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

Should you visit Pompeii or Sarajevo?

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

Pompeii

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

Sarajevo

Sarajevo is a overlooked, quaint, and historical city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Pompeii and Sarajevo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Pompeii or Sarajevo?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Sarajevo. Although Pompeii and Sarajevo are both popular with visitors, Sarajevo has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Sarajevo is more popular for its food, nightlife, historical sights, hiking, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Pompeii is known for its museums. Pompeii is more touristy than Sarajevo and is known for its well preserved archaeological ruins that are still intact following the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Sarajevo is popular for its worn torn past, but today it is a city that is filled with culture, natural beauty, and incredible food. It is also home to The Old Town.

How is Pompeii different from Sarajevo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Pompeii is an unbeatable place for its museums and history. Also, Sarajevo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

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.

Sarajevo offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The sights in the city reflect its history and culture. Famous places to visit include Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque, the Latin Bridge, Kovači Memorial Cemetery, and the Sarajevo Tunnel Museum.

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

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

Sarajevo has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. Bosnia isn't the first place that comes to mind when you think of food, but it is actually among the best. The dishes are heavy on meat and pastry, with the perfect amount of seasoning. Favorite dishes include Bosnian burek and cevapi. And it's easy to dine your way through this beautiful city as restaurants are very affordable.

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 Sarajevo Better for Nightlife?

Sarajevo 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 Sarajevo. After immersing yourself in history for the day, the nighttime offers the perfect opportunity to unwind. Locals and tourists come together at the city's many bars and nightclubs where you can listen to music, dance, or chat with locals over a cold beer.

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 Sarajevo Better for its Old Town?

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

The old town of Sarajevo is one of the most recognized in the world. The city's old town, which is known as Baščaršija, is filled with a history charm that is unlike any other European city. The wooden shops, wandering lanes, and striking minarets highlight the area's beautiful culture and long-running history.

Pompeii does not have a historic old town.

Is Pompeii or Sarajevo Better for Hiking?

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

Many people visit Sarajevo specifically for its hiking. If you have a way to get out of town, you'll be rewarded with a natural beauty that is untouched and pristine - a rare find in Europe. There are a number of popular trails that are popular with locals and tourists alike. While landmines remain a concern in off-the-beaten-path areas, if you stay on marked trails, they pose no real threat.

Pompeii is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Pompeii or Sarajevo?

Sarajevo 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 Sarajevo. This city offers a unique opportunity to shop for traditional hand-crafted good in the old town. The goods are handmade and reflect the city's long running history as a center for trade. Popular items for purchase include coffee sets, jewelry, and handmade carpets.

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 Sarajevo Better for Families?

Pompeii is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. However, Sarajevo is lacking in good options 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.

Sarajevo doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. Older kids will really benefit from the history and cultural lessons that coincide with a visit to this beautiful city. There are also some fun activities that they can enjoy including a zoo, an indoor play area, and an amusement park not far outside of town.

Is Pompeii or Sarajevo Better for Couples?

Pompeii is a good destination for its romantic activities. However, Sarajevo is lacking in good options for couples.

Pompeii makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Sarajevo is not always the best place to visit for a couple. Romance isn't the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Sarajevo, but the city has amazing food and world class cultural sights that will make for a truly rewarding trip.

Is Pompeii or Sarajevo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sarajevo 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 Sarajevo. This city is among the most culturally captivating places in Europe. Although it's often overlooked by tourists and backpackers, the affordability, stunning beauty, and unique personality make it a truly amazing place to visit.

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 Sarajevo Better for Students?

Pompeii is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Sarajevo is not popular with 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.

Sarajevo is not popular with students.

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

Sarajevo 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.

Sarajevo offers a very effecient public transportation network. It includes a tram, trolleybus, bus and minibus network.

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 Sarajevo a more walkable city?

Pompeii is an unbeatable place for its high level of walkability. Also, Sarajevo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

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.

Sarajevo is a somewhat walkable archeological site. Most of the touristy areas in the central part of the city are walkable, but there are also some sights outside of town that you will need a taxi to visit.

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

Should I spend more time in Sarajevo or Pompeii?

How long in Pompeii or Sarajevo?

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

Families should spend more time in Pompeii than Sarajevo. 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.

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

One day in Pompeii or Sarajevo?

The archeological site of Pompeii offers museums. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Sarajevo, 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 Sarajevo?

Pompeii is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this archeological site makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Pompeii, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

In Sarajevo, you'll find food and shopping. 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. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Sarajevo has to offer.

Five days in Pompeii or Sarajevo?

Pompeii is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Sarajevo 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 Sarajevo?

Pompeii is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This archeological site offers something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sarajevo. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Sarajevo. 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 Cultural Tours in Bosnia and Herzegowina, and The Best Budget Tours to Bosnia and Herzegowina.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Pompeii and Sarajevo, we can see that Pompeii is more expensive. And not only is Sarajevo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Sarajevo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sarajevo 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 Sarajevo.

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

When is the best time to visit Pompeii or Sarajevo?

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 Sarajevo in the Summer?

Both Sarajevo and Pompeii are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Pompeii in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Sarajevo for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Pompeii is generally around the same temperature as Sarajevo. Daily temperatures in Pompeii average around 23°C (74°F), and Sarajevo fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

It's quite sunny in Sarajevo. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Pompeii. Pompeii usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Sarajevo during summer. Pompeii gets 313 hours of sunny skies, while Sarajevo receives 323 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Pompeii usually receives less rain than Sarajevo. Pompeii gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Pompeii or Sarajevo in the Autumn?

Both Sarajevo and Pompeii during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Sarajevo because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Pompeii is around the same temperature as Sarajevo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Pompeii averages around 17°C (63°F) in October, and Sarajevo fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

In the autumn, Pompeii often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Sarajevo. Pompeii gets 189 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sarajevo receives 178 hours of full sun.

Sarajevo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Pompeii. Pompeii usually gets less rain in October than Sarajevo. Pompeii gets 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Pompeii or Sarajevo in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Pompeii and Sarajevo. The winter months attract visitors to Pompeii because of the museums. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Sarajevo this time of year.

In the winter, Pompeii is a little warmer than Sarajevo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Pompeii in January average around 8°C (47°F), and Sarajevo averages at about 6°C (42°F).

Pompeii usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Sarajevo during winter. Pompeii gets 115 hours of sunny skies, while Sarajevo receives 113 hours of full sun in the winter.

Sarajevo receives a lot of rain in the winter. Pompeii gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Pompeii usually receives less rain than Sarajevo. Pompeii gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Pompeii or Sarajevo in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Pompeii as well as Sarajevo. Additionally, many travelers come to Sarajevo for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Pompeii is generally cooler than Sarajevo. Daily temperatures in Pompeii average around 13°C (55°F), and Sarajevo fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

In the spring, Pompeii often gets more sunshine than Sarajevo. Pompeii gets 189 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sarajevo receives 174 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Sarajevo. Pompeii usually gets less rain in April than Sarajevo. Pompeii gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Sarajevo and Pompeii