Lisbon or Porto: Which Which Portuguese City Should You Visit?

Are you planning a trip to Portugal and trying to decide which major city to spend your time in? I’ll admit, choosing between Porto and Lisbon isn’t exactly the easiest decision to make. These two cities are quite different. 

Lisbon is sunnier, more colorful, and a lot bigger than Porto. It is perfect for travelers who also want to be near the beach! 

Then there’s Porto, which I love to think of as Lisbon’s mysterious, moodier, and more medieval cousin.

It’s the ideal place for anyone who wants to experience a little more authentic side of Portuguese culture. 

Both cities truly have a lot to offer, but this post will help you make a concrete decision about which to choose. 

Let’s take a deeper look at what each city offers so you can pull that trigger and book the trip! 

Lisbon vs Porto: What to Expect in Each City

Where is Lisbon Located & Best Time to Visit

Lisbon is located on the western coast of Portugal, right along the Atlantic Ocean. Its unique location gives it a mild climate year-round, making it a great destination anytime. 

However, the best time to visit is during the spring (March to May) or fall (September to October) when the weather is pleasant and the city is less crowded. The best month to visit Porto is definitely August.  

If you want to escape your snowy city in January, Lisbon could be the right choice!

During these months, the weather should be warm and dry, and the streets should be busy than in the summer months. 

Accessibility and Transportation in Lisbon

Getting around Lisbon can be tricky if you have limited mobility. With its steep hills, inclines, and stairs, this city is comparable to San Francisco. 

Lisbon has a metro, buses, and trams to take you from point A to B, but be extra cautious because of the limestone-tiled sidewalks. They can be dangerous after it rains or if those tiles have been baking in the sun. 

Since living here in Lisbon, I have fallen a few times wearing flip-flops and other non-slip-proof shoes. 

Using the metro is easy in Lisbon and beyond. What I like most is tapping my credit card directly at the entry and exit points. For More Info, Visit Official Lisbon Transit Site.

NOTE: If you travel further outside the city to Sintra or Cascais, you will want to purchase a train pass in the metro station. Be sure to have cash or a train pass for buses and trams. 

Grab my FREE pre-pinned Google Map of all the best sites, bars and restaurants in Lisbon!

An Overview of What Porto Has to Offer

Porto, a charming city in northern Portugal, is full of history and character and a must for Harry Potter fans. 

Here, you’ll find a mix of old-world charm and riverside beauty, from the narrow streets of the Ribeira district to the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge spanning the Douro River.

When it comes to famous attractions, make sure to visit Livraria Lello, one of the world’s most beautiful bookstores, the stunning Clérigos Tower, and São Bento Train Station with its beautiful azulejo tiles. 

Don’t miss the chance to cross the river to Vila Nova de Gaia for a tour and tasting at one of the famous Port wine cellars.

If you are looking for a city with cooler weather and a more laid back and cozy vibe, Porto is going to be the spot for you! 

Where is Porto  Located & Best Time to Visit

Porto is located in northern Portugal, along the Douro River and just a short distance from the Atlantic Ocean. 

Its position gives it a slightly cooler and cloudier climate compared to Lisbon, which can be a relief in the summer heat.

The best time to visit Porto is during the late spring (April to June) or early fall (September to October). 

Remember that Porto can experience cloudy skies and rain even during summer, so be prepared for a mix of weather.

It’s not uncommon to have a warm day followed by a sudden downpour. That said, the mild climate makes Porto a lovely place to visit year-round, with fewer extreme temperatures compared to other European destinations.

Accessibility and Transportation in Porto

Porto is a bit easier to navigate than Lisbon, but there are still a few things to keep in mind if you have mobility concerns. 

The city is hilly, especially near the Ribeira district, with its steep streets and staircases leading down to the river. 

However, Porto’s overall layout is more compact, which makes it slightly easier to get around.

Porto has an efficient metro system that connects the city center with the surrounding areas, including the airport. For More Info Visit Official Site.

Trams and buses are also widely available, but like Lisbon, be cautious of the cobblestone streets—especially when wet, as they can get quite slippery. Sensible footwear is a must when walking around Porto.

One of the best things about Porto’s transportation system is how easy it is to use the Andante card, which works across metro, buses, and trams. You can easily load it with trips or a day pass at stations. 

Having some cash on hand is also useful for certain buses or trams that may not accept cards. 

Overall, Porto is manageable but comes with some of the same challenges as any old European city with uneven streets and hilly terrain.

Solo Female Travel in Lisbon vs Porto: My Experience

In my experience, both Lisbon and Porto are safe for solo travelers, including women. Porto, being a smaller and slightly cheaper city, might have a bit of an edge if you’re looking to save some money or prefer a more intimate vibe. 

Its compact size makes it easier to navigate, which can be especially comforting if you’re new to solo travel.

That said, Lisbon is still a fantastic option if you are alone. It has a cosmopolitan atmosphere with plenty of things to do, and it’s just as solo travel-friendly. 

So, whether you choose Porto or Lisbon, you can’t go wrong!

Top Things to Do: Lisbon vs Porto Attractions Compared

Hands down, there is more to see in Lisbon than in Porto, but depending on your interests, you might like Porto better. 

Beach lovers might want to head to Lisbon, and Harry Potter fans should head to Porto! 

Below are the most interesting sites in both cities. 

Lisbon

Porto

Day Trip Options from Lisbon and Porto

While both cities are well-positioned to make some pretty epic day trips, Lisbon is the clear winner! You can make more day trips from Lisbon, without a car, than from Porto. 

Best Day Trips from Lisbon

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Sintra

Visiting Sintra from Lisbon is easy and affordable. Take the train directly from Rossio Station in central Lisbon, and in just 40 minutes, you’ll arrive in Sintra.

The train is the best way to go, as it’s both cheap and convenient, dropping you right in the heart of town.

While there are buses available, they take longer and are not as direct. Once in Sintra, you’ll be surrounded by fairy-tale castles and lush landscapes. 

Rather go to Sintra on an organized tour from Lisbon? Check rates and availablity here!

Cascais

If you love the beach and a coastal town visiting Cascais from Lisbon a must! It is quick and simple. 

Hop on a train from Cais do Sodré station, and after a scenic 40 minute ride you will arrive in the center of the town. 

Buses are also available but slower, not direct and less convenient. 

Óbidos

Visiting Óbidos from Lisbon is easy and highly recommended for anyone wanting to experience a medieval village. The best way to get there is by bus from Campo Grande bus station in Lisbon, with the journey taking about an hour.

The bus drops you just outside the town’s main gate, making it the most convenient option. The cost of the bus is €9.05, you can pay on the bus with CASH ONLY.

I recommend spending at least 4-5 hours exploring in Óbidos. Try to grab the bus back by 16:00 so that you can avoid some of the rush hour traffic during the week. 

Ericeria

Visiting Ericeira from Lisbon is possible by bus, or Uber if you don’t mind spending approx. €30 each way. 

The cheapest way to get there is by bus from Campo Grande station, with the journey taking about 1 hour and 15 minutes. The bus conveniently drops you off near the center of town, making it easy to explore right away.

While there are no direct train options, the bus is affordable and offers great views of the countryside along the way. If you love surfing or quaint little beach towns, I highly recommend going to Ericeira.

Best Day Trips from Porto 

Durro Valley

If you’re looking for the best way to explore Durro Valley from Porto, I highly recommend this tour, which takes you by boat and includes wine tasting along the way. 

It’s a full day, but they will pick you up in Porto, which is very convenient.

Braga & Guimarães

From Porto, you can visit both Braga and Guimarães on the same day with an epic day trip tour, or you can explore them independently by taking public transit.

Porto to Braga via Train:
To reach Braga from Porto, you can take a direct train from São Bento or Campanhã stations. The journey takes about 1 hour and is affordable, with frequent departures throughout the day.

Porto to Guimarães via Train:
For Guimarães, you can also take a train from São Bento or Campanhã stations. The train ride takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes and drops you close to the historic center.

Both cities are easy to explore on foot once you arrive, and with efficient train connections, visiting both in one day is entirely doable!

Aveiro

Visiting Aveiro from Porto is quick and perfect for a day trip to explore the “Venice of Portugal.” The best way to get there is by taking a direct train from Porto’s São Bento or Campanhã stations.

The journey takes about 1 hour on the faster trains or around 1 hour and 15 minutes on the regional ones.

It’s a safe and peaceful day trip, ideal for a slower pace and a taste of a smaller Portuguese town.

Cuisine & Dining

Lisbon Local Cuisine and Specialties:

Lisbon is known for its incredible seafood, with dishes like bacalhau à brás (salted cod with eggs and potatoes), grilled sardines, and polvo à lagareiro (octopus with olive oil and garlic).

You’ll also want to try the famous pastéis de nata, the iconic Portuguese custard tart, which you can find all over the city.

Best Street Food in Lisbon:

For budget-friendly meals, O Trevo in the heart of Bairro Alto for delicious bifanas (pork sandwiches). 

If you are looking for salty fried bites, known as Salgados, check out O Velho Eurico! Here you can get pastéis de bacalhau, rissóis and croquetes. All priced around €1.50 each.

Best Restaurants for Foodies:

If you’re a foodie like me, having an unforgettable meal is top of the list. I promise Lisbon won’t disappoint.

I recommend Prado, which is located close to the cathedral, and Taberna da Rua das Flores, a cozy spot in Chiado known for its seasonal, creative menu (you must get there early).

Ramiro is also a must for seafood lovers, famous for its fresh shellfish and lobster.

Porto Local Cuisine and Specialties:

Porto is famous for its hearty dishes and comfort food. Be sure to try the iconic francesinha, a massive sandwich filled with layers of meat, covered in melted cheese, and drenched in a rich beer-based sauce.

You’ll also find plenty of bacalhau (salted cod) dishes where they light the fish on fire at the table. As well as tripas à moda do Porto, a traditional tripe stew that dates back centuries.

And don’t forget the pastéis de nata, as Porto has its own delicious take on these custard tarts.

Best Street Food in Porto:

For budget-friendly meals, check out Café Santiago, the go-to spot for an authentic francesinha experience at a great price.

Another excellent option is Casa Guedes, known for its incredible pork sandwiches, especially the sandes de pernil (pork shank sandwich). Both are centrally located and perfect for a quick, tasty, and affordable meal.

Best Restaurants for Foodies:

I found some truly exceptional restaurants in Porto. Almeja is a must-visit for its creative, seasonal dishes made with locally sourced ingredients; the bread was to die for.

Another fantastic choice is Apego, where you’ll enjoy modern Portuguese cuisine in a cozy, relaxed setting that still feels elevated.

Reservations are recommended for both!

Nightlife 

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Lisbon would definitely be the top choice if you are traveling solely for the nightlife. While Porto is fun and offers plenty of bars and places to grab a drink, Lisbon’s nightlife is on another level. 

Bairro Alto and Cais do Sodré in Lisbon are where its at, with endless bars, live music, and clubs that stay open until the early morning hours. 

Porto has a more laid-back vibe in comparison, with a mix of cozy wine bars and a few lively spots, but it’s not as wild as Lisbon’s party scene.

Lisbon Nightlife

Porto Nightlife

Accommodation Options

When it comes to finding higher-end accommodations, you will get more bang for your buck in Porto.

But there is no denying that Lisbon has more boutique hotels and luxury accommodations than Porto. 

My top picks in each city are: 

• Memmo Alfama (Lisbon)
• Bairro Alto Hotel (Lisbon)
• LX Boutique Hotel (Lisbon)
• Torel Avantgarde (Porto)
• Infante Sagres (Porto)
• Hotel Carris Porto Ribeira (Porto)

Which City is More Budget Friendly, Porto or Lisbon?

In general, Porto tends to be slightly cheaper than Lisbon when it comes to dining out in restaurants.

On average, food in Porto’s restaurants is around 5-15% less expensive compared to Lisbon, depending on the type of restaurant and location.

In casual, local spots, Porto’s lower prices are more noticeable, whereas in upscale or touristy areas, the difference might be smaller.

So while the difference isn’t drastic, Porto does have a reputation for being more affordable, including food.

Final Verdict: Who Should Visit Porto & Who Should Visit Lisbon

If you’re up for cooler weather and prefer a slower-paced vibe, Porto is a great choice. It’s laid-back, full of cozy wine bars, and has a smaller, more intimate feel. Plus, it’s perfect if you’re on a budget, with lower prices for food and accommodations.

On the flip side, if you love a lively, fast-paced city with plenty to do, Lisbon is for you. With nightlife, historic sights, and a mix of old and new, Lisbon is ideal for travelers who want variety and energy in their trip.

Still stumped? Reach out to me for advice, or Ask yourself these final questions!

Before you dive into choosing between Porto and Lisbon, take a moment to think about your travel style. Trust me, this can make a huge difference in which city vibes with you the most!

Here are some fun questions to help you figure it out:

1. Do you prefer big cities or smaller, laid-back spots? Lisbon’s buzzing, while Porto’s more chill.
2. Is sunshine a dealbreaker?
   Lisbon’s got more sunny days, but Porto’s cooler and moodier.
3. Are you more about beaches or riverfronts?
   Lisbon’s near the beach; Porto has a gorgeous riverside vibe.
4. Are you a foodie?
   Lisbon is a haven for foodies, while Porto’s known for hearty dishes like the francesinha.
5. How do you feel about crowds?
   Lisbon is bigger and busier, especially in tourist hotspots. Porto’s more intimate.
6. Do you want nightlife or cozy evenings?
   Lisbon’s nightlife scene is lively, but if you prefer sipping wine by the river, Porto’s your place.
7. Are budget-friendly prices a must?
   Porto is a little easier on the wallet when it comes to dining and accommodations.