A Case For Why You Should Visit Lisbon Instead Of Porto

From the outside looking in, Lisbon and Porto may seem very similar. As the two largest cities in Portugal, they both attract a lot of attention and offer a myriad of opportunities. Both have unique cultures and their histories speak through their architecture.

Porto, the traditional north, is a great place to visit for jawdropping sites and unique gastronomy (like the Francesinha), and it is home to world renowned names such as the Livraria Lello & Irmão. Lisbon, on the other hand, is a diverse hub, and, as the capital, it offers many museums and historical landmarks unique to Portugal’s history that sit alongside international shops and flavors. Located towards the southern part of the country, Lisbon also enjoys sunnier days than its northern sister and generally warmer temperatures. While Porto is a destination everyone should see at least once, Lisbon is the place to see first.

Lisbon is a capital unlike many others. Unsurprisingly, the city center is one of the busiest areas, but venture off the main streets and suddenly the roads are a lot quieter. Sometimes, you may be the only person for a block or so. Anyone looking for a vacation or experience with a slower pace will have a hard time finding a more tranquil capital than Lisbon.

Don’t equate tranquil with boring, however, because there is plenty to do and see. The Baixa-Chiado area is full of commercial shopping in additional to many restaurants selling traditional Portuguese cuisine. Historic Belém is a short 25-minute bus ride away and home to the famous pastéis de nata, as well as the grand Jerónimos Monastery and Tower of Belém. Cute and old Alfama is full of souvenir shops and fado restaurants. Lisbon is certainly larger than Porto, with much more going on.

Lisbon is also welcoming to tourism and English seems to be the city’s second language. It’s easy to get around as a visitor, and if you get lost there is an excellent chance that someone can point you in the right direction – in English! Also, Portuguese food isn’t the only thing on the menu. While Porto may be more traditional Portuguese, Lisbon’s melting pot shows and the country’s culture blends nicely with the additions from migrants. One spot where this is strong is Martim Moniz, a multicultural square that’s surrounded by Brazilian and different styles of Asian shops and restaurants.

What about visitors looking for an inexpensive place to stay? Porto and Lisbon both have many budget-friendly accommodations, but Lisbon has lots more. Its hostels are among the best in the world, as voted on HostelWorld’s Hoscars. Lost Inn Lisbon, located in a renovated 18th-century building, and Home Lisbon Hostel, known for its “home-cooked meals” prepared by the owner’s mother, are a couple of the most comfortable, decorative and cost-friendly locations that have been recognized. Anyone who doesn’t mind splurging a bit will be pleased with the plethora of beautiful four- and five-star hotels too.

Of course, there may come a time when someone may want to venture from the city and see something different. Vila Nova da Gaia and its many wineries are a skip and jump from Porto. Porto is also close to the oldest cities in the country. Lisbon, on the other hand, is a short distance from some of the most beautiful cities in Portugal, namely Óbidos and Sintra. In Óbidos, visitors will experience a medieval village within castle walls, while Sintra’s castles and palaces belong in the pages of fairy tale books.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.