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

Should you visit Inverness 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 Inverness and Pompeii can help you decide which place is right for you.

Inverness

Inverness is a traditional, local, and historic 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. And you can't forget about the museums.

Inverness and Pompeii: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Home to Loch Ness
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Home to the Pompeii Archaeological Ruins
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping


Is there more to do in Inverness or Pompeii?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Pompeii. Although Inverness and Pompeii are both popular with visitors, Pompeii has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Pompeii is more popular for its museums, while Inverness is known for its food, nightlife, shopping, and small town charm. Pompeii is more touristy than Inverness and is popular for its well preserved archaeological ruins that are still intact following the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. It is also home to the Pompeii Archaeological Ruins. Inverness is popular for its surrounding countryside, but also its regional heritage, local festivals and proximity to the famous Loch Ness.

the Pompeii Archaeological Ruins
The Pompeii Archaeological Ruins

How is Inverness different from Pompeii?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Inverness
Pompeii

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

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.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Inverness can be an interesting and educational experience. As a city rich in culture and heritage, you'll find a number of sights and museums in town. Check out the Highland House of Fraser, Culloden Moor, and Clava Cairns.


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

Inverness
Pompeii

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

Inverness has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city makes a great spot to fill your belly after a few days exploring the Scottish Highlands. You'll find local restaurants that serve up regional specialties, and when the weather's nice, there are some spots with outdoor seating.

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 Inverness or Pompeii Better for Nightlife?

Inverness
Pompeii

Inverness 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 Inverness. Nightlife isn't the first thing that comes to mind with this town, but there are actually lots of distilleries in the area and there's a surprising number of high quality bars and pubs that make for a fun evening.

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 the Shopping Better in Inverness or Pompeii?

Inverness
Pompeii

Inverness 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 Inverness. The town is at the cultural heart of the Scottish Highlands you'll find plenty of local shops where you can pick up local products. Make sure you check out the Inverness Victorian Market.

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 Inverness or Pompeii Better for Families?

Inverness
Pompeii

Pompeii is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Inverness is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Inverness is a family-friendly city. The city has some parks and activities that are great for kids. Make sure you explore Inverness Castle and the Inverness Mystery Treasure Trail.

Is Inverness or Pompeii Better for Couples?

Inverness
Pompeii

Both Inverness and Pompeii are good destinations to visit as a couple.

Inverness makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Located in the Scottish Highlands, there ae many scenic spots and nice activities that couples can enjoy in the area.

Pompeii is a good city for couples to visit. 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 Inverness or Pompeii Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Inverness
Pompeii

Pompeii is very good for backpackers. However, Inverness is not a good city for backpackers and budget 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.

Inverness is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There a some hostels and student hotels, but this isn't one of the major backpacker spots in the UK.


Is Inverness or Pompeii Better for Students?

Inverness
Pompeii

Pompeii is very good for students. However, Inverness is not popular with students.

Pompeii is a good archeological site to visit for 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.

Inverness is not popular with students.

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

Inverness
Pompeii

Pompeii is very good for its public transit. However, Inverness is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Inverness. There are local buses that pass through the town.

Is Inverness or Pompeii a more walkable city?

Inverness
Pompeii

Pompeii is terrific for its high level of walkability. Also, Inverness is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its ease of walking around.

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.

Inverness is a very walkable destination. It's compact enough that you can explore much of the town on foot.


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

Should I spend more time in Pompeii or Inverness?

How long in Inverness or Pompeii?

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

Families should spend more time in Pompeii than Inverness. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Pompeii than Inverness 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 Pompeii.


  • How many days in Inverness or Pompeii? Ideal Length of Stay
    Inverness 1-3 
    Pompeii 1-2

One day in Inverness or Pompeii?

In Inverness, 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.

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 Inverness or Pompeii?

In Inverness, 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 Inverness has to offer.

You'll find museums around the iconic 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 Inverness or Pompeii?

Inverness 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 ancient 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 Inverness or Pompeii?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Inverness. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Inverness. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from London, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, and The Best Walking Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Pompeii or Inverness?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Inverness is £168, while the average daily cost in Pompeii is £129. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Inverness and Pompeii in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Inverness £91
    Pompeii £60
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Inverness £182
    Pompeii £120
Compare Hotels in Inverness and Pompeii

Looking for a hotel in Inverness or Pompeii? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Inverness


Hotels in Pompeii


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Inverness Hotel Prices and Pompeii Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Inverness £33
    Pompeii £46

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Inverness

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Inverness:

  • Inverness to Isle of Skye Direct transfer: $623
  • Inverness to Glasgow Direct transfer: $781
  • Inverness to Fort William Direct transfer: $374
  • Inverness to Edinburgh Direct transfer: $781
  • Inverness Private Transfer to Aviemore: $229
  • Inverness Airport to Glenshee Ski Resort - Round-Trip Transfer: $131
  • Inverness Airport (INV) to Lecht Ski Resort - Arrival Transfer: $33
  • Inverness Airport (INV) to Glenshee Ski Resort - Arrival Transfer: $66
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Inverness INV to Inverness City by luxury vehicle: $105
  • Transfers / Tour from , inverness, Edinburgh ,Glasgow ,Aberdeen : $184

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pompeii

Also for Pompeii, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Transfer from Pompeii to Naples or viceversa: $66
  • Small Group Pompeii Wine Tasting with Lunch & Transfer Included : $97
  • Transfers from Naples to Sorrento Positano Amalfi Ravello Maiori: $97
  • Private transfer Ravello to Naples: $121
  • Transfer Ravello to Naples: $121
  • Private transfer from Ravello to Naples: $121
  • Organic Wine Tasting & Lunch on Vesuvius with Transfer from Pompeii: $132
  • Transfers Ravello - Naples: $207
  • Transfer Private from Ravello to Naples: $239

Is it cheaper to fly into Inverness or Pompeii?

Prices for flights to both Pompeii and Inverness change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Inverness £49
    Pompeii £30

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Pompeii

For Pompeii, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Traditional Neapolitan Dinner in Pompei - Villa Franca - Family Restourant: $38
  • Cooking Class with Italian Mamma in Pompeii: $65
  • Lunch or dinner and cooking demo at a local home in Pompei: $93
  • Pompei tour with a 2000 years roman dinner: $112
  • Small Group Market tour and Cooking class in Pompei: $142
  • Private Pizza & Tiramisu Class at a Cesarina's home with tasting in Pompei: $158
  • Private Cooking Class with Lunch or Dinner in Pompei: $158
  • Private market tour and cooking class with lunch or dinner in Pompei: $206
  • guided tour of the ruins and cooking class fresh pasta : $272
  • Cooking class: Pasta Experience in Pompei, Italy: $300

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Inverness £44
    Pompeii £66

Tours and Activities in Inverness

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Inverness are as follows:

  • 1-Day Moray Coast Tour with Speyside Whisky from Inverness: $97
  • 2-Day Tour to Isle of Skye, The Fairy Pools & Highland Castles: $191
  • 2-Hour Private Celtic Handfasting Ceremony Experience: $108
  • 25 Shot Clay Pigeon Shooting Experience: $63
  • Applecross, Loch Carron & Wild Highlands Tour from Inverness: $69
  • Cawdor Castle, Inverness, Culloden, Outlander and Loch Ness Tour: $164
  • Chauffeur driven sightseeing Edinburgh to & from Inverness: $1,000
  • Clan Tour - Castle ,Whisky and History Tour: $172
  • Craigs Luxury Speyside Private Whisky Tour: $686
  • Day tour to Isle of Skye and Fairy Pools from Inverness: $126
  • From Cairngorms National Park and Whisky Tour: $76
  • From Glen Affric, Culloden and Clava Cairns Tour: $73

Tours and Activities in Pompeii

For Pompeii, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • The Rise, Fall, and Rediscovery of A Self-Guided Tour: $20
  • Pompeii Express 1 hour Guided Tour: $21
  • Pompeii Ticket with Optional Guided Tour: $31
  • PompeiI VIP: Guided Tour with your Archaeologist in a Small Group : $32
  • Entrance ticket to the Valle dell'Orso Water Park: $33
  • Pompeii for kids or adults skip the line small group walking tour 2 hours: $33
  • Pompeii Skip the Line ticket + Audioguide: $35
  • Pompeii Archeological Site Fast Track Entry Ticket : $36
  • Pompeii tour with archaeologist: $38
  • Pompeii Tour with experienced guide: $38
  • guided tour of the archaeological excavations of Pompeii: $38
  • Semi-Private Tour of Pompeii Ruins: $41

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Inverness £23
    Pompeii £6.26

Sample the Local Flavors in Inverness

Also in Inverness, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • From Invergordon Port Dunrobin Castle, Clynelish Distillery Tour : $203
  • Speyside Distillery Tour From Inverness: $1,124

Sample the Local Flavors in Pompeii

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Pompeii:

  • Wine Tasting Tour on the Slopes of Vesuvius: $46
  • Wine Tasting on Mt. Vesuvius: $55
  • Seafood Lunch with Wine Tasting & Tour on a golf cart: $87
  • Guided Tour of Pompeii Ruins with Lunch and Wine Tasting: $98
  • Private Wine Tour and Tasting in Pompeii with a Local: $124
  • Pompeii Guided Tour & Horse Riding on Vesuvius with Wine Tasting: $191
  • Pompeii, Herculaneum and scenic drive of the Mt. Vesuvius with wine tasting: $207


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Inverness and Pompeii, we can see that Inverness is more expensive. And not only is Pompeii much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Pompeii would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Pompeii 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 Inverness would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Inverness than you might in Pompeii.

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



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

Both Pompeii and Inverness during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Inverness because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Pompeii this time of year.

In the summer, Inverness is much colder than Pompeii. Typically, the summer temperatures in Inverness in July average around 14°C (58°F), and Pompeii averages at about 23°C (74°F).

In Pompeii, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Inverness often gets less sunshine than Pompeii. Inverness gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pompeii receives 313 hours of full sun.

Inverness usually gets more rain in July than Pompeii. Inverness gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Inverness 14°C (58°F) 
    Pompeii 23°C (74°F)

Should I visit Inverness or Pompeii in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Inverness and Pompeii. The shopping scene and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Inverness this time of year.

In October, Inverness is generally much colder than Pompeii. Daily temperatures in Inverness average around 9°C (49°F), and Pompeii fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Inverness usually receives less sunshine than Pompeii during autumn. Inverness gets 84 hours of sunny skies, while Pompeii receives 189 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Pompeii receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Inverness usually receives less rain than Pompeii. Inverness gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Inverness 9°C (49°F) 
    Pompeii 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Inverness or Pompeii in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Inverness as well as Pompeii. Many travelers come to Inverness for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Pompeii in the winter for the museums.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Inverness. Inverness is much colder than Pompeii in the winter. The daily temperature in Inverness averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Pompeii fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Inverness often gets less sunshine than Pompeii. Inverness gets 42 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pompeii receives 115 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Pompeii. Inverness usually gets less rain in January than Pompeii. Inverness gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Inverness 3°C (38°F) 
    Pompeii 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Inverness or Pompeii in the Spring?

Both Pompeii and Inverness are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Inverness in the spring for the small town charm.

In the spring, Inverness is much colder than Pompeii. Typically, the spring temperatures in Inverness in April average around 7°C (44°F), and Pompeii averages at about 13°C (55°F).

Inverness usually receives less sunshine than Pompeii during spring. Inverness gets 136 hours of sunny skies, while Pompeii receives 189 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Inverness usually receives less rain than Pompeii. Inverness gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Inverness 7°C (44°F) 
    Pompeii 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Pompeii and Inverness

Inverness Pompeii
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 8°C (47°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Feb 3°C (38°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 9°C (48°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 11°C (51°F) 88 mm (3.5 in)
Apr 7°C (44°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 13°C (55°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
May 10°C (50°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 17°C (63°F) 52 mm (2.1 in)
Jun 13°C (55°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 21°C (69°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Jul 14°C (58°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 23°C (74°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Aug 14°C (57°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 24°C (74°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 21°C (70°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Oct 9°C (49°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 17°C (63°F) 132 mm (5.2 in)
Nov 5°C (42°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 12°C (54°F) 161 mm (6.3 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 52 mm (2 in) 9°C (49°F) 118 mm (4.6 in)