A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Portofino vs. Bergamo for Couples, Food, Nightlife, and Old Town

Should you visit Portofino or Bergamo?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Portofino or Bergamo? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Portofino

Portofino is a opulent, exclusive, and luxurious seaside village. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the shopping, nightlife, and food.

Bergamo

Bergamo is a under-rated, historical, and fascinating city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Portofino and Bergamo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Portofino or Bergamo?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Portofino than Bergamo, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Portofino is better known for its nightlife, resorts, beaches, historical sights, hiking, shopping, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Bergamo is more popular for its museums. Portofino is more touristy than Bergamo and is known for its picturesque harbor, high end shopping, strikingly blue waters, and popularity with superyachts. Also, Portofino is famous for its scenic harbor. Bergamo is well known for its historical buildings and beautiful squares.

Its scenic harbor

How is Portofino different from Bergamo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Bergamo and Portofino. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Portofino or Bergamo?

Bergamo is a popular place for its sights and museums. However, Portofino is a mediocre seaside village for its museums and history.

Bergamo offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are historical buildings as well as fascinating museums that are worth checking out. Highlights include the Basilica of St. Mary Major, Colleoni Chapel, the Accademia Carrara, and the Cathedral of Sant'Alessandro.

While most people don't head to Portofino specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. The village is mostly about soaking up the atmosphere, but you can also visit sights such as Sun Church of St. George and Cervara Abbey.

Is the Food Better in Portofino or Bergamo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Portofino and Bergamo can be an enjoyable experience.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Portofino. Located by the sea, you'll enjoy tons of great seafood here. Make sure you try the mussels, swordfish, and salt cod.

Bergamo has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. You'll find traditional restaurants around town that serve the local specialties, many of which have their roots in peasant dishes. The flavors are humble but high quality and the food is fresh and masterfully prepared.

Is Portofino or Bergamo Better for Nightlife?

Portofino is notable for nightlife and partying. Also, Bergamo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

Portofino has plenty to do after the sun goes down. Most of the nightlife is found around Piazzetta (Oliveri Square) and Molo Umberto I. Happy hours (aperitivo) start around 5pm or 6pm and then as the evening continues, the party often moves to Paraggi Beach.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Bergamo. Despite not being high on the itinerary of many travelers, the city has a great nightlife scene that includes many local bars and clubs. You can enjoy a local brew or sip some Italian wine while you enjoy the atmosphere of the old town.

Is Portofino or Bergamo Better for Resorts?

Portofino is an amazing seaside village to visit for its resorts. However, Bergamo is not a resort destination.

Portofino offers an unforgettable resort vacation. Known for it's exclusive luxury, there are a number of high end resorts in the area. Popular options include Splendido, Sublimis Boutique Hotel, and Grand Hotel Miramare.

Bergamo is not a resort destination.

Is Portofino or Bergamo Better for Beaches?

Portofino is a nice place to visit for the beache. However, Bergamo is not a beach destination.

Portofino has a beach worth visiting. Like much of the Italian coast, the beaches in the area are dramatic and beautiful. They're also rocky and pebbly and can get a bit crowded during the summer months.

Bergamo is not a beach destination.

Is Portofino or Bergamo Better for its Old Town?

Portofino is notable for its old town. Also, Bergamo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its historic old town charm.

Many visitors go to Portofino to see the historical old town. Despite evolving into a famous resort town, Portofino still holds on to its fishing village charm.

Bergamo has an old town worth visiting. Since the old town was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the town has become more popular with visitors. Still, you can enjoy the authentic and less touristy vibe of this beautiful city.

Is Portofino or Bergamo Better for Hiking?

Portofino is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Bergamo is not a hiking destination.

Portofino is a popular spot for hiking. There are many beautiful hikes and treks along the coastline that pass by scenic landscapes and breathtaking views.

Bergamo is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Portofino or Bergamo?

Portofino is notable for its shopping opportunities. Also, Bergamo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping areas.

Portofino is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The quaint cobblestone streets are lined with high end boutiques that target the opulent jet-setter crowd that frequents Portofino. Much of the shopping is around Martiri dell'Olivetta Square.

Bergamo has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are a number of shopping areas around town including shopping malls and shopping streets. You'll find most of the major brands as well as some interesting boutique shops.

Is Portofino or Bergamo Better for Families?

Most people don't think of either Portofino or Bergamo as a family destination.

Portofino is not the most family-friendly destination. The town has a picturesque setting and some beautiful pebbly beaches. It's fun for kids to run around the town, explore by kayak, or play in the waters edge.

Bergamo is not always a place people visit with their families. It's a beautiful city that is filled with history, and for kids there are pedestrian streets to explore and great Italian food. There's also the Museo di Scienze Naturali, which is worth checking out.

Is Portofino or Bergamo Better for Couples?

Portofino is an amazing seaside village to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Bergamo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Portofino has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Set beautifully against the ocean's edge, this famous Italian town makes for a truly romantic holiday. Ogle the mega yachts in the harbor and then wander the charming streets while you soak in the atmosphere.

Bergamo is a good seaside village for couples to visit. Couples will appreciate the beautiful architecture and impressive squares. There are also great restaurants and pedestrian streets that are fun to wander through.

Is Portofino or Bergamo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bergamo is a popular place for backpackers. However, Portofino is a mediocre seaside village for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Bergamo. While it's not the most popular backpacker city in Italy, it does have a couple of hostels and guesthouses that offer affordable rates and a young vibe.

Portofino is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Known for it's high prices, the town isn't particularly popular with the backpacker crowd. It is possible to stay outside of town and head in for a day trip.

Is Portofino or Bergamo Better for Students?

Bergamo is a popular place for students. However, Portofino is not popular with students.

Bergamo is a good city to visit for students. The university attracts international students and the city makes a great base for learning and exploring.

Portofino is not popular with students.

Is Portofino or Bergamo Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Bergamo is a popular place for its public transit. However, Portofino is a mediocre seaside village for times when you don't have a car.

Bergamo has a few public transit options. There are buses around town as well as two funiculars, one connecting Città Bassa with the Città Alta and the other connecting Città Alta to San Vigilio.

Public transit is mostly limited in Portofino. The closet train stations are Santa Margherita Ligure and Camogli. You can catch a bus from the Santa Margherita train station. There are also some ferry options.

Is Portofino or Bergamo a more walkable city?

Portofino is an amazing seaside village to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Bergamo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its ease of walking around.

It is easy to get around Portofino on foot. It's easy to walk around the village and then explore the countryside on one of the nearby trails.

Bergamo is a very walkable destination. There are many pedestrian streets and the best way to explore the city is on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Portofino Worth Visiting? and Is Bergamo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bergamo or Portofino?

How long in Portofino or Bergamo?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bergamo than Portofino 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 Bergamo.

One day in Portofino or Bergamo?

Portofino is a small town with plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This seaside village offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Bergamo. 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.

A weekend in Portofino or Bergamo?

Portofino might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Portofino has to offer.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the fascinating destination of Bergamo. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Portofino or Bergamo?

Portofino is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Portofino has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historical city of Bergamo. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Portofino or Bergamo?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Portofino. Since Portofino is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Bergamo is a popular choice for travelers. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in Italy, The Best 10-Day Tours in Italy, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Italy, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Portofino and Bergamo, we can see that Portofino is more expensive. And not only is Bergamo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bergamo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bergamo 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 Portofino would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Portofino than you might in Bergamo.

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

Which is Bigger, Portofino or Bergamo?

Bergamo has a larger population, and is about 210 times larger than the population of Portofino. When comparing the sizes of Portofino and Bergamo, 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.