A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Strasbourg vs. Portland for Attractions, Food, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Strasbourg or Portland?

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

Strasbourg

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

Portland

Portland is a eclectic, tree-lined, and nature-filled city. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include shopping, nightlife, and live music.

Strasbourg and Portland: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Strasbourg or Portland?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Strasbourg than Portland. While Portland is larger than Strasbourg, Strasbourg has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Strasbourg is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Portland is known for its music, hiking, and small town charm. Strasbourg is popular for its charming beauty, its impressive cathedral, and its quaint houses. It is also home to The Strasbourg Cathedral. Portland is popular for its independent and vintage shops, thriving art scene, lush parks and gardens, progressive and quirky personality, and easy access to amazing natural beauty.

How is Strasbourg different from Portland?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Strasbourg or Portland?

Strasbourg is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Portland is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Strasbourg. 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.

Portland offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Visitors usually come for the city's outdoor recreation and eclectic personality more than the landmarks and museums. There are a few places to visit on a rainy day though including Pittock Mansion, the Portland Art Museum, and the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry.

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

Strasbourg is a very popular place for its restaurants. However, Portland is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Portland. The town is more famous for it's craft beer than it's food, but there are still a number of local restaurants that offer unique Oregon dishes. You'll find no shortage of vegetarian and vegan options on most menus. There is also a big farm-to-table scene with many farmers markets around town as well.

Is Strasbourg or Portland Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find good options in both Strasbourg and Portland.

If you're looking for night time activities Strasbourg has a few options to choose from. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Portland. Famously, this town's nightlife is all about the craft beer and local breweries. Make sure you check out Bailey's Taproom, The Big Legrowlski, and The Commons Brewery.

Is Strasbourg or Portland Better for Music?

Portland is very good for live music. However, Strasbourg is not a live music destination.

Music lovers will find a few good venues in Portland. The town has a thriving live music and international folk dancing scene.

Strasbourg is not a live music destination.

Is Strasbourg or Portland Better for its Old Town?

Strasbourg is very popular for its historic old town. However, Portland does not have a historic 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.

Portland does not have a historic old town.

Is Strasbourg or Portland Better for Hiking?

Portland is a great city for hiking. However, Strasbourg is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Portland for the hiking trails. Just outside of town you'll find amazing hikes and stunning natural beauty. In town there are many urban hikes through parks and gardens, but in just a short drive you also have access to Mount Hood and many of the region's most beautiful hikes around the Columbia River Gorge.

Strasbourg is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Strasbourg or Portland?

Strasbourg is a very popular place for shopping. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Portland offers some nice shopping areas. To fully experience shopping in town, head to the local vendors and thrift shops. There are many vintage clothing shops, book stores, and independent sellers around town. The city is also full of farmers markets. For some of the most interesting shopping, check out the Pearl District, Pioneer Place, Union Way, and Downtown neighborhoods.

Is Strasbourg or Portland Better for Families?

You'll find good kid-friendly activities in either Strasbourg or Portland.

Strasbourg offers lots of family activities. 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.

Portland is a family-friendly place to visit. This is an outdoor city by nature, so families will appreciate the many parks and outdoor recreational activities around town. It's easy to fill a couple of days exploring and having fun with the kids. Kid-friendly activities include the zoo, the aerial tram, and several great museums.

Is Strasbourg or Portland Better for Couples?

Strasbourg is a very popular place for romance. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Strasbourg makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Portland makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The laid-back, alternative vibe is fun to explore as a couple. There are independent bookstores, nice parks, and plenty of outdoor activities to choose from. Couples who enjoy an eclectic city, breweries, and nature, will find a lot to do in town.

Is Strasbourg or Portland Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Portland is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Strasbourg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Portland is very popular with the backpacker crowd. The town has drawn young explorers for years, and backpackers who like to step away from the mainstream will feel right at home here.

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 Strasbourg or Portland Better for Students?

For students, both Strasbourg and Portland are good places to visit.

It's common for students to visit Strasbourg. Students appreciate the mix of traditional culture and international opportunities.

Portland is a good city to visit for students. It's a young and relaxed city that attracts independent thinkers. There are many bookstores and breweries around town. The cost of living can be a bit high though.

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

Strasbourg is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Visitors to Strasbourg can move around easily with public transportation. The city has six tramlines and a number of bus routes.

You'll find some public transit in Portland, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The town has a bus and light rail system as well the Aerial tram.

Is Strasbourg or Portland a more walkable city?

Strasbourg and Portland are superb when it comes to walkability.

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

Portland is a very walkable city. It is quite walkable, particularly in the tourist areas such as Downtown, Pearl, and Old Town Chinatown.

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

Should I spend more time in Portland or Strasbourg?

How long in Strasbourg or Portland?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Strasbourg and Portland. In our opinion, Strasbourg has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Strasbourg than Portland. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Portland 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 Portland.

One day in Strasbourg or Portland?

The beautiful city of Strasbourg offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

With shopping and nightlife around the quirky city of Portland, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Strasbourg or Portland?

Strasbourg is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Strasbourg, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

With nightlife and live music around the destination of Portland, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Strasbourg or Portland?

Strasbourg is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Portland, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Strasbourg or Portland?

Strasbourg is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Portland is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Strasbourg or Portland?

Portland has a larger population, and is about 97% larger than the population of Strasbourg. When comparing the sizes of Strasbourg and Portland, 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 Strasbourg or Portland?

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 Strasbourg or Portland in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Strasbourg and Portland. Many travelers come to Strasbourg for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Portland in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Portland this time of the year. In Strasbourg, it's very sunny this time of the year. Strasbourg usually receives less sunshine than Portland during summer. Strasbourg gets 240 hours of sunny skies, while Portland receives 338 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Strasbourg usually receives more rain than Portland. Strasbourg gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Portland receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Strasbourg or Portland in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Strasbourg as well as Portland. Many visitors come to Strasbourg in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Portland for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Strasbourg is around the same temperature as Portland. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Strasbourg in October average around 12°C (53°F), and Portland averages at about 55°F (13°C).

In the autumn, Strasbourg often gets less sunshine than Portland. Strasbourg gets 101 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland receives 155 hours of full sun.

Strasbourg usually gets less rain in October than Portland. Strasbourg gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Portland receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Strasbourg or Portland in the Winter?

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

The weather in Portland can be very cold. Strasbourg can be very cold during winter. In January, Strasbourg is generally much colder than Portland. Daily temperatures in Strasbourg average around 2°C (35°F), and Portland fluctuates around 40°F (4°C).

Strasbourg usually receives less sunshine than Portland during winter. Strasbourg gets 42 hours of sunny skies, while Portland receives 86 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Portland. In January, Strasbourg usually receives less rain than Portland. Strasbourg gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Portland receives 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Strasbourg or Portland in the Spring?

Both Portland and Strasbourg during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Strasbourg because of the natural beauty. Furthermore, the small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Portland this time of year.

Strasbourg is around the same temperature as Portland in the spring. The daily temperature in Strasbourg averages around 11°C (51°F) in April, and Portland fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

In Portland, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Strasbourg often gets less sunshine than Portland. Strasbourg gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland receives 231 hours of full sun.

Strasbourg usually gets less rain in April than Portland. Strasbourg gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Portland receives 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Portland and Strasbourg