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

Should you visit Paris or Pompeii?

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

Should I visit Paris or Pompeii? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Paris

Paris is a energetic, beautiful, and iconic city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. 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. Other reasons to visit include museums.

Paris and Pompeii: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Paris or Pompeii?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Paris than Pompeii, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Paris is well known for its world-renowned cuisine, iconic landmarks, trendsetting fashion, and dynamic markets. Also, Paris is famous for The Eiffel Tower. Pompeii is well known for its well preserved archaeological ruins that are still intact following the eruption of Mount Vesuvius.

The Eiffel Tower

How is Paris different from Pompeii?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Spend time exploring the world-class sights and museums in either Paris or Pompeii.

Travelers visit Paris from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. One of the most world famous landmarks is the Eiffel Tower. The city is also home to the world renowned Louvre, Notre-Dame, and Palais Garnier Opera House. In addition to the many iconic sights, there are beautiful buildings and hidden gems throughout the city.

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.

Is Paris or Pompeii Better for Theater?

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

The theater scene in Paris is world-class. There are world class theaters as well as smaller local venues where you can enjoy a show.

Pompeii is not a theatre destination.

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

Paris is renowned for its restaurants. However, Pompeii is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

Paris has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. There are countless local restaurants, markets, and patisseries to explore. Make sure you try the steak tartare, pate, and macarons.

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 Paris or Pompeii Better for Nightlife?

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

Paris is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. Head to Pigalle or the Latin Quarter for some of the city's best nightlife. There are all-night parties, cabarets, and exclusive night clubs that you can experience.

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 Paris or Pompeii Better for Music?

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

Paris has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. Some of the most famous music venues include Le Pop In, La Mécanique Ondulatoire, and Les Disquaires. You'll also find many small bars where you can enjoy live music in a quaint setting.

Pompeii is not a live music destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Paris or Pompeii?

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

Many people travel to Paris specifically to go shopping. Some of the best areas for shopping are Boulevard Haussmann and the Grands Boulevards, the Marais, and Avenue Montaigne and the Champs-Elysées. The city is iconic for its fashion scene and world class shopping venues.

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 Paris or Pompeii Better for Christmas?

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

Known for its popular Christmas activities, Paris draws large crowds. The city of lights really proves itself around the holiday season. In addition to checking out the Christmas lights, it's fun to go window shopping or check out one of the city's Christmas markets.

Pompeii does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Paris or Pompeii Better for Families?

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

Paris is one of the most popular family destinations. Check out Jardin du Luxembourg, or one of the city's many playgrounds. Also grab a treat at one of the city's many patisseries. And of course, there's Disneyland Paris.

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 Paris or Pompeii Better for Couples?

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

For those traveling as a couple, Paris has plenty to offer. A city filled with romance, you really can't find a more ideal destination for a European honeymoon or a 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 Paris or Pompeii Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Paris 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 Paris, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. It's a big city, so it's easy to get lost in the chaos, but there are many hostels and other backpacker hangouts around town.

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 Paris or Pompeii Better for Students?

Paris 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 Paris. The city is one of the most popular destinations for international and study abroad students.

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

Paris 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.

Paris has a great public transit system. The city's metro system is very comprehensive. There's also a bus system that you can use to get around.

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 Paris or Pompeii a more walkable city?

Pompeii is terrific for its walkability. Also, Paris is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its high level of walkability.

Pompeii is a very easy archeological site to get around 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.

Paris is a very walkable city. Some streets can feel a bit overwhelming, but there are many parts of the city that are easily explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Pompeii or Paris?

How long in Paris or Pompeii?

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

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

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

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

One day in Paris or Pompeii?

Because Paris 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.

In Pompeii, many people enjoy the museums that this one-of-a-kind destination offers. Lots of people come for the museums. This archeological site offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Paris or Pompeii?

Because Paris 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Pompeii. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Paris or Pompeii?

Paris 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 Paris has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Pompeii is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the destination of Pompeii. Lots of people come for the museums. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Paris or Pompeii?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Paris. Because Paris 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.

You'll find museums around the one-of-a-kind destination of Pompeii. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the museums. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in France, The Best 10-Day 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 Paris and Pompeii, we can see that Paris 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 Paris would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Paris 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 Paris Expensive? and Is Pompeii Expensive?.

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Paris and Pompeii. The city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Paris this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Pompeii for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Paris is generally cooler than Pompeii. Daily temperatures in Paris average around 20°C (68°F), and Pompeii fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Pompeii this time of the year. In Paris, it's very sunny this time of the year. Paris usually receives less sunshine than Pompeii during summer. Paris gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Pompeii receives 313 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Paris usually receives more rain than Pompeii. Paris gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Paris or Pompeii in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Paris as well as Pompeii. Many travelers come to Paris for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Paris is cooler than Pompeii in the autumn. The daily temperature in Paris averages around 13°C (56°F) in October, and Pompeii fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Paris often gets less sunshine than Pompeii. Paris gets 127 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pompeii receives 189 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Pompeii. Paris usually gets less rain in October than Pompeii. Paris gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Paris or Pompeii in the Winter?

Both Pompeii and Paris are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Paris in the winter for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Pompeii for the museums during these months.

Paris can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Paris is much colder than Pompeii. Typically, the winter temperatures in Paris in January average around 5°C (40°F), and Pompeii averages at about 8°C (47°F).

Paris usually receives less sunshine than Pompeii during winter. Paris gets 62 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, Paris usually receives less rain than Pompeii. Paris gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Paris or Pompeii in the Spring?

Both Pompeii and Paris during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Paris for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Paris is generally cooler than Pompeii. Daily temperatures in Paris average around 11°C (52°F), and Pompeii fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Paris often gets less sunshine than Pompeii. Paris gets 172 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pompeii receives 189 hours of full sun.

Paris usually gets less rain in April than Pompeii. Paris gets 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Pompeii and Paris