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

Should you visit Pompeii or Milan?

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 Milan 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.

Milan

Milan is a chic, cultural, and trendy city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Pompeii and Milan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Pompeii or Milan?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Milan. Although Pompeii and Milan are popular destinations, Milan has more sights and attractions for tourists. Milan is very popular for its food, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Pompeii attracts visitors for its museums. Pompeii is more touristy than Milan and is known for its well preserved archaeological ruins that are still intact following the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Milan is famous for its grand squares, dramatic architecture, and its leadership in the fashion world. It is also well known for Piazza del Duomo.

How is Pompeii different from Milan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Pompeii is an amazing archeological site to visit for its historical sights. Also, Milan is not as popular, but is still a nice 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.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Milan. The Milan Cathedral is the most famous landmark in the city, but other sights include Castello Sforzesco, Pinacoteca di Brera, and Sant'Ambrogio.

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

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

Milan has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The city has a mix of traditional dishes combined with modernized, trendy restaurants. You can try a new dish by a groundbreaking chef, or sample a long running favorite like risotto alla Milanese.

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 Milan Better for Nightlife?

Milan is renowned for its evening party scene. However, Pompeii is lacking in options for nightlife.

Milan is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. The city has a huge number of students and young professionals, which make it a fun place with an active nightlife. There are cocktail bars, trendy clubs, and relaxed pubs that you can chose from.

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 Milan Better for Music?

Milan is renowned for its music scene. However, Pompeii is not a live music destination.

Milan has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. The diversity of music ranges from classical concerts to techno raves. Popular venues include Blue Note Milan, Santeria Social Club, and Spirit de Milan.

Pompeii is not a live music destination.

Is Pompeii or Milan Better for its Old Town?

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

The old town of Milan is one of the most recognized in the world. Known as the Centro Storic, this area is the most popular with tourists. It's where you'll find the most historic buildings and beautiful sights in the city.

Pompeii does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Pompeii or Milan?

Milan is renowned for its shopping areas. However, Pompeii is lacking in options for shopping.

Many people travel to Milan specifically to go shopping. Famous as the fashion capital of Italy, shopping is the thing to do here. There are many streets that are lined with the biggest designers in fashion. Make sure you check out Via Monte Napoleone, Via Della Spiga, and Corso Buenos Aires.

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 Milan Better for Families?

Pompeii is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Milan is not as popular, but is still a nice 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.

Milan is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has a science museum and a children's museum, MuBa, that is great for the kids. There are also a number of parks to explore as well as playgrounds where the kids and get out their energy.

Is Pompeii or Milan Better for Couples?

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

Milan makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many beautiful buildings, excellent shopping, and romantic restaurants that make for a wonderful couple's getaway.

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 Milan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Milan 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 Milan. While not as popular with backpackers as some Italian city's, there are a number of hostels and great activities that are fun for visitors.

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 Milan Better for Students?

Milan 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 Milan. It is one of the more popular city's for international students in Italy. It is very livable with a lot of culture and a fun nightlife, so you're sure to have the experience of a lifetime.

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

Milan is renowned for times when you don't have a car. Also, Pompeii is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Milan has a great public transit system. Options include metro, bus, tram, and train lines.

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 Milan a more walkable city?

Pompeii and Milan are amazing 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 Milan on foot is easy. In particular, the city center is walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Milan or Pompeii?

How long in Pompeii or Milan?

In either Pompeii or Milan, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Milan than Pompeii because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Pompeii, and 1-5 days is enough time in Milan.

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

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

One day in Pompeii or Milan?

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

Because Milan is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This 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 Milan?

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.

Because Milan is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. 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 Milan has to offer.

Five days in Pompeii or Milan?

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.

Milan 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 Milan has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Pompeii or Milan?

You'll find museums around the ancient 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 Milan. Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Milan. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Milan, we can see that Milan 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 Milan Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Pompeii or Milan?

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 Milan in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Pompeii and Milan. Many travelers come to Pompeii for the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Milan in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Milan this time of the year. In Pompeii, it's very sunny this time of the year. Pompeii usually receives more sunshine than Milan during summer. Pompeii gets 313 hours of sunny skies, while Milan receives 250 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Pompeii usually receives less rain than Milan. Pompeii gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Milan receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Pompeii or Milan in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Pompeii as well as Milan. Additionally, most visitors come to Milan for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Pompeii is a little warmer than Milan. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Pompeii in October average around 17°C (63°F), and Milan averages at about 15°C (58°F).

In the autumn, Pompeii often gets more sunshine than Milan. Pompeii gets 189 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milan receives 152 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Milan. Pompeii receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Pompeii usually gets more rain in October than Milan. Pompeii gets 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Milan receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Pompeii or Milan in the Winter?

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

The weather in Milan can be very cold. In January, Pompeii is generally much warmer than Milan. Daily temperatures in Pompeii average around 8°C (47°F), and Milan fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Pompeii usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Milan during winter. Pompeii gets 115 hours of sunny skies, while Milan receives 119 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Pompeii. In January, Pompeii usually receives more rain than Milan. Pompeii gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Milan receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Pompeii or Milan in the Spring?

Both Milan and Pompeii during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Milan this time of year.

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

In the spring, Pompeii often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Milan. Pompeii gets 189 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milan receives 176 hours of full sun.

Pompeii usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Milan. Pompeii gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Milan receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Milan and Pompeii