A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Pompeii vs. Reykjavik for Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Pompeii or Reykjavik?

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

Pompeii

Pompeii is a famous, iconic, and one-of-a-kind archeological site. Other reasons to visit include museums.

Reykjavik

Reykjavik is a green, safe, and friendly city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and hiking.

Pompeii and Reykjavik: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Pompeii or Reykjavik?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Pompeii than Reykjavik, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Pompeii is better known for its museums, while Reykjavik is more popular for its food, nightlife, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty. Pompeii is more touristy than Reykjavik and is known for its well preserved archaeological ruins that are still intact following the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Also, Pompeii is famous for the Pompeii Archaeological Ruins. Reykjavik is well known for its proximity to natural beauty and many thermal pools, as well as its active nightlife scene and many festivals.

The Pompeii Archaeological Ruins

How is Pompeii different from Reykjavik?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Pompeii is an amazing archeological site to visit for its museums and history. However, Reykjavik does not have museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Pompeii from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. 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.

Reykjavik does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Reykjavik is a decent place to visit for its restaurants. However, Pompeii is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

Reykjavik may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Traditional Icelandic food may not have the best reputation, but restaurants these days are pretty good with a variety of dishes to choose from. Popular foods in the area include fish, lamb, and Icelandic skyr (a type of yogurt).

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 Reykjavik Better for Nightlife?

Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik. The city offers the best nightlife in Iceland and you'll be surprised at the number of clubs, bars, and craft breweries that you can choose from. Almost all of the popular nightlife spots are around Laugavegur, a major shopping street in 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 Reykjavik Better for Hiking?

Reykjavik is renowned for its hiking trails. However, Pompeii is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Reykjavik specifically for its hiking. The city offers easy access to some of the world's most spectacular scenery. There are many hikes that you can easily reach from town. They pass through diverse landscapes that include waterfalls, mountains, glaciers, and beaches.

Pompeii is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Pompeii or Reykjavik?

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

Reykjavik has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The city's main shopping street is Laugavegur, which is where you'll find the most activity around town as well as a bustling atmosphere.

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 Reykjavik Better for Families?

You'll find excellent kid-friendly activities in either Pompeii or Reykjavik.

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.

Reykjavik is a very family-friendly place to visit. With its many outdoor activities and hands on museums, the city is great for kids. The cafes and restaurants are family-friendly and their are plenty of entertainment options for the whole family.

Is Pompeii or Reykjavik Better for Couples?

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

Reykjavik makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are museums, outdoor activities, and even the northern lights that make this city very romantic. The cafes are laid-back and the atmosphere is friendly.

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 Reykjavik Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Pompeii and Reykjavik are both notable 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 Reykjavik. There are a number of hostels around town, but they can be pretty expensive. Transportation can also be pretty challenging for backpackers.

Is Pompeii or Reykjavik Better for Students?

Both Pompeii and Reykjavik are notable 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.

Reykjavik is popular with students. Students will enjoy a unique experience in this city. There are good academic programs as well as beautiful outdoor settings that you can explore.

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

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Pompeii and Reykjavik.

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 Reykjavik, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a fairly comprehensive bus system around town.

Is Pompeii or Reykjavik a more walkable city?

Pompeii is an amazing archeological site to visit for its walkability. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of 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.

Reykjavik is a very walkable archeological site. The city is small and compact, so it's easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Reykjavik or Pompeii?

How long in Pompeii or Reykjavik?

In either Pompeii or Reykjavik, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik.

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

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

One day in Pompeii or Reykjavik?

You'll find museums around the archeological site of Pompeii. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Pompeii has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Reykjavik, you'll find nightlife and shopping. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. 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 Reykjavik?

You'll find museums around the iconic destination of Pompeii. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this archeological site has to offer. This archeological site offers a variety of activities to choose from.

In Reykjavik, you'll find shopping and nightlife. 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. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Reykjavik has to offer.

Five days in Pompeii or Reykjavik?

Travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the one-of-a-kind archeological site of Pompeii. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the museums. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Reykjavik is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Reykjavik has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Pompeii or Reykjavik?

Pompeii is a popular choice for travelers. 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 will give you the chance to have new experiences.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Reykjavik. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Reykjavik. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Budget Tours to Iceland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Iceland.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Pompeii and Reykjavik, we can see that Reykjavik is more expensive. And not only is Pompeii much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Pompeii would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Pompeii 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 Reykjavik would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Reykjavik than you might in Pompeii.

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

When is the best time to visit Pompeii or Reykjavik?

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 Reykjavik in the Summer?

Both Reykjavik and Pompeii are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Pompeii this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Reykjavik for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Pompeii is much warmer than Reykjavik. Typically, the summer temperatures in Pompeii in July average around 23°C (74°F), and Reykjavik averages at about 11°C (52°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Pompeii. Pompeii usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during summer. Pompeii gets 313 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 171 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Pompeii usually receives less rain than Reykjavik. Pompeii gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Pompeii or Reykjavik in the Autumn?

Both Reykjavik and Pompeii during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Reykjavik in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Reykjavik can get quite cold in the autumn. In October, Pompeii is generally much warmer than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in Pompeii average around 17°C (63°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the autumn, Pompeii often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Pompeii gets 189 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 83 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Pompeii. Pompeii usually gets more rain in October than Reykjavik. Pompeii gets 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Pompeii or Reykjavik in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Pompeii and Reykjavik. Many visitors come to Pompeii in the winter for the museums. Also, most visitors come to Reykjavik for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

Reykjavik can be very cold during winter. Pompeii is much warmer than Reykjavik in the winter. The daily temperature in Pompeii averages around 8°C (47°F) in January, and Reykjavik fluctuates around -0°C (32°F).

Pompeii usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during winter. Pompeii gets 115 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 27 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 Reykjavik. Pompeii gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Pompeii or Reykjavik in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Pompeii as well as Reykjavik. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Reykjavik because of the natural beauty.

The weather in Reykjavik can be very cold. In the spring, Pompeii is much warmer than Reykjavik. Typically, the spring temperatures in Pompeii in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Reykjavik averages at about 3°C (38°F).

In the spring, Pompeii often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Pompeii gets 189 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 140 hours of full sun.

Pompeii usually gets more rain in April than Reykjavik. Pompeii gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Reykjavik and Pompeii