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

Should you visit York or Porto?

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

Should I visit York 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.

York

York is a historic, medieval, and fanciful city. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Porto

Porto is a historic, cultural, and cosmopolitan port city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

York and Porto: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in York or Porto?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Porto than York, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Porto is more popular for its big city activities and impressive beauty, while York is known for its historical sights. York is popular for its markets, old town, and its many ghost tours. Porto is popular for its authentic old town and the local port wine. It is also home to Cais da Ribeira.

How is York different from Porto?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Both York and Porto have great landmarks and museums for visitors.

York offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Popular museums include the York Castle Museum, the National Railway Museum, Castle Howard, and JORVIK Viking Centre.

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 York or Porto? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both York and Porto both to be world-class destinations.

For foodies, York is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Meat pies, fudge, and fish and chips are just some of the culinary experiences you'll find here. The Shambles Market has vendors that sell a wide variety of cuisines. There are also food trucks throughout town that offer affordable and delicious meal options.

Porto has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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.

Is York or Porto Better for Nightlife?

Both York and Porto are great when it comes to partying.

York offers plenty to do in the evening. The young population and thriving tourist scene means there's no shortage of nightlife around town. Check out a pub or music venue to experience everything that city has to offer.

Porto has a large number of nightlife venues. 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 York or Porto Better for its Old Town?

York is very popular for its historic old town. Also, Porto is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its old town.

York has a world-famous historical area. The charming old town is filled with shops and restaurants. There are street performers, fudge shops, and all of the Harry Potter merchandise that a person could need.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in York or Porto?

Both York and Porto are good shopping destinations.

York is a great destination for shopping. The old town has many great candy stores that sell fudge and other local specialties. There are also Harry Potter stores that sell potions, t-shirts, games, and more.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Porto. The city has both your standard shopping mall stores as well as local vendors and boutique shops.

Is York or Porto Better for Families?

York 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.

York is one of the most popular family destinations. The city does an amazing job bringing history to life in a way that kids will enjoy. The JORVIK Viking Centre transports visitors back in time and introduces them to a fully immersive viking experience. The York Dungeon is great for older kids as long as they don't scare easily. Actors and special effects offer a terrifying and entertaining visit through a York dungeon. Harry Potter fans will enjoy exploring the potion shops and broomstick stores along the iconic Shambles, which is said to be an inspiration for J.K. Rowling's Diagon Alley.

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 York or Porto Better for Couples?

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

York is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples can explore the history and entertainment venues that make York an enjoyable destination. There are museums, restaurants, and outdoor markets that make this a great weekend getaway.

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.

Is York or Porto Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Porto is a world-class destination for backpackers. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Porto is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. By combining world-class activities with affordability, this city has become a popular stop off for backpackers in the area.

Many backpackers visit York. There are a few hostels around town as well as nightlife venues and entertainment spots that appeal to backpackers and younger travelers. For great and affordable food, grab a meal at one of the many food trucks around town.

Is York or Porto Better for Students?

Porto is a well-known place for students. However, York 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.

York is not popular with students.

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

Porto is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Porto is fairly effecient and thorough. 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.

York has some public transit options. There is a reliable and efficient bus system around town.

Is York or Porto a more walkable city?

Porto is a well-known place for its walkability. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

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.

York is a somewhat walkable place. The old town has many pedestrian streets that are easily explored on food.

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

Should I spend more time in Porto or York?

How long in York or Porto?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Porto than York. 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 York 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 York or Porto?

In York, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this fanciful destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the food. 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.

Porto is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in York or Porto?

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

Porto is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the food. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in York or Porto?

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

Porto is a dynamic big city where you can fill many days. This port city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in York or Porto?

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

The dynamic port city of Porto offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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 The Best 10-Day Tours from London, The Best 10-Day Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Portugal, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Portugal.

When comparing the travel costs between York and Porto, we can see that Porto 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 York Expensive? and Is Porto Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, York or Porto?

Porto has a larger population, and is about 73% larger than the population of York. When comparing the sizes of York 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 York 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 York or Porto in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to York as well as Porto. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to York this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Porto for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

York is cooler than Porto in the summer. The daily temperature in York averages around 16°C (62°F) in July, and Porto fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Porto. In the summer, York often gets less sunshine than Porto. York gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Porto receives 308 hours of full sun.

York usually gets more rain in July than Porto. York gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Porto receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit York or Porto in the Autumn?

Both Porto and York are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to York for the shopping scene. Also, 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.

In the autumn, York is much colder than Porto. Typically, the autumn temperatures in York in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Porto averages at about 17°C (62°F).

York usually receives less sunshine than Porto during autumn. York gets 112 hours of sunny skies, while Porto receives 184 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Porto. In October, York usually receives less rain than Porto. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Porto receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit York or Porto in the Winter?

Both Porto and York during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to York in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Porto for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

York can get quite cold in the winter. In January, York is generally much colder than Porto. Daily temperatures in York average around 4°C (39°F), and Porto fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

In the winter, York often gets less sunshine than Porto. York gets 61 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Porto receives 124 hours of full sun.

Porto gets a good bit of rain this time of year. York usually gets less rain in January than Porto. York gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Porto receives 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit York or Porto in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both York and Porto. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Porto because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

York is much colder than Porto in the spring. The daily temperature in York averages around 8°C (46°F) in April, and Porto fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Porto this time of the year. York usually receives less sunshine than Porto during spring. York gets 151 hours of sunny skies, while Porto receives 217 hours of full sun in the spring.

Porto receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, York usually receives less rain than Porto. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Porto receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Porto and York