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

Should you visit York or Pompeii?

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

Should I visit York or Pompeii? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

York

York is a fanciful, historic, and medieval city. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Pompeii

Pompeii is a ancient, famous, and iconic archeological site. It's also known for museums.

York and Pompeii: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in York or Pompeii?

Visitors will usually find more to do in York than Pompeii, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. York is better known for its food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Pompeii is more popular for its museums. Pompeii is more touristy than York and is popular for its well preserved archaeological ruins that are still intact following the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. York is well known for its markets, old town, and its many ghost tours. Also, York is famous for The Shambles.

How is York different from Pompeii?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Pompeii is a world-class destination for its sights and museums. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

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.

Many visitors head to York specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Popular museums include the York Castle Museum, the National Railway Museum, Castle Howard, and JORVIK Viking Centre.

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

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

York has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. Meat pies, fudge, and fish and chips are just some of the culinary experiences you'll find here. The Shambles Market has vendors that sell a wide variety of cuisines. There are also food trucks throughout town that offer affordable and delicious meal options.

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 York or Pompeii Better for Nightlife?

York is an excellent place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Pompeii is lacking in options for nightlife.

York has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The young population and thriving tourist scene means there's no shortage of nightlife around town. Check out a pub or music venue to experience everything that city has to offer.

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 York or Pompeii Better for its Old Town?

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

The old town of York is one of the most recognized in the world. The charming old town is filled with shops and restaurants. There are street performers, fudge shops, and all of the Harry Potter merchandise that a person could need.

Pompeii does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in York or Pompeii?

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

York has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The old town has many great candy stores that sell fudge and other local specialties. There are also Harry Potter stores that sell potions, t-shirts, games, and more.

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 York or Pompeii Better for Families?

York is renowned for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Pompeii is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

York is one of the most popular family destinations. The city does an amazing job bringing history to life in a way that kids will enjoy. The JORVIK Viking Centre transports visitors back in time and introduces them to a fully immersive viking experience. The York Dungeon is great for older kids as long as they don't scare easily. Actors and special effects offer a terrifying and entertaining visit through a York dungeon. Harry Potter fans will enjoy exploring the potion shops and broomstick stores along the iconic Shambles, which is said to be an inspiration for J.K. Rowling's Diagon Alley.

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 York or Pompeii Better for Couples?

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

York makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples can explore the history and entertainment venues that make York an enjoyable destination. There are museums, restaurants, and outdoor markets that make this a great weekend getaway.

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 York or Pompeii Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

York 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 York. There are a few hostels around town as well as nightlife venues and entertainment spots that appeal to backpackers and younger travelers. For great and affordable food, grab a meal at one of the many food trucks around town.

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 York or Pompeii Better for Students?

Pompeii is a popular place for students. However, York is not popular with students.

Pompeii is a good archeological site to visit for 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.

York is not popular with students.

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

Both York and Pompeii offer notable public transit options.

York has a few public transit options. There is a reliable and efficient bus system around town.

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.

Is York or Pompeii a more walkable city?

Pompeii is a world-class destination for its walkability. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

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.

York is a somewhat walkable place. The old town has many pedestrian streets that are easily explored on food.

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

Should I spend more time in Pompeii or York?

How long in York or Pompeii?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in York or Pompeii to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in York than Pompeii because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for York, and 1-2 days is enough time in Pompeii.

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

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

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

One day in York or Pompeii?

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

Visitors enjoy the museums when visiting the destination of Pompeii. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in York or Pompeii?

In York, 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. One reason most visitors come is for the food. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that York has to offer.

Pompeii is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the museums. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in York or Pompeii?

York 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.

You'll find museums around the iconic destination of Pompeii. This archeological site offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in York or Pompeii?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in York. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting York. One reason most visitors come is for the food. 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.

The ancient archeological site of Pompeii offers museums. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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 10-Day Tours from London, The Best 10-Day Tours from Edinburgh, 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 York and Pompeii, we can see that Pompeii is more expensive. And not only is York much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to York would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in York 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 York.

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

When is the best time to visit York or Pompeii?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit York or Pompeii in the Summer?

Both Pompeii and York during the summer are popular places to visit. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to York this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Pompeii for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, York is generally cooler than Pompeii. Daily temperatures in York average around 16°C (62°F), and Pompeii fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

In Pompeii, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, York often gets less sunshine than Pompeii. York gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pompeii receives 313 hours of full sun.

York usually gets more rain in July than Pompeii. York gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit York or Pompeii in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both York and Pompeii. Many travelers come to York for the shopping scene.

York is much colder than Pompeii in the autumn. The daily temperature in York averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Pompeii fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

York usually receives less sunshine than Pompeii during autumn. York gets 112 hours of sunny skies, while Pompeii receives 189 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Pompeii receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, York usually receives less rain than Pompeii. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit York or Pompeii in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to York as well as Pompeii. Many visitors come to York in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Pompeii for the museums during these months.

York can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, York is much colder than Pompeii. Typically, the winter temperatures in York in January average around 4°C (39°F), and Pompeii averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, York often gets less sunshine than Pompeii. York gets 61 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pompeii receives 115 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Pompeii. York usually gets less rain in January than Pompeii. York gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit York or Pompeii in the Spring?

Both Pompeii and York are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.

In April, York is generally much colder than Pompeii. Daily temperatures in York average around 8°C (46°F), and Pompeii fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

York usually receives less sunshine than Pompeii during spring. York gets 151 hours of sunny skies, while Pompeii receives 189 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, York usually receives less rain than Pompeii. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Pompeii and York