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

Should you visit Pompeii or Como?

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 Como can help you decide which place is right for you.

Pompeii

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

Como

Como is a trendy, fun, and vibrant lake area. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the hiking, shopping, and nightlife.

Pompeii and Como: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Pompeii or Como?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Como. Although Pompeii and Como are popular destinations, Como has more sights and attractions for tourists. Como is very popular for its food, nightlife, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Pompeii attracts visitors for its museums. Pompeii is famous for its well preserved archaeological ruins that are still intact following the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Como is famous for its long-running history as a resort retreat for upscale travelers. It is also well known for the lakeside setting.

How is Pompeii different from Como?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Como 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 Como?

Pompeii is renowned for its museums and history. However, Como is lacking in options for its museums and landmarks.

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.

Como offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most people visit for the lakeside setting, but there's history throughout, with notable buildings including the Duomo, Museo Civico, and Basilica di Sant'Abbondio.

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

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

Como has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The area has its own style of Italian food. Polenta is one of the most popular dishes and it's usually served with meat, fish, or cheese. You can also enjoy several different types of fish such as misultitt (dried fish), salmon trout, pike, bleak, lavarello, and perch.

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 Como Better for Nightlife?

Como 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 Como. It is more known for its glamour and sophistication than its raging party scene. There are fine dining restaurants where you can sip wine and enjoy the view. There are also theaters and jazz clubs that offer a relaxing vibe and a nice night out.

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 Como Better for Beaches?

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

Many people head to Como to enjoy the beach. You'll find lakeside beaches where you can relax, sunbath, or swim. Many are affiliated with clubs and the atmosphere is often trendy and upscale. Don't expect a secluded and natural setting, but there are often nice restaurants nearby.

Pompeii is not a beach destination.

Is Pompeii or Como Better for Hiking?

Como is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Pompeii is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Como. There's a wide variety of hiking trails in the area that take you through the mountains or along the water's edge. One of the most popular trails is the Greenway del Lago di Como.

Pompeii is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Pompeii or Como?

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

Many people travel to Como specifically to go shopping. The shopping is comparable to major cities, with everything from high end boutiques to outlets and local markets. There are clothing shops, jewelry stores, and places to pick up local souvenirs. Shopping is a favorite activity for many visitors to Lake Como.

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 Como Better for Families?

You'll find excellent kid-friendly activities in either Pompeii or Como.

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.

Como is a very family-friendly place to visit. It has parks and gardens to explore, as well as Vezio Castle and many nice walking trails. A highlight for many kids is a visit to Lake Como Adventure Park.

Is Pompeii or Como Better for Couples?

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

For those traveling as a couple, Como has plenty to offer. Its beautiful walks, charming towns, and surrounding natural setting make this a great honeymoon and couple's getaway destination. Dine on Italian cuisine as you sip wine and look out on the pristine waters of Lake Como.

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 Pompeii or Como Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Como 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 Como. It's a popular destination with all types of travelers, so you'll find a decent selection of hostels to choose from, and a number of other backpackers around to hang out with.

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 Como Better for Students?

Pompeii is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Como is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Pompeii. 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.

Como is not popular with students.

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

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

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 Como, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses, ferries, and a funicular that travel to different towns around the lake.

Is Pompeii or Como a more walkable city?

Pompeii is renowned for its ease of walking around. Also, Como is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Pompeii. 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.

Como is very walkable. The entire area is very walkable and you'll enjoy many great views during your stroll.

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

Should I spend more time in Como or Pompeii?

How long in Pompeii or Como?

It's fun to spend time in either Pompeii or Como. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Como due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Pompeii, and 2-4 days is enough time in Como.

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

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

One day in Pompeii or Como?

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 Como, you'll find shopping and nightlife. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This lake area offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Pompeii or Como?

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 Como, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Como has to offer.

Five days in Pompeii or Como?

You'll find museums around the iconic 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.

Como is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this 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.

A week in Pompeii or Como?

The iconic 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 Como. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Como. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Como, we can see that Como 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 Como would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Como 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 Pompeii Expensive? and Is Como Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Pompeii or Como?

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 Como in the Summer?

Both Como and Pompeii are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Pompeii this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Como for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

It's quite sunny in Como. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Pompeii. Pompeii usually receives more sunshine than Como during summer. Pompeii gets 313 hours of sunny skies, while Como receives 250 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Pompeii usually receives less rain than Como. Pompeii gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Como receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Pompeii or Como in the Autumn?

Both Como and Pompeii during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Como in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Pompeii is a little warmer than Como. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Pompeii in October average around 17°C (63°F), and Como averages at about 15°C (58°F).

In the autumn, Pompeii often gets more sunshine than Como. Pompeii gets 189 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Como receives 152 hours of full sun.

Como gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Pompeii. Pompeii usually gets more rain in October than Como. Pompeii gets 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Como receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Pompeii or Como in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Pompeii and Como. Many visitors come to Pompeii in the winter for the museums. Also, most visitors come to Como for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Como can be very cold during winter. In January, Pompeii is generally much warmer than Como. Daily temperatures in Pompeii average around 8°C (47°F), and Como fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Pompeii usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Como during winter. Pompeii gets 115 hours of sunny skies, while Como receives 119 hours of full sun in the winter.

Pompeii gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Pompeii usually receives more rain than Como. Pompeii gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Como receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Pompeii or Como in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Pompeii as well as Como. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Como because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

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

In the spring, Pompeii often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Como. Pompeii gets 189 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Como receives 176 hours of full sun.

Pompeii usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Como. Pompeii gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Como receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Como and Pompeii