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

Should you visit Beaune 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 Beaune 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.

Beaune

Beaune is a vineyard-filled, cultural, and historic town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Pompeii

Pompeii is a iconic, one-of-a-kind, and ancient archeological site. And you can't forget about the museums.

Beaune and Pompeii: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Home to the Pompeii Archaeological Ruins
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less popular with couples


Is there more to do in Beaune or Pompeii?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Beaune. Although Beaune and Pompeii are both popular with visitors, Beaune has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Beaune is more popular for its food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and small town charm, while Pompeii is known for its museums. Pompeii is more touristy than Beaune and is popular for its well preserved archaeological ruins that are still intact following the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Beaune is popular for its surrounding vineyards and world-renowned wines. It is also home to The Surrounding Vineyards.

How is Beaune different from Pompeii?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Beaune
Pompeii

Pompeii is terrific for its museums and landmarks. Also, Beaune is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Pompeii are among the most recognizable in the world. 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.

Beaune offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Top sights and museums around town include Hôtel-Dieu (a former hospital), Château de Savigny, and Château de la Rochepot.


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

Beaune
Pompeii

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

Beaune has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The restaurant scene is made up of small, narrow, local bistros that serve local dishes with regional ingredients. Many of the menus are focused on wine with the dishes designed specifically to compliment the wines. This is a tourist town, and you'll find many visitors come specifically to enjoy the French cuisine.

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 Beaune or Pompeii Better for Nightlife?

Beaune
Pompeii

Beaune is very good for its evening party scene. However, Pompeii is lacking in options for nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Beaune. You'll find bars and pubs as well as many places to sip French wine and enjoy the evening.

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 Beaune or Pompeii Better for its Old Town?

Beaune
Pompeii

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

The old town of Beaune is one of the most recognized in the world. The old town is walled and compact. It is centered around the medieval hospital complex and it is filled with cobblestone streets and shops.

Pompeii does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Beaune or Pompeii?

Beaune
Pompeii

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

Beaune has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Boutiques, wine shops, and independent vendors are fun to explore in town.

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 Beaune or Pompeii Better for Families?

Beaune
Pompeii

Pompeii is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Beaune is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Pompeii is a very kid-friendly archeological site. 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.

Beaune offers lots of family activities. The town has museums like Hospices de Beaune, Hotel-Dieu (a formal hospital), as well as vineyards that you can hike through. Many people enjoy taking a hot air balloon ride while they're in the region.

Is Beaune or Pompeii Better for Couples?

Beaune
Pompeii

Beaune is renowned for couples. Also, Pompeii is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, Beaune has plenty to offer. Couples will enjoy exploring vineyards, sipping French wine, and wandering through the charming old town. There are breathtaking hot air balloon rides and wonderful French restaurants that make for a romantic trip.

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 Beaune or Pompeii Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Beaune
Pompeii

Pompeii is a good destination for backpackers. However, Beaune is a town with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of backpackers 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.

Beaune is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's a charming town, but it's not on many backpacker's itineraries. There are also a limited number of hostels to choose from.

Is Beaune or Pompeii Better for Students?

Beaune
Pompeii

Pompeii is a good destination for students. However, Beaune is not popular with students.

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.

Beaune is not popular with students.

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

Beaune
Pompeii

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Beaune and Pompeii.

You'll find some public transit in Beaune, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. While you can walk around the historic center, it's possible to take a bus if you're traveling further.

While Pompeii offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Many visitors from Sorrento and Naples arrive via the the Circumvesuviana train. There are also buses from many different locations.


Is Beaune or Pompeii a more walkable city?

Beaune
Pompeii

Beaune and Pompeii both are first-rate when exploring on foot.

Getting around Beaune on foot is easy. It's a walkable town that's perfect for taking a stroll.

Pompeii is a very easy town 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.

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

Should I spend more time in Pompeii or Beaune?

How long in Beaune or Pompeii?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Beaune or Pompeii to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Beaune than Pompeii because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Beaune, and 1-2 days is enough time in Pompeii.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Pompeii than Beaune 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 Beaune or Pompeii? Ideal Length of Stay
    Beaune 2-4 
    Pompeii 1-2

One day in Beaune or Pompeii?

In Beaune, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This town 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 Beaune or Pompeii?

In Beaune, you'll find food and shopping. 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. One reason most visitors come is for the food. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Beaune has to offer.

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 Beaune or Pompeii?

Beaune 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.

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 Beaune or Pompeii?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Beaune. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Beaune. One reason most visitors come is for the food. 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.

Travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the iconic 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 Vineyard & Wine Tours in France, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in France, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, and The Best Walking Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Pompeii or Beaune?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Beaune is €166, 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 Beaune and Pompeii in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Beaune 83
    Pompeii 70
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Beaune 166
    Pompeii 140
Compare Hotels in Beaune and Pompeii

Looking for a hotel in Beaune 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 Beaune


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: Beaune Hotel Prices and Pompeii Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Beaune 41
    Pompeii 54

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pompeii

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

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Beaune or Pompeii?

Prices for flights to both Pompeii and Beaune 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
    Beaune 54
    Pompeii 35
Typical Food Prices in Beaune

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Beaune:


  • Fast Food Lunch (for 2)
    9.00
  • Cookie
    1.00
  • Coffee
    2.80

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.
    Beaune 33
    Pompeii 77
Typical Entertainment Prices in Beaune

Here are a few typical costs in Beaune for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Winery Tour (for 2)
    20

Tours and Activities in Beaune

Here are a few actual costs in Beaune for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Beaune - Historic Guided Walking Tour: $395
  • Beaune - Private walking tour: $192
  • A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Burgundy’s Wine Capital: $5.99
  • Beguiling Beaune Self-Guided Smartphone Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Burgundy Grand Crus Route Day Tour - 12 Wines Tastings in Domains: $267
  • Meursault: Tour of the Vineyards on Motorbike with Sidecar: $59
  • Paris Private Walking Street Art Tour: $87
  • Private Guided Sidecar Tour in Burgundy from Meursault: $60
  • Private city tour - Beaune the essential - 2h: $187
  • Private guided tour - Beaune 2h: $191
  • Skip the Line: Abbaye de Fontenay Admission Ticket: $13
  • Small group full day tour in the Burgundy vineyards: $209

Tours and Activities in Pompeii

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

  • The Rise, Fall, and Rediscovery of A Self-Guided Tour: $20
  • Pompeii Express 1 hour Guided Tour: $21
  • Pompeii Ticket with Optional Guided Tour: $31
  • PompeiI VIP: Guided Tour with your Archaeologist in a Small Group : $32
  • Entrance ticket to the Valle dell'Orso Water Park: $33
  • Pompeii for kids or adults skip the line small group walking tour 2 hours: $33
  • Pompeii Skip the Line ticket + Audioguide: $35
  • Pompeii Archeological Site Fast Track Entry Ticket : $36
  • Pompeii tour with archaeologist: $38
  • Pompeii Tour with experienced guide: $38
  • guided tour of the archaeological excavations of Pompeii: $38
  • Semi-Private Tour of Pompeii Ruins: $41

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Beaune 48
    Pompeii 7.31

Sample the Local Flavors in Beaune

Also in Beaune, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • 2 Hour Sparkling Wine Tasting and visit in Beaune: $11
  • Wine Tasting at Château de Pommard: $21
  • Maison Champy Guided Cellar Tour with Wine Tasting: $27
  • Visit Domaine Bourgogne - Guided wine tasting: $44
  • From Full-Day Bicycle and Wine Tour in Burgundy: $227
  • Burgundy Bike Tour with Wine Tasting from Beaune: $229
  • Wine tour - Meursault, its prestigious whites: $240
  • Wine tour - Aloxe-Corton, its great wines: $240
  • From Burgundy Day Trip with 12 Wine Tastings: $262
  • Côte de Nuits Private Local Wineries and Wine Tasting Tour: $945
  • Côte de Beaune Private Local Wineries and Wine Tasting Tour: $945

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 comparing the travel costs between Beaune and Pompeii, we can see that Beaune is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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



When is the best time to visit Beaune or Pompeii?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Beaune or Pompeii in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Beaune as well as Pompeii. Many travelers come to Beaune for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Pompeii in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Beaune is around the same temperature as Pompeii. Typically, the summer temperatures in Beaune in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Pompeii averages at about 23°C (74°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Pompeii. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Beaune this time of the year. In the summer, Beaune often gets less sunshine than Pompeii. Beaune gets 266 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pompeii receives 313 hours of full sun.

Beaune usually gets more rain in July than Pompeii. Beaune gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Beaune 21°C (70°F) 
    Pompeii 23°C (74°F)

Should I visit Beaune or Pompeii in the Autumn?

Both Pompeii and Beaune are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Beaune in the autumn for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

In October, Beaune is generally cooler than Pompeii. Daily temperatures in Beaune average around 13°C (55°F), and Pompeii fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Beaune usually receives less sunshine than Pompeii during autumn. Beaune gets 121 hours of sunny skies, while Pompeii receives 189 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Pompeii. In October, Beaune usually receives less rain than Pompeii. Beaune gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


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

Should I visit Beaune or Pompeii in the Winter?

Both Pompeii and Beaune during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Beaune for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Pompeii because of the museums.

Beaune can be very cold during winter. Beaune is much colder than Pompeii in the winter. The daily temperature in Beaune averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Pompeii fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Beaune often gets less sunshine than Pompeii. Beaune gets 53 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pompeii receives 115 hours of full sun.

Pompeii gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Beaune usually gets less rain in January than Pompeii. Beaune gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Beaune 3°C (38°F) 
    Pompeii 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Beaune or Pompeii in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Beaune and Pompeii. The spring months attract visitors to Beaune because of the small town charm.

In the spring, Beaune is cooler than Pompeii. Typically, the spring temperatures in Beaune in April average around 11°C (53°F), and Pompeii averages at about 13°C (55°F).

Beaune usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Pompeii during spring. Beaune gets 178 hours of sunny skies, while Pompeii receives 189 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Beaune usually receives less rain than Pompeii. Beaune gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Beaune 11°C (53°F) 
    Pompeii 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Pompeii and Beaune

Beaune Pompeii
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 8°C (47°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Feb 5°C (41°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 9°C (48°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Mar 8°C (46°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 11°C (51°F) 88 mm (3.5 in)
Apr 11°C (53°F) 52 mm (2 in) 13°C (55°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
May 15°C (59°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 17°C (63°F) 52 mm (2.1 in)
Jun 19°C (66°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 21°C (69°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Jul 21°C (70°F) 51 mm (2 in) 23°C (74°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Aug 21°C (69°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 24°C (74°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 18°C (64°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 21°C (70°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Oct 13°C (55°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 17°C (63°F) 132 mm (5.2 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 12°C (54°F) 161 mm (6.3 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 9°C (49°F) 118 mm (4.6 in)