A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Saint-Etienne vs. Pompeii for Attractions, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Saint-Etienne or Pompeii?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Saint-Etienne and Pompeii. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Saint-Etienne

Saint-Etienne is a park-filled, industrial, and undiscovered city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and hiking.

Pompeii

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

Saint-Etienne and Pompeii: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint-Etienne or Pompeii?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Pompeii. Although Saint-Etienne and Pompeii are both popular with visitors, Pompeii has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Pompeii is more popular for its museums, while Saint-Etienne is known for its food, nightlife, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty. Pompeii is more touristy than Saint-Etienne and is known for its well preserved archaeological ruins that are still intact following the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. It is also home to the Pompeii Archaeological Ruins. Saint-Etienne is popular for its industrial and manufacturing past.

The Pompeii Archaeological Ruins

How is Saint-Etienne different from Pompeii?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Pompeii and Saint-Etienne. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Saint-Etienne or Pompeii?

Pompeii is an amazing archeological site to visit for its historical sights. Also, Saint-Etienne 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Saint-Etienne. There are several great museums in town including the Musée d'Art et d'Industrie, Musée de la Mine, Musée des Verts, and the planetarium.

Is the Food Better in Saint-Etienne or Pompeii? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Saint-Etienne may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Try the many local cheeses which are a defining part of the cuisine in the area. You'll find some local restaurants around town where you can sample local flavors.

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 Saint-Etienne or Pompeii Better for Nightlife?

Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne. The nightlife is centered around sipping wine or visiting one of the clubs 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 Saint-Etienne or Pompeii Better for Hiking?

Saint-Etienne is very good for its hiking trails. However, Pompeii is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Saint-Etienne. You'll find several great hikes just outside of town. It's a great way to experience the surrounding countryside.

Pompeii is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint-Etienne or Pompeii?

Saint-Etienne is a decent place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Pompeii is lacking in options for shopping.

Saint-Etienne has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. Shopping malls and several boutique shopping areas make up the city's shopping scene.

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 Saint-Etienne or Pompeii Better for Families?

Pompeii is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Saint-Etienne 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.

Saint-Etienne is a family-friendly place to visit. There are several kid-friendly museums as well as plenty of natural settings just outside of town. Your kids can run around and stretch their legs nearby at Crest of the Partridge or on a rainy day, the planetarium is a fun place to visit.

Is Saint-Etienne or Pompeii Better for Couples?

Pompeii is a good destination for its romantic activities. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination 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.

Saint-Etienne is not always the best place to visit for a couple. There are museums, parks, gardens, and beautiful architecture that make this a wonderful place for couples.

Is Saint-Etienne or Pompeii Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Pompeii is a good destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers 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.

Saint-Etienne is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not high on the backpacker trail, but there are hostels and plenty of activities to enjoy.

Is Saint-Etienne or Pompeii Better for Students?

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

It's common for students to 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.

Saint-Etienne is not popular with students.

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

Saint-Etienne and Pompeii both offer good public transit to get you around.

While Saint-Etienne offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are tram and bus options available in town.

Pompeii has a few public transit options. Many visitors from Sorrento and Naples arrive via the the Circumvesuviana train. There are also buses from many different locations.

Is Saint-Etienne or Pompeii a more walkable city?

Pompeii is an amazing archeological site to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Saint-Etienne 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.

Saint-Etienne is a somewhat walkable city. There are several walkable areas in the city.

For even more information, also check out Is Saint-Etienne Worth Visiting? and Is Pompeii Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Pompeii or Saint-Etienne?

How long in Saint-Etienne or Pompeii?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Saint-Etienne or Pompeii to fill your time. In our opinion, Pompeii has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Pompeii than Saint-Etienne. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Pompeii than Saint-Etienne 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 Pompeii.

One day in Saint-Etienne or Pompeii?

In Saint-Etienne, you'll find nightlife and museums. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the ancient destination of Pompeii. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A weekend in Saint-Etienne or Pompeii?

In Saint-Etienne, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Saint-Etienne has to offer.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Pompeii. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Five days in Saint-Etienne or Pompeii?

Saint-Etienne is a great place to explore. 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.

Travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the iconic destination of Pompeii. This archeological site offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

A week in Saint-Etienne or Pompeii?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saint-Etienne. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Saint-Etienne. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

You'll find museums around the archeological site of Pompeii. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Paris, The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, and The Best Walking Tours in Italy.

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

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

When is the best time to visit Saint-Etienne or Pompeii?

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 Saint-Etienne or Pompeii in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint-Etienne and Pompeii. Many travelers come to Saint-Etienne for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Pompeii in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Saint-Etienne is around the same temperature as Pompeii. Typically, the summer temperatures in Saint-Etienne in July average around 22°C (71°F), and Pompeii averages at about 23°C (74°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Pompeii this time of the year. In Saint-Etienne, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint-Etienne usually receives less sunshine than Pompeii during summer. Saint-Etienne gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while Pompeii receives 313 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Saint-Etienne usually receives more rain than Pompeii. Saint-Etienne gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Saint-Etienne or Pompeii in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Saint-Etienne as well as Pompeii. Many visitors come to Saint-Etienne in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Saint-Etienne is generally cooler than Pompeii. Daily temperatures in Saint-Etienne average around 14°C (56°F), and Pompeii fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Saint-Etienne often gets less sunshine than Pompeii. Saint-Etienne gets 127 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pompeii receives 189 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Pompeii. Saint-Etienne usually gets less rain in October than Pompeii. Saint-Etienne gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint-Etienne or Pompeii in the Winter?

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

Saint-Etienne can be very cold during winter. Saint-Etienne is much colder than Pompeii in the winter. The daily temperature in Saint-Etienne averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Pompeii fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Saint-Etienne usually receives less sunshine than Pompeii during winter. Saint-Etienne gets 62 hours of sunny skies, while Pompeii receives 115 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Pompeii. In January, Saint-Etienne usually receives less rain than Pompeii. Saint-Etienne gets 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Saint-Etienne or Pompeii in the Spring?

Both Pompeii and Saint-Etienne during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Saint-Etienne because of the natural beauty.

In the spring, Saint-Etienne is cooler than Pompeii. Typically, the spring temperatures in Saint-Etienne in April average around 11°C (53°F), and Pompeii averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Saint-Etienne often gets less sunshine than Pompeii. Saint-Etienne gets 174 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pompeii receives 189 hours of full sun.

Saint-Etienne usually gets less rain in April than Pompeii. Saint-Etienne gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Pompeii and Saint-Etienne