Porto named Europe's second-best city for backpackers

Portugal’s second-largest city achieved an impressive score of 90 out of 100 in a new study by Pens.com, which compared 30 European cities to identify the most backpacker-friendly destinations.

The research examined hostel prices, accommodation availability, guest ratings and summer temperatures, alongside international visitor numbers.

Why Porto stands out

One of Porto’s biggest advantages is its availability of hostel accommodation relative to visitor numbers.

According to the study, the northern Portuguese city offers 47.8 hostels for every 100,000 weekly international arrivals, the highest ratio among the destinations analysed.

Travellers can expect a median dormitory bed price of £27.83 during the period studied, from 1 to 7 August 2027.

Porto also benefits from relatively mild summer temperatures, with an average of 21.1°C, making it an attractive option for travellers exploring Europe during the warmer months.

These factors helped Porto secure second place in the European ranking, just two points behind the overall winner.

Which European cities made the top five?

Kraków, Poland, claimed first place with a score of 92 out of 100, narrowly ahead of Porto’s 90 points.

Warsaw, also in Poland, completed the top three with 73 points.

Prague, in the Czech Republic, ranked fourth with 71 points, while Bruges, Belgium, rounded out the top five with 67 points.

Porto’s strong performance highlights its competitive position among European destinations for travellers seeking accessible hostel accommodation and comfortable summer conditions.

The ranking is based on the study’s selected criteria rather than an assessment of every aspect of the visitor experience.