Porto vs. Lisbon: Why I Moved My Family’s Vacation to Porto (And Saved $2,000)

Last Updated on November 13, 2024 by Daniel Williams

When our flight to Lisbon got canceled last October, I was devastated. Six months of planning down the drain, and all the “affordable” Lisbon hotels were suddenly quoting summer-level prices. In a panic move, I rebooked everything to Porto instead. Turns out, that airline mishap was the best thing that could’ve happened to our Portuguese adventure. Let me share why Porto might be your better bet in 2024 – especially if you’re coming from the US and watching your dollars against the euro.

The Truth About Why Porto’s Having Its Moment

First, let’s address the elephant in the room: Lisbon has become the new Barcelona – beautiful but drowning in tourists. Our friends who went last summer spent more time in lines than in actual attractions. Meanwhile, Porto? Still feels like you’re discovering something authentic. My cab driver from the airport, Miguel, summed it up perfectly: “Ten years ago, Americans only knew Lisbon. Now they’re finally finding us, but we’re still Portuguese here.” He wasn’t wrong.

Breaking Down the Real Costs (2024 Prices)

Let’s talk money, because that’s what finally convinced my budget-obsessed husband. Here’s what we actually spent in Porto versus what we would have paid in Lisbon (for a family of four, all prices in USD):

Accommodation (6 nights)

• Lisbon (originally booked): $1,400 for a “boutique” hotel in Chiado
• Porto (what we paid): $800 for an even nicer place in Ribeira
  Pro tip: Porto’s historic center is more compact. You don’t need to obsess as much about location.

Daily Costs

• Coffee and pastries for four: $8 in Porto vs $15 in Lisbon
• Dinner with wine: $60-80 in Porto vs $100-120 in Lisbon
• Uber rides: About 40% cheaper in Porto
• Wine (because, Portugal): $3-4/glass in Porto vs $6-8 in Lisbon

But Here’s Why It’s Not Just About Money

Money aside, Porto offered something we didn’t expect: breathing room. You know that anxiety of feeling like you need to rush to beat the crowds? Didn’t exist here. We actually changed our entire approach to vacation:

Morning Routine

Instead of “quick, get to the castle before the tour buses,” it was more like:

• Wake up naturally
• Stroll to the local bakery
• Chat with the owner who insisted we try his grandmother’s secret recipe
• Actually enjoy our morning without checking Google Maps every 5 minutes

The Food Scene Nobody’s Talking About

Can we discuss Portuguese food for a minute? While Lisbon’s getting all the Michelin stars, Porto’s food scene is quietly amazing. Here’s what we discovered:

• The francesinha (Porto’s signature sandwich) at Café Santiago – worth every calorie
• Wine bars in Vila Nova de Gaia where a flight of port costs less than a single glass of wine in NYC
• Family-run spots where the menu is whatever grandma decided to cook that day

Insider tip: Skip the touristy spots along the river. Walk two blocks inland and look for places with handwritten menus and zero English translations.

Getting Around (Or Why My Fitbit Loved Porto)

Porto’s compact size is a game-changer. We walked everywhere. The only times we needed Uber were:

• Airport transfers
• That one time it rained (and even then, it was only €5)
• Late-night return from the port wine cellars (no regrets)

Lisbon, with its seven hills and spread-out attractions, practically requires you to master public transit or burn through your Uber budget.

The Day Trips That Made Us Extend Our Stay

We ended up extending our trip by two days because of these spots:

1. Douro Valley

• Booked through a local company, not a big tour operator
• $90/person including wine tastings (vs $150+ from Lisbon)
• The train ride alone is worth it for the views

1. The Beach Towns

• 20 minutes by train to colorful Aveiro
• São João da Foz for that local beach vibe
• No tourist menus in sight

When Lisbon Still Might Be Your Better Choice

Look, I’m not here to bash Lisbon. It’s gorgeous and might be better for you if:

• You’re big on nightlife (Porto gets quiet after 11pm)
• You need those Instagram shots at specific famous spots
• You’re continuing to Spain (the connections are better)
• You really, really love hills (Porto has them too, but come on)

The Things I Wish Someone Had Told Me

After two weeks in Porto, here’s what I wish I’d known:

1. The Weather Thing
   Porto’s more temperate than Lisbon, but also more unpredictable. Pack layers and a small umbrella.
2. The Port Wine Trap
   Don’t book those expensive port house tours online. Just show up – it’s usually half the price and the same experience.
3. The Language Barrier
   It’s real, especially compared to Lisbon, and that’s part of its charm. Download Google Translate and embrace it.

Looking Ahead: The Changes Coming in 2025

Porto’s definitely getting more popular. Even during our trip, I heard at least five different languages just walking to get coffee. But unlike Lisbon, it still feels manageable. That said, some changes are coming:

• More direct flights from the US (United just announced new routes)
• Boutique hotels popping up in old port warehouses
• Some price creep in the most touristy areas

My Actual Daily Spending Log (Because I’m Type A Like That)

Day 1: $142

• Airport transfer: $25
• Lunch for four: $45
• Dinner: $62
• Coffee and snacks: $10

Day 4: $165

• Port wine tour: $60
• Lunch: $40
• Dinner: $55
• Miscellaneous: $10

The full spending log is in my Notes app if anyone wants the nerdy details.

Choosing A Destination In The Future

Would I do Porto again instead of Lisbon? In a heartbeat. The money we saved let us extend our trip by two days, and we left feeling like we’d experienced real Portugal, not just its tourist facade. Just promise me one thing: if you go, don’t Instagram that blue-tiled church everyone posts. Some secrets should stay secret. (OK, fine, it’s the Capela das Almas, and it’s stunning, but you didn’t hear it from me.)