Porto or Lisbon for 3 Nights?

[IlDivoette]

Hi
I would like to book my DH a surprise for his 60 birthday in early October and as we have just spent a few days in the Algarve and loved it, I thought keeping Portugal in mind, that either Porto or Lisbon would be a good idea.

Has anyone been to either or both and could help me decide?

We love to eat, drink wine, wander around looking at sites, rivers etc. Nothing too frenetic really.

I am swaying towards Porto as it is smaller, for instance, we prefer small cities like Bath and York to London if that helps.

Which one is the prettiest that is going to be a bit more wow for him?

Anyone advice, ideas of locations to stay, things to do, etc., would be gratefully received. We would stay in a 5 star hotel probably as its a special occasion.

Many thanks as always

[Colette-S]

Both are great but Porto would be my choice.
Definitely the prettiest imo

[Bad Pink Tink]

Ive been to Lisbon twice for Web Summit Tech Conference. I love city breaks and exploring new cities. Lisbon is somewhere I want to go back and see more of. As I just had a short time to explore the city on my trips I did the hop on hop off bus tour to get an overview.

I was there in November both times and during the day the weather was lovely, warm for me but cold for the locals. I had my winter coat as the weather in Ireland was cold but I never wore it in Lisbon.

The underground transport is great, like London, very easy to use and connects the airport with the city centre and port areas.

Theres so much to see and do, the food is amazing and its such a mix of old history and new vibrant culture.

[anna68]

I wasn’t that bothered by Lisbon

[Disney Bear]

I loved both but given your preferences I would definitely recommend Porto.

[mintybadger]

I don’t know yet but i’m headed to Porto in September for a girls trip and I can’t wait!

[aqualiv]

Been to both and preferred Lisbon
Tbf all I did in Porto was drink port by the river than went back to the cruise ship 😆

[IlDivoette]

Thank you all for your replies so far, Porto does seem to be the front runner with them in mind.
Any advice on the best area to stay, close to everything important?
So far, I like the look of a boat trip, Funicular railway and cable car, port tastings obviously, and wandering around shops and eating a lot 😀.
Thanks again

[Loopylooloo]

We prefer Porto, especially the river district it was so pretty.