Which is better to travel Lisbon or Porto?

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.



People Also Ask

To get a well-rounded experience of Portugal, it makes sense to try to visit both places. Ideally, I'd recommend three or four nights in Lisbon (in order to do a day trip to Sintra) and two nights in Porto. On the shortest itinerary I would plan on two nights in each city. Fly into one city and out of the other.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

The average journey time by train between Lisbon and Porto is 4 hours and 8 minutes, with around 17 trains per day. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner on this page to search for a specific travel date.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

One of the best ways to travel from Lisbon to Porto is by hopping on a high-speed train that'll take you from the Portuguese capital city to its northern gem in as little as two and a half hours.

MORE DETAILS

Three days is the perfect length of time to fully discover Lisbon. Within these three days, you'll be able to explore all the main tourist attractions, experience the vibrant nightlife, sample some delicious foods and create wonderful memories of this amazing city.

MORE DETAILS

So, how many days to explore Lisbon? We always recommend that it takes three days to fully explore Lisbon. This is sufficient to visit all of the characterful districts, experience the nightlife and join a couple of unique activities.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

Yes, Lisbon is walkable. While it has a reputation for being hilly, Lisbon's historic streets are indeed walkable. There is no need to rent a car, just remember to pack some good walking shoes!

MORE DETAILS

Comfortable walking shoes:Porto is a very walkable city, with many cobblestone streets and steep hills. Comfortable shoes will be essential for exploring the city on foot. Light layers: The weather in Porto can be unpredictable, and it's always a good idea to bring clothing that can be layered.

MORE DETAILS

Many consider the Linha do Douro, the train line that follows the valley, one of the most beautiful train rides in Europe. Under 125 miles (200km) long, the line terminates at Pocinho, just shy of the Spanish border.

MORE DETAILS

Porto is very different from Lisbon and the coastal towns It 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.

MORE DETAILS