Porto or Lisbon, which is better for tourism in Portugal

Porto or Lisbon are two of the most popular cities in Portugal with stunning old buildings and cobblestone streets.

As well as fresh food and beautiful beaches, all of which are characterized by a charming European atmosphere

If you're having trouble deciding which city to visit, read on for a breakdown of the big and small differences between Porto and Lisbon

So you can choose the right place for you.

Porto or Lisbon, which is better for tourism in Portugal 

Arrival in Porto and Lisbon

Fortunately, both cities have international airports that offer direct flights from many cities of the world

While Porto is a popular city, it is small and so is its airport

Which means that sometimes the best option is to take a trip to Lisbon

From there you can transfer to Porto via a three-hour train by national bus or European low-cost airline.

Lisbon: Most travelers choose to fly in and out of Lisbon Airport, making it the most convenient city

And as the country's largest major international airport, it often has better flight options, lower fares, and fewer connections.

Want other options? The two cities are also connected to international rail systems, as well Cruises Another fun option.

Getting around Lisbon and Porto

Porto and Lisbon both have metro systems that make it easy to get around without a car, in fact

We recommend not renting a car in either city and relying solely on your feet, ride-sharing apps, or public transportation as parking can be an expensive nightmare.

Porto: Porto's smaller size means it's easy to get around and feel like you've discovered a lot in just a few days

And if you're okay, skip the Porto do Metro entirely and just walk around.

However, the steep hills and many stairs make the city more suitable for people with mobility and walking.

And if you are going to take the metro, note that it is set up by regions

So you will have to pay a different fare depending on where you start and end. Daily passes, monthly passes and pay-per-ride cards are also available. There are 81 stations and six lines to help you get around Porto and the city's suburbs, and trains run from 6am to 1am.

Lisbon: Although there is a lot to explore there

However, Lisbon is much larger than Porto, and it is very difficult to explore it all on foot.

And the Lisbon Metro, which extends over four metro lines, with a total of 55 stations

It operates from 6:30 AM to 1 AM daily. Fares are divided into two zones, although most tourists will only travel within the first zone. As in Porto, you can pay per trip or buy a day ticket. Also, metro tickets are significantly more expensive in Lisbon, and you'll pay twice as much in Lisbon than in Porto.

The atmosphere in Lisbon and Porto

Porto is not crowded and enjoys being a vibrant destination thanks to the University of Porto, which is located in the heart of the city, and is the best choice for anyone looking for a relaxing holiday.

Lisbon is more crowded and rowdy, but you'll also find more colorful shows, with street performers, throngs of tourists carrying maps and cameras, souvenir sellers, and many more tour options.

Cost in Lisbon and Porto

Porto is generally cheaper than Lisbon except for airfare, as accommodation costs and activities Transport, food and drink are less expensive here than in Lisbon, though tourism Increasing travel to Porto may cause hotel prices to increase during peak times. Additionally, Porto is a smaller city and visitors tend not to stay longer than a couple of days due to its small size.

Lisbon: Lisbon the larger city is usually pricier, however it's still more affordable, and when it comes to budget, if you're going to take a one-night trip and compare the two cities, you might be better off doing it in Porto, where you'll usually pay less for each. Almost nothing and more value for money.

Food in Lisbon and Porto

Both Porto and Lisbon offer an impressive array of delicious food and drinks. And you won't have trouble finding certain things on the menu in one city versus another, both of which are known for their delicacies.

Porto: Much of Porto's cuisine focuses on the elements around the city, including the ocean and mountains. You'll find plenty of seafood, especially oysters and grilled sardines are also a local favorite here. And in terms of where to eat, you'll find a wealth of great restaurants along the river, with great menus and beautiful views of the Douro River. There are also many excellent places lining the main streets, tucked away in the alleyways and off the large squares.

Lisbon: There is no shortage of excellent Portuguese food in Lisbon, and because the ingredients are so fresh, locals and tourists will find more upscale spots to eat and drink, and we recommend you head to Time Out Market Lisbon. Here, not only will you find a food court filled with delicious local eats, but also small vendors selling things like preserved and canned fish, pasta, and more.

Things to do in Lisbon and Porto

Porto: As mentioned earlier, it is a pedestrian city and is the perfect choice for those who simply want to wander aimlessly, and navigate corners through neighborhoods.

Lisbon: There is everything in Lisbon Museums world-class architecture, beautiful scenery, and picturesque neighborhoods. Some of the most popular daytime activities include hopping through the old quarters and exploring the Alfama neighborhood on foot. Lisbon also has a great nightlife.