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

Should you visit Porto or Saint-Etienne?

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 Saint-Etienne can help you decide which place is right for you.

Porto

Porto is a dynamic, historic, and cultural 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. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Saint-Etienne

Saint-Etienne is a park-filled, industrial, and undiscovered city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, hiking, and museums.

Porto and Saint-Etienne: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Porto or Saint-Etienne?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Porto than Saint-Etienne. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Porto is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Saint-Etienne attracts visitors for its hiking. Porto is more touristy than Saint-Etienne and is known for its authentic old town and the local port wine. It is also well known for Cais da Ribeira. Saint-Etienne is famous for its industrial and manufacturing past.

How is Porto different from Saint-Etienne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne?

Porto is great for its historical sights. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Porto. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Saint-Etienne. There are several great museums in town including the Musée d'Art et d'Industrie, Musée de la Mine, Musée des Verts, and the planetarium.

Is the Food Better in Porto or Saint-Etienne? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Porto is an amazing port city to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for its local cuisine and 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.

Saint-Etienne may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Try the many local cheeses which are a defining part of the cuisine in the area. You'll find some local restaurants around town where you can sample local flavors.

Is Porto or Saint-Etienne Better for Nightlife?

Porto is great for nightlife and partying. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its evening party scene.

Many people head to Porto for the nightlife scene. This city comes to life in the evening, particularly on weekends when locals and tourists alike flock to the many bars, restaurants, and nightclubs.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Saint-Etienne. The nightlife is centered around sipping wine or visiting one of the clubs in town.

Is Porto or Saint-Etienne Better for its Old Town?

Porto is great for its old town. However, Saint-Etienne does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see 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.

Saint-Etienne does not have a historic old town.

Is Porto or Saint-Etienne Better for Hiking?

Saint-Etienne is very good for hiking. However, Porto is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Saint-Etienne. You'll find several great hikes just outside of town. It's a great way to experience the surrounding countryside.

Porto is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Porto or Saint-Etienne?

Porto is a good destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for its shopping areas.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Porto. The city has both your standard shopping mall stores as well as local vendors and boutique shops.

Saint-Etienne has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. Shopping malls and several boutique shopping areas make up the city's shopping scene.

Is Porto or Saint-Etienne Better for Families?

Porto is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Porto is very family-friendly. 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.

Saint-Etienne is a family-friendly place to visit. There are several kid-friendly museums as well as plenty of natural settings just outside of town. Your kids can run around and stretch their legs nearby at Crest of the Partridge or on a rainy day, the planetarium is a fun place to visit.

Is Porto or Saint-Etienne Better for Couples?

Porto is great for its romantic activities. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for couples.

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.

Saint-Etienne is not always the best place to visit for a couple. There are museums, parks, gardens, and beautiful architecture that make this a wonderful place for couples.

Is Porto or Saint-Etienne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Porto is an amazing port city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Porto is extremely popular for backpackers. By combining world-class activities with affordability, this city has become a popular stop off for backpackers in the area.

Saint-Etienne is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not high on the backpacker trail, but there are hostels and plenty of activities to enjoy.

Is Porto or Saint-Etienne Better for Students?

Porto is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Saint-Etienne is not popular with students.

Many students visit Porto. The city has a number of good research programs and study abroad opportunities that attract international students from around the world.

Saint-Etienne is not popular with students.

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

Porto is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Public transit in Porto can get you to some places easily. 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.

Saint-Etienne has a few public transit options. There are tram and bus options available in town.

Is Porto or Saint-Etienne a more walkable city?

Porto is great for its high level of walkability. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its ease of walking around.

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.

Saint-Etienne is a somewhat walkable port city. There are several walkable areas in the city.

For even more information, also check out Is Porto Worth Visiting? and Is Saint-Etienne Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Saint-Etienne or Porto?

How long in Porto or Saint-Etienne?

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

Families should spend more time in Porto than Saint-Etienne. 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 Saint-Etienne. 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 Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne?

Porto is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

In Saint-Etienne, many people enjoy the nightlife and museums that this industrial destination offers. 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 Saint-Etienne?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Porto. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saint-Etienne. 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 Saint-Etienne?

Porto is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Saint-Etienne is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and museums when visiting the destination of Saint-Etienne. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Porto or Saint-Etienne?

You'll find food and shopping around the beautiful port city of Porto. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the park-filled destination of Saint-Etienne. 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 from Paris, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Porto or Saint-Etienne?

Porto has a larger population, and is about 42% larger than the population of Saint-Etienne. When comparing the sizes of Porto and Saint-Etienne, 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 Saint-Etienne?

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 Saint-Etienne in the Summer?

Both Saint-Etienne and Porto are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Porto in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Saint-Etienne for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Porto is around the same temperature as Saint-Etienne. Typically, the summer temperatures in Porto in July average around 21°C (69°F), and Saint-Etienne averages at about 22°C (71°F).

It's quite sunny in Saint-Etienne. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Porto. Porto usually receives more sunshine than Saint-Etienne during summer. Porto gets 308 hours of sunny skies, while Saint-Etienne receives 285 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Porto usually receives less rain than Saint-Etienne. Porto gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Porto or Saint-Etienne in the Autumn?

Both Saint-Etienne and Porto during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Saint-Etienne because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Porto is generally a little warmer than Saint-Etienne. Daily temperatures in Porto average around 17°C (62°F), and Saint-Etienne fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Porto often gets more sunshine than Saint-Etienne. Porto gets 184 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint-Etienne receives 127 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Porto. Porto usually gets more rain in October than Saint-Etienne. Porto gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Porto or Saint-Etienne in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Porto and Saint-Etienne. The winter months attract visitors to Porto because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Saint-Etienne this time of year.

It's quite cold in Saint-Etienne in the winter. Porto is much warmer than Saint-Etienne in the winter. The daily temperature in Porto averages around 10°C (50°F) in January, and Saint-Etienne fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

Porto usually receives more sunshine than Saint-Etienne during winter. Porto gets 124 hours of sunny skies, while Saint-Etienne receives 62 hours of full sun in the winter.

Porto gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Porto usually receives more rain than Saint-Etienne. Porto gets 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Porto or Saint-Etienne in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Porto as well as Saint-Etienne. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Porto this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Saint-Etienne for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Porto is a little warmer than Saint-Etienne. Typically, the spring temperatures in Porto in April average around 14°C (56°F), and Saint-Etienne averages at about 11°C (53°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Porto this time of the year. In the spring, Porto often gets more sunshine than Saint-Etienne. Porto gets 217 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint-Etienne receives 174 hours of full sun.

Porto receives a lot of rain in the spring. Porto usually gets more rain in April than Saint-Etienne. Porto gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Saint-Etienne and Porto