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

Should you visit Porto or The Hague?

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 The Hague 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.

The Hague

The Hague is a diverse, global, and international city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Other reasons to visit include shopping, nightlife, and live music.

Porto and The Hague: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Porto or The Hague?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Porto than The Hague. While The Hague is larger than Porto, Porto has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Porto is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while The Hague is known for its music and shopping. Porto is more touristy than The Hague and is known for its authentic old town and the local port wine. It is also home to Cais da Ribeira. The Hague is popular for its large international population and its roll in international politics and diplomacy.

How is Porto different from The Hague?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Porto
The Hague

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

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.

The Hague does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Porto
The Hague

Porto is an amazing port city to visit for its restaurants. Also, The Hague is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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 The Hague. The city has a diverse population and the large number of ethnic restaurants reflects that.

Is Porto or The Hague Better for Nightlife?

Porto
The Hague

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find very good options in both Porto and The Hague.

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.

The Hague offers plenty to do in the evening. Many of the city's restaurants turn into clubs at night. Head to The Grote Markt for some of the most energetic nightlife.

Is Porto or The Hague Better for Music?

Porto
The Hague

The Hague is a great city for live music. However, Porto is not a live music destination.

The Hague has a thriving music scene. There's an active music scene here and the city actually played an active role in the development and popularity of electronic music.

Porto is not a live music destination.


Is Porto or The Hague Better for its Old Town?

Porto
The Hague

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

There is a nice variety of sights 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.

The Hague does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Porto or The Hague?

Porto
The Hague

The Hague 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 The Hague. There's a dynamic shopping scene with indoor malls, outdoor markets, and a number of neighborhoods that have shops that sell eclectic items.

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 The Hague Better for Families?

Porto
The Hague

Porto is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, The Hague is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in The Hague. This city has a bit more of a family-friendly vibe than nearby Amsterdam. Kids enjoy exploring by bike or heading to the Scheveningen Beach Resort.


Is Porto or The Hague Better for Couples?

Porto
The Hague

Porto is an excellent place to visit for romance. Also, The Hague is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Porto makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

The Hague makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples can enjoy the diverse restaurants and the busting atmosphere that the city offers.

Is Porto or The Hague Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Porto
The Hague

Porto is an amazing port city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, The Hague 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit The Hague. While most backpackers head to the more popular city of Amsterdam, The Hague has a fun atmosphere with a diversity of activities and restaurants.

Is Porto or The Hague Better for Students?

Porto
The Hague

The Hague 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 The Hague. This is a very popular study abroad destination so you'll find plenty of international students living here. It's an internationally oriented city so everyone feels right at home.

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

Porto
The Hague

Porto and The Hague 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.

The Hague has some very good public transit options. There are bus and tram lines throughout the city.

Is Porto or The Hague a more walkable city?

Porto
The Hague

Porto is an excellent place to visit for its walkability. Also, The Hague is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of 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.

The Hague is a somewhat walkable place. There are a number of walk tours through the city center.

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

Should I spend more time in The Hague or Porto?

How long in Porto or The Hague?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Porto and The Hague. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Porto than in The Hague. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Porto, and 1-3 days is enough time in The Hague.

Families should spend more time in Porto than The Hague. 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 The Hague. 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 The Hague 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 The Hague? Ideal Length of Stay
    Porto 2-5 
    The Hague 1-3

One day in Porto or The Hague?

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 The Hague, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this bustling big city 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 The Hague?

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 The Hague. 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 The Hague?

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.

The Hague is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the big city destination of The Hague. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Porto or The Hague?

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 live music and food around the diverse big city of The Hague. 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 Luxury Tours to Netherlands, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Netherlands.


Which place is cheaper, The Hague 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 The Hague is €178. 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 The Hague in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Porto 65
    The Hague 104
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Porto 130
    The Hague 208
Compare Hotels in Porto and The Hague

Looking for a hotel in Porto or The Hague? 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 The Hague


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 The Hague Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Porto 21
    The Hague 19

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Porto

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

  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Porto HTL-APT (OPO): $42
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Porto APT-HTL (OPO): $39
  • Transport/Private Transfer from Porto Airport to Régua and Samodaes: $273
  • Transfer to Porto from or to the Douro Valley: $182
  • Transfer from Porto to Coimbra visiting Aveiro, half day: $153
  • Transfer from Porto Airport to / from Gerês: $128
  • Transfer Train/Bus station Campanhã to Porto City: $23
  • Transfer Premium Privado: Aeroporto do Porto - Porto e Gaia: $32
  • Transfer Porto Centro to Airport (OPO): $38
  • Transfer Porto Airport to Douro Valley ( Régua / Samodaes ): $185
  • Transfer Porto: $32
  • Transfer Oporto - Aeroport / Up to 4 passengers: $27

Hired Cars and Shuttles in The Hague

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

  • Amsterdam: Private Transfer to/from The Hague: $277
  • From One-Way Private Transfer to Schiphol Airport: $256
  • Private Transfer from The Hague City to Schiphol Airport : $136
  • Private Transfer from The Hague to Amsterdam: $136
  • Taxi Transfer from The Hague to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport: $125
  • Eindhoven: Train Transfer Eindhoven from/to Den Haag: $27
  • Amsterdam: Train Transfer Schiphol Airport from/to Den Haag: $20
  • Amsterdam: Train Transfer Amsterdam from/to Den Haag: $17
  • Utrecht: Train Transfer Utrecht from/to Den Haag: $16
  • Den Haag: Train Transfer Den Haag from/to Rotterdam: $8.20

Is it cheaper to fly into Porto or The Hague?

Prices for flights to both The Hague 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
    The Hague 55

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
  • Bolhão Market & Codfish Tasting Food Tour: $53
  • Christmas All Inclusive Dinner River Cruise with DJ on Board : $55
  • 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
  • Semi - Private Oporto Food Tour: $74
  • Portuguese Craft Beer and Food Tour: $74
  • Craft Beer & Food Tour in Porto: $75

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in The Hague

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

  • WALKING DINNER DELFT | 3 courses incl. 3 drinks and a lot of fun: $87
  • WALKING DINNER ZOETERMEER | 3 courses + 3 drinks and a lot of fun: $87

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Porto 25
    The Hague 34

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: $2.61
  • 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: $157
  • 2 Hour Private Tuktuk Tour in Porto to Monastery and Cellars: $80
  • 2-Hours of Porto Sunset Segway Tour - Guided Experience: $59
  • 3 Hour Porto Essential Private Tour: $49
  • 3 Hour Tuk tuk Tour in Porto: $98
  • 3 Hours of Private Porto Classic Tuk Tour: $261
  • 3-Hour Best of Porto Segway Tour - Guided Experience: $75
  • 3-Hour Cano-Rafting Tour on the Paiva River: $49

Tours and Activities in The Hague

For The Hague, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 2 Hours Walking Tour in Delft: $3.24
  • 2 Hours Walking Tour in The Hague: $3.24
  • Amsterdam: The Hague, Delft and Rotterdam Private Day Tour: $533
  • Bicycle tour The Hague Highlights: $27
  • Boattour The Hague and Scheveningen: $160
  • Delft: Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $11
  • Den Haag: Murder Crime Game Self-Guided Interactive Tour: $74
  • Discover Delft with a self-guided Outside Escape city game tour!: $27
  • Discover The Hague's city center with an Outside Escape game tour: $27
  • Drive it yourself electric Dune & Summer Flower GPS audio tour: $96
  • Drive it yourself electric Dutch Countryside GPS audio tour: $96
  • Drive it yourself electric History and Castle GPS audio tour: $96

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Porto 19
    The Hague 30

Sample the Local Flavors in Porto

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Porto:

  • Museu do Vitral Entry Ticket and Wine Tasting: $8.52
  • Museu do Vitral Entry Ticket with Wine Tasting: $8.73
  • Tickets for Port Cellar Visit and Wine Tasting at Fonseca: $11
  • Guided City Pub Crawl with Club Entry: $13
  • Magic Train Tour and Port Wine Tastings: $15
  • Rooftop Fado concert, Port wine tasting, Portuguese tart: $16
  • Pub Crawl with 5 Drinks: $19
  • Mysterious Pub Crawl Interactive City Discovery Game: $19
  • Douro and Port Wine Tasting: $20
  • Pub Crawl Porto Live night: $21
  • Pub Crawl with Shots and Drinking Games: $21
  • Poças: Guided Tour & Port Wine Tasting with Pastel de Nata: $21

Sample the Local Flavors in The Hague

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in The Hague:

  • The Hague Pub Trail: Pub crawl with interactive online game: $12


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


Which is Bigger, Porto or The Hague?

The Hague has a larger population, and is about 90% larger than the population of Porto. When comparing the sizes of Porto and The Hague, 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 The Hague?

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 The Hague in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Porto and The Hague. The summer months attract visitors to Porto because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to The Hague this time of year.

Porto is a little warmer than The Hague in the summer. The daily temperature in Porto averages around 21°C (69°F) in July, and The Hague fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in The Hague this time of the year. In Porto, it's very sunny this time of the year. Porto usually receives more sunshine than The Hague during summer. Porto gets 308 hours of sunny skies, while The Hague receives 202 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Porto usually receives less rain than The Hague. Porto gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while The Hague receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Porto 21°C (69°F) 
    The Hague 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Porto or The Hague in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Porto as well as The Hague. 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. Additionally, many travelers come to The Hague for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In the autumn, Porto is much warmer than The Hague. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Porto in October average around 17°C (62°F), and The Hague averages at about 11°C (51°F).

In the autumn, Porto often gets more sunshine than The Hague. Porto gets 184 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while The Hague receives 105 hours of full sun.

Porto receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Porto usually gets more rain in October than The Hague. Porto gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while The Hague receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Porto 17°C (62°F) 
    The Hague 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Porto or The Hague in the Winter?

Both The Hague and Porto are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Porto for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to The Hague in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

The Hague can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Porto is generally much warmer than The Hague. Daily temperatures in Porto average around 10°C (50°F), and The Hague fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

Porto usually receives more sunshine than The Hague during winter. Porto gets 124 hours of sunny skies, while The Hague receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Porto. In January, Porto usually receives more rain than The Hague. Porto gets 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while The Hague receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Porto 10°C (50°F) 
    The Hague 2°C (36°F)

Should I visit Porto or The Hague in the Spring?

Both The Hague and Porto during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Porto in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to The Hague for the activities around the city during these months.

Porto is much warmer than The Hague in the spring. The daily temperature in Porto averages around 14°C (56°F) in April, and The Hague fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

It's quite sunny in Porto. In the spring, Porto often gets more sunshine than The Hague. Porto gets 217 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while The Hague receives 158 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Porto. Porto usually gets more rain in April than The Hague. Porto gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while The Hague receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Porto 14°C (56°F) 
    The Hague 8°C (46°F)

Typical Weather for The Hague and Porto

Porto The Hague
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (50°F) 171 mm (6.7 in) 2°C (36°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 169 mm (6.7 in) 3°C (37°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 112 mm (4.4 in) 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Apr 14°C (56°F) 112 mm (4.4 in) 8°C (46°F) 52 mm (2 in)
May 16°C (60°F) 89 mm (3.5 in) 12°C (54°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 19°C (66°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 15°C (59°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Jul 21°C (69°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Aug 20°C (69°F) 22 mm (0.9 in) 17°C (62°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 20°C (67°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 14°C (57°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Oct 17°C (62°F) 131 mm (5.2 in) 11°C (51°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 13°C (55°F) 152 mm (6 in) 6°C (43°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Dec 11°C (51°F) 176 mm (6.9 in) 3°C (38°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)