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

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

London

London is a diverse, iconic, and global city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the theater, nightlife, and live music.

Pompeii

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

London and Pompeii: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in London or Pompeii?

Travelers will usually find more to do in London. Although London and Pompeii are popular destinations, London has more sights and attractions for tourists. London is famous for its international reputation, its world-renowned theater productions, and its many different markets. It is also well known for Big Ben. Pompeii is famous for its well preserved archaeological ruins that are still intact following the eruption of Mount Vesuvius.

Big Ben

How is London different from Pompeii?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

You'll find a number of fantastic museums and attractions in both Pompeii and London.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, London has many famous sights for visitors. The city has so many iconic sights that we can't list them all, but some of the most famous include the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, St. Paul's Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and the British Museum. You can fill many days exploring the treasures found at each of the venues.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Pompeii that are not to be missed. 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.

Is London or Pompeii Better for Theater?

London is renowned for its shows and theatre. However, Pompeii is not a theatre destination.

The theater scene in London is world-class. The West End theater district is where you'll find the most popular musicals. Famous theaters include Apollo Theatre, Palace Theatre, and Piccadilly Theatre. There are often Wednesday matinees that are a bit cheaper than the evening shows. You may also be able to get discounted last minute tickets if you're visiting during the less touristy times.

Pompeii is not a theatre destination.

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

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

London has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Although food here was once the butt of a number of jokes, the restaurant scene has come a long way, and you can find anything and everything around town. Head to Chinatown to try dim sum or hot pot. There are no shortage of Indian restaurants as well. If you want the best food for the lowest prices, your best bet is to get out of the touristy areas and discover where the locals eat. There are also many markets that are perfect for grabbing a unique lunch or snack. Burrough Market has a number of ethnic and seafood vendors as well as fresh produce and snack options.

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 London or Pompeii Better for Nightlife?

London is renowned for its evening party scene. However, Pompeii is lacking in options for nightlife.

London is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. Some of the best neighborhoods for nightlife are Camden, West End, Soho, and Shoreditch. There are many festivals, concerts, and shows worth checking out and the nightlife scene is diverse enough that there really is something for everyone.

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 London or Pompeii Better for Music?

London is renowned for its music scene. However, Pompeii is not a live music destination.

London has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. Famous music venues include Dominion Theatre, the Roundhouse, and Dublin Castle.

Pompeii is not a live music destination.

Is the Shopping Better in London or Pompeii?

London is renowned for its shopping areas. However, Pompeii is lacking in options for shopping.

Many people travel to London specifically to go shopping. With so much iconic shopping around town, it's hard to decide where to go. Head to Oxford Street, Regent Street, or Piccadilly Circus for a quintessential British shopping experience.

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 London or Pompeii Better for Christmas?

London is renowned for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Pompeii does not offer Christmas activities.

Known for its popular Christmas activities, London draws large crowds. There's Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, outdoor ice skating, and beautiful Christmas lights throughout the city. You can also listen to Christmas Carols in Trafalgar Square or see a classic Christmas show.

Pompeii does not offer Christmas activities.

Is London or Pompeii Better for Christmas Markets?

London is renowned for visiting Christmas markets. However, Pompeii does not offer Christmas markets.

People travel to London specifically to enjoy its famous Christmas markets. The city has many Christmas markets. There is Winter Wonderland Christmas market, Southbank Centre Winter Market, and Selfridges Christmas Market, among many others.

Pompeii does not offer Christmas markets.

Is London or Pompeii Better for Families?

London is renowned for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Pompeii is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

London is one of the most popular family destinations. Whether you do a Harry Potter Tour, take a ride on the London Eye, or enjoy afternoon tea, there are plenty of activities for kids around town. The Harry Potter Studio Tour is fun for everyone, but should be booked well in advance as it sells out. Theatre enthusiasts will enjoy catching a musical in West End and sampling dim sum or a hot pot in Chinatown. There are often Wednesday matinee showings that are perfect for kids with early bedtimes.

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 London or Pompeii Better for Couples?

London is renowned for couples. Also, Pompeii is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, London has plenty to offer. With every type of entertainment that you can imagine, this city is the ultimate couple's getaway. There are world class musicals, evening concerts, and restaurants of every style, cuisine, and budget. It's easy for couples to fill days in this vibrant city.

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 London or Pompeii Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

London is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Pompeii is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit London, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. Although the city is very expensive, it has tons of hostels, affordable restaurant options, and great public transit. There's a huge backpacker network here and it's easy to meet other travelers. The nightlife scene is also second to none.

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 London or Pompeii Better for Students?

London 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 London. The city has a number of universities and is a popular study abroad destination. It's also a very diverse city, so international students will feel right at home.

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

London 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.

London has a great public transit system. From the iconic double decker buses to the Tube, there are plenty of options throughout the city.

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 London or Pompeii a more walkable city?

London and Pompeii are fantastic when it comes to walkability.

London is a very easy city to get around on foot. With many walkable areas, it is considered to be one of the world's most walkable major cities.

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 London Worth Visiting? and Is Pompeii Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Pompeii or London?

How long in London or Pompeii?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in London or Pompeii to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in London than Pompeii because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for London, and 1-2 days is enough time in Pompeii.

Families should spend more time in London than Pompeii. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in London, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

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

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

One day in London or Pompeii?

Because London is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Many travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the destination of Pompeii. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in London or Pompeii?

Because London 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. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

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 London or Pompeii?

London 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 London has to offer. 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 London or Pompeii?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in London. Because London is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the iconic 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Kingdom, The Best 3-Day Tours in United Kingdom, 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 London and Pompeii, we can see that London 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 London would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in London 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 London Expensive? and Is Pompeii Expensive?.

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both London and Pompeii. The summer months attract visitors to London because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Pompeii this time of year.

London is cooler than Pompeii in the summer. The daily temperature in London averages around 18°C (64°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. London usually receives less sunshine than Pompeii during summer. London gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Pompeii receives 313 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, London usually receives more rain than Pompeii. London gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit London or Pompeii in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to London as well as Pompeii. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to London this time of year.

In the autumn, London is cooler than Pompeii. Typically, the autumn temperatures in London in October average around 12°C (53°F), and Pompeii averages at about 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, London often gets less sunshine than Pompeii. London gets 107 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pompeii receives 189 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Pompeii. London usually gets less rain in October than Pompeii. London gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit London or Pompeii in the Winter?

Both Pompeii and London are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to London for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Pompeii in the winter for the museums.

Be prepared for some very cold days in London. In January, London is generally much colder than Pompeii. Daily temperatures in London average around 4°C (40°F), and Pompeii fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

London usually receives less sunshine than Pompeii during winter. London gets 52 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, London usually receives less rain than Pompeii. London gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit London or Pompeii in the Spring?

Both Pompeii and London during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to London in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

London is cooler than Pompeii in the spring. The daily temperature in London averages around 9°C (48°F) in April, and Pompeii fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, London often gets less sunshine than Pompeii. London gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pompeii receives 189 hours of full sun.

London usually gets less rain in April than Pompeii. London 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 London