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

Should you visit Pompeii or Imperia?

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

Pompeii

Pompeii is a ancient, famous, and iconic archeological site. Other popular activities here include museums.

Imperia

Imperia is a undiscovered, authentic, and charming town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Pompeii and Imperia: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Pompeii or Imperia?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Pompeii. Although Pompeii and Imperia are popular destinations, Pompeii has more sights and attractions for tourists. Pompeii is very popular for its museums, while Imperia attracts visitors for its food, nightlife, shopping, and impressive beauty. Pompeii is more touristy than Imperia and is popular for its well preserved archaeological ruins that are still intact following the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. It is also well known for the Pompeii Archaeological Ruins. Imperia is famous for its access to the Ligurian coastline.

The Pompeii Archaeological Ruins

How is Pompeii different from Imperia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Pompeii is a must-visit destination for its sights and museums. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Pompeii on the map. 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.

Imperia is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several interesting buildings of importance around town.

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

Imperia is very good for its restaurants. However, Pompeii is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

Imperia is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Food ranges from typical Italian dishes to local recipes that use local ingredients. Unique ingredients in the area include trumpet zucchini, flat breads, and anchovies.

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 Imperia Better for Nightlife?

Imperia 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 Imperia. There are some bars and lively restaurants around town where you can spend an enjoyable evening.

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 the Shopping Better in Pompeii or Imperia?

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

Imperia has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are some shopping streets in town that have a mix of local brands and standard clothing shops.

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 Imperia Better for Families?

Pompeii is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Pompeii is known to be 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.

Imperia is a family-friendly archeological site. There's some nice walking trails in the countryside that the kids will enjoy.

Is Pompeii or Imperia Better for Couples?

Both Pompeii and Imperia 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.

Imperia is a nice destination for couples. It's a beautiful town with a nice atmosphere that offers a nice break from the tourist crowds.

Is Pompeii or Imperia Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Pompeii and Imperia are both nice destinations for backpackers.

Pompeii is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Imperia. Accommodation tends to be affordable and there's an off-the-beaten-path vibe that some backpackers will appreciate.

Is Pompeii or Imperia Better for Students?

Pompeii is a popular place for students. However, Imperia is not popular with students.

Pompeii is a good archeological site to visit for 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.

Imperia is not popular with students.

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

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

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 Imperia, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses that connect the city to different areas.

Is Pompeii or Imperia a more walkable city?

Pompeii is a must-visit destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its walkability.

It is easy to get around Pompeii 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.

Imperia is somewhat walkable. Parts of the town are convenient to walk around.

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

Should I spend more time in Imperia or Pompeii?

How long in Pompeii or Imperia?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Pompeii or Imperia to fill your time. In our opinion, Pompeii has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Pompeii than Imperia. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

One day in Pompeii or Imperia?

In Pompeii, you'll find museums. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. This archeological site offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

In Imperia, you'll find nightlife and food. This town 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 Imperia?

In Pompeii, you'll find museums. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Pompeii has to offer.

In Imperia, 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 Imperia has to offer.

Five days in Pompeii or Imperia?

Pompeii 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.

Imperia 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 Imperia?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Pompeii. Many people enjoy the museums when visiting Pompeii. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Imperia. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Imperia. 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 Imperia, we can see that Pompeii is more expensive. And not only is Imperia much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Imperia would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Imperia 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 Imperia.

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

When is the best time to visit Pompeii or Imperia?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Pompeii or Imperia in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Pompeii as well as Imperia. Most visitors come to Pompeii for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Imperia because of the family-friendly experiences.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Imperia. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Pompeii this time of the year. In the summer, Pompeii often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Imperia. Pompeii gets 313 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Imperia receives 295 hours of full sun.

Pompeii usually gets more rain in July than Imperia. Pompeii gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Imperia receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Pompeii or Imperia in the Autumn?

Both Imperia and Pompeii are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Imperia this time of year.

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

Pompeii usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Imperia during autumn. Pompeii gets 189 hours of sunny skies, while Imperia receives 183 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Pompeii. In October, Pompeii usually receives more rain than Imperia. Pompeii gets 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Imperia receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Pompeii or Imperia in the Winter?

Both Imperia and Pompeii during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums are the main draw to Pompeii this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Imperia for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

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

In the winter, Pompeii often gets less sunshine than Imperia. Pompeii gets 115 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Imperia receives 127 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Pompeii. Pompeii usually gets more rain in January than Imperia. Pompeii gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Imperia receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Pompeii or Imperia in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Pompeii and Imperia. Also, many visitors come to Imperia in the spring for the natural beauty.

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

Pompeii usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Imperia during spring. Pompeii gets 189 hours of sunny skies, while Imperia receives 198 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Pompeii usually receives more rain than Imperia. Pompeii gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Imperia receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Imperia and Pompeii