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

Should you visit Seoul or Porto?

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 Porto can help you decide which place is right for you.

Seoul

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

Porto

Porto is a historic, cultural, and cosmopolitan port city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. The beauty of Porto is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping. See Porto travel costs.

Seoul and Porto: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Seoul or Porto?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Seoul than Porto. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Seoul is very popular for its music, shopping, and big city activities, while Porto attracts visitors for its historical sights and impressive beauty. Porto is more touristy than Seoul and is popular for its authentic old town and the local port wine. 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 Porto?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Porto 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 Porto?

Plenty of people visit the very good sights and museums in both Seoul and Porto.

Many visitors head to Seoul specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The museums and landmarks are diverse, with notable sights including N Seoul Tower, the Bukchon Hanok Traditional Village, and the National Museum of Korea.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Porto can be an interesting and educational experience. With such a long history, there are many landmarks and sights in the city. Popular attractions include the Clérigos Tower, Palácio da Bolsa, and Igreja de São Francisco.

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

Both Seoul and Porto offer fantastic local cuisine and restaurants.

Seoul has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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).

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Porto is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The area's cuisine combines the ocean setting with the agriculture of the surrounding area, so you'll enjoy both seafood dishes as well as fresh meats and vegetables. The area is also famous for its Port wines and red wines. There are plenty of cellar tours as well was waterfront seafood restaurants to choose from.

Is Seoul or Porto Better for Nightlife?

Both Seoul and Porto are very good 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.

Porto has a large number of nightlife venues. This city comes to life in the evening, particularly on weekends when locals and tourists alike flock to the many bars, restaurants, and nightclubs.

Is Seoul or Porto Better for Music?

Seoul is very popular for live music. However, Porto 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.

Porto is not a live music destination.

Is Seoul or Porto Better for its Old Town?

Porto is a well-known place for its old town. However, Seoul does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Porto. Known as Porto Ribeira, the city's historic district is the most visited part of the town. It begins on the banks of the River Douro and climbs into the hills behind it.

Seoul does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Seoul or Porto?

Seoul is very popular for shopping. Also, Porto is not as popular, but is still a nice port city 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.

Porto offers some nice shopping areas. The city has both your standard shopping mall stores as well as local vendors and boutique shops.

Is Seoul or Porto More Beautiful?

Porto is a well-known place for its scenery and beauty. However, Seoul is not a destination known for its beauty.

The beauty of Porto is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. The city sits beautifully on the water and it has a charming atmosphere.

Seoul is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Seoul or Porto Better for Families?

You'll find very good kid-friendly activities in either Seoul or Porto.

Seoul is a very kid-friendly city. 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.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Porto. The city has several cool museums including the interactive museum - The World of Discoveries. There are also parks, playgrounds, zoos, and aquariums that you can explore. For families that enjoy being outside, this is a great city. Kids will enjoy spotting street art, riding the funicular, and taking a cellar tour. If the kids need a break from the city, head to the beach for the day.

Is Seoul or Porto Better for Couples?

Both Seoul and Porto are very good destinations to visit as a couple.

Seoul is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples enjoy the beautiful viewpoints, outdoor parks, and diverse restaurants. There are also many beautiful luxury hotels where couples can enjoy a romantic getaway.

Porto makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. You can visit the palaces, enjoy shopping, or dine in a nice Portuguese restaurant. Take a cellar tour and sample port then catch a ride on the funicular. This city has plenty for couples to do on a romantic getaway.

Is Seoul or Porto Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Porto is very popular for backpackers. Also, Seoul is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Porto. By combining world-class activities with affordability, this city has become a popular stop off for backpackers in the area.

It's common for backpackers to visit Seoul. 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.

Is Seoul or Porto Better for Students?

Seoul and Porto are both very good destinations for students and younger travelers.

Seoul is very popular with students. 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.

Porto is a great city to visit as a student. The city has a number of good research programs and study abroad opportunities that attract international students from around the world.

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

Seoul is very popular for times when you don't have a car. Also, Porto is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its public transit.

Seoul has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. The modern and clean transportation system includes both a subway and buses.

Porto has some very good public transit options. There is a metro system as well as a bus system. While the metro system does have six lines, most stations aren't close to the tourist attractions, so it likely won't be that helpful to visitors.

Is Seoul or Porto a more walkable city?

Seoul and Porto both are very good when exploring on foot.

Seoul is a very walkable city. 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.

Porto is a very walkable destination. The city center is very compact with most of the sights within a short walk of each other. The area is also very hilly, so getting from place to place can require a bit of effort.

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

Should I spend more time in Porto or Seoul?

How long in Seoul or Porto?

In either Seoul or Porto, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Seoul than Porto 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 Porto.

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

Couples should spend more time in Seoul than Porto. 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 Porto than Seoul 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 Porto.

One day in Seoul or Porto?

Each neighborhood in Seoul has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. This city 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.

In Porto, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this cosmopolitan big city offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the food. This port city 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 Porto?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Seoul. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Porto. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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 Porto?

Seoul is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Seoul has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Porto is a fun place to experience. In Porto, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this big city destination offers. Lots of people come for the food. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Seoul or Porto?

Each neighborhood in Seoul has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

You'll find food and shopping around the cosmopolitan big city of Porto. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the food. 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Portugal, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Portugal.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Seoul and Porto, we can see that Porto 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 Porto 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 Porto would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Porto 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 Porto Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Seoul or Porto?

Seoul has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Porto. When comparing the sizes of Seoul and Porto, 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 Porto?

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 Porto in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Seoul as well as Porto. The summer months attract visitors to Seoul because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Porto this time of year.

In July, Seoul is generally a little warmer than Porto. Daily temperatures in Seoul average around 26°C (78°F), and Porto fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Porto. In the summer, Seoul often gets less sunshine than Porto. Seoul gets 121 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Porto receives 308 hours of full sun.

Seoul receives a lot of rain in the summer. Seoul usually gets more rain in July than Porto. Seoul gets 369 mm (14.5 in) of rain, while Porto receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Seoul or Porto in the Autumn?

Both Porto and Seoul are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Seoul this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Porto for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Seoul is around the same temperature as Porto in the autumn. The daily temperature in Seoul averages around 15°C (59°F) in October, and Porto fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Seoul. Seoul usually receives more sunshine than Porto during autumn. Seoul gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Porto receives 184 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Porto. In October, Seoul usually receives less rain than Porto. Seoul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Porto receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Seoul or Porto in the Winter?

Both Porto and Seoul during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Seoul for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Porto in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Seoul. In the winter, Seoul is much colder than Porto. Typically, the winter temperatures in Seoul in January average around -3°C (27°F), and Porto averages at about 10°C (50°F).

In the winter, Seoul often gets more sunshine than Porto. Seoul gets 163 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Porto receives 124 hours of full sun.

Porto gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Seoul usually gets less rain in January than Porto. Seoul gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Porto receives 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Seoul or Porto in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Seoul and Porto. Many visitors come to Seoul in the spring for the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Porto for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Seoul is generally around the same temperature as Porto. Daily temperatures in Seoul average around 13°C (55°F), and Porto fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Porto this time of the year. In Seoul, it's very sunny this time of the year. Seoul usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Porto during spring. Seoul gets 205 hours of sunny skies, while Porto receives 217 hours of full sun in the spring.

Porto receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Seoul usually receives less rain than Porto. Seoul gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Porto receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Porto and Seoul