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

Should you visit Windsor or Porto?

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

Should I visit Windsor or Porto? 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.

Windsor

Windsor is a touristy, beautiful, and royal town. Since it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors, too. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and museums.

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.

Windsor and Porto: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Windsor or Porto?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Porto. Although Windsor and Porto are popular destinations, Porto has more sights and attractions for tourists. Porto is very popular for its food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Windsor attracts visitors for its small town charm and impressive beauty. Windsor is famous for being home to the largest and oldest operating castle in the world. Porto is famous for its authentic old town and the local port wine. It is also well known for Cais da Ribeira.

How is Windsor different from Porto?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Plenty of people visit the great sights and museums in both Windsor and Porto.

Windsor offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The main draw is the Windsor Castle, which many people explore in a few hours. Then you can pass some time wandering around the town.

Many visitors head to Porto specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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 Windsor or Porto? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Porto is a world-class destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Windsor is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

For foodies, Porto is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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.

Windsor is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are cafes, pubs, and local restaurants that let you sample regional dishes. There are also chain restaurants and international options including Japanese and Thai food.

Is Windsor or Porto Better for Nightlife?

Porto is well known for nightlife and partying. Also, Windsor is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Porto is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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 Windsor has a few options to choose from. There's a low key nightlife scene with local pubs and a theater. Dinner cruises are also a fun activity.

Is Windsor or Porto Better for its Old Town?

Porto is well known for its old town. Also, Windsor is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Porto. 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.

Windsor has an old town worth visiting. The old town is opposite the castle and caters specifically to tourists with its restaurants, pubs, and a few shops.

Is the Shopping Better in Windsor or Porto?

Porto is a popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Windsor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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

Windsor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Windsor or Porto Better for Families?

Porto is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Windsor 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.

Windsor offers lots of family activities. Kids will enjoy seeing a working castle when they visit Windsor Castle. While a visit to Windsor Castle is the obvious draw to the town, there are also river cruises, parks, and even the Royal Windsor Maze at the Goswells Park that the whole family will enjoy. There is also a Legoland in the area for those who have more time.

Is Windsor or Porto Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Windsor and Porto make for a great place to visit.

Couples visit Windsor frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Exploring the Windsor Castle, taking a river cruise, and wandering the parks and gardens hand in hand make this a great place for a couples retreat.

Porto is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. 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 Windsor or Porto Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Porto is a world-class destination for backpackers. However, Windsor is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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.

Windsor is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Windsor or Porto Better for Students?

Porto is well known for students. However, Windsor is not popular with students.

Porto is a very popular port city for students and younger travelers. The city has a number of good research programs and study abroad opportunities that attract international students from around the world.

Windsor is not popular with students.

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

Porto is well known for its public transit. Also, Windsor 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 Windsor offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a bus system around town.

Is Windsor or Porto a more walkable city?

Windsor and Porto both are great when exploring on foot.

Windsor is a very walkable town. The town is compact and relatively easy to walk around. There are also several walking routes in the area.

Porto is a very walkable destination. 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 Windsor Worth Visiting? and Is Porto Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Porto or Windsor?

How long in Windsor or Porto?

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

Families should spend more time in Porto than Windsor. 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 Windsor. 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 Windsor 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.

One day in Windsor or Porto?

Even though Windsor is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. This town 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. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This port city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Windsor or Porto?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Windsor. 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.

Because Porto is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. One reason most visitors come is for the food. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Porto has to offer.

Five days in Windsor or Porto?

Windsor is a fun place to experience. Windsor is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Porto is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Porto has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Windsor or Porto?

Windsor is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Porto. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Porto. One reason most visitors come is for the food. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in United Kingdom, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Portugal, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Portugal.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Windsor or Porto?

Porto has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Windsor. When comparing the sizes of Windsor 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 Windsor 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 Windsor or Porto in the Summer?

Both Porto and Windsor during the summer are popular places to visit. The small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Windsor this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Porto for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Windsor is generally cooler than Porto. Daily temperatures in Windsor average around 18°C (64°F), and Porto fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

In Porto, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Windsor often gets less sunshine than Porto. Windsor gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Porto receives 308 hours of full sun.

Windsor usually gets more rain in July than Porto. Windsor gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Porto receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Windsor or Porto in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Windsor and Porto. Many travelers come to Windsor for the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Porto in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Windsor is cooler than Porto in the autumn. The daily temperature in Windsor averages around 12°C (53°F) in October, and Porto fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

Windsor usually receives less sunshine than Porto during autumn. Windsor gets 107 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, Windsor usually receives less rain than Porto. Windsor gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Porto receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Windsor or Porto in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Windsor as well as Porto. Many visitors come to Windsor in the winter for the museums and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Porto for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Windsor can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Windsor is much colder than Porto. Typically, the winter temperatures in Windsor in January average around 4°C (40°F), and Porto averages at about 10°C (50°F).

In the winter, Windsor often gets less sunshine than Porto. Windsor gets 52 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Porto receives 124 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Porto. Windsor usually gets less rain in January than Porto. Windsor gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Porto receives 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Windsor or Porto in the Spring?

Both Porto and Windsor are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Windsor for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Porto because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Windsor is generally cooler than Porto. Daily temperatures in Windsor average around 9°C (48°F), and Porto fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

It's quite sunny in Porto. Windsor usually receives less sunshine than Porto during spring. Windsor gets 147 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, Windsor usually receives less rain than Porto. Windsor gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Porto receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Porto and Windsor