PORTO OR LISBON: WHICH ONE IS BETTER FOR A CITY BREAK?
We were recently discussing our pasta choices – Emma always picks something with garlic, seafood or cheese, John inevitably opts for tomato based sauces. In general, most people prefer one or the other – just like us. Why am I talking about pasta? Well, when it comes to Portugal’s two main cities – a similar thing happens. You’re either in camp Lisbon or camp Porto.
We’ve visited both and spent extended periods of time in each city. So, we should have a pretty good idea about which city is better – Lisbon or Porto. Well guess what – John and I don’t just have different opinions on pasta, we also disagree on which city is better.
This comparison post will explore the pros and cons of both cities and set out the key differences to help you decide which one is better for you.
Porto or Lisbon: Things to do
PORTO
With a few days in Porto, you can really get to know the beating heart of the city. There’s less to rush around and do in Porto, in comparison to Lisbon. But that doesn’t mean that there isn’t plenty to enjoy! Porto is a slower, more sedate experience.
Take time enjoying a coffee in the morning at any of the city’s excellent cafes, learn to bake Pastel de Nata (and eat a few) and walk along the River Douro. Sunset is my favorite time to see the river, when couples come out to take in the romance of the city.
No visit to Porto is complete without a jaunt around a few port lodges – a tasting and tour makes the experience even better. Of an evening, waft your way around Mercado do Bolhão – a fabulous indoor market with wine and food stalls. When the sun is out, take a stroll (or tram) to the beach to enjoy the wild waves of the Atlantic.
When it comes to stunning architecture, The 12th Century Cathedral in central Porto offers something to be marveled at. And spectacular views of the city.
For more tips on what to do in Porto – find our guide here.
LISBON
For a mini-break, Lisbon has plenty to offer it terms of things to do. If I had three days in Lisbon, I would try to visit at least one or two museums – a personal favourite is the Tile Museum, whereas John very much enjoys the art collection at the world famous Gulbenkian Museum.
Of an evening, my favourite thing to do in Lisbon is hunt out the best view points from the city of seven hills. The three I adore most are Miradouro de Santa Caterina (a popular spot for sunset drinks in Cais do Sodre), Miradouro da Graca (a more local and romantic haunt in Graca) and Miradouro de Santia Luzia.
And this just scratches the surface. Wander through the historic Alfama district, see a Fado performance and cross the river to see Lisbon looking back at you from the fantastic Ponte Final restaurant.
Lisbon is vibrant, international and there is always something to do. There are also countless day trips on offer – whether you head to the beaches of Cascais, the monastery of Belem or the charming town of Sintra.
Find my guide to spending a leisurely three days in Lisbon here.
Porto or Lisbon: For foodies
PORTO
Porto’s culinary scene is rich with hearty, traditional dishes. Francesinha, a decadent sandwich filled with meats and covered in a beer sauce, is a must-try. Seafood lovers will enjoy dishes like Bacalhau à Gomes de Sá (codfish casserole) and fresh grilled sardines.
The city’s pastelarias (pastry shops) offer a sweet treat with specialties like Pastel de Nata. Porto is also known for its high-quality and affordable dining options – last time I visited Porto with my Mother, as a foodie she was particularly impressed with with the quality of food compared to the affordability.
When it comes to upscale restaurants, Lisbon does have a few more Michelin Stars than Porto – but fancy diners will love The Yeatman and Pedro Lemos.
The one thing that Porto has that Lisbon does not, is Port Lodges. Walk along the river and you can spend hours sampling Port at the historic lodges, or taking a tour and tasting. If you have a little longer in the area, head to the Douro Valley for the ultimate wine experience.
LISBON
Lisbon’s cuisine is equally enticing, with a focus on fresh seafood. Don’t miss trying Bacalhau à Brás (shredded cod with eggs and potatoes), octopus salad. And let us not forget that the original Pastel de Nata – Pastéis de Belém – originates from Lisbon.
Dining in Lisbon is such a fabulous experience. The difficult thing is deciding where to go with so much choice. The dining scene is fast changing, new Michelin stars are being handed out every year, but there remains a decadent mix of shiny new openings and stalwarts that cannot be beaten.
Fancy diners will love Italian restaurant Rocco or one of Lisbon’s many Michelin Star restaurants like the world famous Belcanto. Lisboa Tu & Eu (Alfama) is a more low-key choice and we also adored the Mexican food offered at Boca Linda.
Wine lovers won’t be disappointed in Lisbon either – head to Black Sheep Wine Bar (Barrio Alto) for the ultimate organic wine extravaganza.
You can find more of our recommendations for where to eat in Lisbon here.
Porto or Lisbon: Beaches
PORTO
Having walked from Porto to Santiago in Spain, along the coast, I am particularly fond of the beaches in this area of Portugal.
While Porto itself isn’t known for its beaches, a short trip to nearby coastal towns like Matosinhos and Vila do Conde offers beautiful stretches of sand and excellent surfing conditions. Matosinhos Beach is particularly popular, known for its surf schools and seafood restaurants.
One of my favourite things to do in Porto is to walk along the river until I reach the sea at Praia do Carneiro – here you’ll find the sweeping beaches of the Atlantic coast. From the center of the Old Town, you can be on the beach in around 40 minutes by foot. I love how empty these beaches tend to be, even in the summer – there’s always a chance to sit with a book and ponder the world.
LISBON
There’s an important point to consider if you travel to Lisbon for the beach – the city is not actually on the beach. Many people often believe it is and travel to Lisbon wondering where the beach is. Getting to the coast is easy, but in all honesty transport gets very busy in summer months and getting to the sea can sometimes feel like an ordeal.
A less popular, but wonderful beach close to Lisbon is Costa Caparica. This is a long sweeping coastline across the River Tagus from Lisbon city centre. The coastline is broken up into smaller beach sections, all of which have slightly different offering. Some are popular with LGBT+, others have nudist sections and many are popular for surfing.
Otherwise, many visitors to Lisbon choose to take a day trip to Cascais. This is a beach town that has a number of beaches. Praia da Rainha is a smaller bay closest to the old town, a delight for a few hours with very calm water. Praia da Duquesa is a larger and more popular beach in town.
Find out about the best beaches in Lisbon and how to get to them here.
Porto or Lisbon: Getting around
PORTO
Porto is half the size of Lisbon and therefore a little easier to get around. There’s a good metro system, which includes a direct connection from the airport to the city. That said, you can often explore Porto on foot without the need to take public transport. The compact size makes it easy to explore at a slower pace.
LISBON
Despite Lisbon’s size the efficient public transport system make it easy to navigate. The city’s iconic yellow trams, particularly Tram 28, are not only a mode of transport but also a tourist attraction in their own right, winding through some of Lisbon’s most picturesque neighborhoods. The metro system is clean and reliable, connecting key areas of the city, including the airport.
Getting around Lisbon by foot can be a little bit of an adventure – particularly around the hilly neighborhoods of Graca and Alfama. One aspect of Lisbon that makes it so inviting is that there are so many different districts with a vast array of offerings. But this does mean that you can expect to spend a lot of time walking from one to the other – there are worse things in life!
Porto or Lisbon: Budget
PORTO
Porto is generally more affordable than Lisbon, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious travelers. The cost of living in Porto is lower (although it has increased in recent years), and this is reflected in the prices for accommodation, dining, and entertainment.
Accommodation:
- Budget: Hostels and budget hotels are available for €15-€30 per night.
- Mid-range: A comfortable three-star hotel or a well-located Airbnb costs between €50-€100 per night.
- Luxury: High-end hotels and boutique accommodations range from €120 to over €250 per night.
Food and Drink:
- Budget: Local tascas and casual eateries offer meals for €6-€12.
- Mid-range: Dining at a nice restaurant typically costs around €15-€30 per person.
- Luxury: Gourmet dining experiences at top restaurants can range from €50-€80 per person.
LISBON
Lisbon offers a range of options for travelers on different budgets. While the city has seen an increase in tourism and prices over recent years, it remains relatively affordable compared to other major European capitals.
Accommodation:
- Budget: Hostels and budget hotels can be found for around €20-€40 per night.
- Mid-range: A comfortable three-star hotel or a well-located Airbnb typically costs between €70-€120 per night.
- Luxury: High-end hotels and boutique accommodations range from €150 to over €300 per night.
Food and Drink:
- Budget: Local tasca (taverns) and casual eateries offer meals for as little as €8-€15.
- Mid-range: Dining at a nice restaurant costs around €20-€40 per person.
- Luxury: Gourmet dining experiences at top restaurants can go upwards of €70-€100 per person.
Porto or Lisbon: Verdict
So, what’s the verdict? Here’s what we would choose between Porto and Lisbon for a mini-break.
EMMA’S CHOICE: PORTO
Emma chooses Porto for a mini-break for three reasons:
1/ Porto feels romantic and elegant– there’s something about the colours around the city and in particular at the river. I love walking along the south side of the river, visiting the Port Lodges. Or, spending time in the markets of Bolhao district, sipping wine as I browse the food. Lisbon is vibrant and fast paced, but Porto somehow feels more relaxed and more sensual.
2/ The beaches at Porto’s coast are sweeping and wild, they have a different vibe to the more quaint beaches around Lisbon.
3/ Porto is smaller, quieter and easier to get around. When I visit a city for a few days, I like to feel that I’ve explored it thoroughly and really got under the skin of the city. I love Lisbon, but you need to visit many times before you really get to know it.
JOHN’S CHOICE: LISBON
John chooses Lisbon for a mini-break for three reasons (aside from the fact that Lisbon is just a vibe:)
1/ You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to the different neighborhoods – you can decide where you want to go each night depending on your mood. From breweries to live music, fancy restaurants or tavernas.
2/ The museums in Lisbon are epic – it’s up there with London and Paris. We spent a month in Lisbon and didn’t run out of museums to visit. Plus, many of the museums are free on certain days.
3/ Brilliant beaches – whilst the beaches are a little difficult to get to, the variety is great. If you want a wide surf-beach, head across the river to Costa Caparica. If you want a quiet beach town, pick Cascais.
Written by Emma
Wine Lover. Yogi. Hiker. Writer.
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