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

Should you visit Porto or Strasbourg?

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

Porto

Porto is a dynamic, historic, and cultural 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 museums, nightlife, and food.

Strasbourg

Strasbourg is a impressive, quaint, and historic city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Porto and Strasbourg: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Big city activities
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Porto or Strasbourg?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Porto. Although Porto and Strasbourg are both popular with visitors, Porto has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Porto is more popular for its food, nightlife, and big city activities, while Strasbourg is known for its historical sights and shopping. Porto is popular for its authentic old town and the local port wine. It is also home to Cais da Ribeira. Strasbourg is popular for its charming beauty, its impressive cathedral, and its quaint houses.

How is Porto different from Strasbourg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Porto
Strasbourg

Spend time exploring the very good sights and museums in either Porto or Strasbourg.

Many visitors head to Porto specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Strasbourg can be an interesting and educational experience. It is filled with grand monuments and historic landmarks. Many are concentrated in La Petite France and highlights include Strasbourg Cathedral, Barrage Vauban, Ponts Couverts, and Église Saint-Thomas.


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

Porto
Strasbourg

Porto is a world-class destination for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Strasbourg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its 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.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Strasbourg. The cuisine combines French and German flavors for rich and hearty flavors. Popular dishes include Tarte Flambée, Alsatian Sausages, and Baeckeoffe (meat and vegetable stew). Also make sure you sample the Sauerkraut, munster cheese, and Reisling wine.

Is Porto or Strasbourg Better for Nightlife?

Porto
Strasbourg

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

The nightlife in Porto has something for everybody. 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 Strasbourg. It's most famous for its monuments and charm, but the city also has plenty to do at night. The liveliest areas are The Krutenau (for students and tourists alike), The Grande-île, and La Petite France.

Is Porto or Strasbourg Better for its Old Town?

Porto
Strasbourg

Strasbourg 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.

Strasbourg has a world-famous historical area. Known as La Petite France, the old town is filled with charming squares, historic monuments, and beautiful architecture.

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 Strasbourg?

Porto
Strasbourg

Strasbourg 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 Strasbourg. The city center is filled with pedestrian shopping streets and boutique stores. For some of the best shopping make sure you check out the main thoroughfare of Grand'Rue. If you want to pick up some trinkets or souvenirs, head to Place de la Cathédrale, and for department store shopping head to Galeries Lafayette Strasbourg.

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 Strasbourg Better for Families?

Porto
Strasbourg

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

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.

Strasbourg is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids who love animals will enjoy a visit to Zoo de l’Orangerie or La Montagne des Singes. If the kids need to stretch their legs you can head to Deux-Rives Garden or on a rainy day check out Planetarium De Strasbourg or the Historical Museum of the City of Strasbourg.

Is Porto or Strasbourg Better for Couples?

Porto
Strasbourg

Both Porto and Strasbourg are very good 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.

Strasbourg is a very popular place to visit for couples. It's arguably one of the most beautiful cities in the region and it is filled with romance. There is beautiful architecture, romantic restaurants, wine tours, and flower filled parks. The scenic squares and grand cathedrals offer a truly perfect couples getaway.


Is Porto or Strasbourg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Porto
Strasbourg

Porto is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Strasbourg is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Strasbourg. The city has a handful of hostels that offer affordable accommodation for those on a shoestring budget.

Is Porto or Strasbourg Better for Students?

Porto
Strasbourg

Porto is a great port city for its student-friendly activities. Also, Strasbourg is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Strasbourg is a good port city to visit for students. Students appreciate the mix of traditional culture and international opportunities.

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

Porto
Strasbourg

Porto and Strasbourg both offer very good public transit to get you around.

Public transit in Porto is fairly effecient and thorough. 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.

Strasbourg has some very good public transit options. The city has six tramlines and a number of bus routes.


Is Porto or Strasbourg a more walkable city?

Porto
Strasbourg

Porto and Strasbourg are very good 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.

Strasbourg is a very walkable port city. One of the best ways to explore the city is on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Strasbourg or Porto?

How long in Porto or Strasbourg?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Porto and Strasbourg. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Porto than in Strasbourg. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Porto, and 2-3 days is enough time in Strasbourg.

Families should spend more time in Porto than Strasbourg. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Porto than Strasbourg 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.


  • How many days in Porto or Strasbourg? Ideal Length of Stay
    Porto 2-5 
    Strasbourg 2-3

One day in Porto or Strasbourg?

When visiting Porto, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Strasbourg, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this impressive destination 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 Strasbourg?

When visiting Porto, people usually allow for lots of time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the food. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this port city.

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

Porto, a popular port city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Visiting the old town is also a must. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this port city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Strasbourg is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Strasbourg. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Porto or Strasbourg?

Porto is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the food. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find food and shopping around the charming destination of Strasbourg. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 10-Day Tours from Paris, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris.


Which place is cheaper, Strasbourg or Porto?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Porto is €126, while the average daily cost in Strasbourg is €138. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Porto and Strasbourg in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Porto 65
    Strasbourg 67
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Porto 130
    Strasbourg 134
Compare Hotels in Porto and Strasbourg

Looking for a hotel in Porto or Strasbourg? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Porto


Hotels in Strasbourg


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Porto Hotel Prices and Strasbourg Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Porto 21
    Strasbourg 44

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Porto

Also for Porto, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Transfer to Algarve: $1,069
  • Private Transfer to Algarve with Stops up to 2 Cities: $909
  • From One-Way Private Transfer to Lisbon: $642
  • Luxury Sedan car transfer to Lisbon.: $642
  • From Private Transfer to Lisbon with Coimbra & Fatima: $627
  • From Private Transfer to Lisbon with Stop at Óbidos: $583
  • From Private Transfer to Lisbon with Stop at Nazaré: $583
  • Transfer to Santiago Compostela: $556
  • Private transfer from Santiago de Compostela to Oporto: $491
  • Private Transfer to Lisbon with Stops up to 3 Cities: $481
  • Porto to Braga Transfer: Explore Sameiro Sanctuary: $481
  • Private Transfer to Lisbon: $455

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Strasbourg

Also for Strasbourg, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer Strasbourg to Europa Park: $251
  • Door-to-Door private transfer and driver from Strasbourg to Basel: $233
  • Private Transfer from Strasbourg Train Station to Hotel: $64
  • Private transfer Strasbourg Airport: $59
  • Private Arrival or Departure Transfer: $58

Is it cheaper to fly into Porto or Strasbourg?

Prices for flights to both Strasbourg and Porto change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Porto 36
    Strasbourg 44

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Porto

For Porto, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Pastel de Nata Cooking Class in Downtown Porto: $37
  • Tastiest Calories Food Tour: $48
  • Bolhão Market and Codfish Tasting Guided Food Tour: $52
  • Porto Food Tour: Full Meal & Drinks: $56
  • Porto Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $57
  • 3-Hour Food Tour: $68
  • Half-Day Food Tour: $68
  • Portuguese Craft Beer and Food Tour: $74
  • Semi - Private Oporto Food Tour: $74
  • Craft Beer & Food Tour in Porto: $75
  • Secret Food Tour: $77
  • Semi Private Oporto Fado Show with Dinner: $80

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Strasbourg

For Strasbourg, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Strasbourg Private Food Tour: experience the city like a local!: $93
  • Strasbourg Food Tour : Gourmet private Tour with tastings: $102
  • Strasbourg Traditional Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $108

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Porto 25
    Strasbourg 24

Tours and Activities in Porto

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Porto.

  • 4 Hour Blissful Wave Experience at Maceda Haven: $76
  • Ultimate Ribeira Walking Tour: $2.60
  • 1 Day Tour to Douro Valley from Porto: $207
  • 1.5-Hour Private Electric Tuk Tuk Sightseeing Tour Historic Porto: $26
  • 2 Hour Private Tuktuk Tour in Porto Douro to Left bank: $63
  • 2 Hour Private Tuktuk Tour in Porto to Monastery and Cellars: $81
  • 2 Hour Private Tuktuk Tour in Porto to Monastery and Cellars: $79
  • 3-Hour Cano-Rafting Tour on the Paiva River: $49
  • 3-Hour Electric Porto Bike Tour: $49
  • 3-Hour Porto Highlights on a Electric Bike Guided Tour: $48
  • 3-Hour Private Bike Tour Porto: $135
  • 3-Hour Walking Tour: Tiles of Porto: $30

Tours and Activities in Strasbourg

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Strasbourg.

  • 2-Hour Strasbourg Euro Tour by Segway: $64
  • Alsace Christmas Markets Day Tour from Strasbourg: $148
  • Alsace Wine Odyssey: Full-Day Private Tour from Strasbourg: $2,031
  • Alsace Wine Route Small Group Half-Day Tour with Tasting from Strasbourg: $107
  • Alsace Wine Route Wineries & Tasting Small Group Guided Tour from Strasbourg: $175
  • Alsatian brunch with immersive cellar tour: $49
  • Alsatian tour, tasting and meal - 100% immersive experience: $60
  • Christmas Joy in Strasbourg Walking Tour: $641
  • Culinary city tour in Strasbourg with tastings: $104
  • Gems of Alsace: Private Full-Day Tour from Strasbourg: $2,031
  • Gourmet Bike Tour with a Locals in Strasbourg: $71
  • Guided Tours of Strasbourg Cathedral: $19

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Porto 19
    Strasbourg 19

Sample the Local Flavors in Porto

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Porto:

  • Museu do Vitral Entry Ticket and Wine Tasting: $8.56
  • Guided City Pub Crawl with Club Entry: $13
  • Magic Train Tour and Port Wine Tastings: $15
  • Mysterious Pub Crawl Interactive City Discovery Game: $19
  • Pub Crawl with 5 Drinks: $19
  • Porto Pub Crawl With Unlimited Beer: $20
  • Pub Crawl with Shots and Drinking Games: $21
  • Poças: Guided Tour & Port Wine Tasting with Pastel de Nata: $21
  • Poças Guided Visit and Port Wine Tasting with Pastel de Nata: $21
  • Rooftop Fado concert, Port wine tasting, Portuguese tart: $21
  • Classic Wine Tasting with GUIDED TOUR: $22
  • Pub Crawl Porto: $23

Sample the Local Flavors in Strasbourg

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Strasbourg:

  • Aperitif at the winemaker with cellar visit and wine tasting in Alsace: $11
  • Wine tasting and immersive cellar tour: $20
  • Wine tour, tasting and picnic basket: $38
  • From Medieval Villages & Wine Tasting Day Trip: $118
  • Medieval Villages and Wine Tasting from Strasbourg: $120
  • Strasbourg : Wine Tour by bike with a local: $150
  • Wine Tasting Private Tour: $545


When comparing the travel costs between Porto and Strasbourg, we can see that Strasbourg is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Porto or Strasbourg?

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

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 Strasbourg in the Summer?

Both Strasbourg and Porto are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Porto because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Strasbourg this time of year.

Porto is around the same temperature as Strasbourg in the summer. The daily temperature in Porto averages around 21°C (69°F) in July, and Strasbourg fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

It's quite sunny in Strasbourg. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Porto. Porto usually receives more sunshine than Strasbourg during summer. Porto gets 308 hours of sunny skies, while Strasbourg receives 240 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Porto usually receives less rain than Strasbourg. Porto gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Strasbourg receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Porto 21°C (69°F) 
    Strasbourg 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Porto or Strasbourg in the Autumn?

Both Strasbourg and Porto during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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. Also, many travelers come to Strasbourg for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Porto is a little warmer than Strasbourg. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Porto in October average around 17°C (62°F), and Strasbourg averages at about 12°C (53°F).

In the autumn, Porto often gets more sunshine than Strasbourg. Porto gets 184 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Strasbourg receives 101 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Porto. Porto usually gets more rain in October than Strasbourg. Porto gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Strasbourg receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Porto 17°C (62°F) 
    Strasbourg 12°C (53°F)

Should I visit Porto or Strasbourg in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Porto and Strasbourg. Many travelers come to Porto for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Strasbourg in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Strasbourg can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Porto is generally much warmer than Strasbourg. Daily temperatures in Porto average around 10°C (50°F), and Strasbourg fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).

Porto usually receives more sunshine than Strasbourg during winter. Porto gets 124 hours of sunny skies, while Strasbourg receives 42 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 Strasbourg. Porto gets 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Strasbourg receives 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Porto 10°C (50°F) 
    Strasbourg 2°C (35°F)

Should I visit Porto or Strasbourg in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Porto as well as Strasbourg. Many visitors come to Porto in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Strasbourg for the natural beauty during these months.

Porto is a little warmer than Strasbourg in the spring. The daily temperature in Porto averages around 14°C (56°F) in April, and Strasbourg fluctuates around 11°C (51°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 Strasbourg. Porto gets 217 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Strasbourg receives 161 hours of full sun.

Porto receives a lot of rain in the spring. Porto usually gets more rain in April than Strasbourg. Porto gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Strasbourg receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Porto 14°C (56°F) 
    Strasbourg 11°C (51°F)

Typical Weather for Strasbourg and Porto

Porto Strasbourg
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (50°F) 171 mm (6.7 in) 2°C (35°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 169 mm (6.7 in) 3°C (38°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 112 mm (4.4 in) 7°C (45°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
Apr 14°C (56°F) 112 mm (4.4 in) 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
May 16°C (60°F) 89 mm (3.5 in) 15°C (59°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Jun 19°C (66°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 18°C (64°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Jul 21°C (69°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 20°C (68°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Aug 20°C (69°F) 22 mm (0.9 in) 20°C (67°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Sep 20°C (67°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 17°C (62°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Oct 17°C (62°F) 131 mm (5.2 in) 12°C (53°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Nov 13°C (55°F) 152 mm (6 in) 6°C (43°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Dec 11°C (51°F) 176 mm (6.9 in) 3°C (37°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)