A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Seoul vs. Faro for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Seoul or Faro?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Seoul and Faro can help you decide which place is right for you.

Seoul

Seoul is a bustling, modern, and high energy city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and live music. See Seoul travel costs.

Faro

Faro is a busy, active, and popular resort town. And you can't forget about the nightlife, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Faro travel costs.

Seoul and Faro: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Seoul or Faro?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Seoul. Although Seoul and Faro are popular destinations, Seoul has more sights and attractions for tourists. Seoul is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Faro attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and historical sights. Faro is more touristy than Seoul and is popular for its historical sights and rich culture. Seoul is famous for its shopping malls, colorful street markets, beautiful parks, and vibrant energy. It is also well known for Gyeongbokgung Palace.

How is Seoul different from Faro?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Faro and Seoul. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Seoul or Faro?

Seoul is great for its historical sights. However, Faro does not have museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Seoul can be an interesting and educational experience. The museums and landmarks are diverse, with notable sights including N Seoul Tower, the Bukchon Hanok Traditional Village, and the National Museum of Korea.

Faro does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Seoul or Faro? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Seoul is a must-visit destination for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Faro is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Seoul is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. Food is a cultural obsession here, and you'll find everything from world class street food to award winning restaurants. The dishes are so much more diverse than Korean barbecue and kimchi. Many dishes are very spicy, with popular local foods including gamjatang (pork and potato soup) and jeon (savory pancakes).

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Faro. It has become a major tourist town, so you have to get a bit creative to find a more traditional restaurant. Look for fresh seafood like cod, monkfish, or shellfish if you want some local flavors.

Is Seoul or Faro Better for Nightlife?

Both Seoul and Faro are excellent when it comes to partying.

Seoul offers plenty to do in the evening. This is definitely a work hard/play hard city, with locals working long hours during the day and then partying hard late into the night. The nightlife scene is strong both during the week and on weekends. There are bars, clubs, and lounges that are frequented by locals and tourists alike.

Faro has a large number of nightlife venues. The city's bustling party scene thrives along Rua de São Pedro, Rua Conselheiro Bívar, and Rua do Prior.

Is Seoul or Faro Better for Music?

Seoul is a must-visit destination for live music. However, Faro is not a live music destination.

Seoul is known as a music capital around the world. K-pop has put the city on the map for music, but you'll actually find a wide range of genres here including rock music and electronic dance music.

Faro is not a live music destination.

Is Seoul or Faro Better for Resorts?

Faro is very popular for its resorts. However, Seoul is not a resort destination.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Faro is a perfect choice. Popular resorts include Vila Vita Parc Resort and Spa, Conrad Algarve, and Tivoli Carvoeiro.

Seoul is not a resort destination.

Is Seoul or Faro Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Faro is very good for its diving and snorkeling. However, Seoul is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Faro. There are both snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities in the area. It's possible to snorkel off of several beaches or arrange a scuba diving excursion with a local dive shop.

Seoul is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Seoul or Faro Better for Beaches?

Faro is very good for the beach. However, Seoul is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Faro to enjoy the beach. The most popular beach in the area is Faro Beach. It can get crowded during the summer months but if you walk a bit you can often get away from the crowds. To reach the beach you'll need a car or you can take the bus as the beach is about 10 km away.

Seoul is not a beach destination.

Is Seoul or Faro Better for its Old Town?

Faro is very good for its old town. However, Seoul does not have a historic old town.

Many people head to Faro to see the old town. You'll find historic buildings and cobblestone streets in the old town. It's a nice place to explore, grab a bite to eat, and do a little shopping.

Seoul does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Seoul or Faro?

Seoul is a must-visit destination for shopping. Also, Faro is not as popular, but is still a nice resort town for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Seoul. This bustling city offers traditional local items as well as Korean cosmetics and trendy fashion. Although shopping malls are spread throughout the city, some of the most popular shopping areas are found around Myeong-dong and Dongdaemun.

Faro offers some nice shopping areas. The town isn't as big as some others, so it's shopping scene isn't as comprehensive, but you will find the major brands as well as souvenir shops to peruse when you need a break from the beach.

Is Seoul or Faro Better for Families?

Seoul is great for its kid-friendly activities. However, Faro is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

Seoul is a very family-friendly destination. The city has a wide range of kid-friendly activities, ranging from the easy choices like amusement parks and children's museums, to the less obvious like kid-friendly cafes and markets. There are many entertainment options packed into a small space, so kids and adults alike will stay entertained.

Faro is not the most family-friendly destination. There are some nice nature reserves in the area so kids who love wildlife will enjoy a visit.

Is Seoul or Faro Better for Couples?

Seoul is great for romance. Also, Faro is not as popular, but is still a nice resort town for its romantic activities.

Seoul is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Couples enjoy the beautiful viewpoints, outdoor parks, and diverse restaurants. There are also many beautiful luxury hotels where couples can enjoy a romantic getaway.

Faro makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With the beautiful natural areas and historic old town, this seaport makes a nice couples vacation.

Is Seoul or Faro Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Seoul and Faro are nice destinations for backpackers.

Seoul is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. The city isn't the most popular among backpackers, but those who visit will enjoy exploring a fascinating culture and delicious cuisine. Because it's a large city, you'll find a diversity of accommodation options including some budget-friendly hostels and hotels.

It's common for backpackers to visit Faro. The are some good hostels in the area, but it's a bit tricky to get around without a car.

Is Seoul or Faro Better for Students?

Seoul is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Faro is not popular with students.

Seoul is a great city to visit as a student. Many international students head to Seoul National University, which has an excellent academic reputation. The city is also fun and energetic, so everyone will be entertained.

Faro is not popular with students.

Is Seoul or Faro Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Seoul is a must-visit destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Faro is not as popular, but is still a nice resort town for its public transit.

Seoul has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. The modern and clean transportation system includes both a subway and buses.

Faro has a few public transit options. There are buses that connect the city to the beach, the airport, and other outlying areas.

Is Seoul or Faro a more walkable city?

Seoul is great for its walkability. Also, Faro is not as popular, but is still a nice resort town for its high level of walkability.

Seoul is very walkable. Many neighborhoods are fun to explore on foot but do take note that parts of the city are very hilly and the weather can be bitter cold during the winter months.

Faro is a somewhat walkable place. The city's old town is particularly walkable.

For even more information, also check out Is Seoul Worth Visiting? and Is Faro Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Faro or Seoul?

How long in Seoul or Faro?

In either Seoul or Faro, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Seoul than Faro because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Seoul, and 2-5 days is enough time in Faro.

Families should spend more time in Seoul than Faro. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Seoul, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Seoul than Faro. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Seoul that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Seoul than Faro if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Seoul.

One day in Seoul or Faro?

Seoul is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Faro, many people enjoy the nightlife and scuba diving and snorkeling that this active destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This resort town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Seoul or Faro?

Seoul is a fun place to experience. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Faro. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Seoul or Faro?

Seoul is a colorful big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Faro is a fun place to experience. In Faro, many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife that this destination offers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Seoul or Faro?

Seoul is a bustling city where you can fill many days. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

You'll find nightlife and scuba diving and snorkeling around the popular destination of Faro. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to South Korea, The Best Adventure Tours to South Korea, The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Seoul and Faro, we can see that Faro is more expensive. And not only is Seoul much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Seoul is in Asia and Faro is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Seoul would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Seoul and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Faro would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Faro than you might in Seoul.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Seoul Expensive? and Is Faro Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Seoul or Faro?

Seoul has a larger population, and is about 250 times larger than the population of Faro. When comparing the sizes of Seoul and Faro, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Seoul or Faro?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Seoul or Faro in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Seoul as well as Faro. The city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Seoul this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Faro for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Seoul is generally around the same temperature as Faro. Daily temperatures in Seoul average around 26°C (78°F), and Faro fluctuates around 25°C (78°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Faro. In the summer, Seoul often gets less sunshine than Faro. Seoul gets 121 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Faro receives 374 hours of full sun.

Seoul receives a lot of rain in the summer. Seoul usually gets more rain in July than Faro. Seoul gets 369 mm (14.5 in) of rain, while Faro receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Seoul or Faro in the Autumn?

Both Faro and Seoul are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Seoul for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Also, many visitors come to Faro in the autumn for the shopping scene.

Seoul is cooler than Faro in the autumn. The daily temperature in Seoul averages around 15°C (59°F) in October, and Faro fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

It's quite sunny in Faro. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Seoul. Seoul usually receives less sunshine than Faro during autumn. Seoul gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Faro receives 222 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Seoul usually receives less rain than Faro. Seoul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Faro receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Seoul or Faro in the Winter?

Both Faro and Seoul during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Seoul in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Faro for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

Seoul can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Seoul is much colder than Faro. Typically, the winter temperatures in Seoul in January average around -3°C (27°F), and Faro averages at about 12°C (54°F).

In the winter, Seoul often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Faro. Seoul gets 163 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Faro receives 161 hours of full sun.

Seoul usually gets less rain in January than Faro. Seoul gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Faro receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Seoul or Faro in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Seoul and Faro. Most visitors come to Seoul for the activities around the city during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Faro because of the beaches.

In April, Seoul is generally cooler than Faro. Daily temperatures in Seoul average around 13°C (55°F), and Faro fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Faro this time of the year. In Seoul, it's very sunny this time of the year. Seoul usually receives less sunshine than Faro during spring. Seoul gets 205 hours of sunny skies, while Faro receives 248 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Seoul usually receives more rain than Faro. Seoul gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Faro receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Faro and Seoul