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

Should you visit Porto or Montpellier?

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

Porto

Porto is a cosmopolitan, dynamic, and historic port city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Montpellier

Montpellier is a beautiful, friendly, and historic city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Porto and Montpellier: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Porto or Montpellier?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Porto. Although Porto and Montpellier are roughly the same size, Porto has more sights and attractions for tourists. Porto is better known for its food, nightlife, and big city activities, while Montpellier is more popular for its beaches, historical sights, and shopping. Porto is more touristy than Montpellier and is popular for its authentic old town and the local port wine. Also, Porto is famous for Cais da Ribeira. Montpellier is well known for its relaxed atmosphere, grand boulevards, and authentic personality.

How is Porto different from Montpellier?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Spend time exploring the high quality sights and museums in either Porto or Montpellier.

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 Montpellier can be an interesting and educational experience. With such a long history, the city has many landmarks and monuments. Also make sure you visit Musée Fabre and Saint-Pierre Cathedral.

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

Porto is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eat your way through Porto, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Montpellier. The dishes are made with fresh ingredients produced in the agricultural areas just outside of town. The area is known for its seafood and fish stews.

Is Porto or Montpellier Better for Nightlife?

Porto is a great destination for its evening party scene. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

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.

If you're looking for night time activities Montpellier has a few options to choose from. The weather is mild, making for a nice evening out. The population is also young, so you can expect a lot of activity during the evenings, particularly in the area around Place Jean Jaurés. Make sure you enjoy local wine and champagne while you're in town.

Is Porto or Montpellier Better for Beaches?

Montpellier is a great city for its beaches. However, Porto is not a beach destination.

Montpellier is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. The coastline near Montpellier feels pristine and beautiful. You can also visit Villeneuve-lès-Maguelone to the southwest of town, which is a protected area.

Porto is not a beach destination.

Is Porto or Montpellier Better for its Old Town?

Montpellier 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.

Montpellier has a world-famous historical area. Known as L'Écusson the town's old town dates back to the Middle Ages. It is a pedestrian area that is filled with boutiques, restaurants, and churches.

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 Montpellier?

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

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Montpellier. Head to Rue de la Loge for some of the city's best shopping.

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 Montpellier Better for Families?

Porto is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Porto is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Montpellier offers lots of family activities. Popular activities for kids include taking a ride on the carousel in the Comedie, visiting the playground - Jardin Champs de Mars, and visiting the botanical garden - Jardin des Plantes.

Is Porto or Montpellier Better for Couples?

Both Porto and Montpellier are high quality 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.

Montpellier is a very popular place to visit for couples. Rich in history and beautiful architecture, this city offers a romantic setting for a great couple's getaway.

Is Porto or Montpellier Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Porto is an unbeatable place for backpackers. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Porto is a very popular port city to visit for backpackers. By combining world-class activities with affordability, this city has become a popular stop off for backpackers in the area.

Montpellier is very popular with the backpacker crowd. With a young population and a number of hostels to choose from, Montpellier attracts its share of backpackers.

Is Porto or Montpellier Better for Students?

Montpellier 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 Montpellier. Montpellier is a popular university town that is home to many trendy university students. It's also where you'll find the youngest population of any city in France.

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 Montpellier Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Porto and Montpellier both offer high quality 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.

Montpellier has some very good public transit options. There are a number of options for getting around town including the tramway, bus, and tourist train.

Is Porto or Montpellier a more walkable city?

Porto and Montpellier are high quality 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.

Montpellier is a very walkable port city. Many of the sights and attractions are easily accessible on foot and can be enjoyed as part of a self-guided walking tour.

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

Should I spend more time in Montpellier or Porto?

How long in Porto or Montpellier?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Porto and Montpellier. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Porto than in Montpellier. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Porto, and 1-3 days is enough time in Montpellier.

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

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

Porto is a cosmopolitan 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.

In Montpellier, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this bustling destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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 Montpellier?

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 Montpellier. 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 Montpellier?

Porto is a cosmopolitan 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.

Montpellier is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Montpellier. 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 Montpellier?

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.

You'll find food and shopping around the bustling destination of Montpellier. 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in France, and The Best 2-Week Tours in France.

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

Which is Bigger, Porto or Montpellier?

Porto has a larger population, and is about 1% larger than the population of Montpellier. When comparing the sizes of Porto and Montpellier, 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 Montpellier?

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 Montpellier in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Porto as well as Montpellier. Many visitors come to Porto in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Montpellier for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Montpellier. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Porto this time of the year. In the summer, Porto often gets less sunshine than Montpellier. Porto gets 308 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montpellier receives 351 hours of full sun.

Porto usually gets less rain in July than Montpellier. Porto gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Porto or Montpellier in the Autumn?

Both Montpellier and Porto are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Porto for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Montpellier because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Porto is around the same temperature as Montpellier in the autumn. The daily temperature in Porto averages around 17°C (62°F) in October, and Montpellier fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).

Porto usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Montpellier during autumn. Porto gets 184 hours of sunny skies, while Montpellier receives 187 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Montpellier. It's quite rainy in Porto. In October, Porto usually receives more rain than Montpellier. Porto gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Porto or Montpellier in the Winter?

Both Montpellier and Porto during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Porto because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Montpellier this time of year.

In the winter, Porto is much warmer than Montpellier. Typically, the winter temperatures in Porto in January average around 10°C (50°F), and Montpellier averages at about 7°C (44°F).

In the winter, Porto often gets less sunshine than Montpellier. Porto gets 124 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montpellier receives 147 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Porto. Porto usually gets more rain in January than Montpellier. Porto gets 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Porto or Montpellier in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Porto and Montpellier. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Porto this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Montpellier for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Porto is generally around the same temperature as Montpellier. Daily temperatures in Porto average around 14°C (56°F), and Montpellier fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Montpellier 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 Montpellier during spring. Porto gets 217 hours of sunny skies, while Montpellier receives 230 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 Montpellier. Porto gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Montpellier and Porto