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

Should you visit Urbino or Pompeii?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Urbino and Pompeii can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Urbino

Urbino is a authentic, laid back, and historic town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Pompeii

Pompeii is a one-of-a-kind, ancient, and famous archeological site. It's also popular because of the museums.

Urbino and Pompeii: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
  • Home to the Pompeii Archaeological Ruins
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping


Is there more to do in Urbino or Pompeii?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Pompeii. Although Urbino and Pompeii are popular destinations, Pompeii has more sights and attractions for tourists. Pompeii is very popular for its museums, while Urbino attracts visitors for its food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Pompeii is more touristy than Urbino and is known for its well preserved archaeological ruins that are still intact following the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. It is also well known for the Pompeii Archaeological Ruins. Urbino is famous for its Renaissance walls, historic center, and authentic atmosphere.

the Pompeii Archaeological Ruins
The Pompeii Archaeological Ruins

How is Urbino different from Pompeii?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Urbino or Pompeii?

Urbino
Pompeii

Pompeii is an amazing archeological site to visit for its historical sights. Also, Urbino is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Pompeii has many famous sights for visitors. 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.

Urbino is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. At the heart of the city are its historical sights. The cathedral is worth a visit, as is The Ducal Palace, but for most visitors, simply soaking up the town's atmosphere is the best experience.


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

Urbino
Pompeii

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

Urbino has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city's history has influenced its cuisine. Traditional foods include cornbread, truffles, and meat sausage. While these options aren't as common today, you can still find them if you seek them out.

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 Urbino or Pompeii Better for Nightlife?

Urbino
Pompeii

Urbino 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 Urbino. Because of the large student population, there are usually some fun activities going on at night. You'll find some good bars around town that are fun to hang out at.

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 Urbino or Pompeii Better for its Old Town?

Urbino
Pompeii

Urbino is very good for its historic old town charm. However, Pompeii does not have a historic old town.

Urbino has an old town worth visiting. The historic center feels a bit undiscovered by Italian standards. There are stone houses and the town is built on a steep hill, giving it a beautiful setting.

Pompeii does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Urbino or Pompeii?

Urbino
Pompeii

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

Urbino has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find galleries, book shops, and jewelry stores around town that are fun to pop into.

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 Urbino or Pompeii Better for Families?

Urbino
Pompeii

Pompeii is great for its kid-friendly activities. However, Urbino is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

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.

Urbino is not the most family-friendly destination. The city is filled with history and architecture, which may be lost on the kids. There are the classic Italian restaurants which is a favorite among kids and adults alike.

Is Urbino or Pompeii Better for Couples?

Urbino
Pompeii

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

Urbino makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. This walled city is fun to explore and can make for a great romantic stop. The city is walled and has many historical buildings which couples will enjoy learning about together.

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 Urbino or Pompeii Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Urbino
Pompeii

Pompeii is a archeological site with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Urbino is not a good destination for backpackers.

Pompeii is a good archeological site to visit for backpackers. 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.

Urbino is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not well known by backpackers and there are a very limited number of hostels in the area.

Is Urbino or Pompeii Better for Students?

Urbino
Pompeii

Urbino is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. Also, Pompeii is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Urbino is very popular with students. The student population is a large part of this small city. University students are usually happy and enjoy many activities and outings into the surrounding area.

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

Urbino
Pompeii

Pompeii is a archeological site with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Urbino is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Pompeii offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. 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 Urbino. The town is accessible by bus but not by train.


Is Urbino or Pompeii a more walkable city?

Urbino
Pompeii

Pompeii is an amazing archeological site to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Urbino is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its walkability.

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.

Urbino is somewhat walkable. Many parts of the city are easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Pompeii or Urbino?

How long in Urbino or Pompeii?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Pompeii than Urbino 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.


  • How many days in Urbino or Pompeii? Ideal Length of Stay
    Urbino 1-2 
    Pompeii 1-2

One day in Urbino or Pompeii?

In Urbino, you'll find nightlife and food. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the destination of Pompeii. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Urbino or Pompeii?

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

Pompeii is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.


Five days in Urbino or Pompeii?

Urbino 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Pompeii. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Urbino or Pompeii?

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

Travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the ancient destination of Pompeii. This archeological site offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Italy, The Best Bicycle Tours in Italy, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Italy, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Pompeii or Urbino?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Urbino is €118, while the average daily cost in Pompeii is €151. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Urbino and Pompeii in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Urbino 53
    Pompeii 70
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Urbino 106
    Pompeii 140
Compare Hotels in Urbino and Pompeii

Looking for a hotel in Urbino or Pompeii? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Urbino


Hotels in Pompeii


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Urbino Hotel Prices and Pompeii Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Urbino 44
    Pompeii 54

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Urbino

Also for Urbino, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from Borgo Maggiore to Rimini (RMI) Airport: $108

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pompeii

Also for Pompeii, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Transfer Private from Ravello to Naples: $239
  • Transfers Ravello - Naples: $207
  • Organic Wine Tasting & Lunch on Vesuvius with Transfer from Pompeii: $132
  • Private transfer Ravello to Naples: $121
  • Transfer Ravello to Naples: $121
  • Private transfer from Ravello to Naples: $121
  • Small Group Pompeii Wine Tasting with Lunch & Transfer Included : $97
  • Transfers from Naples to Sorrento Positano Amalfi Ravello Maiori: $97
  • Transfer from Pompeii to Naples or viceversa: $66

Is it cheaper to fly into Urbino or Pompeii?

Prices for flights to both Pompeii and Urbino change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Urbino 39
    Pompeii 35

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Pompeii

For Pompeii, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Traditional Neapolitan Dinner in Pompei - Villa Franca - Family Restourant: $38
  • Cooking Class with Italian Mamma in Pompeii: $65
  • Lunch or dinner and cooking demo at a local home in Pompei: $93
  • Pompei tour with a 2000 years roman dinner: $112
  • Small Group Market tour and Cooking class in Pompei: $142
  • Private Pizza & Tiramisu Class at a Cesarina's home with tasting in Pompei: $158
  • Private Cooking Class with Lunch or Dinner in Pompei: $158
  • Private market tour and cooking class with lunch or dinner in Pompei: $206
  • guided tour of the ruins and cooking class fresh pasta : $272
  • Cooking class: Pasta Experience in Pompei, Italy: $300

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Urbino 15
    Pompeii 77

Tours and Activities in Urbino

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Urbino.

  • E-BIKE Tour San Marino for couples: $114
  • Entrance Ticket - Titanus Museum: Multimedia Experience: $8.68
  • From Montefeltro Tour with Truffle Lunch: $396
  • Guided Tour of San Marino at Sunset with aperitif included: $184
  • Guided group tour of Ducal Palace and National Gallery: $94
  • Private Guided Tour with Aperitif in Winebar in San Marino: $92
  • Private Tour of San Marino: UNESCO World Heritage Site: $172
  • Private tour with Welcome KIT in San Marino: $136
  • San Marino Scavenger Hunt and Sightseeing Tour: $8.97
  • San Marino’s Starlit Stroll: A Christmas Walking Tour: $153
  • San Marino: A Self Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • San Marino: Food Tasting Tour: $195

Tours and Activities in Pompeii

For Pompeii, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Pompeii Archeological Site Fast Track Entry Ticket : $36
  • Pompeii Day Tour: $97
  • 2 Hour Private Walking Tour with Certified Guide in Pompeii: $251
  • 2 Hours Private Tour of Pompeii for Journey Through Time: $196
  • 2 Hours Walking Tour in Pompeii with an Archaeologist: $272
  • 2 days tour: Pompei & Naples center with underground: $207
  • 2 hours Pompeii Tour with local historian - ticket included: $60
  • 2-hour Private Guided Tour of Pompeii: $272
  • Best of Pompeii - 2 hour Private Tour with Alex: $271
  • Complete Pompeii Skip the Line Tour with Archaeologist Guide: $55
  • Discover Pompeii on this Guided Walking Tour of the Buried City: $63
  • Discover hidden secrets of Pompei on a Private tour with a local: $118

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Urbino 14
    Pompeii 7.31

Sample the Local Flavors in Pompeii

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Pompeii:

  • Wine Tasting Tour on the Slopes of Vesuvius: $46
  • Wine Tasting on Mt. Vesuvius: $55
  • Seafood Lunch with Wine Tasting & Tour on a golf cart: $87
  • Guided Tour of Pompeii Ruins with Lunch and Wine Tasting: $98
  • Private Wine Tour and Tasting in Pompeii with a Local: $124
  • Pompeii Guided Tour & Horse Riding on Vesuvius with Wine Tasting: $191
  • Pompeii, Herculaneum and scenic drive of the Mt. Vesuvius with wine tasting: $207


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

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



When is the best time to visit Urbino 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 Urbino or Pompeii in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Urbino and Pompeii. Many visitors come to Urbino in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Pompeii for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Urbino is around the same temperature as Pompeii in the summer. The daily temperature in Urbino averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Pompeii fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

In July, Urbino usually receives more rain than Pompeii. Urbino gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Urbino 23°C (73°F) 
    Pompeii 23°C (74°F)

Should I visit Urbino or Pompeii in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Urbino as well as Pompeii. Most visitors come to Urbino for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Urbino is cooler than Pompeii. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Urbino in October average around 15°C (59°F), and Pompeii averages at about 17°C (63°F).

It's quite rainy in Pompeii. Urbino usually gets less rain in October than Pompeii. Urbino gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Urbino 15°C (59°F) 
    Pompeii 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Urbino or Pompeii in the Winter?

Both Pompeii and Urbino are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Urbino because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums are the main draw to Pompeii this time of year.

The weather in Urbino can be very cold. In January, Urbino is generally much colder than Pompeii. Daily temperatures in Urbino average around 3°C (37°F), and Pompeii fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Pompeii. In January, Urbino usually receives less rain than Pompeii. Urbino gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Urbino 3°C (37°F) 
    Pompeii 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Urbino or Pompeii in the Spring?

Both Pompeii and Urbino during the spring are popular places to visit. The natural beauty are the main draw to Urbino this time of year.

Urbino is around the same temperature as Pompeii in the spring. The daily temperature in Urbino averages around 12°C (54°F) in April, and Pompeii fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Urbino usually gets less rain in April than Pompeii. Urbino gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Urbino 12°C (54°F) 
    Pompeii 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Pompeii and Urbino

Urbino Pompeii
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 8°C (47°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Feb 5°C (42°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 9°C (48°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Mar 9°C (49°F) 77 mm (3 in) 11°C (51°F) 88 mm (3.5 in)
Apr 12°C (54°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 13°C (55°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
May 16°C (61°F) 50 mm (2 in) 17°C (63°F) 52 mm (2.1 in)
Jun 20°C (68°F) 51 mm (2 in) 21°C (69°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 75 mm (3 in) 23°C (74°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Aug 22°C (71°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 24°C (74°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 19°C (67°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 21°C (70°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Oct 15°C (59°F) 77 mm (3 in) 17°C (63°F) 132 mm (5.2 in)
Nov 9°C (49°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 12°C (54°F) 161 mm (6.3 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 9°C (49°F) 118 mm (4.6 in)