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

Should you visit Bruges 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 Bruges 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.

Bruges

Bruges is a beautiful, historic, and charming city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Pompeii

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

Bruges and Pompeii: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bruges or Pompeii?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Bruges. Although Bruges and Pompeii are popular destinations, Bruges has more sights and attractions for tourists. Bruges is very popular for its food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Pompeii attracts visitors for its museums. Bruges is famous for its scenic old town, charming streets, local chocolate, and unique Christmas market. It is also well known for Bruges' Markt (The Main Square). Pompeii is famous for its well preserved archaeological ruins that are still intact following the eruption of Mount Vesuvius.

How is Bruges different from Pompeii?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Pompeii is very popular for its historical sights. Also, Bruges is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Pompeii has many famous sights for visitors. 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.

Bruges offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city is filled with charming hidden corners as well as notable landmarks. The main square is Bruges' Markt which is where you'll find the the Belfry Tower. Other must-see sights include the Historium, Groeninge Museum, the Town Hall, and Brugse Vrije Museum.

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

Bruges is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. However, Pompeii is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

Bruges has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. From its world class breweries to its famous chocolate shops, there is plenty to eat and drink around town. In the old town prices can be a bit high, but the dishes and atmosphere are great. Popular local dishes include Belgian waffles, fries, mussels, and beef stew.

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 Bruges or Pompeii Better for Nightlife?

Bruges 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 Bruges. It's famous for its beer and breweries, so you'll find a number of places to gather in the evening. There is a lack of nightclubs, so if dancing and partying hard is your style, then this may not be your place. The vibes are generally chill and relaxed at night. Most places are concentrated around old town or near Kuipersstraat or Zilverstraat.

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 Bruges or Pompeii Better for its Old Town?

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

The old town of Bruges is one of the most recognized in the world. The old town is the main attraction, with its quaint cobblestone streets and beautiful brick architecture.

Pompeii does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Bruges or Pompeii?

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

Bruges has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The city offers plenty of shopping, whether you're looking for souvenirs, trendy European brands, or local items. It's more geared towards tourists than locals, and you want find the same diversity that you get in some of the larger nearby cities, but you'll find unique lace items and other local goods in the old town. The streets around Markt Square, Steenstraat, Geld Monstraat, and Jakobstraat are the main shopping areas.

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 Bruges or Pompeii Better for Families?

Pompeii is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Bruges is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Bruges is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy sampling the unique chocolate around town, eating their fill of waffles, and getting their energy out in the park or at a local playground. There are also canal boat tours and horse drawn carriage rides that are fun for the whole family.

Is Bruges or Pompeii Better for Couples?

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

Bruges makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. This romantic city has amazing restaurants, charming streets, and impressive architecture. Couples will enjoy exploring the canals by boat or taking a horse drawn carriage ride through the old town. There are also a number of cute bed and breakfasts where you can stay.

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 Bruges or Pompeii Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bruges is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Pompeii is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Bruges. There are a few good hostels around town. The city sees its share of tourists, but many arrive as part of tours or river boat cruises. If you stay in a hostel, you shouldn't have trouble meeting other young travelers though. There are also plenty of well known breweries where you can gather with friends.

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.

Is Bruges or Pompeii Better for Students?

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

It's common for students to 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.

Bruges is not popular with students.

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

Bruges and Pompeii both offer nice public transit to get you around.

While Bruges offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a bus system that connects the train station to the old town. Otherwise, the city is best explored on foot.

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.

Is Bruges or Pompeii a more walkable city?

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

Bruges is a very easy city to get around on foot. The train station is a short walk from the old town but the city is very walkable and best explored on foot.

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Pompeii or Bruges?

How long in Bruges or Pompeii?

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

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

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

One day in Bruges or Pompeii?

In Bruges, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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 Bruges or Pompeii?

In Bruges, 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. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Bruges 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 Bruges or Pompeii?

Bruges 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 Bruges or Pompeii?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bruges. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Bruges. 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 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 Cultural Tours in Belgium, The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium, 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 Bruges and Pompeii, we can see that Pompeii is more expensive. And not only is Bruges much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bruges would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bruges 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 Bruges.

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

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Bruges and Pompeii. Many travelers come to Bruges for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Pompeii in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

Bruges is cooler than Pompeii in the summer. The daily temperature in Bruges averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Pompeii fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Pompeii this time of the year. In Bruges, it's very sunny this time of the year. Bruges usually receives less sunshine than Pompeii during summer. Bruges gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Pompeii receives 313 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Bruges usually receives more rain than Pompeii. Bruges gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Bruges or Pompeii in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Bruges as well as Pompeii. Many visitors come to Bruges in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Bruges is cooler than Pompeii. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bruges in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Pompeii averages at about 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Bruges often gets less sunshine than Pompeii. Bruges gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pompeii receives 189 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Pompeii. Bruges usually gets less rain in October than Pompeii. Bruges gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bruges or Pompeii in the Winter?

Both Pompeii and Bruges are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Bruges for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Pompeii because of the museums.

Bruges can be very cold during winter. In January, Bruges is generally much colder than Pompeii. Daily temperatures in Bruges average around 3°C (38°F), and Pompeii fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Bruges usually receives less sunshine than Pompeii during winter. Bruges gets 47 hours of sunny skies, while Pompeii receives 115 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Pompeii. In January, Bruges usually receives less rain than Pompeii. Bruges gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Bruges or Pompeii in the Spring?

Both Pompeii and Bruges during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Bruges because of the natural beauty.

Bruges is much colder than Pompeii in the spring. The daily temperature in Bruges averages around 8°C (47°F) in April, and Pompeii fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Bruges often gets less sunshine than Pompeii. Bruges gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pompeii receives 189 hours of full sun.

Bruges usually gets less rain in April than Pompeii. Bruges gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Pompeii and Bruges