A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Porto vs. Reykjavik for Food, Backpackers, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Porto or Reykjavik?

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

Porto

Porto is a cultural, cosmopolitan, and dynamic port city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Reykjavik

Reykjavik is a friendly, clean, and green city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, hiking, and shopping.

Porto and Reykjavik: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Porto or Reykjavik?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Porto than Reykjavik, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Porto is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, and big city activities, while Reykjavik is known for its hiking and impressive beauty. Porto is popular for its authentic old town and the local port wine. It is also home to Cais da Ribeira. Reykjavik is popular for its proximity to natural beauty and many thermal pools, as well as its active nightlife scene and many festivals.

How is Porto different from Reykjavik?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Porto is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Reykjavik does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Reykjavik does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Porto is an amazing port city to visit for its restaurants. However, Reykjavik is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Porto is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Reykjavik. Traditional Icelandic food may not have the best reputation, but restaurants these days are pretty good with a variety of dishes to choose from. Popular foods in the area include fish, lamb, and Icelandic skyr (a type of yogurt).

Is Porto or Reykjavik Better for Nightlife?

Porto is an excellent place to visit for nightlife. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

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.

Reykjavik has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The city offers the best nightlife in Iceland and you'll be surprised at the number of clubs, bars, and craft breweries that you can choose from. Almost all of the popular nightlife spots are around Laugavegur, a major shopping street in town.

Is Porto or Reykjavik Better for its Old Town?

Porto is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town. However, Reykjavik does not have a historic old town.

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.

Reykjavik does not have a historic old town.

Is Porto or Reykjavik Better for Hiking?

Reykjavik is very popular for hiking. However, Porto is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Reykjavik specifically for its hiking. The city offers easy access to some of the world's most spectacular scenery. There are many hikes that you can easily reach from town. They pass through diverse landscapes that include waterfalls, mountains, glaciers, and beaches.

Porto is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Porto or Reykjavik?

If you're looking to go shopping, Porto and Reykjavik both offer plenty of good spots.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Porto. The city has both your standard shopping mall stores as well as local vendors and boutique shops.

Reykjavik offers some nice shopping areas. The city's main shopping street is Laugavegur, which is where you'll find the most activity around town as well as a bustling atmosphere.

Is Porto or Reykjavik Better for Families?

You'll find excellent kid-friendly activities in either Porto or Reykjavik.

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.

Reykjavik is a very kid-friendly port city. With its many outdoor activities and hands on museums, the city is great for kids. The cafes and restaurants are family-friendly and their are plenty of entertainment options for the whole family.

Is Porto or Reykjavik Better for Couples?

Both Porto and Reykjavik are excellent 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.

Reykjavik is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are museums, outdoor activities, and even the northern lights that make this city very romantic. The cafes are laid-back and the atmosphere is friendly.

Is Porto or Reykjavik Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Porto is an amazing port city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

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

Reykjavik is a good port city to visit for backpackers. There are a number of hostels around town, but they can be pretty expensive. Transportation can also be pretty challenging for backpackers.

Is Porto or Reykjavik Better for Students?

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

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.

Reykjavik is popular with students. Students will enjoy a unique experience in this city. There are good academic programs as well as beautiful outdoor settings that you can explore.

Is Porto or Reykjavik 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, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Porto. 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 Reykjavik, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a fairly comprehensive bus system around town.

Is Porto or Reykjavik a more walkable city?

Porto and Reykjavik are excellent 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.

Reykjavik is a very walkable port city. The city is small and compact, so it's easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Reykjavik or Porto?

How long in Porto or Reykjavik?

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

Families should spend more time in Porto than Reykjavik. 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 Porto than Reykjavik. 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 Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik?

People visit Porto because there is so much to do. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Reykjavik, many people enjoy the nightlife and shopping that this clean destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Lots of people come for the hiking. 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 Reykjavik?

People visit Porto because there is so much to do. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this port city has to offer. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Reykjavik. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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 Reykjavik?

People visit Porto because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this port city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Most people head to the area for the food. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this port city has to offer.

Reykjavik is a fun place to experience. In Reykjavik, many people enjoy the nightlife and shopping that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the hiking. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Porto or Reykjavik?

Porto is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the clean destination of Reykjavik. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the hiking. 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 Budget Tours to Iceland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Iceland.

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

Which is Bigger, Porto or Reykjavik?

Porto has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Reykjavik. When comparing the sizes of Porto and Reykjavik, 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 Reykjavik?

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 Reykjavik in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Porto and Reykjavik. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Porto this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Reykjavik for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Porto is much warmer than Reykjavik in the summer. The daily temperature in Porto averages around 21°C (69°F) in July, and Reykjavik fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In Porto, it's very sunny this time of the year. Porto usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during summer. Porto gets 308 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 171 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Porto usually receives less rain than Reykjavik. Porto gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Porto or Reykjavik in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Porto as well as Reykjavik. Many travelers come to Porto for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, many visitors come to Reykjavik in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Reykjavik can get quite cold in the autumn. In the autumn, Porto is much warmer than Reykjavik. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Porto in October average around 17°C (62°F), and Reykjavik averages at about 5°C (41°F).

In the autumn, Porto often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Porto gets 184 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 83 hours of full sun.

Porto receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Porto usually gets more rain in October than Reykjavik. Porto gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Porto or Reykjavik in the Winter?

Both Reykjavik and Porto are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Porto in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Reykjavik for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

Reykjavik can be very cold during winter. In January, Porto is generally much warmer than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in Porto average around 10°C (50°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around -0°C (32°F).

Porto usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during winter. Porto gets 124 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 27 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Porto. In January, Porto usually receives more rain than Reykjavik. Porto gets 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Porto or Reykjavik in the Spring?

Both Reykjavik and Porto during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Porto for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Reykjavik because of the natural beauty.

The weather in Reykjavik can be very cold. Porto is much warmer than Reykjavik in the spring. The daily temperature in Porto averages around 14°C (56°F) in April, and Reykjavik fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

It's quite sunny in Porto. In the spring, Porto often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Porto gets 217 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 140 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Porto. Porto usually gets more rain in April than Reykjavik. Porto gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Reykjavik and Porto