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

Should you visit Pompeii or Lake Garda?

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 Lake Garda can help you decide which place is right for you.

Pompeii

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

Lake Garda

Lake Garda is a playful, fun, and energetic lake. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Pompeii and Lake Garda: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Pompeii or Lake Garda?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Lake Garda. Although Pompeii and Lake Garda are both popular with visitors, Lake Garda has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Lake Garda is more popular for its food, nightlife, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Pompeii is known for its museums & sights. Pompeii is more touristy than Lake Garda and is known for its well preserved archaeological ruins that are still intact following the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Lake Garda is popular for its beautiful setting, charming towns, and fun amusement parks. It is also home to Sirmione.

How is Pompeii different from Lake Garda?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Pompeii is terrific for its museums and history. Also, Lake Garda is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Pompeii are world-renowned. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Lake Garda. While most people come for the natural beauty, there are also great castles that you can explore. Castello Scaligeri, Grotte di Catullo, and Castello Scaligero.

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

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

Lake Garda has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. You'll find many great local restaurants in the area. Most make use of local ingredients such as olive oil, lemons, wine, and fish. Pasta and risotto are both popular throughout the area as well.

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 Lake Garda Better for Nightlife?

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

Lake Garda has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. You'll find clubs and bars in various towns that make for a great nightlife scene. You'll even find beach parties and fireworks shows during the most popular times of the year.

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 Lake Garda Better for Beaches?

Lake Garda is an excellent place to visit for the beach. However, Pompeii is not a beach destination.

Lake Garda is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. Despite there being no ocean, there are many great swimming beaches in the area. Many have sand and great places to relax. There's also plenty of watersports to choose from.

Pompeii is not a beach destination.

Is Pompeii or Lake Garda Better for Hiking?

Lake Garda 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 Lake Garda. There are many great walking and hiking trails in the area that take you through the natural beauty, connect the charming towns, and offer spectacular viewpoints.

Pompeii is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Pompeii or Lake Garda?

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

Lake Garda has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Many villages around the lake are great for shopping. You'll find clothing stores, jewelry shops, and souvenir vendors with something for everyone.

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 Lake Garda Better for Families?

Lake Garda is renowned for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Pompeii is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Lake Garda is one of the most popular family destinations. The nearby amusement parks, including Gardaland, make this a popular destination for families. The area also has many places to swim, trails to explore, and castles to experience. Kids and adults alike will love this amazing kid-friendly area.

Pompeii is 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.

Is Pompeii or Lake Garda Better for Couples?

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

Lake Garda makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. You'll find a lot of families in the area because of the amusement parks, but that doesn't mean that this isn't a romantic and beautiful spot for couples. There are many charming towns to explore and scenic viewpoints to check out. There are also excellent romantic restaurants that you should try.

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 Lake Garda Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Pompeii and Lake Garda are both good 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 Lake Garda. There are a few good hostels around the lake that are affordable and fun. The area also see enough backpackers to keep the atmosphere fun and social.

Is Pompeii or Lake Garda Better for Students?

Pompeii is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Lake Garda 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.

Lake Garda is not popular with students.

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

Lake Garda 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.

Lake Garda offers a very effecient public transportation network. There are ferries, buses, and trains in the area.

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 Lake Garda a more walkable city?

Pompeii is terrific for its high level of walkability. Also, Lake Garda is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

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.

Lake Garda is a very walkable destination. There are walking trails that connect the villages around the lake and this how many people choose to get around.

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

Should I spend more time in Lake Garda or Pompeii?

How long in Pompeii or Lake Garda?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Lake Garda 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 Lake Garda.

One day in Pompeii or Lake Garda?

With museums around the iconic archeological site of Pompeii, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Pompeii, one day is sufficent for most.

In Lake Garda, you'll find nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This lake 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 Lake Garda?

With museums around the destination of Pompeii, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this archeological site.

In Lake Garda, you'll find food and shopping. 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 Lake Garda has to offer.

Five days in Pompeii or Lake Garda?

Pompeii, a popular archeological site, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Lake Garda is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the 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 Lake Garda?

Pompeii is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lake Garda. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Lake Garda. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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 Lake Garda, we can see that Lake Garda 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 Lake Garda Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Pompeii or Lake Garda?

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 Lake Garda in the Summer?

Both Lake Garda and Pompeii are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Pompeii for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Lake Garda because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Pompeii is generally around the same temperature as Lake Garda. Daily temperatures in Pompeii average around 23°C (74°F), and Lake Garda fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

It's quite sunny in Lake Garda. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Pompeii. Pompeii usually receives more sunshine than Lake Garda during summer. Pompeii gets 313 hours of sunny skies, while Lake Garda receives 286 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Pompeii usually receives less rain than Lake Garda. Pompeii gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Pompeii or Lake Garda in the Autumn?

Both Lake Garda and Pompeii during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Lake Garda this time of year.

Pompeii is a little warmer than Lake Garda in the autumn. The daily temperature in Pompeii averages around 17°C (63°F) in October, and Lake Garda fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

In the autumn, Pompeii often gets more sunshine than Lake Garda. Pompeii gets 189 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lake Garda receives 137 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Pompeii. Pompeii usually gets more rain in October than Lake Garda. Pompeii gets 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Pompeii or Lake Garda in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Pompeii and Lake Garda. The museums are the main draw to Pompeii this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Lake Garda for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Lake Garda. In the winter, Pompeii is much warmer than Lake Garda. Typically, the winter temperatures in Pompeii in January average around 8°C (47°F), and Lake Garda averages at about 2°C (36°F).

Pompeii usually receives more sunshine than Lake Garda during winter. Pompeii gets 115 hours of sunny skies, while Lake Garda receives 98 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 Lake Garda. Pompeii gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Pompeii or Lake Garda in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Pompeii as well as Lake Garda. Also, many visitors come to Lake Garda in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

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

In the spring, Pompeii often gets more sunshine than Lake Garda. Pompeii gets 189 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lake Garda receives 169 hours of full sun.

Pompeii usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Lake Garda. Pompeii gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Lake Garda and Pompeii