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

Should you visit Avignon 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 Avignon 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.

Avignon

Avignon is a scenic, picturesque, and historical town. With amazing attractions and sights, it's also a fun small town not to be missed. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and shopping.

Pompeii

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

Avignon and Pompeii: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Avignon or Pompeii?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Avignon. Although Avignon and Pompeii are popular destinations, Avignon has more sights and attractions for tourists. Pompeii is more touristy than Avignon and is known for its well preserved archaeological ruins that are still intact following the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Avignon is famous for its architectural beauty and historical importance. It is also well known for Palais des Papes.

How is Avignon different from Pompeii?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Avignon has many famous sights for visitors. The town is filled with historical landmarks such as Palais des Papes, Pont Saint Bénézet, Musée du Petit Palais, and Basilique Métropolitaine Notre-Dame des Doms.

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 Avignon or Pompeii? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Avignon has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. For such a small town you'll find many great eateries where you can sample French cuisine. You'll find bakeries, patisseries, restaurants, chocolatiers, and cafes to try. Cooking classes are also a popular activity in town.

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 Avignon or Pompeii Better for Nightlife?

Avignon 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 Avignon. There's a limited nightlife scene but the bars you'll find are usually centered around Place de lHorloge, Place du Palais, Rue Carnot, and Place des Corps-Saints.

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 Avignon or Pompeii Better for its Old Town?

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

The old town of Avignon is one of the most recognized in the world. The walled medieval old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it's filled with history.

Pompeii does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Avignon or Pompeii?

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

Avignon has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are several shopping streets in town like Rue de la Republique, Rue Joseph-Vernet, and Rue St Agricol.

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 Avignon or Pompeii Better for Families?

Pompeii is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Avignon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Avignon. Families can enjoy cooking classes, boat tours, and exploring the old town together.

Is Avignon or Pompeii Better for Couples?

Avignon is an excellent place to visit for couples. Also, Pompeii is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Avignon makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Filled with history, couples can enjoy strolling through the old town or dinner on amazing French food.

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 Avignon or Pompeii Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Avignon and Pompeii are both nice destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Avignon. You'll find a few affordable hotels, but hostels are a little bit more difficult to come by.

Plenty of budget travelers 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 Avignon or Pompeii Better for Students?

Pompeii is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Avignon is not popular with students.

Plenty of students 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.

Avignon is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Avignon and Pompeii.

Avignon has some public transit options. There are city buses as well as tourist shuttles around town.

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 Avignon or Pompeii a more walkable city?

Avignon and Pompeii are first-rate when it comes to walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Avignon. There's almost no traffic in the city center so it's easy to explore on foot.

Getting around Pompeii on foot is easy. 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.

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

Should I spend more time in Pompeii or Avignon?

How long in Avignon or Pompeii?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Avignon 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 Avignon.

One day in Avignon or Pompeii?

Avignon is a small town with plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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 Avignon or Pompeii?

Avignon might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Avignon 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 Avignon or Pompeii?

Avignon is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Avignon or Pompeii?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Avignon. Since Avignon is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 10-Day Tours in France, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France, 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 Avignon and Pompeii, we can see that Avignon is more expensive. And not only is Pompeii much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Pompeii would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Pompeii 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 Avignon would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Avignon than you might in Pompeii.

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

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

Both Pompeii and Avignon are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Avignon for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Pompeii in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

Avignon is around the same temperature as Pompeii in the summer. The daily temperature in Avignon averages around 24°C (75°F) in July, and Pompeii fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

It's quite sunny in Pompeii. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Avignon. Avignon usually receives more sunshine than Pompeii during summer. Avignon gets 354 hours of sunny skies, while Pompeii receives 313 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Avignon usually receives more rain than Pompeii. Avignon gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Avignon or Pompeii in the Autumn?

Both Pompeii and Avignon during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Avignon in the autumn for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

In the autumn, Avignon is around the same temperature as Pompeii. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Avignon in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Pompeii averages at about 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Avignon often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Pompeii. Avignon gets 178 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pompeii receives 189 hours of full sun.

Pompeii gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Avignon. Avignon usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Pompeii. Avignon gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Avignon or Pompeii in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Avignon and Pompeii. Most visitors come to Avignon for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Pompeii because of the museums.

In January, Avignon is generally cooler than Pompeii. Daily temperatures in Avignon average around 7°C (44°F), and Pompeii fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Avignon usually receives more sunshine than Pompeii during winter. Avignon gets 146 hours of sunny skies, while Pompeii receives 115 hours of full sun in the winter.

Pompeii receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Avignon usually receives less rain than Pompeii. Avignon gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Avignon or Pompeii in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Avignon as well as Pompeii. The spring months attract visitors to Avignon because of the small town charm.

Avignon is around the same temperature as Pompeii in the spring. The daily temperature in Avignon averages around 13°C (56°F) in April, and Pompeii fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Avignon this time of the year. In the spring, Avignon often gets more sunshine than Pompeii. Avignon gets 218 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pompeii receives 189 hours of full sun.

Avignon usually gets less rain in April than Pompeii. Avignon gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Pompeii and Avignon