Lisbon vs. Porto: Which Best??!!

[Got2Cruise]

Since this is the ocean cruise ports board, I just want to point out that it is possible spending several days in both places if one takes a River Boat Cruise on the Douro River. Something to think about if you’ve never tried a RC. 

[iancal]

We flew into Porto because we were on our way to Europe and we able to grab a very inexpensive last minute direct flight and then a week or so later a low cost flight to Rome in order to pick up a cruise.

 

Porto surprised us.  Not just the city. We rented a car for five days and toured the Douro Valley.  It was wonderful.  At one point we stayed with on a family vineyard high up overlooking the valley.  It made us truly appreciate the opportunity to spend more than a day.   The comparison in my mind would be a quick fast food meal at MacDonalds where one gulps it down and gets out vs a leisurely gourmet meal in small cafe.  Mind you, visitors to Porto should take in the beautiful building, with its fabulous stained windows, that houses the local MacDonalds!

Edited April 26, 2019 by iancal

[erby2283]

We'll be flying from Barcelona to Lisbon post cruise for a few days. Could someone recommend the best way to travel to Porto to spend the day? I know it's not ideal but to go just for a day but it's all we can do. Train? 

[TLCOhio]

49 minutes ago, erby2283 said:

We'll be flying from Barcelona to Lisbon post cruise for a few days. Could someone recommend the best way to travel to Porto to spend the day? I know it's not ideal but to go just for a day but it's all we can do. Train? 

 

Appreciate these earlier posts and follow-ups from iancal and Got2Cruise.  Very helpful sharing!!  Good questions above from erby2283.  Per www.raileurope.com:  "The average travel time between Lisbon and Porto is 2h50 minutes. The quickest route is 2h35 minutes. The first train leaving Lisbon is at 06:00, the last at 21:39. There is an average of 32 trains a day between Lisbon and Porto, leaving approximately every 44 minutes."  It would cost about  $27 or higher for this train trip one-way.

 

 

Worth it??  Much depends as to your total net time available for Lisbon, what all you want to see there, etc.  Could you do "it" in one day?  Yes, but with six hours or so consumed in your logistics getting up there and back, it will be a long, challenging day.  

 

This website (https://lisbonlisboaportugal.com/lisbon-transport/lisbon-to-porto-train.html) notes: "Porto is 310km to the north of Lisbon, and the journey takes approximately 2.5-3.5 hours by public transport. Driving is the fastest option, but the toll road network is comparatively expensive, and the toll roads use an overly complicated automated system for collecting fees.  Both Lisbon and Porto have major airports, but it is impractical to fly the short distance between the two cities. When the flight time is combined with the time spent waiting around in the airports, it is significantly quicker (and cheaper) to catch the train or bus.  Train travel is much faster than the bus, but it is more expensive."

 

Both are wonderful cities.  But, there are serious "trade-offs" and pro/con factors to consider.   Keep rolling with the excellent questions, comments, etc. 

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

For latest live/blog, see “Holy Lands, Egypt, Jordan, Oman, Dubai, Greece, etc.”, with many visuals, details and ideas for the historic and scenic Middle East.  Connect at:

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2607054-livenautica-greece-holy-lands-egypt-dubai-terrypix’s/

[TLCOhio]

From the Travel Section of the London/UK Independent newspaper yesterday, they had this headline: “HOW TO VISIT THE PORTUGUESE CITY IN JUST EIGHT HOURS”  with these highlights: “The Portuguese capital’s popularity as a city break destination has skyrocketed over the last 10 years, prompted by a slew of exciting museum and gallery openings alongside its sheer prettiness: think cobbled, winding streets, intricately patterned tiles on the buildings and vintage trams trundling up and down.”

 

This profile is based only on doing just a one-day trip from London to Lisbon.  Clearly, you can and should spend more time here.  Here is another options suggested for consideration: "Portugal is famous for its pasteis de nata (Portuguese custard tarts to you and me), and how better to enjoy this combination of beautifully flaky pastry and rich custard dusted with cinnamon than by learning how to make one?"

 

Full story at:

https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/europe/lisbon-day-trip-city-break-portugal-microtrip-flight-travel-a8893256.html

 

Venice: Loving It & Why??!!  Is one of your future desires or past favorites? See these many visual samples for its great history and architecture.  This posting is now at 82,047 views.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1278226

 

Here are just two of the pictures used in this newspaper profile to illustrate the colorful charm and character of wonderful Lisbon.:

(Open your screen/viewer wider to see these pictures larger/better!)

 

 

This article's visuals show how the Time Out Market offers a host of culinary workshops.  Yes, we dined here and enjoy its food, energy and style.:

[TLCOhio]

From the Sydney Morning Herald and other Fairfax newspapers in Australia last week, they had this headline: “Travel trends and destinations: The nine biggest things in travel right now”  with these highlights: “Travel is fashion. Destinations are trends. Sometimes you don't realise it, but there are certain places you'll want to travel to now because they've come into fashion.”

 

Here is what was highlighted for Lisbon as one of these top, most important locations to visit: "Lisbon is going nuts, thanks to its affordability, its abundance of high-quality, independent hostels, its great nightlife and excellent food. This city used to be a bit off the beaten backpacker trail, given its location way out on the Iberian Peninsula, but no more. People are visiting. In 2008, Portugal as a whole received just under 7 million tourists. Ten years later, in 2018, that number was 21 million. If you feel like you're seeing a lot more photos of Portugal, and Lisbon in particular, in newspapers and on social media, then you're right."

 

Full story at:

http://www.traveller.com.au/travel-trends-and-destinations-the-nine-biggest-things-in-travel-right-now-h1eub5

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

For latest live/blog, see “Holy Lands, Egypt, Jordan, Oman, Dubai, Greece, etc.”, with many visuals, details and ideas for the historic and scenic Middle East.  Connect at:

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2607054-livenautica-greece-holy-lands-egypt-dubai-terrypix’s/

[TLCOhio]

From the Travel Section of the London/UK Sunday Times, they will have this headline tomorrow: “30 best cultural holidays in Europe”  with this sub-head: "From art and architecture to film festivals and classical concerts, here is the pick of Europe’s hot tickets". 

 

One of top Europe locations featured is Porto.  Here is the highlight featured for Porto: “If video art’s your thing, head to Porto this summer. Working with Tate Modern, the handsome Portuguese city’s Serralves Museum of Contemporary Art is hosting Europe’s biggest retrospective of the New York pioneer Joan Jonas, whose multimedia works over the past 50 years have also encompassed performance and installation (until September 1, serralves.pt). Time your visit to include June 23 and you’ll be able to join the citywide Festa de Sao Joao, which begins with an all-night hurrah of live music, fireworks over the Douro River, and barbecued sardines.
Where to stay The Yeatman has great views over the Douro; B&B doubles cost from €355 (00 351 220 133 185, the-yeatman-hotel.com)”.

 

And not to be missed, Lisbon was also featured: "Travel to Portugal’s capital in mid-July and you can combine two distinct musical festivals. Super Bock Super Rock always has a good line-up, but this year’s is exceptional: Lana del Rey, Jungle, Janelle Monáe, Metronomy, Cat Power, Christine and the Queens, and Charlotte Gainsbourg are playing alongside emerging Portuguese acts (July 18-20, superbocksuperrock.pt). Happening simultaneously is the summer-long Somersby Out Jazz — free jazz concerts amid the Jardim da Estrela’s exotic plants in July (ncs.pt). Grab a lemon ice cream en route from the nearby gelateria Nannarella at 64 Rua Nova da Piedade (nannarella.pt). 
Where to stay In a former army arsenal, the 28-room townhouse Almalusa has B&B doubles from €202 (00 351 212 697 440, almalusahotels.com)"

 

Full story at:

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/edition/travel/30-best-cultural-holidays-in-europe-7tqm8vtjn

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Lisbon, NWSpain, Bordeaux/Brittany: Live/blog, June 2017 from Portugal to France along scenic Atlantic Coast.  Now at 28,822 views.  Many interesting pictures, details for history, food, culture, etc.:

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2511358

[mskaufman]

Thanks Terry,

 

We are there the night of the 24th!

[TLCOhio]

12 hours ago, mskaufman said:

Thanks Terry,   We are there the night of the 24th!

 

Which location, Porto or Lisbon, will you be there on the 24th?  June or July?  When do you depart to explore this fun and interesting area?  Understand your excitement to explore these locations!!  Good luck. 

:

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Panama Canal? Early 2017, Fort Lauderdale to San Francisco adventure through Panama Canal.  Our first stops in Colombia, Central America and Mexico, plus added time in the great Golden Gate City. Now at 26,826 views.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2465580

[downsmead]

Our trip to Portugal began on the 5th June. We have spent a few days in Porto - fabulous city, then caught the train to Regua where we spent a couple of nights. We are presently in Pinhao, from where we will go back to Porto for a few days and then onto Lisbon. We miss the Lisbon Sardine festival unfortunately 😱.

I am surprised that more cruise companies do not call into Porto, a Silverseas ship was in port one day. There is so much to see and far better than Vigo!!

 

[mskaufman]

10 hours ago, TLCOhio said:

 

Which location, Porto or Lisbon, will you be there on the 24th?  June or July?  When do you depart to explore this fun and interesting area?  Understand your excitement to explore these locations!!  Good luck. 

:

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Panama Canal? Early 2017, Fort Lauderdale to San Francisco adventure through Panama Canal.  Our first stops in Colombia, Central America and Mexico, plus added time in the great Golden Gate City. Now at 26,826 views.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2465580

We are in Lisbon the nights of June 22 -23 and move to Porto for the night of June 24.

[TLCOhio]

17 hours ago, downsmead said:

Our trip to Portugal began on the 5th June. We have spent a few days in Porto - fabulous city, then caught the train to Regua where we spent a couple of nights. We are presently in Pinhao, from where we will go back to Porto for a few days and then onto Lisbon. We miss the Lisbon Sardine festival unfortunately 😱.  I am surprised that more cruise companies do not call into Porto, a Silverseas ship was in port one day. There is so much to see and far better than Vigo!!

 

Appreciate this great additional background and follow-ups from mskaufman and downsmead.  Agree that more cruise ships should stop at Porto.  It is a totally amazing city with such wonderful history, charm and architecture.  In certain ways/areas, it is better than Lisbon.  Both are excellent, must-see locations.  Keep us posted as to your visits there, key suggestions, most-loved experiences, etc.  

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise from Copenhagen, July 2010, to the top of Europe. Wonderful scenic visuals with key tips. Live/blog at 235,858 views.

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923

[mskaufman]

Hi Terry, Any last minute advice before we head out later this week?

[downsmead]

What dates are you in Portugal and what cities are you visiting?

I am currently in the ‘Time Out’ market having lunch, having visited the castle and the cathedral today.

We fly home tomorrow but have a full day in the city before our flight.

[mskaufman]

3 hours ago, downsmead said:

What dates are you in Portugal and what cities are you visiting?

I am currently in the ‘Time Out’ market having lunch, having visited the castle and the cathedral today.

We fly home tomorrow but have a full day in the city before our flight.

How was the time out market?  We have the day we arrive plus the next day in Lisbon and then head to Porto. After that we head to A Coruna

[downsmead]

We hit the Time Out market at lunch time (~1pm) and needless to say it was very busy. We managed to find 2 seats after wandering around for a while, and then decided it was easier if we both ate from the same stall. One of us kept the seats whilst the other went and ordered the food (and drink) from the same stall. Great fun and good food.

I must admit that we preferred Porto to Lisbon, less frantic, more to see. We would return to Porto but not necessarily Lisbon. 

I would recommend going out to Belém whilst in Lisbon, a great area with lots to see. Lisbon itself - the sights are quite spread out and not so many as in Porto. Lisbon is also very hilly in parts but that then leads to great views. 

We have been to Vigo but not A Coruna. 

Enjoy 😊 

[downsmead]

Belém has the Monosterios do Jeromonis, the Belém tower, the stature of the Discoveries plus it is a nice area to wander around with other museums out there too. Tram 15E from Lisbon (3€ pp each way). Beware someone was pickpocketed on the way out there!!!

We were so lucky that they were changing the guard at the nearby ‘palace’ which was interesting to see

[TLCOhio]

23 hours ago, downsmead said:

Belém has the Monosterios do Jeromonis, the Belém tower, the stature of the Discoveries plus it is a nice area to wander around with other museums out there too. Tram 15E from Lisbon (3€ pp each way). Beware someone was pickpocketed on the way out there!!!  We were so lucky that they were changing the guard at the nearby ‘palace’ which was interesting to see

 

Appreciate these great follow-ups and comments from mskaufman and downsmead.  Very helpful and interesting experiences.  Great sharing!!  Keep it rolling.    

 

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Athens & Greece: Many visuals, details from two visits in a city with great history, culture and architecture.  Now at 31,065 views.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1101008

[TLCOhio]

From the New York Times Travel Section in the past week, they had this headline: “Savoring Lisbon’s Local Tastes on a Budget” with this subhead: "Traditional restaurants known as tascas specialize in Portuguese comfort food at comfortable prices."

 

Here are of their story highlights: “Lisbon may be one of Europe’s more affordable capitals, but if you’re in search of a spectacular meal, it’s not difficult to drop 120 euros (about $135) for a three-course dinner (without wine) at restaurants like the Michelin-starred Belcanto.  Fortunately, budget travelers can turn to tascas: small, unpretentious restaurants that, back in the early part of the 20th century, catered mostly to the working class, and sold wine and petiscos, or shared plates, along with what was once their main product: coal.  These days, Lisbon’s tascas — including those that have recently opened or been taken over by new owners — still serve traditional, filling dishes, with meat- and seafood-based stews figuring predominantly.”

 

Many ideas to consider in the profile.  Here is more: "Twenty euros or under will buy you a three-course meal with wine at most of these restaurants, and you can expect to find dishes like pataniscas de bacalhau (salt cod fritters) and cozido à portuguesa (meat-and-sausage stew) on the menu, along with a variety of petiscos: clams à Bulhão Pato (clams with a sauce of olive oil, garlic and cilantro), say, or moelas estufadas (chicken gizzard stew)."

 

Full story at:

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/21/travel/lisbon-restaurants-budget.html

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Barcelona/Med: June 2011, with stops in Villefranche, ports near Pisa and Rome, Naples, Kotor, Venice and Dubrovnik. Great visuals with key highlights, tips, etc. Live/blog now at 247,394 views.

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1426474

 

Here is an example for one of the pictures feature to illustrate this NY Times article.  It is about Petisco Saloio, in the Campo Pequeno neighborhood.  It is billed as one of Lisbon’s great dining bargains.:

(Open your screen/view er wider to see these pictures larger/better!)

[mskaufman]

Just back.  We had no trouble finding dinners for 12E in Portugal.

[downsmead]

We had some lovely meals whilst in Portugal, across a wide range of prices. 

In Porto we had a meal at Muu Steakhouse, #1 on TA, and could see why it was so highly recommended. In Régua we treated ourselves to a dining experience at Doc, a meal with wine pairings which was exquisite. At the other end of the spectrum, we had so many delicious meals where we just wandered around to find somewhere to eat. As the article suggests, Lisbon was excellent for this. The fish meals were especially good. 

[TLCOhio]

20 hours ago, mskaufman said:

Just back.  We had no trouble finding dinners for 12E in Portugal.

 

Great above details and follow-ups from downsmead and mskaufman.  Good news and helpful specific locations to consider.  Keep up the great sharing.  

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Lisbon, NWSpain, Bordeaux/Brittany: Live/blog, June 2017 from Portugal to France along scenic Atlantic Coast.  Now at 29,094 views.  Many interesting pictures, details for history, food, culture, etc.:

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2511358

[mskaufman]

One of the people travelling with me had a veal chop for 14E that he said would have been at least $40 in the U.S.  There were a lot of restaurants to choose from, mostly in the same price range.  

[mskaufman]

Back to the original question.  Lisbon or Porto.  There is no good answer.  Both were very nice.  Porto was more photogenic (maybe because it was raining in Lisbon) and Lisbon has more to see.

[Hlitner]

We have enjoyed both cities during multiple visits.  Overnighting in Lisbon is special for us since we enjoy going out to dinner and Fado.  Lisbon is also a great place for a base as there are many decent day trip options such as Sinatra, Cascais, Esteril, etc.  Porto also offers some decent regional options such as visiting wineries.

 

Porto has a pretty decent public transit system (so does Lisbon) which can get you across the river to where visiting a few port houses (and tasting) is fun.

 

Portugal is an excellent country for a driving or river boat vacation.

 

Hank