty. Mont-Saint-Michel is more touristy than Porto and is popular for its Gothic-style abbey and its medieval village that stands at its base. 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 Mont-Saint-Michel?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Mont-Saint-Michel 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 Mont-Saint-Michel?

Mont-Saint-Michel is very popular for its historical sights. Also, Porto is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its sights and museums.

Travelers visit Mont-Saint-Michel from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. Visitors come to see the iconic Abbaye du Mont Saint-Michel which has been the inspiration for tourists and religious pilgrims for centuries. Make sure you see the Ramparts and La Grande Rue.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Porto can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

Is the Food Better in Porto or Mont-Saint-Michel? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Porto is a world-class destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Mont-Saint-Michel is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

Mont-Saint-Michel is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are a number of local restaurants to choose from that serve authentic French cuisine including the pre-salted sheep, which is a local specialty.

Is Porto or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Nightlife?

Porto is a great destination for nightlife and partying. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is a island with minimal options for its evening party scene.

The people in Porto know how to have a good time. This city comes to life in the evening, particularly on weekends when locals and tourists alike flock to the many bars, restaurants, and nightclubs.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Mont-Saint-Michel Most people visit the island as a daytrip and nightlife is essentially nonexistent.

Is Porto or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for its Old Town?

Porto is a great destination for its old town. However, Mont-Saint-Michel 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.

Mont-Saint-Michel does not have a historic old town.

Is Porto or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Hiking?

Mont-Saint-Michel is very good for hiking. However, Porto is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Mont-Saint-Michel. There's a 4.2 mile out and back trail that can be walked in about 1.5 hours.

Porto is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Porto or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Porto is very good for its shopping opportunities. However, Mont-Saint-Michel 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.

Mont-Saint-Michel is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Porto or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Families?

Porto is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is a island with minimal options for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

For families, Mont-Saint-Michel is not always the best place to visit. Kids may enjoy a horse drawn carriage ride or exploring the grounds, but it can make for a long day for kids with short attention spans.

Is Porto or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Couples?

Mont-Saint-Michel 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, Mont-Saint-Michel has plenty to offer. It's a stunning setting and makes a romantic backdrop for a couples holiday, whether it's part of a longer trip to France or a short weekend away.

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 Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Porto is a world-class destination for backpackers. Also, Mont-Saint-Michel is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Mont-Saint-Michel. You'll find a couple of hostels an cheap hotels in the area.

Is Porto or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Students?

Porto is a great destination for students. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is not popular with 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.

Mont-Saint-Michel is not popular with students.

Is Porto or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Porto is a great destination for its public transit. Also, Mont-Saint-Michel is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

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.

While Mont-Saint-Michel offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a free shuttle bus that connects Mont-Saint-Michel to the mainland.

Is Porto or Mont-Saint-Michel a more walkable city?

Porto and Mont-Saint-Michel are very good 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.

Mont-Saint-Michel is a very walkable port city. There are many stunning walks in the area.

For even more information, also check out Is Porto Worth Visiting? and Is Mont-Saint-Michel Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Mont-Saint-Michel or Porto?

How long in Porto or Mont-Saint-Michel?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Porto than Mont-Saint-Michel 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 Mont-Saint-Michel?

When visiting Porto, people usually allow for lots of time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It offers something for everyone.

In Mont-Saint-Michel, many people enjoy the food and museums that this breathtaking destination offers. Lots of people come for the museums. This island 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 Mont-Saint-Michel?

When visiting Porto, people usually allow for lots of time. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Visiting the old town is also a must. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Mont-Saint-Michel. 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 Mont-Saint-Michel?

When visiting Porto, people usually allow for lots of time. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. If you have five days, this port city makes for a great vacation. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here.

Mont-Saint-Michel is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the destination of Mont-Saint-Michel. Lots of people come for the museums. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Porto or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Porto is a popular choice for travelers. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One of the main draws to the area is the food. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

You'll find museums and food around the historic destination of Mont-Saint-Michel. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the museums. 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 River Cruises in France, and The Best Bicycle Tours in France.

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

Which is Bigger, Porto or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Porto has a larger population, and is about 3120 times larger than the population of Mont-Saint-Michel. When comparing the sizes of Porto and Mont-Saint-Michel, 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 Mont-Saint-Michel?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Porto or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Porto as well as Mont-Saint-Michel. The summer months attract visitors to Porto because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Mont-Saint-Michel this time of year.

In the summer, Porto is a little warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel. Typically, the summer temperatures in Porto in July average around 21°C (69°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel averages at about 19°C (65°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mont-Saint-Michel. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Porto this time of the year. In the summer, Porto often gets more sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel. Porto gets 308 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 246 hours of full sun.

Porto usually gets less rain in July than Mont-Saint-Michel. Porto gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Porto or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Autumn?

Both Mont-Saint-Michel and Porto are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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 Mont-Saint-Michel for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Porto is generally a little warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel. Daily temperatures in Porto average around 17°C (62°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Porto usually receives more sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel during autumn. Porto gets 184 hours of sunny skies, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 134 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Porto. In October, Porto usually receives more rain than Mont-Saint-Michel. Porto gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Porto or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Winter?

Both Mont-Saint-Michel and Porto during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Porto for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Mont-Saint-Michel in the winter for the museums and the cuisine.

Porto is much warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel in the winter. The daily temperature in Porto averages around 10°C (50°F) in January, and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Porto often gets more sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel. Porto gets 124 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 70 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Porto. Porto usually gets more rain in January than Mont-Saint-Michel. Porto gets 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Porto or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Porto and Mont-Saint-Michel. Many visitors come to Porto in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Mont-Saint-Michel for the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Porto is a little warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel. Typically, the spring temperatures in Porto in April average around 14°C (56°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel averages at about 10°C (50°F).

In Porto, it's very sunny this time of the year. Porto usually receives more sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel during spring. Porto gets 217 hours of sunny skies, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 180 hours of full sun in the spring.

Porto gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Porto usually receives more rain than Mont-Saint-Michel. Porto gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Mont-Saint-Michel and Porto