A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Stratford-upon-Avon vs. Pompeii for Attractions, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Stratford-upon-Avon or Pompeii?

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 Stratford-upon-Avon and Pompeii can help you decide which place is right for you.

Stratford-upon-Avon

Stratford-upon-Avon is a park-filled, charming, and historic town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. It's also popular because of the food and theater.

Pompeii

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

Stratford-upon-Avon and Pompeii: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Stratford-upon-Avon or Pompeii?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Pompeii. Although Stratford-upon-Avon and Pompeii are both popular with visitors, Pompeii has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Pompeii is more popular for its museums, nightlife, and shopping, while Stratford-upon-Avon is known for its theatre productions, food, historical sights, and small town charm. Pompeii is more touristy than Stratford-upon-Avon 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. Stratford-upon-Avon is popular for its status as the birthplace of William Shakespeare.

The Pompeii Archaeological Ruins

How is Stratford-upon-Avon different from Pompeii?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Stratford-upon-Avon or Pompeii?

Pompeii is an unbeatable place for its museums and history. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is lacking in good options 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.

Stratford-upon-Avon offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Many visitors make a point of seeing Shakespeare's Birthplace, Hall's Croft, and Anne Hathaway's Cottage.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Pompeii Better for Theater?

Stratford-upon-Avon is renowned for its shows and theatre. However, Pompeii is not a theatre destination.

The theater scene in Stratford-upon-Avon is world-class. Shakespeare enthusiasts must check out a Shakespeare play at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. There are often tickets available the day of for a reduced price.

Pompeii is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Stratford-upon-Avon or Pompeii? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Stratford-upon-Avon is very good for its restaurants. However, Pompeii is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

Stratford-upon-Avon is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The town center has a few nice restaurants including seafood, Italian food, Indian food, and cafes where you can enjoy high tea.

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 Stratford-upon-Avon or Pompeii Better for Nightlife?

Pompeii is not a good area for nightlife and partying. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Pompeii doesn't offer many options. 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.

Stratford-upon-Avon is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Pompeii Better for its Old Town?

Stratford-upon-Avon is very good for its historic old town charm. However, Pompeii does not have a historic old town.

Stratford-upon-Avon has an old town worth visiting. The old town has a few highlights including Shakespeare's birthplace, and several museums.

Pompeii does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Stratford-upon-Avon or Pompeii?

Pompeii is not a good area for its shopping opportunities. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping in Pompeii can be found for those interested. There are some souvenir stands outside of the site where you can buy trinkets to remember your visit.

Stratford-upon-Avon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Pompeii Better for Families?

Pompeii is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Stratford-upon-Avon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Stratford-upon-Avon. This small town has a ferris wheel that offers beautiful views. There's also a the Stratford Butterfly Farm, which is a beautiful setting and if you stand still enough, you might even be lucky enough to have one land on your shoulder. You can also check out Tudor World, the MAD Museum, or one of the playgrounds around town.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Pompeii Better for Couples?

Both Stratford-upon-Avon and Pompeii are good destinations to visit as a couple.

Stratford-upon-Avon makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The charming town offers a few nice restaurants where you can enjoy a meal. For a lovely date night, check out a Shakespeare play at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. During the day, wander around the old town or stroll down the river and enjoy the beautiful outdoor setting. Many residents have converted properties into Bed and Breakfasts, so there are a number of cute and affordable places where couples can stay.

Pompeii is a good town 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.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Pompeii Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Pompeii is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is lacking in good options 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.

Stratford-upon-Avon is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. Most backpackers skip this town for the more lively cities. There are affordable places to stay, but no real hostels in town.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Pompeii Better for Students?

Pompeii is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Stratford-upon-Avon 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.

Stratford-upon-Avon is not popular with students.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Pompeii Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Pompeii is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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.

Public transit is generally limited in Stratford-upon-Avon. The train station is a bit removed from the town center, but because the town is so small, it's still possible to reach it on foot from most places.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Pompeii a more walkable city?

Pompeii is an unbeatable place for its high level of walkability. Also, Stratford-upon-Avon 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.

Stratford-upon-Avon is a somewhat walkable town. It's easy to stroll around town on foot, but there aren't many pedestrian only areas. Head for the river for some of the nicest walking areas.

For even more information, also check out Is Stratford-upon-Avon Worth Visiting? and Is Pompeii Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Pompeii or Stratford-upon-Avon?

How long in Stratford-upon-Avon or Pompeii?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Stratford-upon-Avon. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Pompeii than Stratford-upon-Avon. 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 Stratford-upon-Avon. 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 Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Stratford-upon-Avon or Pompeii?

Stratford-upon-Avon is a small town with plenty to do. One reason most visitors come is for the theater. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

In Pompeii, many people enjoy the museums that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the museums. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Stratford-upon-Avon or Pompeii?

Stratford-upon-Avon might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. One reason most visitors come is for the theater. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Stratford-upon-Avon has to offer.

Many people visit Pompeii for a weekend. Lots of people come for the museums. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. 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.

Five days in Stratford-upon-Avon or Pompeii?

Stratford-upon-Avon 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.

The destination of Pompeii offers museums. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Stratford-upon-Avon or Pompeii?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Stratford-upon-Avon. Since Stratford-upon-Avon is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. One reason most visitors come is for the theater. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Many people enjoy the museums when visiting Pompeii. This archeological site offers something for everyone. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom, The Best 3-Day Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, and The Best Walking Tours in Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Stratford-upon-Avon and Pompeii, we can see that Stratford-upon-Avon is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

When is the best time to visit Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Stratford-upon-Avon or Pompeii in the Summer?

Both Pompeii and Stratford-upon-Avon are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Stratford-upon-Avon because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Pompeii this time of year.

In the summer, Stratford-upon-Avon is cooler than Pompeii. Typically, the summer temperatures in Stratford-upon-Avon in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Pompeii averages at about 23°C (74°F).

It's quite sunny in Pompeii. Stratford-upon-Avon usually receives less sunshine than Pompeii during summer. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Pompeii receives 313 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Stratford-upon-Avon usually receives more rain than Pompeii. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Stratford-upon-Avon or Pompeii in the Autumn?

Both Pompeii and Stratford-upon-Avon during the autumn are popular places to visit. The small town atmosphere are the main draw to Stratford-upon-Avon this time of year.

In October, Stratford-upon-Avon is generally much colder than Pompeii. Daily temperatures in Stratford-upon-Avon average around 11°C (52°F), and Pompeii fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Stratford-upon-Avon often gets less sunshine than Pompeii. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 107 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pompeii receives 189 hours of full sun.

Pompeii gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Stratford-upon-Avon usually gets less rain in October than Pompeii. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Stratford-upon-Avon or Pompeii in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Stratford-upon-Avon and Pompeii. Many travelers come to Stratford-upon-Avon for the museums, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Pompeii in the winter for the museums.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Stratford-upon-Avon. Stratford-upon-Avon is much colder than Pompeii in the winter. The daily temperature in Stratford-upon-Avon averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Pompeii fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Stratford-upon-Avon usually receives less sunshine than Pompeii during winter. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 52 hours of sunny skies, while Pompeii receives 115 hours of full sun in the winter.

Pompeii receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Stratford-upon-Avon usually receives less rain than Pompeii. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Stratford-upon-Avon or Pompeii in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Stratford-upon-Avon as well as Pompeii. Many visitors come to Stratford-upon-Avon in the spring for the small town charm.

In the spring, Stratford-upon-Avon is cooler than Pompeii. Typically, the spring temperatures in Stratford-upon-Avon in April average around 9°C (48°F), and Pompeii averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Stratford-upon-Avon often gets less sunshine than Pompeii. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pompeii receives 189 hours of full sun.

Stratford-upon-Avon usually gets less rain in April than Pompeii. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Pompeii and Stratford-upon-Avon