A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Thiva (Thebes) vs. Porto for Food, Backpackers, Attractions, and Nightlife

Should you visit Thiva (Thebes) or Porto?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Thiva (Thebes) and Porto can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Thiva (Thebes)

Thiva (Thebes) is a historic, authentic, and vibrant city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Porto

Porto is a cosmopolitan, dynamic, and historic port city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Thiva (Thebes) and Porto: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Big city activities
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Thiva (Thebes) or Porto?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Porto. Although Thiva (Thebes) and Porto are popular destinations, Porto has more sights and attractions for tourists. Porto is more touristy than Thiva (Thebes) and is popular for its authentic old town and the local port wine. It is also well known for Cais da Ribeira. Thiva (Thebes) is famous for its standing as one of the oldest cities in the world.

How is Thiva (Thebes) different from Porto?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Thiva (Thebes) or Porto?

Thiva (Thebes)
Porto

Plenty of people visit the superb sights and museums in both Thiva (Thebes) and Porto.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Thiva (Thebes). The city is filled with archeological museums and sights that reflect its long-running history as one of the oldest, continuously inhabited cities in the world.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Porto. 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 Thiva (Thebes) or Porto? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Thiva (Thebes)
Porto

Porto is very popular for its restaurant scene. Also, Thiva (Thebes) is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Many restaurants in Porto have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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.

Thiva (Thebes) is becoming an appealing option for foodies. It's a large city with restaurants that cater to locals and visitors alike. You can expect high quality ingredients at a fraction of the price that you'll find in more touristy areas.

Is Thiva (Thebes) or Porto Better for Nightlife?

Thiva (Thebes)
Porto

Porto is a great destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Thiva (Thebes) is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

The people in Porto know how to have a good time. This city comes to life in the evening, particularly on weekends when locals and tourists alike flock to the many bars, restaurants, and nightclubs.

If you're looking for night time activities Thiva (Thebes) has a few options to choose from. The city is filled with lively cafes, bars, and pubs that spill out onto the city's vibrant squares.

Is Thiva (Thebes) or Porto Better for its Old Town?

Thiva (Thebes)
Porto

Porto is a great destination for its old town. However, Thiva (Thebes) does not have a historic old town.

Porto is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. 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.

Thiva (Thebes) does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Thiva (Thebes) or Porto?

Thiva (Thebes)
Porto

Shopping is a popular activity in both Porto and Thiva (Thebes).

Thiva (Thebes) offers some nice shopping areas. You'll find all of the normal retail options around town. Many are in shopping centers and malls.

Porto has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The city has both your standard shopping mall stores as well as local vendors and boutique shops.

Is Thiva (Thebes) or Porto Better for Families?

Thiva (Thebes)
Porto

Porto is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Thiva (Thebes) is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Porto is a very kid-friendly port 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.

Thiva (Thebes) offers lots of family activities. Kids who are interested in history will appreciate the many archeological ruins and museums in the city.

Is Thiva (Thebes) or Porto Better for Couples?

Thiva (Thebes)
Porto

Porto is a great destination for its romantic activities. However, Thiva (Thebes) is a city with minimal options for couples.

Couples visit Porto frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Thiva (Thebes) is not always the best place to visit for a couple. It's often overlooked as a honeymoon destination in Greece but the history of this long-running city is unique. Today it's a large city but you can still catch glimpses of its past.


Is Thiva (Thebes) or Porto Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Thiva (Thebes)
Porto

Porto is very popular for backpackers. However, Thiva (Thebes) is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Porto. By combining world-class activities with affordability, this city has become a popular stop off for backpackers in the area.

Thiva (Thebes) is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not really on the backpacker circuit so their aren't a lot of hostels in town.

Is Thiva (Thebes) or Porto Better for Students?

Thiva (Thebes)
Porto

Porto is a great destination for students. However, Thiva (Thebes) is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Porto. The city has a number of good research programs and study abroad opportunities that attract international students from around the world.

Thiva (Thebes) is not popular with students.

Is Thiva (Thebes) or Porto Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Thiva (Thebes)
Porto

Porto is a great destination for its public transit. Also, Thiva (Thebes) is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

The public transit in Porto can get you around easily. 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.

While Thiva (Thebes) offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are local buses in the area.


Is Thiva (Thebes) or Porto a more walkable city?

Thiva (Thebes)
Porto

Porto is a great destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Thiva (Thebes) is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

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.

Thiva (Thebes) is a somewhat walkable city. Some areas are more walkable than others.

For even more information, also check out Is Thiva (Thebes) Worth Visiting? and Is Porto Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Porto or Thiva (Thebes)?

How long in Thiva (Thebes) or Porto?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Porto than Thiva (Thebes) 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 Porto.


  • How many days in Thiva (Thebes) or Porto? Ideal Length of Stay
    Thiva (Thebes) 1-2 
    Porto 2-5

One day in Thiva (Thebes) or Porto?

In Thiva (Thebes), many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this authentic destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

Because Porto is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Visiting the old town is also a must. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Thiva (Thebes) or Porto?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Thiva (Thebes). For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. 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.

Porto is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.


Five days in Thiva (Thebes) or Porto?

Thiva (Thebes) is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Thiva (Thebes). Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Porto. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. It offers something for everyone. One reason most visitors come is for the food. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.

A week in Thiva (Thebes) or Porto?

You'll find food and shopping around the authentic destination of Thiva (Thebes). Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the port city of Porto. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One reason most visitors come is for the food. 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Greece, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Greece, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Portugal, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Portugal.


Which place is cheaper, Porto or Thiva (Thebes)?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Thiva (Thebes) is €127, while the average daily cost in Porto is €126. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Thiva (Thebes) and Porto in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Thiva (Thebes) 61
    Porto 65
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Thiva (Thebes) 122
    Porto 130
Compare Hotels in Thiva (Thebes) and Porto

Looking for a hotel in Thiva (Thebes) or Porto? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Thiva (Thebes)


Hotels in Porto


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Porto Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Thiva (Thebes) 37
    Porto 21

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Porto

Also for Porto, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Airport Transfers: $27
  • Airport transfer with vintage Vw Kombi van: $107
  • Arrival Transfer from Porto Airport OPO to Porto in Private Car/Van: $97
  • Arrival Transfer: Porto Airport OPO to Porto in Business Car: $76
  • Aveiro Private Transfer to Porto: $79
  • Departure Transfer: Porto to Porto Airport OPO in Business Car: $76
  • Departure Transfer: Porto to Porto Airport OPO in Luxury Van: $92
  • Effortless Wheels Seamless Transfer Experience Porto-Lisbon: $364
  • Exclusive Private Transfer Gaia - Porto Airport: $46
  • From Porto Bus Station: Transfer to/from Lisbon Oriente: $4.22
  • From One-Way Private Transfer to Lisbon: $642
  • From Private Transfer to Lisbon with Coimbra & Fatima: $627

Is it cheaper to fly into Thiva (Thebes) or Porto?

Prices for flights to both Porto and Thiva (Thebes) change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Thiva (Thebes) 41
    Porto 36

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Porto

For Porto, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Pastel de Nata Cooking Class in Downtown Porto: $37
  • Tastiest Calories Food Tour: $48
  • Bolhão Market and Codfish Tasting Guided Food Tour: $52
  • Porto Food Tour: Full Meal & Drinks: $56
  • Porto Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $57
  • 3-Hour Food Tour: $68
  • Half-Day Food Tour: $68
  • Portuguese Craft Beer and Food Tour: $74
  • Semi - Private Oporto Food Tour: $74
  • Craft Beer & Food Tour in Porto: $75
  • Secret Food Tour: $77
  • Semi Private Oporto Fado Show with Dinner: $80

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Thiva (Thebes) 26
    Porto 25

Tours and Activities in Porto

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Porto.

  • City Highlights Guided Walking Tour: $1.07
  • Porto Walking Tour - The Perfect Introduction to the City: $1.09
  • Ultimate Ribeira Walking Tour: $2.60
  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • The Unvanquished Tour in Porto City Center: $3.26
  • From Portugal eSIM Tourist Data Plan: $4.81
  • Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and City Tour: $5.35
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41
  • Porto (Gaia) Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.65
  • Scavenger Hunt and City Highlights Walking Tour: $7.65
  • Porto (Gaia) Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.82
  • Casa São Roque Direct Entry Ticket: $8.56

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Thiva (Thebes) 18
    Porto 19

Sample the Local Flavors in Porto

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Porto:

  • Museu do Vitral Entry Ticket and Wine Tasting: $8.56
  • Guided City Pub Crawl with Club Entry: $13
  • Magic Train Tour and Port Wine Tastings: $15
  • Mysterious Pub Crawl Interactive City Discovery Game: $19
  • Pub Crawl with 5 Drinks: $19
  • Porto Pub Crawl With Unlimited Beer: $20
  • Pub Crawl with Shots and Drinking Games: $21
  • Poças: Guided Tour & Port Wine Tasting with Pastel de Nata: $21
  • Poças Guided Visit and Port Wine Tasting with Pastel de Nata: $21
  • Rooftop Fado concert, Port wine tasting, Portuguese tart: $21
  • Classic Wine Tasting with GUIDED TOUR: $22
  • Pub Crawl Porto: $23


When comparing the travel costs between Thiva (Thebes) and Porto, we can see that Thiva (Thebes) 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. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Thiva (Thebes) or Porto?

Porto has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Thiva (Thebes). When comparing the sizes of Thiva (Thebes) 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 Thiva (Thebes) or Porto?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Thiva (Thebes) or Porto in the Summer?

Both Porto and Thiva (Thebes) during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Thiva (Thebes) in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Porto for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Thiva (Thebes) is generally a little warmer than Porto. Daily temperatures in Thiva (Thebes) average around 27°C (81°F), and Porto fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

In Porto, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Thiva (Thebes). In the summer, Thiva (Thebes) often gets more sunshine than Porto. Thiva (Thebes) gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Porto receives 308 hours of full sun.

Thiva (Thebes) usually gets less rain in July than Porto. Thiva (Thebes) gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Porto receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Thiva (Thebes) 27°C (81°F) 
    Porto 21°C (69°F)

Should I visit Thiva (Thebes) or Porto in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Thiva (Thebes) and Porto. Most visitors come to Thiva (Thebes) for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Porto because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Thiva (Thebes) is a little warmer than Porto in the autumn. The daily temperature in Thiva (Thebes) averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Porto fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

In Thiva (Thebes), it's very sunny this time of the year. Thiva (Thebes) usually receives more sunshine than Porto during autumn. Thiva (Thebes) gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Porto receives 184 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Porto receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Thiva (Thebes) usually receives less rain than Porto. Thiva (Thebes) gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Porto receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Thiva (Thebes) 19°C (67°F) 
    Porto 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Thiva (Thebes) or Porto in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Thiva (Thebes) as well as Porto. The winter months attract visitors to Thiva (Thebes) because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Porto this time of year.

In the winter, Thiva (Thebes) is around the same temperature as Porto. Typically, the winter temperatures in Thiva (Thebes) in January average around 10°C (51°F), and Porto averages at about 10°C (50°F).

In the winter, Thiva (Thebes) often gets more sunshine than Porto. Thiva (Thebes) gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Porto receives 124 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Porto. Thiva (Thebes) usually gets less rain in January than Porto. Thiva (Thebes) gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Porto receives 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Thiva (Thebes) 10°C (51°F) 
    Porto 10°C (50°F)

Should I visit Thiva (Thebes) or Porto in the Spring?

Both Porto and Thiva (Thebes) are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The activities around the city are the main draw to Thiva (Thebes) this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Porto for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Thiva (Thebes) is generally a little warmer than Porto. Daily temperatures in Thiva (Thebes) average around 16°C (60°F), and Porto fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

It's quite sunny in Porto. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Thiva (Thebes). Thiva (Thebes) usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Porto during spring. Thiva (Thebes) gets 226 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 April, Thiva (Thebes) usually receives less rain than Porto. Thiva (Thebes) gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Porto receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Thiva (Thebes) 16°C (60°F) 
    Porto 14°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Porto and Thiva (Thebes)

Thiva (Thebes) Porto
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (51°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 10°C (50°F) 171 mm (6.7 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 11°C (51°F) 169 mm (6.7 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 12°C (54°F) 112 mm (4.4 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 25 mm (1 in) 14°C (56°F) 112 mm (4.4 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 16°C (60°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 19°C (66°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 21°C (69°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 20°C (69°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 20°C (67°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 17°C (62°F) 131 mm (5.2 in)
Nov 16°C (60°F) 51 mm (2 in) 13°C (55°F) 152 mm (6 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 11°C (51°F) 176 mm (6.9 in)