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

Should you visit Pompeii or Florence?

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

Pompeii

Pompeii is a one-of-a-kind, ancient, and famous archeological site. Visitors also love the museums.

Florence

Florence is a historical, artistic, and iconic city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Pompeii and Florence: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Pompeii or Florence?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Florence. Although Pompeii and Florence are both popular with visitors, Florence has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Pompeii is popular for its well preserved archaeological ruins that are still intact following the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Florence is popular for its iconic beauty, world-renowned Renaissance art and architecture, and beautifully maintained gardens. It is also home to The Duomo (Santa Maria del Fiore).

How is Pompeii different from Florence?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

You'll find a number of terrific museums and attractions in both Florence and Pompeii.

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.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Florence that are not to be missed. Because of it's important role in the Renaissance, the city has many world-renowned museums that you can visit. Famous sights and landmarks include the Uffizi Gallery, the Duomo, and the Academy Gallery.

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

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

Florence has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. Once you've worked up an appetite exploring museums and churches, you'll find many amazing local restaurants around town. Local dishes incorporate a lot of hearty vegetables and meats. Famous dishes include a Florentine steak dish, rabbit, and a bean bed and cabbage soup.

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 Florence Better for Nightlife?

Florence 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 Florence. You'll find the most active nightlife in the Santa Croce neighborhood. The area attracts study abroad students as well as tourists who party late into the night.

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 Florence Better for its Old Town?

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

The old town of Florence is one of the most recognized in the world. The historic center of the city is where you'll find many of the most beautiful buildings, art works, and quaint streets. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it was at the heart of the Renaissance period.

Pompeii does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Pompeii or Florence?

Florence 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 Florence. There are many shops in the tourist heart of the city. Most are geared specifically to tourists so you may have to search to find a more authentic shopping experience. Famous items available in the city include gold jewelry, ceramics, leather, and perfume.

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 Florence Better for Families?

Pompeii is a great archeological site for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Florence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Pompeii is very family-friendly. 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.

Florence is a family-friendly place to visit. Most famous for its art and history, the city also has a number of activities that kids will enjoy. There's a carousel and a park that are perfect to let the little ones run around. There are a few kid-friendly museums, as well as a historic city center that will mesmerize the old and young alike.

Is Pompeii or Florence Better for Couples?

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

For those traveling as a couple, Florence has plenty to offer. Art and history lovers will enjoy a visit to this truly beautiful city. Couples who enjoy museums, historic buildings, and world-renowned art, will find plenty to do in this 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 Pompeii or Florence Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Florence 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 Florence, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. The city is part of a popular route through Italy, and you'll find many backpackers and students in town. There are also many hostels, so you should have no trouble meeting other young travelers.

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 Florence Better for Students?

Florence 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 Florence. Many students visit this city as part of a short term study abroad program, or for the entire length of their studies. The city is beautiful, and whether your focus is art, history, or culture, this city will not disappoint.

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 Florence Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find good public transit in both Pompeii and Florence.

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 Florence, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a comprehensive bus system.

Is Pompeii or Florence a more walkable city?

Pompeii and Florence are terrific when it comes to 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.

Getting around Florence on foot is easy. Most people explore the city on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Florence or Pompeii?

How long in Pompeii or Florence?

Both Pompeii and Florence have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Florence than in Pompeii. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Pompeii, and 2-7 days is enough time in Florence.

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

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

One day in Pompeii or Florence?

The archeological site of Pompeii offers museums. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Florence, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city 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 Florence?

Pompeii is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this archeological site makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Pompeii, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

In Florence, 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 Florence has to offer.

Five days in Pompeii or Florence?

Pompeii is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Florence is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Florence has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Pompeii or Florence?

Pompeii is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This archeological site offers something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Florence. In Florence, you'll find museums and nightlife. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

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 comparing the travel costs between Pompeii and Florence, we can see that Florence is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

When is the best time to visit Pompeii or Florence?

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 Florence in the Summer?

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

In July, Pompeii is generally around the same temperature as Florence. Daily temperatures in Pompeii average around 23°C (74°F), and Florence fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Florence 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 Florence during summer. Pompeii gets 313 hours of sunny skies, while Florence receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Pompeii usually receives less rain than Florence. Pompeii gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Florence receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Pompeii or Florence in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Pompeii as well as Florence. Also, many visitors come to Florence in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Pompeii is around the same temperature as Florence in the autumn. The daily temperature in Pompeii averages around 17°C (63°F) in October, and Florence fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Pompeii often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Florence. Pompeii gets 189 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florence receives 177 hours of full sun.

Pompeii receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Pompeii usually gets more rain in October than Florence. Pompeii gets 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Florence receives 96 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Pompeii or Florence in the Winter?

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

In the winter, Pompeii is a little warmer than Florence. Typically, the winter temperatures in Pompeii in January average around 8°C (47°F), and Florence averages at about 7°C (45°F).

Pompeii usually receives more sunshine than Florence during winter. Pompeii gets 115 hours of sunny skies, while Florence receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Pompeii. In January, Pompeii usually receives more rain than Florence. Pompeii gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Florence receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Pompeii or Florence in the Spring?

Both Florence and Pompeii during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Florence because of the natural beauty.

In April, Pompeii is generally around the same temperature as Florence. Daily temperatures in Pompeii average around 13°C (55°F), and Florence fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

In the spring, Pompeii often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Florence. Pompeii gets 189 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florence receives 192 hours of full sun.

Pompeii usually gets less rain in April than Florence. Pompeii gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Florence receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Florence and Pompeii