Which is better, Porto or Lisbon? What a question, both are the two most well-known and popular cities in Portugal and without a doubt travelers know them both when they decide to visit the country. But… which is better?
Each one offers delicious cuisine, good prices compared to the rest of Europe, wonderful architecture and good views, but if you had to choose one, which is better, Porto or Lisbon?
Porto or Lisbon, what do they have in common
Portugal is a country that has low prices compared to the rest of the European Union, so yes, visiting is convenient. Both cities have a similar geography, with some hills that offer good panoramic views, and both have a river that is an artery of the urban conglomerate. In the case of Porto there is the Duro, in the case of Lisbon, the Tagus. And also, both are near the Atlantic Ocean.
Both Porto and Lisbon have very good gastronomy at low prices. Both cities rest in a truly vintage, with old trams and buildings.
Advantages and disadvantages of Porto
Now we begin to see the and advantages, in this case from old Porto. Porto is a city but It has a small town atmosphere. It is in the north of the country and has a population of around 250 thousand people. It is compact, so it's easy to navigate well at least for the most important thing you don't need to use public transportation (I'm talking about the Rivera and the Old Town of the city).
For these reasons, being more compact than Lisbon, If you are short on time, visiting Porto is more convenient. Also if you go as a couple and your plan is to do something romantic because, for example, you can take a boat ride, a classic sorrel, and cross under the six Duro bridges. And finally, the port wine It is world-renowned so as a couple you can always visit the surrounding villages or do a wine tasting in the city.
With respect to disadvantages We can start by saying that Porto does not have monumental architecture. We can only talk about the Don Luis bridge and some very beautiful churches, but it lacks monumental and impressive works. And the same can be said with respect to the cultural activity, in this case there are more in the capital, Lisbon.
Advantages and disadvantages of Lisbon
Which is the best, Porto or Lisbon? With respect to and advantagesAlthough Lisbon is not one of the most glamorous capitals in Europe, it is It is a big city. That is, it has huge squares, many picturesque neighborhoods and as we said before, more cultural activities.
Lisbon has many places that offer good views, and also a spectacular gastronomy based on cod. Add local wine, very good, and the classic and famous ones Bethlehem cakes. To go out to bars you can go to the Zona Alta, to live a classic fado, Just choose one of the many places that offer this show.
And that disadvantages have Lisbon? Well, you can't visit much in a few days because some important sites from a tourist point of view are far away, for example Belém. And also You cannot not use public transport, for the same reason, you cannot walk much.
Which is better, Porto or Lisbon?
I feel that It depends on the type of traveler you are and the type of trip you are looking for.. In principle, it is also true that you can visit both cities, even with just a few days. A ideal trip, If this is your intention, it would be to pass three or four nights in Lisbon, to be able to do a day trip to Sintra, and two nights in Porto. On a shorter trip, two nights in each city, entering through one and leaving through the other.
Calculate that There are three hours of travel between Lisbon and Porto, by train or car, so at least technically you can see Porto from Lisbon. But maybe you don't want to, so assuming you have to say which city is the best... I think Porto is better. Although Lisbon is the national capital, I believe that Porto, even though it is small, has much more for the traveler.
At first, It is a city that is easily explored on foot, 100%. As well It is the entrance to the Duro Valley, winegrowing region by excellence. Also It has better hotels and better restaurants, is or feels, a safest city and has that old charm that Lisbon has been losing.
When it comes to asking the big question, which is better, Porto or Lisbon, we can say that Porto is for travelers who like to walk or love good views.No. Also for Harry Potter fans, since JK Rowling spent two years here and used to visit the Livreria Lello, which she says served as inspiration for the Hogwarts library. And it is a magical place, yes.
Porto is a smaller place, even with its hills, and the views are great from either of its two sectors on the side of the Duro. There are those who think that Porto looks like Edinburgh, because of the profiles of the buildings pressed together, sharp in a steep valley, with so many alleys that go up and down and that romantic air of an old city. Furthermore, you should know that Porto was not destroyed by an earthquake like Lisbon in 1755 so it maintains original structures throughout.
It is also true that one feels safer in Porto than in Lisbon. The Portuguese capital has a lot of nightlife and it is not safe to walk at night, if you are traveling alone. Nothing that doesn't happen in other cities, yes, but Porto is quieter.
Finally, Porto is romantic, with its restaurants, terraces, patios and panoramic points. And the Valle del Duro, another trip. You can rent a car or join a tour. It takes two hours to reach the heart of the valley, and it is well worth it. You can even take advantage and stay a couple of nights at a winery.
So to the question Which is better, Porto or Lisbon?, I think you'll find that Porto wins: it offers good wines, a walkable map, romantic sites, delicious gastronomy and safety.