Porto vs Lisbon: Where to go in Portugal?

Porto or Lisbon: which is the best city to visit in Portugal? It’s a common question among travelers, and we’re here to help you decide. While both cities are fantastic and popular destinations, each offers its own distinct culture and unique attractions. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know to choose the perfect city for your next getaway in Portugal.

Portugal is tiny, so Porto and Lisbon aren’t too far away. It takes about three hours to travel from one to the other, so it’s essential to establish that you only have to choose if you have little time in Portugal. If you have more than a few days, we strongly advise you to visit both cities!

Porto and Lisbon offer a wide range of things to do, have a friendly vibe, nearby beaches, and great food, making the travel experience very gratifying. We will compare them in terms of:

  • City vibe;
  • Sights, things to do, and tourist attractions;
  • General Beauty;
  • Day trips;
  • Beaches;
  • The people;
  • Accommodation;
  • Shopping;
  • Nightlife;
  • Food scene;
  • Weather;
  • Safety;
  • Prices;
  • Tourists & Crowds

Porto vs Lisbon – travel comparison

City Vibe

Both Porto and Lisbon are cities with an excellent travel vibe. They are relaxed, safe, and vibrant, with many things always happening. Yet, they are somewhat different.

  • Lisbon: bigger, shinier, busier, and more cosmopolitan. It’s also more touristy, as it’s been a tourist destination for many years and receives far more travelers than Porto. Despite this, it also has a more historic and rustic side in Alfama and Mouraria.
A yellow tram travels down a narrow cobblestone street flanked by colorful buildings with ornate balconies. Pedestrians are walking along the sidewalks, and there's a street vendor on the left with goods displayed. The vibrant and bustling scene is one of many things to do in Lisbon in 3 days.
Lisbon’s more rustic side, with the trams and old streets
  • Porto: authentic, down-to-earth, and casual. Historically, Porto is much more of a workers’ town, and that vibe is visible as the town and its population aren’t bleached and sugar-coated for tourism.
A tall stone tower with intricate designs stands out against a cloudy sky. The structure is surrounded by vegetation, including large, leafy trees. A line of multicolored buildings with traditional architecture is visible in the background
The beautiful Clérigos Tower is a must-visit attraction in Porto.

Verdict: We are giving it a tie here, as we believe the cities are just different, not better or worse.

Things to do and tourist attractions in Porto and Lisbon

As we said above, Lisbon is more prominent and has been on the tourism radar much longer than Porto. It is also the capital, and historically, it has received much more investment. Consequently, it has more tourist attractions and things to do.

Lisbon’s most famous attractions and landmarks include:

  • Belém Tower
  • Jeronimos Monastery
  • Baixa Pombalina
  • S. Jorge Castle
  • Alfama neighborhood
  • Bairro Alto
  • Lisbon Cathedral
  • Ruins of Carmo Convent
  • And its many, many museums.
The Belem Tower graces the riverbank, its serene reflection in the calm water. Bathed in golden sunlight under a clear blue sky, it invites travelers to explore Lisbon's history meets breathtaking views against distant hills
Belem Tower, one of the key landmarks in Lisbon.

While in Porto, you have:

  • Ribeira neighborhood
  • D. Luis Bridge
  • Clerigos Tower
  • Porto Cathedral
  • Stock market palace
  • House of Music
  • Many beautiful churches and the Cathedral
A historic building with a clock tower and symmetrical architecture stands under a clear blue sky. In the foreground is a statue atop a white pedestal. Green trees and manicured gardens surround the structures, capturing the essence of winter in Porto.
The beautiful stock exchange palace in Downtown Porto.

Verdict: Lisbon wins for its wider variety of sights, and it can keep you entertained for much longer. If you plan a short escape, Porto is a great option. You can easily visit most of Porto on a weekend, but you’ll need at least three full days in Lisbon.

Lisbon vs. Porto – General beauty

Lisbon boasts grander monuments and wider avenues than Porto, yet it also charms visitors with neighborhoods like Alfama and Mouraria, featuring narrow alleys and cobblestone streets. Alfama, in particular, is a tourist favorite. However, the Ribeira district in Porto is especially captivating, with the city and river seeming more intimately connected.

Enjoy a panoramic view of Lisbon, where the red-roofed buildings and the Tagus River paint a picturesque setting with the 25 de Abril Bridge in the background. Want to know where to stay in Lisbon? Let this breathtaking view guide your choice.
Lisbon from S. Jorge Castle

For breathtaking views, Porto offers Serra do Pilar in Gaia and the Dom Luís I Bridge, both of which provide stunning views of the river and city. Lisbon counters with its own scenic lookouts, including Santa Luzia’s viewpoint overlooking Alfama and the São Pedro de Alcântara lookout, each offering panoramic city views.

A nighttime view of a cityscape along a river, perfect for those wondering what to see in the port. Brightly lit buildings reflect off the water, and the skyline offers a mix of illuminated structures and darker hilltop outlines, creating a vibrant contrast against the night sky.
Beautiful Porto at night from Gaia

Verdict: Lisbon wins because of its grand monuments and architecture.

Day trips from Porto and Lisbon

A significant advantage of traveling to Portugal is that it’s a tiny country with things to see and do. Fortunately, both Porto and Lisbon offer excellent day trips.

Discover what to do in Braga as you stroll through a historic stone arch in this charming European city. Under clear blue skies, the arch is flanked by traditional buildings with colorful facades, inviting balconies and windows that capture the spirit of Braga.
New Port Arch, one of the gateways to Braga, a popular day trip from Porto. Sometimes it is done together with Guimarães.
A red and yellow castle sits atop a lush, tree-covered hill, offering a picturesque backdrop for visitors wondering what to do in Sintra. The sky above is partly cloudy with a mix of blue and white, perfectly framing the castle’s multiple towers and architectural details.
The world-famous Pena Palace in Sintra is one of the most popular attractions close to Lisbon.

Verdict: Another tie—each city offers unique excursions. It depends on what you like and want, but one thing is for sure: you can easily spend 4 or 5 days only on day trips from Lisbon or Porto.

Who has better beaches? Porto or Lisbon?

Neither Porto nor Lisbon has lovely beaches within the city limits, but both have magnificent beaches nearby. Nevertheless, Lisbon is a better beach destination. The climate is better, with more sunshine hours, and the seawater is also a bit warmer.

  • Lisbon: Better beaches with warmer water and less wind
    • Cascais
    • Costa da Caparica
    • Serra da Arrábida
    • Narazé
Uma praia de areia em Peniche apresenta ondas suaves e várias pessoas aproveitando um mergulho no oceano. O céu está limpo, com algumas nuvens espalhadas. Edifícios e uma grande estrutura podem ser vistos ao longo da costa à distância, tudo sob o sol brilhante.
A sandy beach with gentle waves under a clear blue sky awaits you in Vila do Conde. To the right, rocks dot the shoreline, leading your gaze to the historic stone fortress — a must-see for visitors exploring what to see in Vila do Conde.
The beach in Vila do Conde is one of the most popular and close to Porto.

Verdict: Lisbon wins because the beaches in the vicinity are generally warmer, but note that they are also considerably more crowded.

Which has friendlier locals, Lisbon or Porto?

We are from Porto, so naturally, Porto has to win this one! Easily…

  • Porto: Locals are known for being warmer and more welcoming (the “tripeiros“). They are friendly but very blunt and direct.
A view of the Dom Luís I Bridge crossing the Douro River in Porto, Portugal. Boats are moored in the foreground, and buildings are scattered along the hillside in the background under a cloudy sky.
Ribeira is one of the oldest and most traditional neighborhoods in Porto.
  • Lisbon: Friendly but less personal due to its larger size and cosmopolitan nature.
A bustling outdoor market in Lisbon unfolds before a grand historic building with a dome. Visitors explore stalls brimming with diverse offerings, framed by vibrant trees and a clear blue sky—a must-see when planning things to do in Lisbon in 3 days.
Feira da Ladra, outside the national pantheon. A popular local outdoor market.

Verdict: Porto wins for friendlier locals.

Accommodation in Porto and Lisbon

Both cities offer an immense variety of accommodations, from inexpensive AirBnBs and hostels to beautiful boutique hotels and large 5-star hotels.

  • Lisbon offers a wider range of hotels and accommodations due to its longer history in tourism and higher number of visitors.
A panoramic view of Lisbon, Portugal, featuring a mixture of red-roofed buildings and pastel-colored houses. The Tagus River is visible in the background under a clear sky. A crane and a prominent white church are also visible among the charming architecture.
View from Portas do Sol viewpoint in Lisbon
  • Porto: Improved significantly in recent years but still has fewer options than Lisbon, mostly because it is smaller.
Aerial view of a European city with red-orange rooftops, a central historic cathedral, and a surrounding landscape of hills and modern buildings under a clear blue sky. The area includes densely packed structures and open spaces.
View of Porto’s Old Town

Verdict: Lisbon wins because it is larger and has more visitors.

Which is the best shopping town, Lisbon or Porto?

As you might expect from the capital and bigger city, Lisbon wins this one. Lisbon is also fancier and more cosmopolitan, with all the major stores and everything you expect to find in the big European Capital. However, it’s cheaper than any other Western European capital.

Porto has been receiving lots of investment lately, and if you love to shop, you won’t get bored there. Porto has plenty of shops and shopping streets but is still behind Lisbon.

  • Lisbon: More cosmopolitan with better shopping opportunities and major international brands.
  • Porto: Good shopping options but not as extensive as Lisbon’s.
Street view of a colorful storefront with a red sign that says
Sardines can shops are very popular among tourists all over Portugal

Verdict: Lisbon wins for shopping. It has more alternatives. If you are looking for souvenir ideas, check here.

Where’s the best nightlife – Porto vs. Lisbon

Lisbon’s nightlife is wilder and has a massive range of things to do and places to go. Bairro Alto is easily the center of Lisbon’s nightlife. It comes to life very late, at about 2 a.m., but the area is full of bars, restaurants, live music, and people to party with. Cais de Sodre, close to the river, is another popular spot.

Porto has a much smaller nightlife, concentrated around Rua das Galerias de Paris in downtown Porto in recent years. You’ll also find plenty of people, bars, and many restaurants there.

  • Porto: Smaller nightlife scene focused on Rua das Galerias de Paris.
  • Lisbon: Vibrant nightlife centered around Bairro Alto and Cais do Sodré.
A narrow cobblestone street in a vibrant town, one of the must-see things to do in Lisbon in 3 days, is decorated with colorful banners and lanterns. People sit at outdoor tables enjoying meals under umbrellas, as warm light from cafes illuminates this enchanting scene.
Bairro Alto early in the night

Verdict: Lisbon wins for nightlife.

Best city for food lovers – Porto or Lisbon

Portuguese food used to be underrated, and most people who haven’t been to Portugal still don’t realize it. Traditional Portuguese food is authentic, hearty, and heavily Mediterranean-influenced.

Porto is the best place to try Portuguese food, with plenty of traditional local dishes, like feijoada, tripas, and francesinha. Francesinha has become a symbol of the city, something true foodies must try when visiting. One of the best things about Porto is its quality and diversity of great small, family, and cheap restaurants. Even in the downtown, you can still find delicious dishes for about 10 Euros.

On a white plate sits a mouth-watering Francesinha—a sandwich topped with melted cheese and a fried egg—surrounded by crispy French fries. A fork is at the ready, along with a glass of dark liquor. Discover where to eat Francesinha in Porto to experience this culinary delight firsthand.
The world-famous francesinha in Café Santiago, one of the most popular places to try it.

On the other hand, Lisbon has fewer unique local dishes but a wide variety of restaurants that serve quality food. Lisbon’s most well-known dish is the Pastel de Belém (the original Portuguese custard tart), which you can’t miss when visiting Jerónimos monastery. On the other hand, if you don’t, you can easily find custard tarts in every Portuguese pastry shop.

Lisbon also has more and arguably better gourmet and fine-dining restaurants. So, if you prefer that kind of food, Lisbon will probably suit you better. Yet, Porto also has a few great ones.

A tray of freshly baked pastéis de nata, iconic delights you'd savor on your list of things to do in Lisbon in 3 days, with golden, flaky crusts and caramelized tops. The tarts are closely arranged, filling the image with a rich, warm color.
Delicious tray of Custard tarts (pasteis de nata)
  • Porto: Best for traditional Portuguese dishes like francesinha and hearty comfort food at more affordable prices (though they have increased a lot!).
  • Lisbon: Offers a broader range of gourmet and fine-dining experiences but fewer unique local dishes and restaurants. But they do have the world-famous Pastel de Belém!

Verdict: Porto wins for authentic food. Want to know what to eat in Porto? Check this out!

Who has the best weather?

Both Porto and Lisbon have their best weather in summer, with higher temperatures and less rain, while winters are wetter and colder. However:

  • Lisbon: Sunnier, warmer, less windy, and experiences generally less rain than Porto.
A large public square with a statue of a man on horseback at the center, surrounded by classical European architecture, is a must-see when exploring things to do in Lisbon in 3 days. People gather beneath the clear blue sky, and a triumphal arch graces the background of this vibrant scene.
Beautiful sunny day in Lisbon
  • Porto: Cooler and wetter, particularly in winter, but still pleasant compared to northern Europe.
A yellow metro crosses a large steel bridge over a river in a foggy cityscape, hinting at what to see in Porto. The bridge carries both vehicle and pedestrian traffic, leading to densely packed buildings with orange roofs on hilly terrain across the water.
Cloudy and hazy day in Porto

Verdict: Lisbon wins for better weather.

Are Porto or Lisbon unsafe? Which is safer?

No, not really. There are a few bad small neighborhoods near either city, but it’s highly improbable that you’ll ever go there. There’s absolutely no reason for a tourist to go to those neighborhoods… You should be aware of your belongings and the typical tourist scams in tourist areas as in any other country or city because these places are always prone to pickpocketing.

A structured walkway with a yellow pergola is next to the ocean in Porto. The path is lined with columns and has several green plants in square containers. The sky is cloudy and ocean waves are visible in the background.
Porto boardwalk by the sea

Verdict: Slight edge to Porto for feeling less touristy and “scammy.”

Which is cheaper? Lisbon or Porto?

Lisbon is more prosperous and developed. It has more tourism, which means higher prices. You should expect everything to be 15-25% cheaper in Porto than in Lisbon.

Yet again, please note that Portugal (even Lisbon) is generally cheaper than most developed nations. It shouldn’t be hard to find good meals for about 10 euros and affordable accommodations under 50 Euros, less if it’s out of the peak season.

A vibrant mural showcases Portuguese culture. The work features a fado singer with a guitar, colorful houses and characters in traditional clothes. A wrought-iron balcony adorned with garlands adds dimension to the lively setting.
Street art is an inexpensive thing to see in any city around the world. This Fado mural is located in central Lisbon.

Verdict: Porto wins for affordability.

Finally, which is more crowded? Lisbon or Porto?

Tourism in Portugal has been booming lately, so both cities are much more crowded than they used to be. The high season is longer, and even in the low season, there are plenty of tourists around. It is the price to pay for being so popular and welcoming.

Despite this, I don’t think either Porto or Lisbon is overcrowded, at least most of the year. In high season, the famous landmarks have many tourists, but who would expect otherwise?

  • Lisbon attracts more tourists due to its popularity, particularly in peak season.
A stone bridge leads to the entrance of a historic castle with tall stone walls and a square tower,  Several people stroll along the bridge and grassy area. The sky is clear and blue, with trees visible in the background.
The Castle of S. Jorge, one of the most visited landmarks in Lisbon
  • Porto feels a bit less touristy overall, but the difference is increasingly smaller as Porto has become extremely popular in the last decade.
A crowded, ornate bookstore in Porto, with intricate wooden balconies and decorative ceilings. Shelves full of books line the walls as visitors browse and take photos. The warm, historic atmosphere makes it a must-visit for anyone wondering what to visit in Porto.
Because of its small size and popularity, Lello Bookstore is one of Porto’s most crowded places

Verdict: Porto wins for fewer crowds. However, if you want to avoid crowds, avoid the most famous landmarks and go during the low season.

Porto or Lisbon – Final Thoughts

The point wasn’t really saying that one was better than the other, but highlighting the differences between Porto and Lisbon and explaining what to expect from the two most significant Portuguese cities, thus helping you choose where to go next.

Why is Porto better than Lisbon?

Porto is smaller (thus easier and faster to visit), cheaper, and less touristy. It has better food and warmer people (but worse weather). It has a very peculiar but charming city vibe and friendly locals. Porto is great for a long weekend getaway or a short vacation or to serve as a base for visiting all of the north of Portugal.

A historic church with intricate stone carvings and a façade adorned with blue and white tiles tells captivating stories. As you ponder what to see in Porto, stroll along the cobblestone street under a partly cloudy sky, immersed in the timeless charm of this vibrant city.
With its beautiful tiles, Carmo Church is a good example of Porto’s architecture.

If you end up choosing Porto, have a look at our Porto suggestions here.

Why is Lisbon better than Porto?

Lisbon has better weather, famous monuments, and more things to do. It’s more popular and has better nightlife, shopping opportunities, and a more comprehensive range of accommodations. Lisbon is centrally located and allows you to visit a large part of the country. It’s also bigger and can keep you entertained for more time. Finally, it’s much closer to the Algarve and its beaches.

A view of the Jerónimos Monastery in Lisbon, Portugal on a clear day for 3 days in Lisbon. The historic building features ornate architecture with several towers and a clock tower. In the foreground, a large anchor is displayed in a grassy area near a hedge.
Jerónimos Monastery, one of the Grand Monuments of Lisbon and the best example of Manueline architecture | foto de Lusoimages via Depositphotos

If you choose to visit Lisbon, please check our Lisbon itinerary and suggestions.

Both cities are generally pretty (though Lisbon is probably prettier), very safe, and offer good day trip options! So, If time permits, by all means, visit them both!

Share and Inspire: Are you excited about your upcoming trip? Share this article with fellow travelers and inspire them to discover Portugal’s gems.

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