A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers The Hague vs. Portofino for Couples, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit The Hague or Portofino?

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 The Hague and Portofino can help you decide which place is right for you.

The Hague

The Hague is a global, international, and bustling city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the nightlife, live music, and food.

Portofino

Portofino is a breathtaking, opulent, and exclusive seaside village. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and nightlife.

The Hague and Portofino: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in The Hague or Portofino?

Both Portofino and The Hague have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. The Hague is very popular for its music and big city activities, while Portofino attracts visitors for its museums, resorts, beaches, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Portofino is more touristy than The Hague and is popular for its picturesque harbor, high end shopping, strikingly blue waters, and popularity with superyachts. The Hague is famous for its large international population and its roll in international politics and diplomacy.

How is The Hague different from Portofino?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in The Hague or Portofino?

Portofino is a decent place to visit for its museums and history. However, The Hague does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

The Hague does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between The Hague and Portofino can be difficult as they are each great in their own way.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in The Hague. The city has a diverse population and the large number of ethnic restaurants reflects that.

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.

Is The Hague or Portofino Better for Nightlife?

Both The Hague and Portofino have great vibes after the sun sets.

The Hague has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. Many of the city's restaurants turn into clubs at night. Head to The Grote Markt for some of the most energetic nightlife.

The people in Portofino know how to have a good time. 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.

Is The Hague or Portofino Better for Music?

The Hague is notable for its live music scene. However, Portofino is not a live music destination.

If you love music, you'll find something to enjoy in The Hague. There's an active music scene here and the city actually played an active role in the development and popularity of electronic music.

Portofino is not a live music destination.

Is The Hague or Portofino Better for Resorts?

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

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Portofino is a perfect choice. 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.

The Hague is not a resort destination.

Is The Hague or Portofino Better for Beaches?

Portofino is very good for its beaches. However, The Hague is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Portofino to enjoy the beach. 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.

The Hague is not a beach destination.

Is The Hague or Portofino Better for its Old Town?

Portofino is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town. However, The Hague does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Portofino. Despite evolving into a famous resort town, Portofino still holds on to its fishing village charm.

The Hague does not have a historic old town.

Is The Hague or Portofino Better for Hiking?

Portofino is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, The Hague is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Portofino. There are many beautiful hikes and treks along the coastline that pass by scenic landscapes and breathtaking views.

The Hague is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in The Hague or Portofino?

Shoppers can find a variety of great stores in both The Hague and Portofino.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting The Hague. There's a dynamic shopping scene with indoor malls, outdoor markets, and a number of neighborhoods that have shops that sell eclectic items.

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.

Is The Hague or Portofino Better for Families?

The Hague is a popular place for its family-friendly activities. However, Portofino is a mediocre seaside village for its kid-friendly activities.

The Hague is a family-friendly place to visit. This city has a bit more of a family-friendly vibe than nearby Amsterdam. Kids enjoy exploring by bike or heading to the Scheveningen Beach Resort.

Portofino is not always a place people visit with their families. 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.

Is The Hague or Portofino Better for Couples?

Portofino is an amazing seaside village to visit for romance. Also, The Hague is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

For those traveling as a couple, Portofino has plenty to offer. 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.

The Hague makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples can enjoy the diverse restaurants and the busting atmosphere that the city offers.

Is The Hague or Portofino Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit The Hague. While most backpackers head to the more popular city of Amsterdam, The Hague has a fun atmosphere with a diversity of activities and restaurants.

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 The Hague or Portofino Better for Students?

The Hague is an unbeatable place for students. However, Portofino is not popular with students.

Many students frequent The Hague. This is a very popular study abroad destination so you'll find plenty of international students living here. It's an internationally oriented city so everyone feels right at home.

Portofino is not popular with students.

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

The Hague is notable for its public transit. However, Portofino is a mediocre seaside village for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in The Hague can get you to some places easily. There are bus and tram lines throughout the city.

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 The Hague or Portofino a more walkable city?

Portofino is an amazing seaside village to visit for its walkability. Also, The Hague is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

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

The Hague is a somewhat walkable place. There are a number of walk tours through the city center.

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

Should I spend more time in Portofino or The Hague?

How long in The Hague or Portofino?

In either The Hague or Portofino, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Portofino than The Hague because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for The Hague, and 2-5 days is enough time in Portofino.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in The Hague 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 The Hague.

One day in The Hague or Portofino?

People visit The Hague because there is so much to do. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that The Hague has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Even though Portofino is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 The Hague or Portofino?

People visit The Hague because there is so much to do. 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.

Portofino is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this seaside village has to offer. This seaside village offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in The Hague or Portofino?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the global city of The Hague. 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.

Portofino is a small town with plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this seaside village makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this seaside village has to offer.

A week in The Hague or Portofino?

The Hague 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.

Portofino is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Luxury Tours to Netherlands, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Netherlands, The Best Historical Tours in Italy, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between The Hague and Portofino, we can see that Portofino is more expensive. And not only is The Hague much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to The Hague would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in The Hague 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 The Hague.

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

Which is Bigger, The Hague or Portofino?

The Hague has a larger population, and is about 900 times larger than the population of Portofino. When comparing the sizes of The Hague and Portofino, 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.