A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Athens vs. Pompeii for Attractions, Backpackers, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Athens or Pompeii?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Athens and Pompeii. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Athens

Athens is a ancient, vibrant, and energetic city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Pompeii

Pompeii is a one-of-a-kind, ancient, and famous archeological site. It's also popular because of the museums.

Athens and Pompeii: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Athens or Pompeii?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Athens. Although Athens and Pompeii are popular destinations, Athens has more sights and attractions for tourists. Pompeii is more touristy than Athens and is known for its well preserved archaeological ruins that are still intact following the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Athens is famous for its ancient temples and landmarks as well as its influence as the birthplace of democracy. It is also well known for The Acropolis.

The Acropolis

How is Athens different from Pompeii?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Pompeii and Athens. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Athens or Pompeii?

You'll find a number of first-rate museums and attractions in both Pompeii and Athens.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Athens has many famous sights for visitors. As a historical capital of the world, this city has countless museums and archeological sites including the famous Acropolis, the National Archaeology Museum, and the Ancient Agora.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Pompeii that are not to be missed. Pompeii is a city frozen in time and it is truly a one-of-a-kind destination. The streets remain as they once stood, lined with shops and homes. Highlights of a visit include the Forum, the Antiquarium, the Temple of Isis, and the Teatro Grande.

Is the Food Better in Athens or Pompeii? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Athens is renowned for its restaurants. However, Pompeii is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

Athens has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. Make sure you try the souvlaki, moussaka, and dolmades at any of the many local restaurants throughout the city.

While Pompeii is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. While there is a café near the Forum, the quality of the food isn't great and it can get crowded. You'd do best to bring your own food as the site is large and you'll want to eat on your own schedule.

Is Athens or Pompeii Better for Nightlife?

Athens is renowned for its evening party scene. However, Pompeii is lacking in options for nightlife.

Athens is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. There are all-night dance clubs as well as local bars and chill live music venues.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Pompeii. As a popular tourist destination, you'll find some bars nearby, but most people visit as a day trip and head out of town before the evening hours.

Is Athens or Pompeii Better for its Old Town?

Athens is renowned for its historic old town charm. However, Pompeii does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Athens is one of the most recognized in the world. The city's "historic triangle" is between Syntagma, Omonia, and Monastiraki Squares. This area is also at the political and financial heart of the city.

Pompeii does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Athens or Pompeii?

Athens is very good for its shopping areas. However, Pompeii is lacking in options for shopping.

Athens has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Most neighborhoods have a shopping street but head to Ermou Street for some of the city's best shopping.

Pompeii has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There are some souvenir stands outside of the site where you can buy trinkets to remember your visit.

Is Athens or Pompeii Better for Families?

Both Athens and Pompeii are high quality family-friendly destinations.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Athens. With its rich history, beautiful outdoor activities, and kid-friendly food, Athens is a fun place to explore with the whole family.

Pompeii is a very family-friendly place to visit. Its a city frozen in time, and even kids will get lost in the history and story behind Pompeii. The trick is to find a kid-friendly tour and understand the layout before you arrive. Because it's so big, you want to know which places to visit and which you might want to skip with kids who have short attention spans.

Is Athens or Pompeii Better for Couples?

Athens and Pompeii both nice destinations for a couple.

Athens is a good city for couples to visit. The city is historical, fascinating, and romantic, making it a beautiful place to explore as a couple.

Pompeii is a nice destination for couples. It's an iconic destination in Italy, and should be added to any Italian trip itinerary. It's not exactly a romantic destination, but it's something that every visitor should see.

Is Athens or Pompeii Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Athens is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Pompeii is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Athens, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. The city has long been established as a backpackers destination with budget friendly food and plenty of hostels around town.

It's common for backpackers to visit Pompeii. It's touristy and crowded, but also world renowned and not-to-be-missed. Whether you're a backpacker or a luxury traveler, Pompeii is on most itineraries.

Is Athens or Pompeii Better for Students?

Athens is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. Also, Pompeii is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Athens is very popular with students. International students will appreciate the rich history, archaeological ruins, and unique opportunities that are available here.

Pompeii is popular with students. It's history and educational significance make it a great study abroad destination, whether you visit alone, with friends, or as part of a tour group.

Is Athens or Pompeii Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Athens is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Pompeii is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Athens offers a very effecient public transportation network. The city's metro system has 3 lines that connect to bus, tram and commuter rail lines.

You'll find some public transit in Pompeii, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Many visitors from Sorrento and Naples arrive via the the Circumvesuviana train. There are also buses from many different locations.

Is Athens or Pompeii a more walkable city?

Pompeii is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. Also, Athens is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.

Pompeii is a very easy archeological site to get around on foot. You can walk around the entire site in about 4 hours, but you'll really want to allow a full day if you want to see everything in depth.

Athens is very walkable. You'll find the city's most walkable area's in the historical heart, where there are many pedestrian only streets and shopping areas.

For even more information, also check out Is Athens Worth Visiting? and Is Pompeii Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Pompeii or Athens?

How long in Athens or Pompeii?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Athens or Pompeii to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Athens than Pompeii because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Athens, and 1-2 days is enough time in Pompeii.

Families should spend more time in Athens than Pompeii. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Athens, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Athens than Pompeii. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Athens that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Athens than Pompeii if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Athens.

One day in Athens or Pompeii?

Because Athens is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Many travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the destination of Pompeii. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Athens or Pompeii?

Because Athens is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Pompeii is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Athens or Pompeii?

Athens is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Athens has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Pompeii. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Athens or Pompeii?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Athens. Because Athens is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the one-of-a-kind destination of Pompeii. This archeological site offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Greece, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Greece, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, and The Best Walking Tours in Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Athens and Pompeii, we can see that Pompeii is more expensive. And not only is Athens much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Athens would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Athens and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Pompeii would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Pompeii than you might in Athens.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Athens Expensive? and Is Pompeii Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Athens or Pompeii?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Athens or Pompeii in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Athens and Pompeii. Many travelers come to Athens for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Pompeii in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

Athens is a little warmer than Pompeii in the summer. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Pompeii fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Pompeii this time of the year. In Athens, it's very sunny this time of the year. Athens usually receives more sunshine than Pompeii during summer. Athens gets 357 hours of sunny skies, while Pompeii receives 313 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Athens usually receives less rain than Pompeii. Athens gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Athens or Pompeii in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Athens as well as Pompeii. Many visitors come to Athens in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Athens is a little warmer than Pompeii. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Athens in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Pompeii averages at about 17°C (63°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Athens this time of the year. In the autumn, Athens often gets more sunshine than Pompeii. Athens gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pompeii receives 189 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Pompeii. Athens usually gets less rain in October than Pompeii. Athens gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Athens or Pompeii in the Winter?

Both Pompeii and Athens are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Athens for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Pompeii because of the museums.

In January, Athens is generally a little warmer than Pompeii. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 10°C (51°F), and Pompeii fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Athens usually receives more sunshine than Pompeii during winter. Athens gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Pompeii receives 115 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Pompeii. In January, Athens usually receives less rain than Pompeii. Athens gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Athens or Pompeii in the Spring?

Both Pompeii and Athens during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Athens because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Athens is a little warmer than Pompeii in the spring. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Pompeii fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

It's quite sunny in Athens. In the spring, Athens often gets more sunshine than Pompeii. Athens gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pompeii receives 189 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets less rain in April than Pompeii. Athens gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Pompeii and Athens