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

Should you visit Venice 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 Venice and Pompeii can help you decide which place is right for you.

Venice

Venice is a cultural, magical, and historic city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and shopping.

Pompeii

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

Venice and Pompeii: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Venice or Pompeii?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Venice. Although Venice and Pompeii are popular destinations, Venice has more sights and attractions for tourists. Venice is famous for its many canals, famous gondolas, iconic architecture, romantic squares, and beautiful bridges. It is also well known for St. Mark's Basilica. Pompeii is famous for its well preserved archaeological ruins that are still intact following the eruption of Mount Vesuvius.

How is Venice different from Pompeii?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

You'll find a number of fantastic museums and attractions in both Pompeii and Venice.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Venice has many famous sights for visitors. The many historic and famous landmarks in town include St. Mark's Basilica, St. Mark's Square, Doge's Palace, and the Rialto Bridge.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Pompeii that are not to be missed. 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.

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

Venice is very good for its restaurants. However, Pompeii is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

Venice is becoming an appealing option for foodies. For the best dining experience, you should try to avoid the touristy restaurants that serve the typical pizza and pasta. Instead, find a local eatery that specializes in the region's traditional flavors like fish and vegetables.

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 Venice or Pompeii Better for Nightlife?

Venice is a decent place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Pompeii is lacking in options for nightlife.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Venice. If you want to party, your best option is to head to the Lido area where you'll find night clubs and bars. A better alternative for enjoying your evening is to order a late night meal and a glass of wine at a local restaurant in Venice.

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 Venice or Pompeii Better for its Old Town?

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

The old town of Venice is one of the most recognized in the world. The city's historic area is unlike anywhere else in the world. The canals, colorful buildings, are world-renowned architecture, make this among the most recognized historic settings in the world.

Pompeii does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Venice or Pompeii?

Venice is renowned for its shopping areas. However, Pompeii is lacking in options for shopping.

Many people travel to Venice specifically to go shopping. There are many unique items that people purchase in town. Some of the most popular include Murano glass, Burano lace, Venetian masks, and local fabrics.

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 Venice or Pompeii Better for Families?

You'll find very good kid-friendly activities in either Venice or Pompeii.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Venice. Even for kids, visiting this city is all about soaking up the atmosphere and sense of place. It is unlike anywhere else in the world. The canals, historic buildings, gondolas, and plazas offer a special environment, even for kids who may be burned out from exploring cities. Attractions that appeal to kids include visiting the prisons at Doge's Palace, shopping for masks, and taking a ride on a gondola.

Pompeii is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Is Venice or Pompeii Better for Couples?

Venice is renowned for couples. Also, Pompeii is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, Venice has plenty to offer. With its many truly unique romantic experiences, this city makes for a truly memorable honeymoon or romantic getaway. Ride a gondola, get lost in the city, and enjoy pasta and music around town to make the experience unlike any other.

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 Venice or Pompeii Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Venice 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 Venice. Many backpackers stay just out of town to save a bit of money, but, even though it's not cheap, this city is well-established on the backpacker trail.

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 Venice or Pompeii Better for Students?

Venice is renowned for its student-friendly activities. Also, Pompeii is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Venice. Because of its well-established reputation, this city attracts many international students for both semester and full length programs. There are many programs to choose between, and many students focus on the region's art, architecture, history, and language.

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

Venice is renowned for times when you don't have a car. Also, Pompeii is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Venice has a great public transit system. There is a comprehensive boat and ferry system that includes aporettos, alilagunas, private water taxis, gondolas, and traghettos.

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 Venice or Pompeii a more walkable city?

Venice and Pompeii are fantastic when it comes to walkability.

Venice is a very easy city to get around on foot. Because it is small, it's easy to walk to all of the major tourist attractions.

It is easy to get around Pompeii 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.

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

Should I spend more time in Pompeii or Venice?

How long in Venice or Pompeii?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Venice or Pompeii to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Venice than Pompeii because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Venice, and 1-2 days is enough time in Pompeii.

Families should spend more time in Venice than Pompeii. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Venice, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

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

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

One day in Venice or Pompeii?

In Venice, you'll find museums and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

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

A weekend in Venice or Pompeii?

In Venice, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Venice 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 Venice or Pompeii?

Venice is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Venice has to offer. 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 Venice or Pompeii?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Venice. In Venice, you'll find museums and food. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the famous 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 Sightseeing Tours in Italy, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Venice and Pompeii, we can see that Venice 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 Venice would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Venice 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 Venice Expensive? and Is Pompeii Expensive?.

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Venice and Pompeii. The summer months attract visitors to Venice because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Pompeii this time of year.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Pompeii this time of the year. In Venice, it's very sunny this time of the year. Venice usually receives less sunshine than Pompeii during summer. Venice gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Pompeii receives 313 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Venice usually receives more rain than Pompeii. Venice 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 Venice or Pompeii in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Venice as well as Pompeii. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Venice this time of year.

In the autumn, Venice is cooler than Pompeii. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Venice in October average around 14°C (57°F), and Pompeii averages at about 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Venice often gets less sunshine than Pompeii. Venice gets 134 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pompeii receives 189 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Pompeii. Venice usually gets less rain in October than Pompeii. Venice gets 67 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Venice or Pompeii in the Winter?

Both Pompeii and Venice are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Venice for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Pompeii in the winter for the museums.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Venice. In January, Venice is generally much colder than Pompeii. Daily temperatures in Venice average around 3°C (37°F), and Pompeii fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Venice usually receives less sunshine than Pompeii during winter. Venice gets 88 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, Venice usually receives less rain than Pompeii. Venice gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Venice or Pompeii in the Spring?

Both Pompeii and Venice during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Venice in the spring for the natural beauty.

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

In the spring, Venice often gets less sunshine than Pompeii. Venice gets 154 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pompeii receives 189 hours of full sun.

Venice usually gets less rain in April than Pompeii. Venice gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Pompeii and Venice