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

Should you visit Pompeii or Bari?

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 Pompeii and Bari can help you decide which place is right for you.

Pompeii

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

Bari

Bari is a cultural, authentic, and local port city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Pompeii and Bari: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Pompeii or Bari?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Bari. Although Pompeii and Bari are popular destinations, Bari has more sights and attractions for tourists. Bari is very popular for its food, nightlife, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Pompeii attracts visitors for its museums. Pompeii is more touristy than Bari and is known for its well preserved archaeological ruins that are still intact following the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Bari is famous for its authentic old town and its role as a ferry port for travelers headed across the Adriatic. It is also well known for San Nicola.

How is Pompeii different from Bari?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Pompeii is terrific for its historical sights. Also, Bari is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its sights and museums.

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.

Bari offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city is filled with historical sights and archeological ruins. San Nicola is the main basilica in town and a popular tourist sight. The Castello is also a highlight, as is San Sabino.

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

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

Bari has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. It's off-the-beaten-path vibe means that you won't find the overpriced tourist restaurants that have taken over more touristy cities. Instead you'll find locally owned pasta shops that cater to the town's residents. You can taste authentic Pugliese cuisine, which is centered around wheat and olive oil. Orecchiette is the local pasta and seafood is one of the most common staples.

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 Pompeii or Bari Better for Nightlife?

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

Bari has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The city really comes to life at night with many dance clubs, bars, and other fun venues. There's plenty of live music as well as jazz clubs and other local bars.

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 Pompeii or Bari Better for Beaches?

Bari is very good for the beach. However, Pompeii is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Bari to enjoy the beach. There's a sandy beach that you can reach by bus outside of the city center. There are also many great beaches around Puglia if you're willing to take a day trip or travel a bit farther.

Pompeii is not a beach destination.

Is Pompeii or Bari Better for its Old Town?

Bari is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Pompeii does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Bari. The old town is filled with historic sights, mazelike streets, and great food. It's pedestrian-only and, because Bari is not as popular with tourists, it holds on to its authentic charm.

Pompeii does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Pompeii or Bari?

Bari is very good for its shopping areas. However, Pompeii is lacking in options for shopping.

Bari has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You won't find the souvenir shops that you find in more touristy cities, so if you take the time to do some shopping while you're in town, you can enjoy a truly authentic and cultural 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 Pompeii or Bari Better for Families?

You'll find high quality kid-friendly activities in either Pompeii or Bari.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Pompeii. 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.

Bari is a very family-friendly place to visit. There are historical sites and castles to explore as well as the fun-filled Miragica amusement park. There's also an impressive underground city that will spark the kid's imagination. Other fun activities include visiting the nearby beaches, taking a kayak tour, or wandering around the old town.

Is Pompeii or Bari Better for Couples?

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

Pompeii is a good archeological site 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.

Bari is a nice destination for couples. The old town is filled with mazelike streets and the city has many unique activities that appeal to history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Is Pompeii or Bari Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bari 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 Bari. There's plenty of hostels around town and the prices are usually very reasonable. Many backpackers pass through this port city on their way to Greece or other Adriatic destinations.

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 Pompeii or Bari Better for Students?

Bari is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. Also, Pompeii is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Bari is very popular with students. It's a great student city that offers access to many nearby Mediterranean destinations. There are also a number of historical sights within town that students can visit.

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

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Pompeii and Bari.

Pompeii has some public transit options. Many visitors from Sorrento and Naples arrive via the the Circumvesuviana train. There are also buses from many different locations.

You'll find some public transit in Bari, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses around town that are operated by the AMTAB.

Is Pompeii or Bari a more walkable city?

Pompeii is terrific for its ease of walking around. Also, Bari is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its 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.

Bari is very walkable. The old town is pedestrian-only and best explored on foot. It's also about a 20 minute walk from the central train station.

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

Should I spend more time in Bari or Pompeii?

How long in Pompeii or Bari?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Pompeii and Bari. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Bari than in Pompeii. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Pompeii, and 1-3 days is enough time in Bari.

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

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

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

One day in Pompeii or Bari?

Visitors enjoy the museums when visiting the destination of Pompeii. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In Bari, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This port city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Pompeii or Bari?

Pompeii is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the museums. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Bari, 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. One reason most visitors come is for the food. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Bari has to offer.

Five days in Pompeii or Bari?

You'll find museums around the famous destination of Pompeii. This archeological site offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Bari is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

A week in Pompeii or Bari?

The ancient archeological site of Pompeii offers museums. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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's hard to know how much time to spend in Bari. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Bari. One reason most visitors come is for the food. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, The Best Walking Tours in Italy, The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Pompeii and Bari, we can see that Pompeii is more expensive. And not only is Bari much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bari would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bari 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 Bari.

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

When is the best time to visit Pompeii or Bari?

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 Pompeii or Bari in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Pompeii and Bari. Many visitors come to Pompeii in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Bari for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Pompeii is around the same temperature as Bari in the summer. The daily temperature in Pompeii averages around 23°C (74°F) in July, and Bari fluctuates around 25°C (76°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bari this time of the year. In Pompeii, it's very sunny this time of the year. Pompeii usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bari during summer. Pompeii gets 313 hours of sunny skies, while Bari receives 336 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Pompeii usually receives more rain than Bari. Pompeii gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Bari receives 9 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Pompeii or Bari in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Pompeii as well as Bari. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Bari because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Pompeii is around the same temperature as Bari. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Pompeii in October average around 17°C (63°F), and Bari averages at about 18°C (65°F).

In the autumn, Pompeii often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bari. Pompeii gets 189 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bari receives 178 hours of full sun.

Pompeii receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Pompeii usually gets more rain in October than Bari. Pompeii gets 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Bari receives 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Pompeii or Bari in the Winter?

Both Bari and Pompeii are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Pompeii because of the museums. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Bari this time of year.

In January, Pompeii is generally cooler than Bari. Daily temperatures in Pompeii average around 8°C (47°F), and Bari fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

Pompeii usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bari during winter. Pompeii gets 115 hours of sunny skies, while Bari receives 110 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Pompeii. In January, Pompeii usually receives more rain than Bari. Pompeii gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Bari receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Pompeii or Bari in the Spring?

Both Bari and Pompeii during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Bari for the beaches and the activities around the city.

Pompeii is around the same temperature as Bari in the spring. The daily temperature in Pompeii averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Bari fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

In Bari, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Pompeii often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bari. Pompeii gets 189 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bari receives 203 hours of full sun.

Pompeii usually gets more rain in April than Bari. Pompeii gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Bari receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bari and Pompeii