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

Should you visit Porto or Rome?

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 Rome 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.

Rome

Rome is a fun-filled, popular, and ancient city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Porto and Rome: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Porto or Rome?

You'll generally find more things to do in Rome than Porto. Rome is bigger than Porto, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Rome is better known for its museums, nightlife, music, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Porto is more popular for its historical sights. Rome is more touristy than Porto and is popular for its iconic archaeological sites such as the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, as well as its gelato, Italian cuisine, and strong religious roots. Also, Rome is famous for The Colosseum. Porto is well known for its authentic old town and the local port wine.

The Colosseum

How is Porto different from Rome?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Rome 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 Rome from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The historical sights around the city are among the most impressive in the world. Almost anywhere you look you'll find a notable landmark but some of the most famous include the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain, the Vatican, and the Roman Forum.

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 Rome? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Porto and Rome offer amazing local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Rome is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. Homemade pasta, fresh sauces, and fine wine all make the food scene among the best. Also make sure you try the gelato.

Is Porto or Rome Better for Nightlife?

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

Rome is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. You'll find a huge concentration of bars and clubs in the Testaccio area. There are late night clubs with salsa dancing, merengue, and live DJ's spinning every type of music.

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 Rome Better for Music?

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

Rome is known as a music capital around the world. Popular music venues include Live Alcazar, Atlantico Live, and Beba do Samba.

Porto is not a live music destination.

Is Porto or Rome Better for its Old Town?

Porto is a great destination for its historic old town charm. However, Rome does not have a historic old town.

Porto is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. 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.

Rome does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Porto or Rome?

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

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Rome. For the biggest brand names, head to Via del Corso, which is near the Spanish Steps. Popular items to buy include Italian ceramics, shoes, leather goods, and jewelry.

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 Rome Better for Families?

You'll find superb kid-friendly activities in either Porto or Rome.

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.

Rome is a very kid-friendly port city. What kid wouldn't be thrilled to be surrounded by pizza and spaghetti restaurants? In addition to kid-friendly food options, there are also a number of great activities that the whole family can enjoy including exploring the Colosseum, taking a gladiator class, and eating gelato.

Is Porto or Rome Better for Couples?

Both Porto and Rome are superb 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.

Rome is a very popular place to visit for couples. With many beautiful buildings, world class restaurants, and world renowned sights, this city makes a great romantic destination.

Is Porto or Rome Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Porto and Rome are amazing 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 Rome. Backpackers will find no shortage of hostels where they can stay, particularly near the main train station where accommodation is particularly cheap (but not always the best quality).

Is Porto or Rome Better for Students?

Rome 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 Rome. The city is a popular study abroad destination and you'll find plenty of international students here.

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

Rome 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.

Rome has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. There's a metro system, trams, and a comprehensive bus system that goes around the city.

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 Rome a more walkable city?

Rome 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.

Rome is a very easy city to get around on foot. You'll find many of the most popular sights in a compact area that's easily explored on foot. Do watch out for traffic, which can be a bit chaotic at times.

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 Rome Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Rome or Porto?

How long in Porto or Rome?

Both Porto and Rome have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Rome than in Porto. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Porto, and 3-7 days is enough time in Rome.

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

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

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

One day in Porto or Rome?

Porto is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Rome, many people enjoy the live music and food that this fun-filled big city offers. 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 Rome?

Porto is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the food. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Rome. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Porto or Rome?

Porto is a cultural big city where you can fill many days. This port city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Rome is a fun place to experience. In Rome, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this big city destination offers. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Porto or Rome?

The cosmopolitan port city of Porto offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

In Rome, many people enjoy the museums and nightlife that this ancient big city offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. 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 Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Porto or Rome?

Rome has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Porto. When comparing the sizes of Porto and Rome, 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 Rome?

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 Rome in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Porto as well as Rome. Many travelers come to Porto for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Rome in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Porto is generally cooler than Rome. Daily temperatures in Porto average around 21°C (69°F), and Rome fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Rome. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Porto this time of the year. In the summer, Porto often gets less sunshine than Rome. Porto gets 308 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rome receives 338 hours of full sun.

Porto usually gets less rain in July than Rome. Porto gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Rome receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Porto or Rome in the Autumn?

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

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

Porto usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Rome during autumn. Porto gets 184 hours of sunny skies, while Rome receives 198 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Porto. In October, Porto usually receives more rain than Rome. Porto gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Rome receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Porto or Rome in the Winter?

Both Rome and Porto during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Porto for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Rome because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

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

In the winter, Porto often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Rome. Porto gets 124 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rome receives 127 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Porto. Porto usually gets more rain in January than Rome. Porto gets 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Rome receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Porto or Rome in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Porto and Rome. The spring months attract visitors to Porto because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Rome this time of year.

In April, Porto is generally around the same temperature as Rome. Daily temperatures in Porto average around 14°C (56°F), and Rome fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Rome 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 Rome during spring. Porto gets 217 hours of sunny skies, while Rome receives 204 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 Rome. Porto gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Rome receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Rome and Porto