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

Should you visit Porto or Venice?

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

Porto

Porto is a dynamic, historic, and cultural port city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Venice

Venice is a cultural, magical, and historic city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Porto and Venice: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Porto or Venice?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Porto than Venice, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Porto is better known for its food, nightlife, and big city activities, while Venice is more popular for its museums, historical sights, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Venice is more touristy than Porto and is known for its many canals, famous gondolas, iconic architecture, romantic squares, and beautiful bridges. Porto is well known for its authentic old town and the local port wine. Also, Porto is famous for Cais da Ribeira.

How is Porto different from Venice?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Venice 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 Venice from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The many historic and famous landmarks in town include St. Mark's Basilica, St. Mark's Square, Doge's Palace, and the Rialto Bridge.

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 Venice? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Porto is a world-class destination for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Venice 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.

Venice offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. For the best dining experience, you should try to avoid the touristy restaurants that serve the typical pizza and pasta. Instead, find a local eatery that specializes in the region's traditional flavors like fish and vegetables.

Is Porto or Venice Better for Nightlife?

Porto is great for its evening party scene. However, Venice is not a good destination for nightlife.

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.

Most people don't head to Venice specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. If you want to party, your best option is to head to the Lido area where you'll find night clubs and bars. A better alternative for enjoying your evening is to order a late night meal and a glass of wine at a local restaurant in Venice.

Is Porto or Venice Better for its Old Town?

Venice 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.

Venice has a world-famous historical area. The city's historic area is unlike anywhere else in the world. The canals, colorful buildings, are world-renowned architecture, make this among the most recognized historic settings in the world.

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 Venice?

Venice 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 Venice. There are many unique items that people purchase in town. Some of the most popular include Murano glass, Burano lace, Venetian masks, and local fabrics.

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 Venice Better for Families?

You'll find very good kid-friendly activities in either Porto or Venice.

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.

Venice is a very kid-friendly port city. Even for kids, visiting this city is all about soaking up the atmosphere and sense of place. It is unlike anywhere else in the world. The canals, historic buildings, gondolas, and plazas offer a special environment, even for kids who may be burned out from exploring cities. Attractions that appeal to kids include visiting the prisons at Doge's Palace, shopping for masks, and taking a ride on a gondola.

Is Porto or Venice Better for Couples?

Venice is very popular for romance. Also, Porto is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its romantic activities.

For those traveling as a couple, Venice has plenty to offer. With its many truly unique romantic experiences, this city makes for a truly memorable honeymoon or romantic getaway. Ride a gondola, get lost in the city, and enjoy pasta and music around town to make the experience unlike any other.

Porto is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Is Porto or Venice Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

A large number of backpackers visit Porto, as it is a very popular port city for budget travelers. By combining world-class activities with affordability, this city has become a popular stop off for backpackers in the area.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Venice. Many backpackers stay just out of town to save a bit of money, but, even though it's not cheap, this city is well-established on the backpacker trail.

Is Porto or Venice Better for Students?

Venice 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 Venice. Because of its well-established reputation, this city attracts many international students for both semester and full length programs. There are many programs to choose between, and many students focus on the region's art, architecture, history, and language.

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

Venice 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.

Venice has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. There is a comprehensive boat and ferry system that includes aporettos, alilagunas, private water taxis, gondolas, and traghettos.

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 Venice a more walkable city?

Venice 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.

Venice is a very easy city to get around on foot. Because it is small, it's easy to walk to all of the major tourist attractions.

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 Venice Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Venice or Porto?

How long in Porto or Venice?

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

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

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

One day in Porto or Venice?

Porto is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Venice, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this romantic 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 Venice?

Porto is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Porto. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Venice is a fun place to experience. In Venice, many people enjoy the museums and food that this quaint destination offers. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Porto or Venice?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic big city of Porto. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

In Venice, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this romantic destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Porto or Venice?

Venice has a larger population, and is about 8% larger than the population of Porto. When comparing the sizes of Porto and Venice, 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 Venice?

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 Venice in the Summer?

Both Venice 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 Venice this time of year.

In July, Porto is generally cooler than Venice. Daily temperatures in Porto average around 21°C (69°F), and Venice fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

It's quite sunny in Venice. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Porto. Porto usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Venice during summer. Porto gets 308 hours of sunny skies, while Venice receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.

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

Should I visit Porto or Venice in the Autumn?

Both Venice 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. Furthermore, many travelers come to Venice for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Porto is a little warmer than Venice in the autumn. The daily temperature in Porto averages around 17°C (62°F) in October, and Venice fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

In the autumn, Porto often gets more sunshine than Venice. Porto gets 184 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Venice receives 134 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Porto. Porto usually gets more rain in October than Venice. Porto gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Venice receives 67 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Porto or Venice in the Winter?

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

Venice can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Porto is much warmer than Venice. Typically, the winter temperatures in Porto in January average around 10°C (50°F), and Venice averages at about 3°C (37°F).

Porto usually receives more sunshine than Venice during winter. Porto gets 124 hours of sunny skies, while Venice receives 88 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 Venice. Porto gets 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Venice receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Porto or Venice in the Spring?

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

In April, Porto is generally around the same temperature as Venice. Daily temperatures in Porto average around 14°C (56°F), and Venice fluctuates around 13°C (55°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 Venice. Porto gets 217 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Venice receives 154 hours of full sun.

Porto receives a lot of rain in the spring. Porto usually gets more rain in April than Venice. Porto gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Venice receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Venice and Porto