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

Should you visit Sydney or Porto?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Sydney or Porto, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Sydney

Sydney is a adventurous, glamorous , and diverse city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Sydney is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Sydney travel costs.

Porto

Porto is a cosmopolitan, dynamic, and historic port city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. With stunning beauty, Porto attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Porto travel costs.

Sydney and Porto: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sydney or Porto?

You'll generally find more things to do in Sydney than Porto. Sydney is bigger than Porto, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Sydney is better known for its museums and attractions, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, and big city activities, while Porto is more popular for its food and historical sights. Sydney is well known for its iconic buildings, world-renowned beaches, colorful nightlife, and cosmopolitan restaurants. Also, Sydney is famous for the Sydney Opera House. Porto is well known for its authentic old town and the local port wine.

How is Sydney different from Porto?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Sydney or Porto?

Sydney 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 Sydney from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The city is filled with iconic and world famous landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. There's also the famous Royal Botanic Garden and the Sydney Tower Eye.

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 Sydney or Porto? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Porto is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. Also, Sydney is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Porto is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Sydney. There are international restaurants offering impressive dishes from around the world. You'll also find some local Australian favorites around town. Seafood is abundant, as are a number of Asian cuisines. Barramundi is a local fish that you'll find on many menus. Oysters, prawns, and John Dory (a local fish) are also popular.

Is Sydney or Porto Better for Nightlife?

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

Sydney is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. The city is filled with nightclubs and DJ hosted dance parties. There's a huge young crowd that brings together residents, students, and backpackers in a vibrant nightlife scene. Some of the best areas for nightlife are Kings Cross, Oxford Street, Surry Hills or Darling Harbour.

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 Sydney or Porto Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Sydney is very good for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Porto is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Sydney. There's some good snorkeling and diving nearby with a diversity of marine life and interesting ecosystems. Some of the best snorkeling spots are at Palm Beach, Shelly Beach, and Clifton Gardens.

Porto is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Sydney or Porto Better for Beaches?

Sydney is very popular for its beaches. However, Porto is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Sydney is a very popular vacation destination. There are more than 100 beaches near the city with everything from hidden coves to world famous destinations. Bondi Beach is the most famous beach in town and it has all of the tourist sights and activities that you could need. Surfers often head to Bronte Beach, which isn't too far away. Divers and snorkelers love Gordons Bay. Manly is also a nearby suburb with family-friendly beaches that can be reached by ferry.

Porto is not a beach destination.

Is Sydney or Porto Better for its Old Town?

Porto is well known for its historic old town charm. However, Sydney does not have a historic old town.

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.

Sydney does not have a historic old town.

Is Sydney or Porto Better for Hiking?

Sydney is a great city for hiking. However, Porto is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Sydney for the hiking trails. The city offers a number of coastal and inland trails that are easily accessible from town. There are short paths as well as multi-day routes not far and pass by stunning landscapes and viewpoints.

Porto is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Sydney or Porto?

Sydney 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 Sydney. There's a wonderful mix of shopping streets, modern malls, and boutique vendors who sell local fashions. For souvenirs or local art, go to The Rocks, which is not far from Sydney Opera House. The Queen Victoria Building and Strand Arcade are also popular shopping areas.

Porto offers some nice shopping areas. The city has both your standard shopping mall stores as well as local vendors and boutique shops.

Is Sydney or Porto More Beautiful?

You'll find a similar quality of excellent scenery and beauty in both Sydney and Porto.

With stunning beauty, Sydney attracts visitors from all around. The waterfront setting and grand buildings make this a truly beautiful city. It also has a lot of natural beauty with impressive beaches and nice green spaces.

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.

Is Sydney or Porto Better for Families?

Sydney is very popular for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Porto is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its family-friendly activities.

Sydney is one of the most popular family destinations. The city has great beaches where kids can learn to surf, zoos and aquariums with local wildlife, and outdoor activities that take advantage of the city's waterfront location. There's everything from whale watching to visiting the Olympic Park, all of which will fascinate kids of all ages.

Porto is a very kid-friendly city. 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.

Is Sydney or Porto Better for Couples?

Sydney 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, Sydney has plenty to offer. It's a romantic city that's filled with iconic landmarks like the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House. There are also award winning restaurants and world class beaches. Wander around the botanical gardens or take a sailing cruise on the harbor. There is an endless supply of romantic activities to choose from.

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 Sydney or Porto Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sydney and Porto are terrific places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Sydney is a very popular city to visit for backpackers. It's popular for its adventure sports, active beaches, and vibrant nightlife. While it's not a particularly cheap city to visit, there are plenty of hostels around town and no shortage of backpackers to hang out with.

Many backpackers frequent Porto. By combining world-class activities with affordability, this city has become a popular stop off for backpackers in the area.

Is Sydney or Porto Better for Students?

Sydney 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 Sydney. Students love the energy and plethora of outdoor activities in this beautiful city. Many international students come not only for the excellent universities but also for the diverse environment and many things to do.

Porto is a great 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 Sydney or Porto Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Sydney 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.

Sydney has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. There are a variety of types of public transit in town including buses, trains, ferries and light rail.

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 Sydney or Porto a more walkable city?

Sydney and Porto both are excellent when exploring on foot.

Sydney is a very walkable destination. The city center and nearby suburbs are relatively easy to walk around. On the western side of the city, the suburbs are much less walkable.

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Porto or Sydney?

How long in Sydney or Porto?

In either Sydney or Porto, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Sydney than Porto because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Sydney, and 2-5 days is enough time in Porto.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Sydney than Porto 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 Sydney.

One day in Sydney or Porto?

Each neighborhood in Sydney has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the big city destination of Porto. 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.

A weekend in Sydney or Porto?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sydney. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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.

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.

Five days in Sydney or Porto?

Sydney is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Sydney has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

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.

A week in Sydney or Porto?

Each neighborhood in Sydney has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cultural 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to Australia, The Best G Adventures Tours to Australia, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Portugal, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Portugal.

When comparing the travel costs between Sydney and Porto, we can see that Sydney is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Sydney is in Pacific and Porto is in Europe, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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

Which is Bigger, Sydney or Porto?

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

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Sydney is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Porto has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Sydney or Porto in the Summer?

Both Porto and Sydney during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Sydney for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Porto because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Sydney is around the same temperature as Porto. Typically, the summer temperatures in Sydney in January average around 23°C (73°F), and Porto averages at about 21°C (69°F)in July.

In Porto, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Sydney. In the summer, Sydney often gets less sunshine than Portoin July. Sydney gets 236 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Porto receives 308 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sydney. Sydney usually gets more rain in January than Portoin July. Sydney gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Porto receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Sydney or Porto in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Sydney and Porto. The autumn months attract visitors to Sydney because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, 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.

In April, Sydney is generally a little warmer than Portoin October. Daily temperatures in Sydney average around 19°C (65°F), and Porto fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

Sydney usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Porto during autumn. Sydney gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Porto receives 184 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Porto receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Sydney gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Sydney usually receives less rain than Portoin October. Sydney gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Porto receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Sydney or Porto in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Sydney as well as Porto. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Sydney this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Porto for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Sydney is a little warmer than Porto in the winter. The daily temperature in Sydney averages around 12°C (53°F) in July, and Porto fluctuates around 10°C (50°F)in January.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sydney this time of the year. In the winter, Sydney often gets more sunshine than Portoin January. Sydney gets 208 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Porto receives 124 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Porto. Sydney usually gets less rain in July than Portoin January. Sydney gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Porto receives 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Sydney or Porto in the Spring?

Both Porto and Sydney are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Sydney for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Porto in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Sydney is a little warmer than Porto. Typically, the spring temperatures in Sydney in October average around 18°C (64°F), and Porto averages at about 14°C (56°F)in April.

It's quite sunny in Porto. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sydney. Sydney usually receives more sunshine than Porto during spring. Sydney gets 240 hours of sunny skies, while Porto receives 217 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Porto. In October, Sydney usually receives less rain than Portoin April. Sydney gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Porto receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Porto and Sydney