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

Should you visit Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne 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.

Carcassonne

Carcassonne is a fairytale, medieval, and historical town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the food and museums.

Pompeii

Pompeii is a famous, iconic, and one-of-a-kind archeological site. Other reasons to visit include museums.

Carcassonne and Pompeii: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Carcassonne or Pompeii?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Pompeii than Carcassonne, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Pompeii is better known for its museums, nightlife, and shopping, while Carcassonne is more popular for its food, historical sights, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Pompeii is more touristy than Carcassonne and is known 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. Carcassonne is well known for its medieval history, walled fortifications, and well-known castle.

The Pompeii Archaeological Ruins

How is Carcassonne different from Pompeii?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Pompeii is very popular for its museums and history. Also, Carcassonne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Pompeii from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. 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.

Carcassonne offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The town is filled with medieval sights including the Château Comtal, the Basilica of Saints Nazarius and Celsus, and the Carcassonne Cathedral.

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

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

Carcassonne has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There are a number of local restaurants that serve regional specialties such as cassoulet. You can spend a few hours exploring the castle and then grab a delicious bite to eat.

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 Carcassonne or Pompeii Better for Nightlife?

Pompeii is not a good area for nightlife. However, Carcassonne is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Pompeii doesn't offer many options. 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.

Carcassonne is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Carcassonne or Pompeii Better for its Old Town?

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

Carcassonne has an old town worth visiting. The medieval walled city is seeped in history and filled with atmosphere. Cars are not allowed in town.

Pompeii does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Carcassonne or Pompeii?

Pompeii is not a good area for shopping. However, Carcassonne is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping in Pompeii can be found for those interested. There are some souvenir stands outside of the site where you can buy trinkets to remember your visit.

Carcassonne is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Carcassonne or Pompeii Better for Families?

Pompeii is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Carcassonne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Carcassonne. Kids who love castles will enjoy wandering the maze of rooms and getting lost in the medieval atmosphere.

Is Carcassonne or Pompeii Better for Couples?

Carcassonne and Pompeii both notable destinations for a couple.

Carcassonne is a nice destination for couples. It's a medieval city with an impressive castle and walled fortifications. It's a uniquely European sight that is great for couples who enjoy history.

Pompeii makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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 Carcassonne or Pompeii Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne. There are interesting hostels in the area including a converted 17th century convent.

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 Carcassonne or Pompeii Better for Students?

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

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.

Carcassonne is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Carcassonne and Pompeii.

Carcassonne has some public transit options. You can reach the town by train from Dijon, Lyon, Marseille, Toulouse, or Bordeaux and many people visit the town as a day trip.

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 Carcassonne or Pompeii a more walkable city?

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

It's very easy to get around on foot in Carcassonne. Cars aren't allowed in the medieval city so it's best to explore on foot.

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Pompeii or Carcassonne?

How long in Carcassonne or Pompeii?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Carcassonne or Pompeii to fill your time. In our opinion, Pompeii has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Pompeii than Carcassonne. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Pompeii than Carcassonne. 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 Carcassonne. 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 Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne.

One day in Carcassonne or Pompeii?

In Carcassonne, you'll find food and museums. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Visitors enjoy the museums when visiting the ancient archeological site of Pompeii. Most people visit for the museums. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this archeological site has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Carcassonne or Pompeii?

In Carcassonne, you'll find museums and food. 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 Carcassonne has to offer.

Visitors enjoy the museums when visiting the iconic destination of Pompeii. This archeological site offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Carcassonne or Pompeii?

Carcassonne 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.

The famous archeological site of Pompeii offers museums. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Carcassonne or Pompeii?

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

Many people enjoy the museums when visiting Pompeii. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people visit for the museums. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in France, The Best Historical Tours in France, 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 Carcassonne and Pompeii, we can see that Pompeii is more expensive. And not only is Carcassonne much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Carcassonne would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne.

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

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

Both Pompeii and Carcassonne are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Carcassonne for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Pompeii in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Carcassonne is generally around the same temperature as Pompeii. Daily temperatures in Carcassonne average around 24°C (75°F), and Pompeii fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

It's quite sunny in Pompeii. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Carcassonne. Carcassonne usually receives less sunshine than Pompeii during summer. Carcassonne gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Pompeii receives 313 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Carcassonne usually receives less rain than Pompeii. Carcassonne gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Carcassonne or Pompeii in the Autumn?

Both Pompeii and Carcassonne during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Carcassonne in the autumn for the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area.

Carcassonne is around the same temperature as Pompeii in the autumn. The daily temperature in Carcassonne averages around 17°C (62°F) in October, and Pompeii fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Carcassonne often gets less sunshine than Pompeii. Carcassonne gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pompeii receives 189 hours of full sun.

Pompeii gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Carcassonne usually gets less rain in October than Pompeii. Carcassonne gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Carcassonne or Pompeii in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Carcassonne and Pompeii. Most visitors come to Carcassonne for the museums and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Pompeii because of the museums.

In the winter, Carcassonne is around the same temperature as Pompeii. Typically, the winter temperatures in Carcassonne in January average around 8°C (47°F), and Pompeii averages at about 8°C (47°F).

Carcassonne usually receives less sunshine than Pompeii during winter. Carcassonne gets 88 hours of sunny skies, while Pompeii receives 115 hours of full sun in the winter.

Pompeii receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Carcassonne usually receives less rain than Pompeii. Carcassonne gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Carcassonne or Pompeii in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Carcassonne as well as Pompeii. The spring months attract visitors to Carcassonne because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In April, Carcassonne is generally around the same temperature as Pompeii. Daily temperatures in Carcassonne average around 14°C (56°F), and Pompeii fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Carcassonne often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Pompeii. Carcassonne gets 178 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pompeii receives 189 hours of full sun.

Carcassonne usually gets less rain in April than Pompeii. Carcassonne gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Pompeii and Carcassonne