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

Should you visit Pompeii or Genoa?

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 Genoa 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.

Genoa

Genoa is a vibrant, colorful, and energetic port city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Pompeii and Genoa: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Pompeii or Genoa?

Both Genoa and Pompeii have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Pompeii is very popular for its museums, while Genoa attracts visitors for its food, nightlife, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Pompeii is more touristy than Genoa and is known for its well preserved archaeological ruins that are still intact following the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Genoa is famous for its maritime history, its vibrant cultural scene, and being the birthplace of Christopher Columbus.

How is Pompeii different from Genoa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Pompeii is terrific for its historical sights. Also, Genoa 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.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Genoa. The city has a long history and it is filled with monuments, palaces, and museums. Popular places to visit include the Via Garibaldi Palaces, the aquarium (one of the largest in Europe), the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, and Santi Ambrogio.

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

Genoa is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. However, Pompeii is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

Genoa has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city's maritime roots have influenced its cuisine and you'll find seafood in many local dishes. Other classic Genoese flavors include pesto, anchovies, fried squid, and focaccia and cheese.

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 Genoa Better for Nightlife?

Genoa 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 Genoa. The city lights up at night and it's fun to experience the activity and energy. There's a nice evening atmosphere with many people out and about. You can grab drinks in Piazza Lavagna or see live music in Porto Antico. There are also many bars and clubs around 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 Pompeii or Genoa Better for Beaches?

Genoa is a decent place to visit for the beach. However, Pompeii is not a beach destination.

The beach in Genoa is worth checking out. While many people head to other nearby towns to enjoy the beach, you will also find a beach just ten minutes from the old town by bus. Boccadasse is one of the closest beaches to town. It's also possible to do a day trip to other more famous beaches in the area, but you need to be prepared to travel a bit farther.

Pompeii is not a beach destination.

Is Pompeii or Genoa Better for its Old Town?

Genoa is very good for its historic old town charm. However, Pompeii does not have a historic old town.

Genoa has an old town worth visiting. The old town is large and complex, with many different time periods represented in the architecture and development style.

Pompeii does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Pompeii or Genoa?

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

Genoa has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You can pick up a number of different souvenirs around town including baskets, t-shirts, and local pesto. Popular shopping areas include Galleria Mazzini, Via Roma, and Via XX Settembr.

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 Genoa Better for Families?

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

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.

Genoa is a very family-friendly place to visit. The city is home to the second biggest aquarium in Europe as well as the Galata Maritime Museum and the Nazario Sauro Submarine. In the port there's also Vascello Nettuno, which was a pirate ship that was used in the filming of the movie 'Pirates' by Roman Polanski. Other fun kid-friendly attractions include La Biosfera, The Children's Museum, and the Bigo Lift.

Is Pompeii or Genoa Better for Couples?

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

Genoa makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a beautiful port city with charming neighborhoods and some great restaurants. Couples will enjoy exploring this beautiful city and visiting its palaces and cathedrals.

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 Genoa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Genoa 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 Genoa. There are a number of affordable hostels in the area, and while this isn't the top backpacker destination in Italy, it is a nice place to spend some time.

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 Genoa Better for Students?

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

Genoa is very popular with students. It's a popular study abroad destination so you'll find a number of international students in the area. The city is also well connected for exploring the region.

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

Genoa 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.

Genoa offers a very effecient public transportation network. There's a wide range of different public transit options that are all operated by AMT. The system includes buses, an underground (one line), funiculars (two), lifts (ten), a boat, cogwheel and narrow gauge railways.

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 Pompeii or Genoa a more walkable city?

Pompeii is terrific for its ease of walking around. Also, Genoa 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.

Genoa is very walkable. The old town, where most tourists spend the majority of their time, is easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Genoa or Pompeii?

How long in Pompeii or Genoa?

It's fun to spend time in either Pompeii or Genoa. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Genoa 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 Genoa.

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

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

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

One day in Pompeii or Genoa?

In Pompeii, many people enjoy the museums that this famous 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.

In Genoa, you'll find nightlife and food. This port 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 Genoa?

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.

In Genoa, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Genoa has to offer.

Five days in Pompeii or Genoa?

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.

Genoa is a great place to explore. 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 Genoa?

You'll find museums around the famous 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Genoa. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Genoa. 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 comparing the travel costs between Pompeii and Genoa, we can see that Pompeii 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 Genoa Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Pompeii or Genoa?

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 Genoa in the Summer?

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

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Genoa 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 Genoa during summer. Pompeii gets 313 hours of sunny skies, while Genoa receives 295 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Pompeii usually receives more rain than Genoa. Pompeii gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Pompeii or Genoa in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Pompeii is cooler than Genoa. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Pompeii in October average around 17°C (63°F), and Genoa averages at about 19°C (66°F).

In the autumn, Pompeii often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Genoa. Pompeii gets 189 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Genoa receives 183 hours of full sun.

Pompeii receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Pompeii usually gets more rain in October than Genoa. Pompeii gets 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Pompeii or Genoa in the Winter?

Both Genoa 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 Genoa for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Pompeii is generally cooler than Genoa. Daily temperatures in Pompeii average around 8°C (47°F), and Genoa fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Pompeii usually receives less sunshine than Genoa during winter. Pompeii gets 115 hours of sunny skies, while Genoa receives 127 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Pompeii. In January, Pompeii usually receives more rain than Genoa. Pompeii gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Pompeii or Genoa in the Spring?

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

Pompeii is cooler than Genoa in the spring. The daily temperature in Pompeii averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Genoa fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

In the spring, Pompeii often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Genoa. Pompeii gets 189 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Genoa receives 198 hours of full sun.

Pompeii usually gets more rain in April than Genoa. Pompeii gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Genoa and Pompeii