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

Should you visit Frankfurt or Pompeii?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Frankfurt and Pompeii can help you decide which place is right for you.

Frankfurt

Frankfurt is a diverse, accessible, and modern city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Pompeii

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

Frankfurt and Pompeii: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Frankfurt or Pompeii?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Frankfurt. Although Frankfurt and Pompeii are popular destinations, Frankfurt has more sights and attractions for tourists. Frankfurt is very popular for its food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Pompeii attracts visitors for its museums. Pompeii is more touristy than Frankfurt and is known for its well preserved archaeological ruins that are still intact following the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Frankfurt is famous for its financial industry, its popularity as a transportation hub, and its active nightlife. It is also well known for The Old Town Center.

The Old Town Center

How is Frankfurt different from Pompeii?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Pompeii is an unbeatable place for its museums and history. Also, Frankfurt is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

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.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Frankfurt can be an interesting and educational experience. Many sights are concentrated in the old town center. Highlights include the Historical Museum and St. Nicholas Church. Elsewhere, make sure you check out Maintower, the Städel Museum, and the Museum District.

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

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

Frankfurt has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. In addition to a number of international restaurants, the city also has a strong regional cuisine. Some of the most interesting local dishes include Frankfurter Sausage, Rindwurst, Grüne Soße (an herb sauce), and Handkäse mit Musik (marinated sour milk cheese). Also make sure you sample the Apfelwein.

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 Frankfurt or Pompeii Better for Nightlife?

Frankfurt is an excellent place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Pompeii is lacking in options for nightlife.

Frankfurt has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. It's a vibrant city with many trendy clubs, cocktail bars, music venues, and more. You can enjoy techno, hip hop, and almost any style of music. There are also festivals, beer halls, and classic pubs.

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 Frankfurt or Pompeii Better for its Old Town?

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

Frankfurt has an old town worth visiting. Many museums and cafes are concentrated in the old town area.

Pompeii does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Frankfurt or Pompeii?

Frankfurt 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 Frankfurt. It's a financial capital in Europe, and as such there are plenty of high end shopping opportunities. MyZeil is a major shopping mall in the city and Kleinmarkthalle is a more classic market. Popular shopping neighborhoods and streets include Goethestrasse, Sachsenhausen and Berger Strasse.

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 Frankfurt or Pompeii Better for Families?

You'll find very good kid-friendly activities in either Frankfurt or Pompeii.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Frankfurt. In town there's a zoo, a children’s museum, a math and technology museum (EXPERIMINTA), and a number of parks, natural areas, and playgrounds. If you're willing to head out of town then you can visit Taunus Wunderland, which is an amusement park with about 50 rides and attractions.

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.

Is Frankfurt or Pompeii Better for Couples?

Both Frankfurt and Pompeii are nice destinations to visit as a couple.

Frankfurt is a good city for couples to visit. The iconic spot of romance in the city is the Iron Footbridge, which is a traditional spot to attach a "love lock" and take a selfie. The city also offers river cruises, winery tours, and beautiful parks and natural areas.

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 Frankfurt or Pompeii Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Frankfurt 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 Frankfurt. You'll find a number of hostels in town. The city is also a major transportation hub so many backpackers pass through the area at some point on their trip through Germany.

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 Frankfurt or Pompeii Better for Students?

Frankfurt is renowned for its student-friendly activities. Also, Pompeii is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Frankfurt. The city offers prestigious universities and a world class education. The economy offers many internships and job opportunities and you'll find students from around the world studying here. Frankfurt is also well connected to the rest of Europe, so it's easy to explore the region.

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

Frankfurt is renowned for times when you don't have a car. Also, Pompeii is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Frankfurt has a great public transit system. It is a huge transportation hub with a major international airport and a number of international train connections. Locally, the city has a subway, trams, commuter trains and buses.

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 Frankfurt or Pompeii a more walkable city?

Pompeii is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. Also, Frankfurt is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Pompeii. 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.

Frankfurt is very walkable. It has a compact city center that is generally pedestrian-friendly.

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

Should I spend more time in Pompeii or Frankfurt?

How long in Frankfurt or Pompeii?

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

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

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

One day in Frankfurt or Pompeii?

Because Frankfurt is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. 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.

You'll find museums around the archeological site of Pompeii. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Pompeii has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Frankfurt or Pompeii?

Because Frankfurt is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. 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 Frankfurt has to offer.

You'll find museums around the famous destination of Pompeii. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this archeological site has to offer. This archeological site offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Frankfurt or Pompeii?

Frankfurt 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.

Travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the iconic archeological site of Pompeii. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the museums. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Frankfurt or Pompeii?

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

Pompeii is a popular choice for travelers. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

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

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

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

Both Pompeii and Frankfurt are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Frankfurt because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Pompeii this time of year.

Frankfurt is cooler than Pompeii in the summer. The daily temperature in Frankfurt averages around 19°C (67°F) in July, 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 Frankfurt. Frankfurt usually receives less sunshine than Pompeii during summer. Frankfurt gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Pompeii receives 313 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Frankfurt usually receives more rain than Pompeii. Frankfurt gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Frankfurt or Pompeii in the Autumn?

Both Pompeii and Frankfurt during the autumn are popular places to visit. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Frankfurt this time of year.

In the autumn, Frankfurt is much colder than Pompeii. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Frankfurt in October average around 11°C (51°F), and Pompeii averages at about 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Frankfurt often gets less sunshine than Pompeii. Frankfurt gets 103 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. Frankfurt usually gets less rain in October than Pompeii. Frankfurt gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Frankfurt or Pompeii in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Frankfurt and Pompeii. Many travelers come to Frankfurt for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Pompeii in the winter for the museums.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Frankfurt. In January, Frankfurt is generally much colder than Pompeii. Daily temperatures in Frankfurt average around 1°C (34°F), and Pompeii fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Frankfurt usually receives less sunshine than Pompeii during winter. Frankfurt gets 41 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, Frankfurt usually receives less rain than Pompeii. Frankfurt gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Frankfurt or Pompeii in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Frankfurt as well as Pompeii. Many visitors come to Frankfurt in the spring for the activities around the city.

Frankfurt is cooler than Pompeii in the spring. The daily temperature in Frankfurt averages around 10°C (50°F) in April, and Pompeii fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Frankfurt often gets less sunshine than Pompeii. Frankfurt gets 163 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pompeii receives 189 hours of full sun.

Frankfurt usually gets less rain in April than Pompeii. Frankfurt gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Pompeii and Frankfurt