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

Should you visit Porto or Toronto?

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 Toronto 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. Porto is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Porto travel costs.

Toronto

Toronto is a cultural, diverse, and vibrant city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food. See Toronto travel costs.

Porto and Toronto: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Porto or Toronto?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Toronto than Porto, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Toronto is more popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Porto is known for its food, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Porto is popular for its authentic old town and the local port wine. Toronto is popular for its art and culture, diverse cuisine, and multi-cultural population. It is also home to the CN Tower.

How is Porto different from Toronto?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Toronto 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 Toronto from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The city is filled with landmarks and museums such as the CN Tower and the Royal Ontario Museum. Ripley's Aquarium is a highlight for many visitors. It's near the CN Tower and has an underwater tunnel. The city is also filled with art galleries and cultural sights. Another must is a visit to Casa Loma and, of course, the Toronto Zoo.

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 Toronto? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Porto is terrific for its restaurants. Also, Toronto is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Many restaurants in Porto have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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 Toronto. The food scene is as diverse as the city itself. You'll find classic Canadian favorites like peameal bacon sandwiches and beavertails, as well as almost any international cuisine you could want. Make sure you try the dim sum, roti, and street hot dogs.

Is Porto or Toronto Better for Nightlife?

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

Toronto is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. It's a diverse nightlife scene, with upscale lounges, dive bars, live music, and high energy nightclubs. Popular areas for nightlife include King Street, the Ossington Strip, College Street, and Kensington Market.

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 Toronto Better for its Old Town?

Porto is a very popular place for its historic old town. However, Toronto 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.

Toronto does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Porto or Toronto?

Toronto 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 Toronto. Shopping is huge here, with plenty of options available that range from large malls to vintage stores or flea markets. Eaton Center on Yonge Street is a major shopping area. Yonge Street is also home to more than 600 retail stores.

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 Toronto More Beautiful?

Porto is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Toronto is not a destination known for its beauty.

Porto is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The city sits beautifully on the water and it has a charming atmosphere.

Toronto is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Porto or Toronto Better for Families?

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

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.

Toronto is a very kid-friendly port city. Kids will enjoy the city's many family-friendly museums like the Royal Ontario Museum or the Ontario Science Center. Younger kids will have fun playing at the Centreville Theme Park while all ages will love a day at Canada's Wonderland. Black Creek Pioneer Village is a highlight for many families as well.

Is Porto or Toronto Better for Couples?

Both Porto and Toronto 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.

Toronto is a very popular place to visit for couples. This city is full of energy, and couples can enjoy amazing meals, impressive shows, and romantic outings. You can picnic at a park or check out the view from CN Tower. There are also dinner cruises and live theater.

Is Porto or Toronto Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Porto is terrific for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Toronto 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.

Toronto is a great port city to visit for backpackers. There are a number of hostels around town and there's often a good crowd of backpackers.

Is Porto or Toronto Better for Students?

Toronto 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 Toronto. The city has a good number of universities that attract students from around the globe. This is a very livable city with a lot of diversity and plenty of entertainment options.

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

Toronto 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.

Toronto has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. Union Station is the hub of the city's transportation system, which includes subways, buses and streetcars.

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 Toronto a more walkable city?

Porto and Toronto are superb 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.

Toronto is a very walkable port city. It's a pedestrian-friendly city that is great for exploring on foot. The waterfront area has a walkway and there are cycling trails around town as well.

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

Should I spend more time in Toronto or Porto?

How long in Porto or Toronto?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Porto than Toronto 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 Toronto?

Because Porto is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This port city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Toronto, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this cultural 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 Toronto?

Because Porto is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. One reason most visitors come is for the food. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Porto has to offer.

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

Porto is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Porto has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Toronto is a fun place to experience. In Toronto, many people enjoy the nightlife and food 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 Toronto?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Porto. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Porto. One reason most visitors come is for the food. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

In Toronto, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this vibrant 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 Northern Lights Tours in Canada, and The Best Luxury Tours to Canada.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Porto and Toronto, we can see that Toronto is more expensive. And not only is Porto much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Porto is in Europe and Toronto is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Toronto would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Toronto 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 Toronto Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Porto or Toronto?

Toronto has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Porto. When comparing the sizes of Porto and Toronto, 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 Toronto?

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 Toronto in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Porto and Toronto. Many travelers come to Porto for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Toronto in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Porto is around the same temperature as Toronto in the summer. The daily temperature in Porto averages around 21°C (69°F) in July, and Toronto fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Toronto this time of the year. In Porto, it's very sunny this time of the year. Porto usually receives more sunshine than Toronto during summer. Porto gets 308 hours of sunny skies, while Toronto receives 281 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Porto usually receives less rain than Toronto. Porto gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Toronto receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Porto or Toronto in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Porto as well as Toronto. 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 Toronto for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

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

In the autumn, Porto often gets more sunshine than Toronto. Porto gets 184 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toronto receives 153 hours of full sun.

Porto receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Porto usually gets more rain in October than Toronto. Porto gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Toronto receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Porto or Toronto in the Winter?

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

The weather in Toronto can be very cold. In January, Porto is generally much warmer than Toronto. Daily temperatures in Porto average around 10°C (50°F), and Toronto fluctuates around -4°C (25°F).

Porto usually receives more sunshine than Toronto during winter. Porto gets 124 hours of sunny skies, while Toronto receives 87 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Porto. In January, Porto usually receives more rain than Toronto. Porto gets 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Toronto receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Porto or Toronto in the Spring?

Both Toronto and Porto during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Porto because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Furthermore, the activities around the city are the main draw to Toronto this time of year.

Porto is much warmer than Toronto in the spring. The daily temperature in Porto averages around 14°C (56°F) in April, and Toronto fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

It's quite sunny in Porto. In the spring, Porto often gets more sunshine than Toronto. Porto gets 217 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toronto receives 179 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Porto. Porto usually gets more rain in April than Toronto. Porto gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Toronto receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Toronto and Porto