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

Should you visit Pompeii or Livorno?

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 Livorno 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.

Livorno

Livorno is a friendly, down-to-earth, and waterfront port city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food.

Pompeii and Livorno: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Pompeii or Livorno?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Livorno. Although Pompeii and Livorno are popular destinations, Livorno has more sights and attractions for tourists. Livorno is very popular for its food, nightlife, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Pompeii attracts visitors for its museums. Pompeii is more touristy than Livorno and is known for its well preserved archaeological ruins that are still intact following the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Livorno is famous for its large port and its great seafood. It is also well known for The Waterfront Promenade.

How is Pompeii different from Livorno?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Pompeii is renowned for its historical sights. However, Livorno is not a good destination 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.

Livorno offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. The waterfront promenade and New Venice are nice to explore. There's an aquarium in town as well as a fun central market.

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

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

Livorno is becoming an appealing option for foodies. As a port city, this is the place to try seafood. Many dishes include calamari, shrimp, or freshly caught fish. The city is less touristy than most in Italy, so even the food has an authentic and down-to-earth vibe.

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 Livorno Better for Nightlife?

Livorno 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 Livorno. Most visitors arrive by cruise ship, and depart in the evening, but the city is large and for those that stay the night, there are a number of 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 Livorno Better for Beaches?

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

The beach in Livorno is worth checking out. The beaches are pebbly or rocky, so you won't really find a long stretch of sandy beach where you can relax. They can also stay very crowded.

Pompeii is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Pompeii or Livorno?

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

Livorno has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The main shopping street in town is Via Grande. It's generally filled with major chain stores and familiar brands.

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 Livorno Better for Families?

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

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.

Livorno is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has a nice aquarium as well as outdoor recreational activities like cycling and boating. There's a beach and parks where kids can stretch their legs and run around as well.

Is Pompeii or Livorno Better for Couples?

Both Pompeii and Livorno 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.

Livorno is a nice destination for couples. There are some nice museums as well as parks and boat rides that couples can enjoy. There's also an aquarium and a beach.

Is Pompeii or Livorno Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Pompeii is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Livorno is not a good destination for backpackers.

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.

Livorno is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Most backpackers skip this city, so you won't find many hostels around town. It's a relatively affordable place to stay with some fun entertainment options if you do pass through.

Is Pompeii or Livorno Better for Students?

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

It's common for students to 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.

Livorno is not popular with students.

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

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

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 Livorno, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses around town including lines that run from the central train station to the port.

Is Pompeii or Livorno a more walkable city?

Pompeii is renowned for its ease of walking around. Also, Livorno 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.

Livorno is somewhat walkable. Parts of the city are walkable, but if you're arriving by cruise ship, you'll want to take a shuttle bus from the port.

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

Should I spend more time in Livorno or Pompeii?

How long in Pompeii or Livorno?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Pompeii or Livorno 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 Livorno. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Pompeii than Livorno 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 Pompeii.

One day in Pompeii or Livorno?

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 Livorno, you'll find shopping and nightlife. This port city 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 Livorno?

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 Livorno, you'll find nightlife and food. 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 Livorno has to offer.

Five days in Pompeii or Livorno?

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.

Livorno 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 Livorno?

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 Livorno. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Livorno. 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 Livorno, 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 Livorno Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Pompeii or Livorno?

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 Livorno in the Summer?

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

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

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

In July, Pompeii usually receives more rain than Livorno. Pompeii gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Livorno receives 24 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Pompeii or Livorno in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Pompeii as well as Livorno. Additionally, many visitors come to Livorno in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Pompeii is around the same temperature as Livorno. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Pompeii in October average around 17°C (63°F), and Livorno averages at about 16°C (61°F).

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

It's quite rainy in Livorno. Pompeii receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Pompeii usually gets more rain in October than Livorno. Pompeii gets 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Livorno receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Pompeii or Livorno in the Winter?

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

In January, Pompeii is generally a little warmer than Livorno. Daily temperatures in Pompeii average around 8°C (47°F), and Livorno fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

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

It's quite rainy in Pompeii. In January, Pompeii usually receives more rain than Livorno. Pompeii gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Livorno receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Pompeii or Livorno in the Spring?

Both Livorno and Pompeii during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Livorno because of the beaches and the activities around the city.

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

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

Pompeii usually gets less rain in April than Livorno. Pompeii gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Livorno receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Livorno and Pompeii