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

Should you visit Pompeii or Pisa?

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

Pompeii

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

Pisa

Pisa is a charming, iconic, and world-famous city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Pompeii and Pisa: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Pompeii or Pisa?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Pisa. Although Pompeii and Pisa are both popular with visitors, Pisa has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Pisa is more popular for its food, nightlife, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Pompeii is known for its museums. Pompeii is more touristy than Pisa and is known for its well preserved archaeological ruins that are still intact following the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Pisa is popular for its iconic Leaning Tower, its beautiful squares, and its lively atmosphere. It is also home to The Leaning Tower of Pisa.

The Leaning Tower of Pisa

How is Pompeii different from Pisa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Pompeii is terrific for its historical sights. Also, Pisa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

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.

Many visitors head to Pisa specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city is more than a one hit wonder. In addition to the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, you'll find many beautiful buildings and museums. Popular places to visit include the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, Campo Santo (Sacred Field), and Museo dell'Opera del Duomo.

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

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

Pisa has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The local cuisine is heavily influenced by the city's maritime roots. You'll find many seafood dishes as well as local classic recipes that have been passed down through the generations. A quintessential local dish is Bordatino alla Pisana, which is made with beans, cabbage, and cornflour. Also popular are Pasta e Ceci (chickpea pasta), Palette (a local polenta), and Trippa alla Pisana.

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 Pisa Better for Nightlife?

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

Pisa has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. Head out to an aperitivo bar for an early drink, then head to one of the area's best nightlife neighborhoods. For the biggest party scene, go about 10 kilometers out of town to the Versilian coast. This area has the most popular clubs. If you decide to stay in town, there are still plenty of places to catch live music and dance.

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 Pisa Better for Beaches?

Pisa is very good for the beach. However, Pompeii is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Pisa to enjoy the beach. Many people forget that there are beaches near Pisa, but the city is close to the sea. Some of the closest beaches include Marina di Vecchiano and Marina di Pisa.

Pompeii is not a beach destination.

Is Pompeii or Pisa Better for its Old Town?

Pisa 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 Pisa. The old town is where you'll find the city's classic charm and many of the best sights.

Pompeii does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Pompeii or Pisa?

Pisa 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 Pisa. There's a great mix of traditional markets, high end stores, and indoor shopping malls where you can find anything that you might need. Corso Italia is one of the most popular shopping areas, but also worth checking out are Centro Commerciale Pisanova, Borgo Stretto and Borgo Largo.

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 Pisa Better for Families?

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

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Pompeii is very family-friendly. 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.

Pisa is a family-friendly place to visit. It's a lively city with beautiful squares and the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. Kids will enjoy hanging out in the city center, visiting Parco Don Bosco, Giardino Scotto Park, or Marina di Pisa. If you have a car and are willing to venture a bit further away, there's the Piccolo Mondo Amusement Park and Parco Preistorico Peccioli.

Is Pompeii or Pisa Better for Couples?

Both Pompeii and Pisa are good 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.

Pisa is a nice destination for couples. It's an iconic Italian destination that offers so much more than its most famous landmark. The city is filled with charming squares, beautiful architecture, and plenty of fun activities that couples can enjoy.

Is Pompeii or Pisa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Pisa 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 Pisa. Most backpackers pass through on their way to other towns, but for those that linger, there are plenty of hostels and a lively social scene.

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 Pisa Better for Students?

Pisa 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 Pisa. Many study abroad students flock to Italy for its beautiful culture, art, and architecture. Pisa makes a nice base for international students, and it offers easy access to other parts of Italy. It's also home to an internationally acclaimed university, Scuola Normale Superiore, which was founded in 1810.

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

Visitors will find good public transit in both Pompeii and Pisa.

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 Pisa, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are public buses through town with the most popular lines being the Red and Green Lines.

Is Pompeii or Pisa a more walkable city?

Pompeii is terrific for its high level of walkability. Also, Pisa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its ease of walking around.

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.

Pisa is a very walkable destination. The city is a great place to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Pisa or Pompeii?

How long in Pompeii or Pisa?

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

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

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

One day in Pompeii or Pisa?

Visitors enjoy the museums when visiting the destination of Pompeii. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In Pisa, you'll find nightlife and food. 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 Pisa?

Pompeii is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the museums. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

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

Five days in Pompeii or Pisa?

You'll find museums around the iconic destination of Pompeii. This archeological site offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Pisa 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 Pisa?

The iconic archeological site of Pompeii offers museums. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

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

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

When is the best time to visit Pompeii or Pisa?

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 Pisa in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Pompeii and Pisa. Most visitors come to Pompeii for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Pisa because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Pompeii is generally around the same temperature as Pisa. Daily temperatures in Pompeii average around 23°C (74°F), and Pisa fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

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

In July, Pompeii usually receives less rain than Pisa. Pompeii gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Pompeii or Pisa in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Pompeii as well as Pisa. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Pisa this time of year.

Pompeii is around the same temperature as Pisa in the autumn. The daily temperature in Pompeii averages around 17°C (63°F) in October, and Pisa fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

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

It's quite rainy in Pisa. Pompeii receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Pompeii usually gets less rain in October than Pisa. Pompeii gets 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Pompeii or Pisa in the Winter?

Both Pisa and Pompeii are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums are the main draw to Pompeii this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Pisa for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Pompeii is a little warmer than Pisa. Typically, the winter temperatures in Pompeii in January average around 8°C (47°F), and Pisa averages at about 7°C (45°F).

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

It's quite rainy in Pompeii. In January, Pompeii usually receives more rain than Pisa. Pompeii gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Pompeii or Pisa in the Spring?

Both Pisa and Pompeii during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Pisa in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

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

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

Pisa gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Pompeii usually gets less rain in April than Pisa. Pompeii gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Pisa and Pompeii