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

Should you visit Auxerre or Pompeii?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Auxerre and Pompeii can help you decide which place is right for you.

Auxerre

Auxerre is a undiscovered, authentic, and under-rated town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. It's also popular because of the food and museums.

Pompeii

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

Auxerre and Pompeii: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Very walkable
  • Home to the Pompeii Archaeological Ruins
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food


Is there more to do in Auxerre or Pompeii?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Pompeii. Although Auxerre and Pompeii are popular destinations, Pompeii has more sights and attractions for tourists. Pompeii is very popular for its museums and shopping, while Auxerre attracts visitors for its food, nightlife, and small town charm. Pompeii is more touristy than Auxerre and is known for its well preserved archaeological ruins that are still intact following the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. It is also well known for the Pompeii Archaeological Ruins. Auxerre is famous for its food, wine, and art history.

the Pompeii Archaeological Ruins
The Pompeii Archaeological Ruins

How is Auxerre different from Pompeii?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Auxerre
Pompeii

Pompeii is an amazing archeological site to visit for its historical sights. Also, Auxerre is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Pompeii has many famous sights for visitors. 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.

Auxerre is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Although the town is often overlooked by tourists, there are many nice cathedrals and churches around town.


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

Auxerre
Pompeii

Auxerre is very good for its restaurants. However, Pompeii is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

Auxerre is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The town is a the heart of the wine industry, so you'll find many great restaurants where you can enjoy local food and wine.

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 Auxerre or Pompeii Better for Nightlife?

Auxerre
Pompeii

Auxerre is a decent place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Pompeii is lacking in options for nightlife.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Auxerre. It has a quiet nightlife with some nice bars and pubs.

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 the Shopping Better in Auxerre or Pompeii?

Auxerre
Pompeii

Pompeii is mediocre for its shopping areas. However, Auxerre is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping in Pompeii can be found for those interested. There are some souvenir stands outside of the site where you can buy trinkets to remember your visit.

Auxerre is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Auxerre or Pompeii Better for Families?

Auxerre
Pompeii

Pompeii is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Auxerre is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Pompeii. 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.

Auxerre is a family-friendly place to visit. There's the Zoo de La Fleche and the Aquarium de Touraine. You can also wander through Musee de l'Avallon or des Plantes.

Is Auxerre or Pompeii Better for Couples?

Auxerre
Pompeii

Both Auxerre and Pompeii are nice destinations to visit as a couple.

Auxerre is a good town for couples to visit. There are many great eateries as well nice architecture and, of course, excellent wine.

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 Auxerre or Pompeii Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Auxerre
Pompeii

Pompeii is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Auxerre is not a good destination for backpackers.

Pompeii is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Auxerre is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not a popular stop off on the backpacker circuit, but you will find some affordable accommodation options.


Is Auxerre or Pompeii Better for Students?

Auxerre
Pompeii

Pompeii is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Auxerre is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Pompeii. 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.

Auxerre is not popular with students.

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

Auxerre
Pompeii

Auxerre and Pompeii both offer nice public transit to get you around.

While Auxerre offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses around town.

Pompeii has a few public transit options. Many visitors from Sorrento and Naples arrive via the the Circumvesuviana train. There are also buses from many different locations.

Is Auxerre or Pompeii a more walkable city?

Auxerre
Pompeii

Pompeii is an amazing archeological site to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Auxerre is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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.

Auxerre is somewhat walkable. The center is walkable but it is a bit more difficult to navigate than some nearby towns.


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

Should I spend more time in Pompeii or Auxerre?

How long in Auxerre or Pompeii?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Auxerre or Pompeii to fill your time. In our opinion, Pompeii has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Pompeii than Auxerre. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Pompeii than Auxerre 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 Pompeii.


  • How many days in Auxerre or Pompeii? Ideal Length of Stay
    Auxerre 1-2 
    Pompeii 1-2

One day in Auxerre or Pompeii?

In Auxerre, you'll find food and museums. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

In Pompeii, you'll find museums. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. This archeological site offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Auxerre or Pompeii?

In Auxerre, you'll find museums and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Auxerre has to offer.

In Pompeii, you'll find museums. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Pompeii has to offer.

Five days in Auxerre or Pompeii?

Auxerre is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Pompeii is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.


A week in Auxerre or Pompeii?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Auxerre. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Auxerre. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Pompeii. Many people enjoy the museums when visiting Pompeii. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France, The Best 2-Week Tours in France, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, and The Best Walking Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Pompeii or Auxerre?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Auxerre is €113, while the average daily cost in Pompeii is €151. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Auxerre and Pompeii in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Auxerre 51
    Pompeii 70
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Auxerre 102
    Pompeii 140
Compare Hotels in Auxerre and Pompeii

Looking for a hotel in Auxerre or Pompeii? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Auxerre


Hotels in Pompeii


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Auxerre Hotel Prices and Pompeii Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Auxerre 46
    Pompeii 54

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pompeii

Also for Pompeii, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Transfer Private from Ravello to Naples: $239
  • Transfers Ravello - Naples: $207
  • Organic Wine Tasting & Lunch on Vesuvius with Transfer from Pompeii: $132
  • Private transfer Ravello to Naples: $121
  • Transfer Ravello to Naples: $121
  • Private transfer from Ravello to Naples: $121
  • Small Group Pompeii Wine Tasting with Lunch & Transfer Included : $97
  • Transfers from Naples to Sorrento Positano Amalfi Ravello Maiori: $97
  • Transfer from Pompeii to Naples or viceversa: $66

Is it cheaper to fly into Auxerre or Pompeii?

Prices for flights to both Pompeii and Auxerre change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Auxerre 34
    Pompeii 35

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Pompeii

For Pompeii, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Traditional Neapolitan Dinner in Pompei - Villa Franca - Family Restourant: $38
  • Cooking Class with Italian Mamma in Pompeii: $65
  • Lunch or dinner and cooking demo at a local home in Pompei: $93
  • Pompei tour with a 2000 years roman dinner: $112
  • Small Group Market tour and Cooking class in Pompei: $142
  • Private Pizza & Tiramisu Class at a Cesarina's home with tasting in Pompei: $158
  • Private Cooking Class with Lunch or Dinner in Pompei: $158
  • Private market tour and cooking class with lunch or dinner in Pompei: $206
  • guided tour of the ruins and cooking class fresh pasta : $272
  • Cooking class: Pasta Experience in Pompei, Italy: $300

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Auxerre 18
    Pompeii 77

Tours and Activities in Auxerre

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Auxerre.

  • Chocolate Tour with Tasting: $16
  • Touristic highlights of Auxerre a Private half day tour (4 Hours) with a local: $112
  • e-Mehari Tour et dégustation Chablis Clotilde Davenne: $92

Tours and Activities in Pompeii

For Pompeii, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Pompeii Archeological Site Fast Track Entry Ticket : $36
  • Pompeii Day Tour: $97
  • 2 Hour Private Walking Tour with Certified Guide in Pompeii: $251
  • 2 Hours Private Tour of Pompeii for Journey Through Time: $196
  • 2 Hours Walking Tour in Pompeii with an Archaeologist: $272
  • 2 days tour: Pompei & Naples center with underground: $207
  • 2 hours Pompeii Tour with local historian - ticket included: $60
  • 2-hour Private Guided Tour of Pompeii: $272
  • Best of Pompeii - 2 hour Private Tour with Alex: $271
  • Complete Pompeii Skip the Line Tour with Archaeologist Guide: $55
  • Discover Pompeii on this Guided Walking Tour of the Buried City: $63
  • Discover hidden secrets of Pompei on a Private tour with a local: $118

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Auxerre 6.14
    Pompeii 7.31

Sample the Local Flavors in Auxerre

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Auxerre:

  • From Dutch Barge Full-Day Cruise with Wine Tasting: $85
  • Chablis & Northern Burgundy Wine Tour: $273

Sample the Local Flavors in Pompeii

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Pompeii:

  • Wine Tasting Tour on the Slopes of Vesuvius: $46
  • Wine Tasting on Mt. Vesuvius: $55
  • Seafood Lunch with Wine Tasting & Tour on a golf cart: $87
  • Guided Tour of Pompeii Ruins with Lunch and Wine Tasting: $98
  • Private Wine Tour and Tasting in Pompeii with a Local: $124
  • Pompeii Guided Tour & Horse Riding on Vesuvius with Wine Tasting: $191
  • Pompeii, Herculaneum and scenic drive of the Mt. Vesuvius with wine tasting: $207


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Auxerre and Pompeii, we can see that Pompeii is more expensive. And not only is Auxerre much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Auxerre would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Auxerre 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 Auxerre.

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



When is the best time to visit Auxerre 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 Auxerre or Pompeii in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Auxerre and Pompeii. The summer months attract visitors to Auxerre because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Pompeii this time of year.

Auxerre is cooler than Pompeii in the summer. The daily temperature in Auxerre averages around 19°C (66°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 Auxerre, it's very sunny this time of the year. Auxerre usually receives less sunshine than Pompeii during summer. Auxerre gets 255 hours of sunny skies, while Pompeii receives 313 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Auxerre usually receives more rain than Pompeii. Auxerre gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Auxerre 19°C (66°F) 
    Pompeii 23°C (74°F)

Should I visit Auxerre or Pompeii in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Auxerre as well as Pompeii. The small town atmosphere are the main draw to Auxerre this time of year.

In the autumn, Auxerre is cooler than Pompeii. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Auxerre in October average around 13°C (55°F), and Pompeii averages at about 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Auxerre often gets less sunshine than Pompeii. Auxerre gets 126 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pompeii receives 189 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Pompeii. Auxerre usually gets less rain in October than Pompeii. Auxerre gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Auxerre 13°C (55°F) 
    Pompeii 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Auxerre or Pompeii in the Winter?

Both Pompeii and Auxerre are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Auxerre for the museums and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Pompeii in the winter for the museums.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Auxerre. In January, Auxerre is generally much colder than Pompeii. Daily temperatures in Auxerre average around 3°C (37°F), and Pompeii fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Auxerre usually receives less sunshine than Pompeii during winter. Auxerre gets 53 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, Auxerre usually receives less rain than Pompeii. Auxerre gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Auxerre 3°C (37°F) 
    Pompeii 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Auxerre or Pompeii in the Spring?

Both Pompeii and Auxerre during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Auxerre in the spring for the small town charm.

Auxerre is cooler than Pompeii in the spring. The daily temperature in Auxerre averages around 10°C (50°F) in April, and Pompeii fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Auxerre often gets less sunshine than Pompeii. Auxerre gets 167 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pompeii receives 189 hours of full sun.

Auxerre usually gets less rain in April than Pompeii. Auxerre gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Auxerre 10°C (50°F) 
    Pompeii 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Pompeii and Auxerre

Auxerre Pompeii
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 8°C (47°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Feb 5°C (41°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 9°C (48°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Mar 7°C (45°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 11°C (51°F) 88 mm (3.5 in)
Apr 10°C (50°F) 50 mm (2 in) 13°C (55°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
May 15°C (59°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 17°C (63°F) 52 mm (2.1 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 21°C (69°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Jul 19°C (66°F) 50 mm (2 in) 23°C (74°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Aug 19°C (66°F) 50 mm (2 in) 24°C (74°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 17°C (63°F) 50 mm (2 in) 21°C (70°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Oct 13°C (55°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 17°C (63°F) 132 mm (5.2 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 50 mm (2 in) 12°C (54°F) 161 mm (6.3 in)
Dec 5°C (41°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 9°C (49°F) 118 mm (4.6 in)