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

Should you visit Yogyakarta or Porto?

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

Should I visit Yogyakarta 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.

Yogyakarta

Yogyakarta is a youthful, cultural, and historical city. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food. See Yogyakarta travel costs.

Porto

Porto is a cultural, cosmopolitan, and dynamic 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 Porto is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums. See Porto travel costs.

Yogyakarta and Porto: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Yogyakarta or Porto?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Porto than Yogyakarta. While Yogyakarta is larger than Porto, Porto has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Porto is very popular for its food, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Yogyakarta attracts visitors for its museums and attractions and shopping. Yogyakarta is famous for its beautiful temples, divine food, and lively dance shows. Porto is famous for its authentic old town and the local port wine. It is also well known for Cais da Ribeira.

How is Yogyakarta different from Porto?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Yogyakarta 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 Yogyakarta from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The city is known for it's cultural sights and temples. Kraton Yogyakarta is the palace where the Sultan lives. You should also visit Taman Sari Water Castle and Prambanan Temple. But for many visitors, Yogyakarta is seen as the gateway to the famed Borobudur Temple. This is the largest Buddhist temple in the world. It offers spectacular views and is best visited at sunrise.

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 Yogyakarta or Porto? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Porto is renowned for its restaurants. Also, Yogyakarta is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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.

Dining out in Yogyakarta is an experience not to be missed. It's filled with street food stalls and cheap eateries where you can fill up on local Indonesian classics for a cheap price. Gudeg (stewed jackfruit), Satay, and Bakmi Jawa (Javanese noodles) are just some of the dishes that you must try.

Is Yogyakarta or Porto Better for Nightlife?

The great nightlife scene is relatively similar in Yogyakarta and Porto.

Yogyakarta has a large number of nightlife venues. With a large student population, you'll find many bars and live music venues around town. You'll also find night markets and plenty of theaters and live shows that you can enjoy.

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.

Is Yogyakarta or Porto Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the great old towns in both Yogyakarta and Porto.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Yogyakarta. Kota Gede is the city's old town. It's filled with silver shops, religious sites, and traditional architecture. You'll also find a traditional market in the heart of the old town where you can buy coconut, dry fish, and tofu, or simply browse the unique items.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Yogyakarta or Porto?

Yogyakarta 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 Yogyakarta. The city is filled with craftsmen and a local art scene that makes it a wonderful shopping destination. There are countless markets and shops where you can pick up local handicrafts that highlight the city's culture.

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

Is Yogyakarta or Porto More Beautiful?

Porto is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Yogyakarta is not a destination known for its beauty.

The beauty of Porto is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. The city sits beautifully on the water and it has a charming atmosphere.

Yogyakarta is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Yogyakarta or Porto Better for Families?

Porto is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Yogyakarta is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Porto is very family-friendly. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Yogyakarta. It's often overlooked by families, but the temples, culture, art scene, and friendly people all make this a surprisingly fun destination for those traveling with kids. You'll also find a number of adventure activities in the area as well.

Is Yogyakarta or Porto Better for Couples?

Porto is a very popular place for its romantic activities. Also, Yogyakarta is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Porto makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

Yogyakarta is a good city for couples to visit. The city is filled with fun activities for couples such as a visit to Taman Pelangi at night, taking a walk along Jalan Malioboro, and taking in a traditional dance performance.

Is Yogyakarta or Porto Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Porto is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Yogyakarta is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Porto is extremely popular for backpackers. By combining world-class activities with affordability, this city has become a popular stop off for backpackers in the area.

Yogyakarta is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. Backpackers who want to experience Indonesia's culture and friendly population will love a visit to this lively city. There are plenty of hostels and other travelers to meet, but there's also a uniquely Indonesian vibe to the city.

Is Yogyakarta or Porto Better for Students?

Porto is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. Also, Yogyakarta is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for 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.

Yogyakarta is popular with students. There's a large number of students in the city, which makes this a fun place to study abroad.

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

Porto is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Yogyakarta is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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.

Public transit is generally limited in Yogyakarta. There's a public bus system known as Trans Jogja, which is used by both tourists and locals. You can also hire motorbikes, becak, or Ojek.

Is Yogyakarta or Porto a more walkable city?

Porto is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. Also, Yogyakarta is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Yogyakarta is a somewhat walkable city. Many of the main sights are accessible on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Porto or Yogyakarta?

How long in Yogyakarta or Porto?

In either Yogyakarta or Porto, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Porto than Yogyakarta because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Yogyakarta, and 2-5 days is enough time in Porto.

Families should spend more time in Porto than Yogyakarta. 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 Yogyakarta. 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 Yogyakarta 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 Yogyakarta or Porto?

In Yogyakarta, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this youthful destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

When visiting Porto, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Yogyakarta or Porto?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Yogyakarta. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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.

When visiting Porto, people usually allow for lots of time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the food. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this port city.

Five days in Yogyakarta or Porto?

Yogyakarta is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Yogyakarta. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Porto, a popular port city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Visiting the old town is also a must. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this port city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Yogyakarta or Porto?

You'll find food and shopping around the youthful destination of Yogyakarta. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Porto is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the food. 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 Adventure Tours to Indonesia, The Best Eco Tours in Indonesia, 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 Yogyakarta and Porto, we can see that Porto is more expensive. And not only is Yogyakarta much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Yogyakarta is in Asia and Porto is in Europe, 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 Yogyakarta would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Yogyakarta 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 Porto would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Porto than you might in Yogyakarta.

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

Which is Bigger, Yogyakarta or Porto?

Yogyakarta has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Porto. When comparing the sizes of Yogyakarta 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.