A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Porto vs. Pompeii for Attractions, Backpackers, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Porto or Pompeii?

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

Porto

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

Pompeii

Pompeii is a one-of-a-kind, ancient, and famous archeological site. Other reasons to visit include museums.

Porto and Pompeii: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Porto or Pompeii?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Porto than Pompeii, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Porto is better known for its food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Pompeii is more popular for its museums. Pompeii is more touristy than Porto and is known for its well preserved archaeological ruins that are still intact following the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Porto is well known for its authentic old town and the local port wine. Also, Porto is famous for Cais da Ribeira.

How is Porto different from Pompeii?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Pompeii 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 Pompeii from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. Pompeii is a city frozen in time and it is truly a one-of-a-kind destination. The streets remain as they once stood, lined with shops and homes. Highlights of a visit include the Forum, the Antiquarium, the Temple of Isis, and the Teatro Grande.

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 Pompeii? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Porto is renowned for its restaurants. However, Pompeii is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

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.

While Pompeii is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. While there is a café near the Forum, the quality of the food isn't great and it can get crowded. You'd do best to bring your own food as the site is large and you'll want to eat on your own schedule.

Is Porto or Pompeii Better for Nightlife?

Porto is an excellent place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Pompeii is lacking in options for nightlife.

Porto has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. This city comes to life in the evening, particularly on weekends when locals and tourists alike flock to the many bars, restaurants, and nightclubs.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Pompeii. As a popular tourist destination, you'll find some bars nearby, but most people visit as a day trip and head out of town before the evening hours.

Is Porto or Pompeii Better for its Old Town?

Porto is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Pompeii 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.

Pompeii does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Porto or Pompeii?

Porto is very good for its shopping areas. However, Pompeii is lacking in options for shopping.

Porto has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The city has both your standard shopping mall stores as well as local vendors and boutique shops.

Pompeii has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There are some souvenir stands outside of the site where you can buy trinkets to remember your visit.

Is Porto or Pompeii Better for Families?

You'll find very good kid-friendly activities in either Porto or Pompeii.

Porto is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Pompeii is a very kid-friendly port city. Its a city frozen in time, and even kids will get lost in the history and story behind Pompeii. The trick is to find a kid-friendly tour and understand the layout before you arrive. Because it's so big, you want to know which places to visit and which you might want to skip with kids who have short attention spans.

Is Porto or Pompeii Better for Couples?

Porto is an excellent place to visit for couples. Also, Pompeii is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Porto makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

Pompeii is a nice destination for couples. It's an iconic destination in Italy, and should be added to any Italian trip itinerary. It's not exactly a romantic destination, but it's something that every visitor should see.

Is Porto or Pompeii Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Porto is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Pompeii is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Pompeii. It's touristy and crowded, but also world renowned and not-to-be-missed. Whether you're a backpacker or a luxury traveler, Pompeii is on most itineraries.

Is Porto or Pompeii Better for Students?

Porto is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. Also, Pompeii is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Pompeii is popular with students. It's history and educational significance make it a great study abroad destination, whether you visit alone, with friends, or as part of a tour group.

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

Porto is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Pompeii is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Porto offers a very effecient public transportation network. 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.

You'll find some public transit in Pompeii, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Many visitors from Sorrento and Naples arrive via the the Circumvesuviana train. There are also buses from many different locations.

Is Porto or Pompeii a more walkable city?

Pompeii 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.

Pompeii is a very easy archeological site to get around on foot. You can walk around the entire site in about 4 hours, but you'll really want to allow a full day if you want to see everything in depth.

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 Pompeii Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Pompeii or Porto?

How long in Porto or Pompeii?

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

Couples should spend more time in Porto than Pompeii. 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 Pompeii 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 Pompeii?

Because Porto is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This port city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Pompeii, many people enjoy the museums that this famous destination offers. Lots of people come for the museums. This archeological site 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 Pompeii?

Because Porto is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. One reason most visitors come is for the food. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Porto has to offer.

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

Porto is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Porto has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Pompeii is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the destination of Pompeii. 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 Pompeii?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Porto. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Porto. One reason most visitors come is for the food. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

You'll find museums around the famous destination of Pompeii. 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, and The Best Walking Tours in Italy.

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

When is the best time to visit Porto or Pompeii?

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 Pompeii in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Porto and Pompeii. The summer months attract visitors to Porto because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Pompeii this time of year.

In July, Porto is generally cooler than Pompeii. Daily temperatures in Porto average around 21°C (69°F), and Pompeii fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Pompeii 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 Pompeii during summer. Porto gets 308 hours of sunny skies, while Pompeii receives 313 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Porto usually receives less rain than Pompeii. Porto gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Porto or Pompeii in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Porto as well as Pompeii. 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.

Porto is around the same temperature as Pompeii in the autumn. The daily temperature in Porto averages around 17°C (62°F) in October, and Pompeii fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Porto often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Pompeii. Porto gets 184 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pompeii receives 189 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Pompeii. Porto receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Porto usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Pompeii. Porto gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Porto or Pompeii in the Winter?

Both Pompeii and Porto are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Porto for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Pompeii in the winter for the museums.

In the winter, Porto is a little warmer than Pompeii. Typically, the winter temperatures in Porto in January average around 10°C (50°F), and Pompeii averages at about 8°C (47°F).

Porto usually receives more sunshine than Pompeii during winter. Porto gets 124 hours of sunny skies, while Pompeii receives 115 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Pompeii. It's quite rainy in Porto. In January, Porto usually receives more rain than Pompeii. Porto gets 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Porto or Pompeii in the Spring?

Both Pompeii and Porto during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Porto in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

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

It's quite sunny in Porto. In the spring, Porto often gets more sunshine than Pompeii. Porto gets 217 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pompeii receives 189 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Porto. Porto usually gets more rain in April than Pompeii. Porto gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Pompeii and Porto