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

Should you visit Bergen or Pompeii?

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

Should I visit Bergen or Pompeii? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Bergen

Bergen is a nostalgic, friendly, and laid back city. 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 ancient, famous, and iconic archeological site. Other popular activities here include museums.

Bergen and Pompeii: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bergen or Pompeii?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Pompeii. Although Bergen and Pompeii are popular destinations, Pompeii has more sights and attractions for tourists. Pompeii is very popular for its museums, while Bergen attracts visitors for its food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and small town charm. Pompeii is more touristy than Bergen and is popular 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. Bergen is famous for its breathtaking fjords, classic wooden houses, and surrounding mountain beauty.

The Pompeii Archaeological Ruins

How is Bergen different from Pompeii?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Pompeii is very popular for its sights and museums. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Pompeii on the map. 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.

Bergen is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are some interesting local museums such as the Hanseatic Museum, the Edvard Grieg Museum, and the KODE Museums.

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

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

Bergen is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The city's economy has long been centered around the fish trade and even today you'll find cod, shellfish, trout, and salmon on most menus. Sheep and mutton are also popular. Desserts and coffee are also a big part of the local culture.

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 Bergen or Pompeii Better for Nightlife?

Bergen 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 Bergen. It's a small city without a huge nightlife district, but there are bars and clubs in Bryggen and Old Bulls Plass. The city has enough students to keep things lively and fun.

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 Bergen or Pompeii Better for its Old Town?

Bergen is very good for its historic old town charm. However, Pompeii does not have a historic old town.

Bergen has an old town worth visiting. The wooden buildings and compact streets have a quaint and nostalgic atmosphere.

Pompeii does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Bergen or Pompeii?

Bergen is an excellent place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Pompeii is lacking in options for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Bergen. The city center is filled with specialty boutiques as well as larger department stores. Shopping has long been a large part of the economy and you'll enjoy exploring the diversity of retail options.

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 Bergen or Pompeii Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Bergen or Pompeii.

Bergen is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. There are some interesting educational opportunities for kids including the Bergen Aquarium, VilVite Science Centre, and Experience Bryggen. Other fun activities include Vannkanten Waterworld and the Fløibanen Funicular.

Pompeii is a very family-friendly destination. 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 Bergen or Pompeii Better for Couples?

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

Bergen makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many romantic activities near town like swimming in the fjords and walking through the parks. There are also spas and music concerts to enjoy.

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 Bergen or Pompeii Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Bergen and Pompeii are nice destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Bergen. There are a few hostels and guesthouses around town where backpackers can meet other travelers.

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.

Is Bergen or Pompeii Better for Students?

Bergen and Pompeii are both nice destinations for students and younger travelers.

Bergen is a good city to visit for students. It's a very student-friendly city with many activities and a laid back atmosphere. The university facilities are spread out around town and the locals are welcoming and helpful.

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

Bergen 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.

Bergen offers a very effecient public transportation network. For the areas that are outside of the city center, you can take a local bus or the light rail to access them. These services are operated by Skyss.

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 Bergen or Pompeii a more walkable city?

Pompeii is very popular for its ease of walking around. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its 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.

Bergen is very walkable. The city center is flat and compact enough that it's fun to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Pompeii or Bergen?

How long in Bergen or Pompeii?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Bergen or Pompeii to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Bergen 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 Bergen, and 1-2 days is enough time in Pompeii.

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

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

One day in Bergen or Pompeii?

In Bergen, you'll find nightlife and food. 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.

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

A weekend in Bergen or Pompeii?

In Bergen, you'll find food and shopping. 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 Bergen 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 Bergen or Pompeii?

Bergen 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.

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 Bergen or Pompeii?

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

Travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the ancient 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 Norway, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Norway, 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 Bergen and Pompeii, we can see that Pompeii is more expensive. And not only is Bergen much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bergen would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bergen 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 Bergen.

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

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

Both Pompeii and Bergen during the summer are popular places to visit. The small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bergen this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Pompeii for the family-friendly experiences.

Bergen is much colder than Pompeii in the summer. The daily temperature in Bergen averages around 15°C (58°F) in July, and Pompeii fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bergen. Bergen usually gets more rain in July than Pompeii. Bergen gets 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bergen or Pompeii in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Bergen and Pompeii. Many travelers come to Bergen for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

In the autumn, Bergen is much colder than Pompeii. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bergen in October average around 9°C (48°F), and Pompeii averages at about 17°C (63°F).

Pompeii receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Bergen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Bergen usually receives more rain than Pompeii. Bergen gets 271 mm (10.7 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Bergen or Pompeii in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Bergen as well as Pompeii. Many visitors come to Bergen in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Pompeii for the museums during these months.

Bergen can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Bergen is generally much colder than Pompeii. Daily temperatures in Bergen average around 2°C (35°F), and Pompeii fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

It's quite rainy in Pompeii. Bergen receives a lot of rain in the winter. Bergen usually gets more rain in January than Pompeii. Bergen gets 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bergen or Pompeii in the Spring?

Both Pompeii and Bergen are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Bergen for the small town charm during these months.

Bergen is much colder than Pompeii in the spring. The daily temperature in Bergen averages around 6°C (43°F) in April, and Pompeii fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

It's quite rainy in Bergen. In April, Bergen usually receives more rain than Pompeii. Bergen gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Pompeii and Bergen