Lisbon and Porto are both hilly cities, but Lisbon is hillier. If you have trouble walking, then Porto is the flatter option and is also a much smaller city so you can see more on-foot or in a short time.
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I liked Lisbon better, and as a larger city, there's more to see and do. However, both cities are quite hilly; Porto is even hillier than Lisbon.
In general, Porto is cooler than Lisbon and the Algarve, and in the winter, Porto is much wetter. Of the three, Porto is the best destination during the peak summer months.
Porto and Lisbon have much in common – both are hilly cities, with attractive riverside quarters and winding warrens of old lanes and alleyways. Portugal's two main cities both have fantastic restaurants – with a good mix of traditional and Michelin-starred cuisine – plus great bars and nightlife.
Some say that Porto is more of a “foodie” town than Lisbon and that there's more authentic traditional cuisine to be found. That's understandable as Lisbon does cater to a much broader contingent of diners.
Big sister Lisbon is twice the size, more cosmopolitan, faster paced and 200 miles further south, so in summer it can be sweltering. Compact, walkable Porto has a more traditional feel and is cooled by Atlantic breezes through summer, though fog and rain can roll in via the same route during the winter.
Porto is surprisingly famous for a lot, perhaps most notable is the production of Port wine. Beyond that, there's the historic center of the old town that is incredibly charming. Wandering aimlessly through the winding streets is the best way to discover those Porto secret places.
The best time to visit Porto is from mid-spring in April until the end of October, when it is still warm and sunny. Nonetheless, the best months are undoubtedly May and September.
We recommend spending at least two days in Porto for a slightly more relaxed pace. You can take your time to explore the city's charming streets and neighbourhoods, visit some of the top museums and cultural attractions, and perhaps take a day trip to nearby towns or beaches.
Porto's nightlife is perfect for everyone, with a wide range of bars and clubs catering to different tastes, styles, and vibes. Most of the nightlife hotspots are located downtown, making it easy to explore different venues.
Lisbon is a very walkable city, as long as you're willing to contend with some steep hills. The city is very easy to explore on foot if you're in good health, but the narrow, cobbled streets and many steep inclines can make it challenging if you have limited mobility or reduced fitness.
Lisbon is a hilly city, but there are many districts that are flat and easily accessible if you have limited mobility or endurance. The Baixa district lies in a valley between the hills of Alfama and Barrio Alto and is relatively flat.
Porto is very different from Lisbon and the coastal townsIt offers a very old-world vibe. Lisbon attracts visitors from around the world whereas Porto seems to be more popular with Europeans. Porto feels a little more authentic. Yes, there are touristy areas, but it's just not as pronounced as other areas in Portugal.
Ribeira is at the heart of the Old Town, and while it's a wonderful place to see during the day, the busy crowds make it the top of our list of areas to avoid in Porto. If you're not big on nightlife, you'll also want to skip Baixa – it can get quite lively in the evening.
Porto is the second largest city in Portugal and is located in the north of the country. It's a historic city with plenty to see and do, as well as being a great place to relax and enjoy the Mediterranean lifestyle. The food is fantastic, and the people are known for being extremely friendly.
For your first trip to Porto, we think three days is ideal.You'll need two days to take in the city's main highlights, and an extra day to explore the nearby Douro Valley. Being a relatively small city, it's possible to pack all of Porto's main attractions into a day (here's our guide on how to do Porto in a day).
Yes, A day trip to Porto from Lisbon is definitely possible. So how far is Lisbon from Porto? The two cities are less than 200 miles (320 km) apart, and the journey takes a little over 3 hours by car or slightly less by train. You can also take a tour or even book a private transfer.