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

Should you visit Pompeii or Naples?

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

Pompeii

Pompeii is a iconic, one-of-a-kind, and ancient archeological site. Other popular activities here include museums.

Naples

Naples is a colorful, fascinating, and historic city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Pompeii and Naples: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Pompeii or Naples?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Naples. Although Pompeii and Naples are popular destinations, Naples has more sights and attractions for tourists. Naples is very popular for its food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Pompeii attracts visitors for its museums. Pompeii is more touristy than Naples and is popular for its well preserved archaeological ruins that are still intact following the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Naples is famous for its colorful atmosphere, long running history, and influence on world cuisine as the birthplace of pizza. It is also well known for Piazza del Plebiscito.

How is Pompeii different from Naples?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Pompeii is a world-class destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Naples is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

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.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Naples. Most of the sights are concentrated in the city's historic center. The Naples Harbor is a gateway to the Mediterranean. Also worth visiting are the National Archeological Museum, Capodimonte Royal Palace, Castel Nuovo, and the Catacombs of San Gennaro.

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

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

Naples has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. As the birthplace of pizza, the city has a well known food reputation. Many local dishes, including an authentic Napoli pizza, use simple flavors such as olive oil, garlic, and tomatoes. The dishes are lighter than their northern counterparts and tomatoes are a very popular ingredient. In addition to the pizza, you should try Lasagna Al Forno Napoletana and Spaghetti Alla Vognole. Also check out a pizza making class.

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 Naples Better for Nightlife?

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

Naples has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The nightlife scene includes small bars, wineries, and dance clubs, but much of the energy and activity is actually focused on being outdoors. There is plenty of live music and many nightclubs are actually "disco bars" that are found tucked away in the city's historic center.

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 Naples Better for its Old Town?

Naples is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Pompeii does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Naples. Most of the city's tourist attractions are found in the historic center, which includes beautiful fountains, grand churches, and an impressive network of catacombs and caves.

Pompeii does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Pompeii or Naples?

Naples is an excellent place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Pompeii is lacking in options for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Naples. There are shopping streets and districts that have boutique clothing vendors, high end brands, and major chains. There's plenty of diversity in the shopping scene and some of the best shopping areas include Via Toledo, the Chiaia District, and Poggioreale Market.

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 Naples Better for Families?

Pompeii is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Naples is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Naples offers lots of family activities. Despite its rough-around-the-edges reputation, the city actually has some fun kid-friendly activities. As the birthplace of pizza, a childhood favorite, eating is a kid approved activity. You can even try your hand at pizza making classes. Other fun kid-friendly activities include exploring the underground city, going to The Science Centre of Citta della Scienza, and running around Parco di Capodimonte.

Is Pompeii or Naples Better for Couples?

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

Naples makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Dining on pizza, wine tasting, or taking a cruise on the Gulf of Naples all make this city a great couples destination. There are also many romantic day trips in the area, so many couples use Naples as a base for exploring the region.

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 Naples Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Naples 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 Naples. It's more affordable than most of northern Italy, and it has plenty of hostels to choose from. The city makes a great stop for backpackers who want to see a different part of Italy. While not completely off the backpacker trail, Naples is not inundated with tourists the way some other Italian cities are.

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 Naples Better for Students?

Both Pompeii and Naples are nice destinations for 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.

Naples is popular with students. It's a large city with a lot to see and do. Students also appreciate the many day trips that are available in the area.

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

Naples 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.

Naples offers a very effecient public transportation network. There's a metro with two metro lines as well as four suburban train lines. There are also funiculars, regional trains, and ferries to the surrounding areas.

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 Naples a more walkable city?

Pompeii is a world-class destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Naples is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

Getting around Pompeii on foot is easy. 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.

Naples is very walkable. The historic center is flat and easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Naples or Pompeii?

How long in Pompeii or Naples?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Pompeii and Naples. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Naples than in Pompeii. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Pompeii, and 1-3 days is enough time in Naples.

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

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

One day in Pompeii or Naples?

Many travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the destination of Pompeii. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

Because Naples 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. One reason most visitors come is for the food. 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 Naples?

Pompeii is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Because Naples 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. One reason most visitors come is for the food. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Naples has to offer.

Five days in Pompeii or Naples?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Pompeii. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Naples is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Naples?

Travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the famous destination of Pompeii. This archeological site offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Naples. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Naples. One reason most visitors come is for the food. 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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Pompeii and Naples, we can see that Pompeii is more expensive. And not only is Naples much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Naples would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Naples 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 Naples.

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

When is the best time to visit Pompeii or Naples?

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 Naples in the Summer?

Both Naples and Pompeii during the summer are popular places to visit. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Pompeii this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Naples for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

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

In Naples, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Pompeii. In the summer, Pompeii often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Naples. Pompeii gets 313 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Naples receives 313 hours of full sun.

Pompeii usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Naples. Pompeii gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Naples receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Pompeii or Naples in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Pompeii and Naples. Furthermore, many visitors come to Naples in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

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

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

Naples receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Pompeii gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Pompeii usually receives around the same amount of rain as Naples. Pompeii gets 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Naples receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Pompeii or Naples in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Pompeii as well as Naples. Many visitors come to Pompeii in the winter for the museums. Additionally, most visitors come to Naples for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Pompeii is generally around the same temperature as Naples. Daily temperatures in Pompeii average around 8°C (47°F), and Naples fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Pompeii often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Naples. Pompeii gets 115 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Naples receives 115 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Naples. Pompeii receives a lot of rain in the winter. Pompeii usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Naples. Pompeii gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Naples receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Pompeii or Naples in the Spring?

Both Naples and Pompeii are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Naples because of the activities around the city.

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

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

In April, Pompeii usually receives around the same amount of rain as Naples. Pompeii gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Naples receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Naples and Pompeii