Porto vs Lisbon: my honest take on Portugal’s two most popular cities

Torn between Porto vs Lisbon? I’ve visited both cities and compare them on sights, atmosphere, food, and more – including my final verdict.

Lisbon and Porto: perfect cities for a city break

As a big fan of Portugal and someone who lives there for a few months every year, I often get asked the same question: Porto vs Lisbon, which city is more fun? It is not an easy choice, because I have visited both cities and they each have something unique.

Lisbon almost feels like a second home to me. I enjoy wandering through the streets of Alfama, taking in the views from one of the many miradouros, and drinking a coffee while watching life in the city go by. But Porto has also found a special place in my heart. The city is smaller, but it has a really nice atmosphere. Think colourful houses, narrow streets, views over the Douro river, and that slightly rough edge that makes Porto feel extra special.

Both cities are located on the west coast of Portugal and are very easy to reach from the Netherlands, with daily direct flights from several airports. Lisbon is slightly further south and is the largest city in the country, with over half a million inhabitants. Porto is located in the north and is much smaller with around 230,000 people, but together with the surrounding municipalities it forms one of the most important urban areas in Portugal.

In this article, I compare the two cities side by side. I look at atmosphere, sights, food, prices, public transport and the surrounding areas. I choose a winner for each category and at the end I share my conclusion. Which city do I think is the best choice? And if you do not feel like choosing, I will also tell you how to easily combine them in one trip through Portugal.

Porto vs Lisbon: a comparison

Two beautiful cities, each with its own character. Let’s start with the atmosphere, because that is such an important part of any city break.

Atmosphere and character

To me, Porto feels like a place where you can still clearly see Portuguese history. It is smaller and quieter than Lisbon and has a slightly raw edge that gives the city its charm. You walk through narrow streets where the sidewalk sometimes turns into a staircase, old houses are still covered with weathered azulejos, and suddenly you find yourself standing next to a church with a huge tiled artwork on the facade. These tiles give the city a unique look, and you notice that many of the original details have been preserved.

What I really loved about Porto is the rhythm of the city. You can stroll endlessly along the Douro River, where cosy terraces invite you to sit down and relax. Porto feels approachable and easy to navigate. You get to know the city quickly, and that makes it easy to feel at home there.

Lisbon is bigger, busier and more international in many ways. The city has a great energy, especially when I walk through the Alfama district and see the old streetcars passing by.

I once stayed there for a week, and in the evenings, with my window open, I could hear fado music drifting in from a nearby restaurant. Those are the kinds of moments that stay with you. And even during the day there are plenty of peaceful spots to be found, like one of the many miradouros, where you can sit with a coffee or a sandwich and take in the view.

Still, during my last visit to Lisbon I felt that the character of the city is starting to change. It felt a lot more touristy than a few years ago. There were tuk-tuks everywhere, driving tourists around, and free city tours on every corner. That busy, more commercial feel has taken away a bit of the atmosphere I used to find so special there.

• Winner: Porto. For me, Porto comes out on top when it comes to atmosphere. The city feels more authentic, calm and well-balanced.

Sights and attractions

When it comes to major attractions, Lisbon clearly has the upper hand. Think of the historic Belém district with the impressive Torre de Belém and the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, São Jorge Castle, the iconic Tram 28, large squares, museums and viewpoints.

These are all the kinds of places that almost everyone has on their list. And rightly so. Lisbon gives you the chance to tick off a lot of cultural highlights in just a few days. Perfect if you like a packed schedule and want to see as much as possible.

Read more: 16 things to do in Lisbon

Porto is different. Of course, you will also find well-known spots here, such as the Dom Luís I Bridge, the cathedral, the old Ribeira district and the port cellars across the river. But it is not really the kind of city where you go from one highlight to the next.

In Porto, it is more about the atmosphere. You wander through the streets, stumble across a hidden park or a beautiful tiled facade you were not expecting. The city feels less made for tourists and therefore maybe less spectacular, but often more surprising.

Read more: 32 Best things to do in Porto Portugal

• Winner: Lisbon. When it comes to sightseeing in the classic sense, think monuments, museums, must-see places, Lisbon is the clear winner.

Food and drinks

When I think back on my trips to Lisbon and Porto, I mostly picture full plates, cosy restaurants and plenty of good coffee moments. Still, this is perhaps the hardest category to pick a winner in, because my experience was not entirely balanced. During one of my visits to Porto, I got food poisoning (not from something I ate there), and that obviously doesn’t help this comparison.

But aside from that bit of bad luck, there is plenty of good food and drink to be found in Porto. The city is known for hearty meals, with the most famous being the francesinha – a kind of super sandwich with meat, melted cheese and a rich beer-based sauce. Definitely not light, but very typical of Porto. And then, of course, there is the port wine. It really is part of the local culture. A tour of one of the many port houses along the Douro is almost a must.

Lisbon has a different culinary feel. The food is generally lighter, more varied, and perhaps also a bit more refined. I ate a lot of fish there on my recent visits, often very simply prepared but so tasty. The range of restaurants is excellent too, from traditional tascas to modern eateries and food halls like Time Out Market.

For me, one thing that is truly inseparable from Lisbon is the pastel de nata. You can find these little custard tarts all over the city, fresh from the oven, with or without cinnamon and powdered sugar. They originally come from Belém, a district in the west of Lisbon, where you’ll also find the famous Pastéis de Belém bakery. But honestly, I do not think that one makes the best natas. I found plenty of other places in Lisbon where they were even better.

You can definitely find pastel de nata in Porto as well, but they just did not stand out to me there. It does not feel like the city snack in the same way it does in Lisbon. And maybe that is also because I just tend to grab a coffee with a nata more often in Lisbon. That has kind of become a ritual for me – not only in Lisbon, but really anywhere in Portugal.

• Winner: Lisbon. For me, Lisbon wins in this category. Thanks to the variety, the seafood dishes, the wider choice of great places to eat, and of course my love for pastel de nata.

Prices and affordability

When it comes to prices, you do notice a difference between Lisbon and Porto, although it is not a huge one. Porto is generally a bit more budget-friendly. Think lower prices for accommodation, a glass of wine on a terrace, or a simple meal at a local restaurant. Especially if you look a little outside the city centre, you can eat and sleep well in Porto without spending too much.

In Lisbon, prices are slightly higher, especially in the more touristy neighbourhoods. A coffee or a pastel de nata is still perfectly affordable, but for dinner at a popular restaurant or a centrally located overnight stay, you will usually pay a bit more than in Porto. Airbnb prices have also gone up quite a lot in Lisbon in recent years, especially since the city became such a hotspot for digital nomads and tourists.

• Winner: Porto. When it comes to affordability, Porto wins it for me. Especially if you are travelling on a smaller budget, you get excellent value for money here.

Public transportation and accessibility

Both cities have excellent public transportation. In both Porto and Lisbon, it is easy to get around by metro, streetcar (both cities have those beautiful old ones), bus or train. Still, there are some differences in ease of use and the scale of the cities that can affect your experience.

In Lisbon, public transport generally works very smoothly. You buy a Viva Viagem card, which you can top up and use for metro, streetcars and buses. It is ideal if you are staying in the city for a few days. The metro lines take you quickly from the airport to the city centre, and it is easy to travel between different neighbourhoods.

Porto also has a good metro network, but the system works a little differently. You need to indicate in advance how many zones you will be travelling through on each trip, which can be a bit confusing at first. On the other hand, Porto is a lot more compact, so in practice you often do not need public transport at all. Many sights are within walking distance, and you are quickly at the river or in another part of the city.

Read more: Public transport in Porto: a practical guide

What I recommend in both cities is installing the Uber app on your phone. Especially if you are travelling with two or more people, it is often just as cheap – or even cheaper – than public transport. And it saves time if you are tired or staying somewhere just outside the city centre.

• Winner: Lisbon scores higher for the ease of use of its public transport system, while Porto is more compact and easy to explore on foot.

Surroundings and day trips

Both Porto and Lisbon are great bases for day trips. Still, there are some differences in the atmosphere and accessibility of the surrounding areas.

By now, I have taken several day trips from Lisbon, and I am always surprised by how easy it is to get away from the hustle and bustle. The beautiful palaces of Sintra, the beaches and boulevard of Cascais, or the lesser-known fishing town of Setúbal – all of them are easy to reach by public transport. For me, a day trip is almost a standard part of any stay in Lisbon.

In Porto, I unfortunately did not manage to do any day trips myself, as I came down with food poisoning during one of my visits. But there are definitely a few places high on my list for next time. Braga, for example, with its impressive Bom Jesus do Monte sanctuary, and Guimarães, the medieval city often referred to as the birthplace of Portugal.

A tour through the Douro Valley also sounds amazing, with vineyards climbing the hillsides, beautiful views and winding roads along the river. Many travellers book an organised day tour here, often including a boat trip or wine tasting.

So on paper, Porto has just as much to offer when it comes to the surrounding area, but I cannot fully speak from experience yet. What I do know is this: I will definitely go back to see it for myself.

• Winner: Lisbon. Based on my own experiences, Lisbon wins this round. The day trip options are varied, easy to get to, and each one feels like a mini holiday within your holiday.

Porto or Lisbon: the winner!

If you have read this far, you probably understand why this choice is such a tough one. Porto and Lisbon are both amazing cities, but in completely different ways. Lisbon is larger, more versatile and has an impressive list of attractions and day trips. There is always something going on. Porto is smaller, quieter and perhaps more intimate. It is the kind of city that really surprises you when you wander around without a plan and simply take in the atmosphere.

Personally, I have found myself leaning more towards Porto in recent years. It feels a little less touristy, and it is easy to form a connection with the city. But when it comes to sights, food and day trips, Lisbon is hard to beat.

And the winner is… Lisbon (by a small margin)
But that does not mean Porto loses. In fact, if you have the time, you should not have to choose at all.

Combine Porto and Lisbon

One of the great things about Portugal is that the distances are relatively short. You can easily combine Porto and Lisbon in a single trip. Travelling between the two by train takes about three to four hours. It is comfortable, affordable and comes with beautiful views along the way.

You could, for example, start in Porto, the more relaxed of the two, and end your trip in vibrant Lisbon. Or the other way around, if you prefer to finish with a bit more peace and quiet. If you have a week or longer, you could also make a stop along the way. Coimbra, for example, is a charming university city with a rich history.

In short: you really do not have to choose. Make it a great trip through two completely different, but equally unforgettable cities.