Hello all- My husband and I are deciding between these two trip for early August, 2026 (8 days).
If you had to pick, which is a better trip especially at this time of year?
Nice, France (and surrounding areas)
OR
Portugal (Lisbon & Porto)
Thank you!
We were underwhelmed by Portugal in general so my vote goes to Nice, but I don't know what crowds are like at either destination that time of year.
Agree with Allan, we were underwhelmed by Portugal. Not a country we would make a second trip to. Haven’t been to Nice so I can’t comment.
I liked all 3 cities -- Lisbon, Porto, and Nice -- a lot and would love to return to any/all. Unlike the other responses, I found both Lisbon and Porto more interesting than Nice as cities to visit. But the Chagall and Matisse museums in Nice and the easy daytrips throughout the Cote d'Azur region make it hard for me to choose. I can't help with August- -- I was in Nice last October and in Portugal before Covid when it was generally less crowded.
Hello, are you planning to swim? If so, you might want to consider the water temperature, which remains quite cool all summer long on the west coast of Portugal. https://www.meteociel.fr/observations-meteo/temperature-de-la-mer.php?region=sp&jour=21&mois=8&annee=2025
What are you "looking" for with this vacation? And have you been to either or to similar places?
City vs beach is how I would generally read the Lisbon vs Nice option. Sure, you can get the "city" in Nice (and nearby) and you can get "beach" in Lisbon & Porto (and nearby), but to me, they're two fairly different experiences.
Lisbon/Porto, to me, has always been more about the cities and side trips to other places like Sintra or Belem. If I wanted beaches in Portugal, I'd be headed to the Algarve, I think.
Nice and the areas around there have always been, for me, more about the Mediterranean/beach, and that strip in France and into Italy (and Monaco) is packed with all the "beachy" stuff I enjoy in a hotter month like August.
I generally would pick Lisbon for "easy" and Nice for "beachy", but like noted elsewhere, there are nice art museum options in Nice. I think Lisbon has plenty of museums (art or otherwise), but after two recent visits there, I still haven't popped into one.
From a "see sights, hike, eat good food, walk on beaches (not necessarily swim) and take in the local culture", I think the Nice & surrounding areas would hit the spot best - with the usual caveat off "busy" and "expensive" being key words for August - probably "hot" too, but that's where a swim comes in.
I've found it really easy to get around along the coast there using the trains and also a car (but I am always pained by parking in places like Nice if no hotel parking). Absolutely packed with things to see and do from say Cannes all the way to Sanremo. There are busier spots and there are calmer spots, depending upon your mood, and the summer months will have the most things to see and do, but also the higher volume of folks out. Food is typically delicious. Museums are smaller but very good. Tons of places to walk along the water - Nice being known for their long promenade but no shortage of other places to take in the Med. Local culture is maybe a little tougher in that Nice and nearby draws folks from all over France and Europe that time of year, so maybe the "local" is lost/hidden in the summer months.
On the plus side for Portugal would be likely more temperate temps vs Nice, and also - despite being "discovered" - a few less other tourists. Lisbon has been bustling when we've been there in May and October (both "shoulder" seasons) and we found plenty to see and do there (nothing really "beachy" but does have a riverfront that stretches pretty far and is lovely). Sadly, our brief time in Porto was a bust as I was sick as a dog AND it was socked in heavy rains (Oct) so I was lucky I was feeling better and the weather improved when we got to Lisbon on that trip. My impression of Porto is "I need to visit it properly". Plenty of sights, great food, and definitely its own cultural vibe in Portugal, and worth exploring on a trip(s) for sure.
This is such a tough choice! All are my personal favorites. I think all will be quite warm and crowded at that time of year. I think you need to figure out what specifically you are hoping to do on vacation and see which will fit your needs best. Portugal is less expensive then France so that may help. Although both Lisbon & Porto are incredibly hilly I don't know if I would want to visit there in the summer heat. The constant uphill walking combined with heat could be miserable. But both are worth a visit. I'd probably go for Nice & surrounding areas. We have stayed in St. Tropez, Juan-les-Pins, & St. Jean Cap Ferrat with the later being my personal favorite. Nice is fine but I personally would stay in the surrounding area versus in Nice proper. Food is amazing wherever you go in both Portugal and South of France so all in all you can't go wrong!
I have been to both places in August. Nice was hot and crowded! Many French workers have the month of August off, so lots of them holiday at this time. Lisbon and Porto are much more temperate, but they are also crowded, especially during the weekends. I vote for Portugal with 4 nights in Lisbon and 4 nights in Porto. You can spend a day or two exploring each base city and then the rest of time can be spent taking day trips.
Based on my experience, it's impossible to be underwhelmed by Portugal! The people are welcoming and embracing! Portugal is a must see in my opinion.
