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

Should you visit Belfast or Pompeii?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Belfast or Pompeii, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Belfast

Belfast is a authentic, affordable, and under-rated city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the nightlife and shopping.

Pompeii

Pompeii is a ancient, famous, and iconic archeological site. It's also known for museums.

Belfast and Pompeii: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • 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
  • Very walkable
  • Home to the Pompeii Archaeological Ruins
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping


Is there more to do in Belfast or Pompeii?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Pompeii than Belfast, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Pompeii is better known for its museums, while Belfast is more popular for its food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities. Pompeii is more touristy than Belfast and is popular for its well preserved archaeological ruins that are still intact following the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Also, Pompeii is famous for the Pompeii Archaeological Ruins. Belfast is well known for being the birthplace of the Titanic and the location of the era of the "Troubles".

the Pompeii Archaeological Ruins
The Pompeii Archaeological Ruins

How is Belfast different from Pompeii?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Belfast
Pompeii

Pompeii is an unbeatable place for its sights and museums. However, Belfast does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Belfast does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Belfast
Pompeii

Belfast is a decent place to visit for its restaurants. However, Pompeii is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

Belfast may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. While many restaurants have moved towards more modern cuisines, there are still places that hold tight to the traditions of the area. Traditional dishes include pasties, full Irish breakfasts, and oysters.

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 Belfast or Pompeii Better for Nightlife?

Belfast
Pompeii

Belfast 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 Belfast. The city has a number of bars and clubs with local DJs or musicians.

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 Belfast or Pompeii?

Belfast
Pompeii

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

Belfast has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The main shopping areas in the city are Victoria Square Shopping Centre and CastleCourt.

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 Belfast or Pompeii Better for Families?

Belfast
Pompeii

Pompeii is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Belfast is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Belfast is a family-friendly city. The city has several great kid-friendly museums, a zoo, and a few indoor or outdoor activity centers where you can let kids play and explore.

Is Belfast or Pompeii Better for Couples?

Belfast
Pompeii

Pompeii is a nice place to visit for romance. However, Belfast is not a good city for its romantic activities.

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.

Most people don't think of Belfast as a couple's destination. There are gardens and parks to explore, several nice hotels with spas, and an Observatory on the 23rd floor of the Grand Central Hotel.

Is Belfast or Pompeii Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Belfast
Pompeii

Pompeii is a nice place to visit for backpackers. However, Belfast is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Belfast is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's a reasonably affordable destination with a few hostels to choose from, but most backpackers don't make their way to this city.


Is Belfast or Pompeii Better for Students?

Belfast
Pompeii

Belfast and Pompeii are both notable destinations for students and younger travelers.

Belfast is a good city to visit for students. The city's affordability has made it a popular option for international students headed to the area.

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.

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

Belfast
Pompeii

Pompeii is a nice place to visit for its public transit. However, Belfast is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Belfast. There is a bus service in the city.

Is Belfast or Pompeii a more walkable city?

Belfast
Pompeii

Pompeii is an unbeatable place for its walkability. Also, Belfast is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

It is easy to get around Pompeii 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.

Belfast is a somewhat walkable place.


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

Should I spend more time in Pompeii or Belfast?

How long in Belfast or Pompeii?

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

Families should spend more time in Pompeii than Belfast. 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 Belfast. 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 Belfast 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 Belfast or Pompeii? Ideal Length of Stay
    Belfast 1-3 
    Pompeii 1-2

One day in Belfast or Pompeii?

In Belfast, you'll find nightlife and shopping. This city 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 Belfast or Pompeii?

In Belfast, you'll find shopping and nightlife. 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 Belfast 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 Belfast or Pompeii?

Belfast 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 Belfast or Pompeii?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Belfast. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Belfast. 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 Budget Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, and The Best Walking Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Pompeii or Belfast?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Belfast is £133, while the average daily cost in Pompeii is £129. 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 Belfast and Pompeii in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Belfast £68
    Pompeii £60
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Belfast £136
    Pompeii £120
Compare Hotels in Belfast and Pompeii

Looking for a hotel in Belfast 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 Belfast


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: Belfast Hotel Prices and Pompeii Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Belfast £14
    Pompeii £46

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Belfast

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Belfast:

  • Private Transfer from Dundonald to Belfast Airport (BFS): $94
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City to Belfast Airport (BFS): $84
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Tynan: $147
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Tempo: $241
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Tandragee: $122
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Sixmilecross : $193
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Rosslea: $214
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Rathfriland : $122
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Poyntzpass: $122
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Portavogie: $96
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Portadown: $122
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Newtownstewart: $172

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pompeii

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

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Belfast or Pompeii?

Prices for flights to both Pompeii and Belfast 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
    Belfast £51
    Pompeii £30

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Belfast

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Belfast.

  • Guided Craft Beer and Street Food Tour: $81
  • Belfast Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $108

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.
    Belfast £18
    Pompeii £66
Typical Entertainment Prices in Belfast

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Belfast are as follows:


  • Movie Tickets
    £8.00

Tours and Activities in Belfast

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Belfast are as follows:

  • Belfast A Music and StreetArt Experience. Small Gr Walking Tour : $25
  • Belfast The Troubles cab tour Adventure 2hrs personal guide : $113
  • Historical Private Tour in Belfast : $76
  • 2 Hour Fungi Experience in Belfast: $62
  • 2 hour Private Political History & Murals Tour Belfast: $70
  • 2 hours Belfast Original Drivers The Troubles Black Taxi Tour: $92
  • 3 Hour extended Murals Tour: $101
  • A History of Terror - Belfast City Centre Walking Tour : $28
  • Antrim Coast Carrickfergus and Gobbins Cliff Experience: $437
  • Award winners Express 2 hrs Black Taxi tours and Mural Taxi Tour: $158
  • Belfast Black Taxi Tour of Murals and Peace Walls 2 hours: $114
  • Belfast Famous Black taxi political mural peace wall tour 2 hour: $125

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
    Belfast £7.86
    Pompeii £6.26

Sample the Local Flavors in Belfast

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Belfast:

  • Pub Crawl and Bar Walking Tour with Two Drinks: $15
  • Belfast Pub Crawl: $15
  • Explore & Taste: Distillery Tour at Titanic Distillers: $32
  • Belfast Giant's Causeway and Titanic Distillery Whiskey Tour: $69
  • VIP Skip-the Line Titanic Museum and Distillery Tasting Tour: $119

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 Belfast and Pompeii, we can see that Belfast 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 Belfast Expensive? and Is Pompeii Expensive?.



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

Both Pompeii and Belfast during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Belfast for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Pompeii because of the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Belfast is generally much colder than Pompeii. Daily temperatures in Belfast average around 15°C (59°F), and Pompeii fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

In Pompeii, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Belfast often gets less sunshine than Pompeii. Belfast gets 151 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pompeii receives 313 hours of full sun.

Belfast usually gets more rain in July than Pompeii. Belfast gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Belfast 15°C (59°F) 
    Pompeii 23°C (74°F)

Should I visit Belfast or Pompeii in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Belfast and Pompeii. The autumn months attract visitors to Belfast because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Belfast is much colder than Pompeii in the autumn. The daily temperature in Belfast averages around 9°C (48°F) in October, and Pompeii fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Belfast usually receives less sunshine than Pompeii during autumn. Belfast gets 92 hours of sunny skies, while Pompeii receives 189 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Pompeii receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Belfast usually receives less rain than Pompeii. Belfast gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Belfast 9°C (48°F) 
    Pompeii 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Belfast or Pompeii in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Belfast as well as Pompeii. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Belfast this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Pompeii for the museums.

It's quite cold in Belfast in the winter. In the winter, Belfast is much colder than Pompeii. Typically, the winter temperatures in Belfast in January average around 4°C (39°F), and Pompeii averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Belfast often gets less sunshine than Pompeii. Belfast gets 50 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pompeii receives 115 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Pompeii. Belfast usually gets less rain in January than Pompeii. Belfast gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Belfast 4°C (39°F) 
    Pompeii 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Belfast or Pompeii in the Spring?

Both Pompeii and Belfast are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Belfast for the activities around the city.

In April, Belfast is generally much colder than Pompeii. Daily temperatures in Belfast average around 8°C (46°F), and Pompeii fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Belfast usually receives less sunshine than Pompeii during spring. Belfast gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Pompeii receives 189 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Belfast usually receives less rain than Pompeii. Belfast gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Belfast 8°C (46°F) 
    Pompeii 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Pompeii and Belfast

Belfast Pompeii
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (39°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 8°C (47°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Feb 4°C (39°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 9°C (48°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 11°C (51°F) 88 mm (3.5 in)
Apr 8°C (46°F) 50 mm (2 in) 13°C (55°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
May 11°C (52°F) 50 mm (2 in) 17°C (63°F) 52 mm (2.1 in)
Jun 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 21°C (69°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Jul 15°C (59°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 23°C (74°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Aug 15°C (59°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 24°C (74°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 21°C (70°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Oct 9°C (48°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 17°C (63°F) 132 mm (5.2 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 80 mm (3.1 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)