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

Should you visit Porto or Prague?

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

Porto

Porto is a historic, cultural, and cosmopolitan 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 nightlife, food, and shopping.

Prague

Prague is a festive, fun-filled, and cultural city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and live music.

Porto and Prague: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Porto or Prague?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Prague than Porto. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Prague is very popular for its museums, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Porto attracts visitors for its food. Prague is more touristy than Porto and is popular for its world-famous old town, local beer, wild nightlife, historic landmarks, and the Charles Bridge. It is also well known for The Prague Castle. Porto is famous for its authentic old town and the local port wine.

How is Porto different from Prague?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Prague 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 Prague from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. Most of the city's historic sights are found in the Old Town. Famous landmarks include the Charles Bridge, the Prague Castle, and the National Museum.

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 Prague? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Porto is an unbeatable place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Prague is not a good city for its restaurants.

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.

Prague may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. The meals are hearty and filling. There's lots of stew and dumplings that make for a soothing meal on a cold winter day. Goulash is a favorite dish at most of the traditional restaurants around town.

Is Porto or Prague Better for Nightlife?

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

Prague is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. The city has long been famous as a beer drinking capital, and although prices are higher than they once were, the fun is the same. The nightlife vibe is great any night of the week, but weekends tend to be the most active.

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 Prague Better for Music?

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

Prague is known as a music capital around the world. The city has a long history of classical music, but rock, pop, and almost any other genre is popular here as well.

Porto is not a live music destination.

Is Porto or Prague Better for its Old Town?

Prague 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.

Prague has a world-famous historical area. Based around Old Town Square, this city has one of the most impressive old towns in the world.

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 Prague?

Prague 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 Prague. There are many brand name stores in New Town, particularly around Wenceslas Square. In Old Town, Czech porcelain and Bohemia Crystal are popular things to buy.

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 Prague Better for Families?

You'll find high quality kid-friendly activities in either Porto or Prague.

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.

Prague is a very kid-friendly port city. The city has a fun energy that appeals to adults and kids alike. Make sure you check out the Astronomical Clock and tour the famous Prague Castle. You'll also find the best playgrounds in town around Slavonic Island.

Is Porto or Prague Better for Couples?

Prague 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, Prague has plenty to offer. Whether you're enjoy beautiful architecture, historical buildings, or a night out drinking, this city makes a great stop for a couple's vacation.

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 Prague Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Porto and Prague are first-rate places to visit.

Many backpackers frequent Porto. By combining world-class activities with affordability, this city has become a popular stop off for backpackers in the area.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Prague. It has its share of fun hostels that often have a social vibe that can't beat. The city is also a fun and affordable place to explore.

Is Porto or Prague Better for Students?

Prague 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 Prague. If you're studying abroad and want a cultural city with a young and fun vibe, the this is among the best.

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

Prague 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.

Prague has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. Metro lines, trams, and buses will take you smoothly through old and new town.

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 Prague a more walkable city?

Prague 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.

Prague is a very easy city to get around on foot. The tourist area through old town is easily explored on foot. Walking around town is the best way to soak up the atmosphere.

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 Prague Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Prague or Porto?

How long in Porto or Prague?

Both Porto and Prague have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Prague than in Porto. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Porto, and 2-7 days is enough time in Prague.

Families should spend more time in Prague than Porto. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Prague, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Prague 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 Prague.

One day in Porto or Prague?

Porto is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Prague, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this festive big city offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This 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.

A weekend in Porto or Prague?

Porto is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Porto. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Prague is a fun place to experience. In Prague, many people enjoy the nightlife and live music 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 Prague?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the dynamic big city of Porto. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

In Prague, many people enjoy the live music and shopping that this cultural big city offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Portugal, The Best 10-Day Tours in Portugal, The Best Budget Tours to Czech Republic, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Czech Republic.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Porto or Prague?

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

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 Prague in the Summer?

Both Prague and Porto during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Porto in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Prague for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Porto is around the same temperature as Prague. Typically, the summer temperatures in Porto in July average around 21°C (69°F), and Prague averages at about 19°C (66°F).

In Prague, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Porto. In the summer, Porto often gets more sunshine than Prague. Porto gets 308 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Prague receives 216 hours of full sun.

Porto usually gets less rain in July than Prague. Porto gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Prague receives 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Porto or Prague in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Porto and Prague. 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 Prague because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Porto is generally a little warmer than Prague. Daily temperatures in Porto average around 17°C (62°F), and Prague fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Porto usually receives more sunshine than Prague during autumn. Porto gets 184 hours of sunny skies, while Prague receives 124 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Porto gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Porto usually receives more rain than Prague. Porto gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Prague receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Porto or Prague in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Porto as well as Prague. 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 Prague this time of year.

It's quite cold in Prague in the winter. Porto is much warmer than Prague in the winter. The daily temperature in Porto averages around 10°C (50°F) in January, and Prague fluctuates around 1°C (33°F).

In the winter, Porto often gets more sunshine than Prague. Porto gets 124 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Prague receives 49 hours of full sun.

Porto receives a lot of rain in the winter. Porto usually gets more rain in January than Prague. Porto gets 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Prague receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Porto or Prague in the Spring?

Both Prague and Porto are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Porto this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Prague for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Porto is a little warmer than Prague. Typically, the spring temperatures in Porto in April average around 14°C (56°F), and Prague averages at about 10°C (49°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Porto. Porto usually receives more sunshine than Prague during spring. Porto gets 217 hours of sunny skies, while Prague receives 145 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Porto. In April, Porto usually receives more rain than Prague. Porto gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Prague receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Prague and Porto