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

Should you visit Bordeaux or Pompeii?

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

Should I visit Bordeaux 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.

Bordeaux

Bordeaux is a charming, romantic, and historical city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. 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.

Bordeaux and Pompeii: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bordeaux or Pompeii?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Bordeaux. Although Bordeaux and Pompeii are both popular with visitors, Bordeaux has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Bordeaux is more popular for its food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Pompeii is known for its museums. Bordeaux is popular for its world-renowned wine and the many nearby vineyards. It is also home to Cathédrale Saint-André. Pompeii is popular for its well preserved archaeological ruins that are still intact following the eruption of Mount Vesuvius.

How is Bordeaux different from Pompeii?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Pompeii is a world-class destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Bordeaux 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Bordeaux. The city has many historical landmarks and museums to explore. Cathédrale Saint-André, Tour Le Grand-Théâtre, and Basilique Saint-Seurin are all notable monuments that are worth visiting.

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

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

Bordeaux has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. Both food and wine are a major draw to this culinary city, which is known for its pastries and rich flavors. Popular local dishes include grilled duck, duck foie gras, and canelés.

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 Bordeaux or Pompeii Better for Nightlife?

Bordeaux 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 Bordeaux. The city comes to life at night with dance clubs, wine bars, student pubs, and more.

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 Bordeaux or Pompeii Better for its Old Town?

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

Bordeaux has an old town worth visiting. The old town is between Cours de l'Intendance and rue Peyronnet. The area has many distinct neighborhoods, monuments, and historical buildings.

Pompeii does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Bordeaux or Pompeii?

Bordeaux 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 Bordeaux. The city has a mix of luxury fashion brands, jewelry shops, perfume suppliers, and leather goods. There are department stores, local boutiques, and pedestrian shopping areas that you can explore.

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 Bordeaux or Pompeii Better for Families?

Pompeii is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Bordeaux 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.

Bordeaux offers lots of family activities. The city has a number of parks and playgrounds as well as museums, including a kid's science museum. Kids also enjoy splashing around in the Miroir d’eau, which is the world's largest water mirror.

Is Bordeaux or Pompeii Better for Couples?

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

Bordeaux makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Wine lovers will enjoy an amazing weekend in this beautiful city. Some of the most romantic activities include wine walks, river cruises, and exploring scenic gardens.

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 Bordeaux or Pompeii Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bordeaux and Pompeii are good places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Bordeaux. There are a handful of hostels and a diversity of activities that backpackers can enjoy.

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 Bordeaux or Pompeii Better for Students?

Bordeaux is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. Also, Pompeii is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Bordeaux is very popular with students. The city has a great student atmosphere and a unique culture with a diversity of activities. It's grown in popularity with students, and the prices have climbed a bit over the past few years.

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.

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

Bordeaux 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.

Bordeaux offers a very effecient public transportation network. There are buses, trams and a ferry that runs along the river.

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 Bordeaux or Pompeii a more walkable city?

Pompeii is a world-class destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Bordeaux is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

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.

Bordeaux is a very walkable destination. The city has many pedestrian areas and large squares to explore.

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

Should I spend more time in Pompeii or Bordeaux?

How long in Bordeaux or Pompeii?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Bordeaux or Pompeii to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Bordeaux than Pompeii because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Bordeaux, and 1-2 days is enough time in Pompeii.

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

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

One day in Bordeaux or Pompeii?

In Bordeaux, you'll find nightlife and food. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

The archeological site of Pompeii offers museums. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Bordeaux or Pompeii?

In Bordeaux, you'll find food and shopping. 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 food. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Bordeaux has to offer.

Pompeii is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this archeological site makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Pompeii, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Bordeaux or Pompeii?

Bordeaux is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Bordeaux has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Pompeii is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Bordeaux or Pompeii?

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

Pompeii is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This archeological site offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris, 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 Bordeaux and Pompeii, we can see that Pompeii is more expensive. And not only is Bordeaux much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bordeaux would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bordeaux 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 Bordeaux.

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

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

The summer brings many poeple to Bordeaux as well as Pompeii. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bordeaux this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Pompeii for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Bordeaux is cooler than Pompeii. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bordeaux in July average around 21°C (69°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 Bordeaux this time of the year. In the summer, Bordeaux often gets less sunshine than Pompeii. Bordeaux gets 276 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pompeii receives 313 hours of full sun.

Bordeaux usually gets more rain in July than Pompeii. Bordeaux gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bordeaux or Pompeii in the Autumn?

Both Pompeii and Bordeaux are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Bordeaux for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Bordeaux is generally cooler than Pompeii. Daily temperatures in Bordeaux average around 14°C (58°F), and Pompeii fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Bordeaux usually receives less sunshine than Pompeii during autumn. Bordeaux gets 165 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, Bordeaux usually receives less rain than Pompeii. Bordeaux gets 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Bordeaux or Pompeii in the Winter?

Both Pompeii and Bordeaux during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Bordeaux in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Pompeii for the museums during these months.

Bordeaux is cooler than Pompeii in the winter. The daily temperature in Bordeaux averages around 6°C (43°F) in January, and Pompeii fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Bordeaux often gets less sunshine than Pompeii. Bordeaux gets 86 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. It rains a lot this time of the year in Bordeaux. Bordeaux usually gets less rain in January than Pompeii. Bordeaux gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bordeaux or Pompeii in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Bordeaux and Pompeii. Most visitors come to Bordeaux for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Bordeaux is cooler than Pompeii. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bordeaux in April average around 12°C (53°F), and Pompeii averages at about 13°C (55°F).

Bordeaux usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Pompeii during spring. Bordeaux gets 190 hours of sunny skies, while Pompeii receives 189 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Bordeaux usually receives around the same amount of rain as Pompeii. Bordeaux gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Pompeii and Bordeaux