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

Should you visit Montpellier 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 Montpellier 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.

Montpellier

Montpellier is a beautiful, friendly, and historic city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Pompeii

Pompeii is a iconic, one-of-a-kind, and ancient archeological site. Other popular activities here include museums.

Montpellier and Pompeii: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Montpellier or Pompeii?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Montpellier. Although Montpellier and Pompeii are popular destinations, Montpellier has more sights and attractions for tourists. Montpellier is very popular for its food, nightlife, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Pompeii attracts visitors for its museums. Pompeii is more touristy than Montpellier and is popular for its well preserved archaeological ruins that are still intact following the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Montpellier is famous for its relaxed atmosphere, grand boulevards, and authentic personality. It is also well known for The Place de la Comédie.

How is Montpellier different from Pompeii?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Pompeii is an unbeatable place for its museums and landmarks. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Pompeii on the map. 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.

Montpellier offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. With such a long history, the city has many landmarks and monuments. Also make sure you visit Musée Fabre and Saint-Pierre Cathedral.

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

Montpellier is very good for its restaurants. However, Pompeii is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

Montpellier is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The dishes are made with fresh ingredients produced in the agricultural areas just outside of town. The area is known for its seafood and fish stews.

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 Montpellier or Pompeii Better for Nightlife?

Montpellier 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 Montpellier. The weather is mild, making for a nice evening out. The population is also young, so you can expect a lot of activity during the evenings, particularly in the area around Place Jean Jaurés. Make sure you enjoy local wine and champagne while you're in town.

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 Montpellier or Pompeii Better for Beaches?

Montpellier is an excellent place to visit for the beach. However, Pompeii is not a beach destination.

Montpellier is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. The coastline near Montpellier feels pristine and beautiful. You can also visit Villeneuve-lès-Maguelone to the southwest of town, which is a protected area.

Pompeii is not a beach destination.

Is Montpellier or Pompeii Better for its Old Town?

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

The old town of Montpellier is one of the most recognized in the world. Known as L'Écusson the town's old town dates back to the Middle Ages. It is a pedestrian area that is filled with boutiques, restaurants, and churches.

Pompeii does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Montpellier or Pompeii?

Montpellier 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 Montpellier. Head to Rue de la Loge for some of the city's best shopping.

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 Montpellier or Pompeii Better for Families?

Pompeii is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Pompeii is known to be 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.

Montpellier offers lots of family activities. Popular activities for kids include taking a ride on the carousel in the Comedie, visiting the playground - Jardin Champs de Mars, and visiting the botanical garden - Jardin des Plantes.

Is Montpellier or Pompeii Better for Couples?

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

Montpellier makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Rich in history and beautiful architecture, this city offers a romantic setting for a great couple's getaway.

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 Montpellier or Pompeii Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Montpellier 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 Montpellier. With a young population and a number of hostels to choose from, Montpellier attracts its share of backpackers.

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 Montpellier or Pompeii Better for Students?

Montpellier 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 Montpellier. Montpellier is a popular university town that is home to many trendy university students. It's also where you'll find the youngest population of any city in France.

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

Montpellier is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Pompeii is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Montpellier offers a very effecient public transportation network. There are a number of options for getting around town including the tramway, bus, and tourist train.

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 Montpellier or Pompeii a more walkable city?

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

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.

Montpellier is very walkable. Many of the sights and attractions are easily accessible on foot and can be enjoyed as part of a self-guided walking tour.

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

Should I spend more time in Pompeii or Montpellier?

How long in Montpellier or Pompeii?

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

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

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

One day in Montpellier or Pompeii?

In Montpellier, you'll find nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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.

Visitors enjoy the museums when visiting the famous 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 Montpellier or Pompeii?

In Montpellier, 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 Montpellier has to offer.

Visitors enjoy the museums when visiting the ancient 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 Montpellier or Pompeii?

Montpellier is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 iconic 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 Montpellier or Pompeii?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Montpellier. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Montpellier. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in France, The Best 2-Week 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 Montpellier and Pompeii, we can see that Pompeii is more expensive. And not only is Montpellier much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Montpellier would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Montpellier 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 Montpellier.

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

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

The summer brings many poeple to Montpellier as well as Pompeii. Many travelers come to Montpellier for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Pompeii in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

Montpellier is around the same temperature as Pompeii in the summer. The daily temperature in Montpellier averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Pompeii fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Pompeii. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Montpellier this time of the year. In the summer, Montpellier often gets more sunshine than Pompeii. Montpellier gets 351 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pompeii receives 313 hours of full sun.

Montpellier usually gets less rain in July than Pompeii. Montpellier gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Montpellier or Pompeii in the Autumn?

Both Pompeii and Montpellier are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Montpellier in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Montpellier is around the same temperature as Pompeii. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Montpellier in October average around 15°C (60°F), and Pompeii averages at about 17°C (63°F).

Montpellier usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Pompeii during autumn. Montpellier gets 187 hours of sunny skies, while Pompeii receives 189 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Pompeii. It's quite rainy in Montpellier. In October, Montpellier usually receives less rain than Pompeii. Montpellier gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Montpellier or Pompeii in the Winter?

Both Pompeii and Montpellier during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Montpellier for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Pompeii because of the museums.

In January, Montpellier is generally cooler than Pompeii. Daily temperatures in Montpellier average around 7°C (44°F), and Pompeii fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Montpellier often gets more sunshine than Pompeii. Montpellier gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pompeii receives 115 hours of full sun.

Pompeii gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Montpellier usually gets less rain in January than Pompeii. Montpellier gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Montpellier or Pompeii in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Montpellier and Pompeii. The spring months attract visitors to Montpellier because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

Montpellier is around the same temperature as Pompeii in the spring. The daily temperature in Montpellier averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Pompeii fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In Montpellier, it's very sunny this time of the year. Montpellier usually receives more sunshine than Pompeii during spring. Montpellier gets 230 hours of sunny skies, while Pompeii receives 189 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Montpellier usually receives less rain than Pompeii. Montpellier gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Pompeii and Montpellier