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

Should you visit Zaragoza or Pompeii?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Zaragoza or Pompeii, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Zaragoza

Zaragoza is a historical, compact, and authentic city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Pompeii

Pompeii is a ancient, famous, and iconic archeological site. Other popular activities here include museums.

Zaragoza and Pompeii: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • 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 Zaragoza or Pompeii?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Pompeii. Although Zaragoza and Pompeii are popular destinations, Pompeii has more sights and attractions for tourists. Pompeii is very popular for its museums, while Zaragoza attracts visitors for its food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Pompeii is more touristy than Zaragoza and is popular 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. Zaragoza is famous for its grand landmarks, local cuisine, and rich cultural scene.

the Pompeii Archaeological Ruins
The Pompeii Archaeological Ruins

How is Zaragoza different from Pompeii?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Zaragoza
Pompeii

Pompeii is an amazing archeological site to visit for its sights and museums. Also, Zaragoza is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Pompeii on the map. 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.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Zaragoza. For such a small city, it really has a large number of cultural and historical attractions. The Basilica of Our Lady of Pilar is the most recognizable sight, but there's also the Museum of the Roman Forum of Caesaraugusta, the cathedral of Zaragoza, and the Aljafería Palace, among others.


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

Zaragoza
Pompeii

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

Zaragoza has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There are authentic restaurants that cater to locals and tourists alike. You'll also find some interesting food tours around town. Tapas are popular, as is chocolate and fresh, traditional recipes.

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 Zaragoza or Pompeii Better for Nightlife?

Zaragoza
Pompeii

Zaragoza 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 Zaragoza. The nightlife is at its best on weekends, when students and young locals head out on the town. Many evenings start with tapas and wine, but there are nightclubs and dancing as well.

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 Zaragoza or Pompeii Better for its Old Town?

Zaragoza
Pompeii

Zaragoza is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Pompeii does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Zaragoza. The old town is small but filled with monumental buildings and an authentic atmosphere.

Pompeii does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Zaragoza or Pompeii?

Zaragoza
Pompeii

Zaragoza is an excellent place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Pompeii is lacking in options for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Zaragoza. The city has many local shops selling locally produced items and interesting souvenirs. There are also boutiques, markets, and vintage shops that are fun to browse though.

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 Zaragoza or Pompeii Better for Families?

Zaragoza
Pompeii

Pompeii is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Zaragoza is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Pompeii is known to be 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.

Zaragoza is a family-friendly city. When your kids get their fill of architecture and history, you can head to the Zaragoza Aquarium. Also worth a visit is the Emoz Museum, which is an origami museum. And if you need a break from sightseeing, take a kayak out on the Ebro River.

Is Zaragoza or Pompeii Better for Couples?

Zaragoza
Pompeii

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

Zaragoza makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Filled with culture, beauty, and monumental buildings, this is a small and romantic city. It's particularly romantic at night when the streets are quiet and many of the buildings are lit up.

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 Zaragoza or Pompeii Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Zaragoza
Pompeii

Both Zaragoza and Pompeii are nice destinations for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Zaragoza. There are enough hostels around town to choose from, and while it's not the backpacker haven that some Spanish cities are, it still sees a good number of young travelers.

Pompeii is a good city 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.

Is Zaragoza or Pompeii Better for Students?

Zaragoza
Pompeii

Zaragoza and Pompeii are both nice destinations for students and younger travelers.

Zaragoza is a good city to visit for students. International students enjoy this small city because it has a local vibe where they can practice their Spanish and enjoy an authentic experience.

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.

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

Zaragoza
Pompeii

Zaragoza is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Pompeii is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Zaragoza offers a very effecient public transportation network. There are buses and trams around the city.

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 Zaragoza or Pompeii a more walkable city?

Zaragoza
Pompeii

Pompeii is an amazing archeological site to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Zaragoza is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its 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.

Zaragoza is very walkable. The city center is very walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Pompeii or Zaragoza?

How long in Zaragoza or Pompeii?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Zaragoza or Pompeii to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Zaragoza than Pompeii because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Zaragoza, and 1-2 days is enough time in Pompeii.

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

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


  • How many days in Zaragoza or Pompeii? Ideal Length of Stay
    Zaragoza 1-3 
    Pompeii 1-2

One day in Zaragoza or Pompeii?

In Zaragoza, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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.

The archeological site of Pompeii offers 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 Zaragoza or Pompeii?

In Zaragoza, 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 Zaragoza has to offer.

Pompeii is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this archeological site makes for a great vacation. 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 Zaragoza or Pompeii?

Zaragoza 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.

Pompeii is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Zaragoza or Pompeii?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Zaragoza. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Zaragoza. 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.

Pompeii is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This archeological site offers something for everyone.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Barcelona, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Spain, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, and The Best Walking Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Pompeii or Zaragoza?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Zaragoza is €126, 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 Zaragoza and Pompeii in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Zaragoza 65
    Pompeii 70
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Zaragoza 130
    Pompeii 140
Compare Hotels in Zaragoza and Pompeii

Looking for a hotel in Zaragoza 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 Zaragoza


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: Zaragoza Hotel Prices and Pompeii Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Zaragoza 23
    Pompeii 54

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zaragoza

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zaragoza:

  • Zaragoza Private Transfer from the city centre to Zaragoza Airport: $66
  • Zaragoza Private Transfer from Zaragoza Airport to City centre: $66
  • Zaragoza Downtown hotels to Zaragoza Airport (ZAZ) - Departure Private Transfer: $27
  • Zaragoza Airport (ZAZ) to Zaragoza Downtown hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $55
  • Zaragoza Airport (ZAZ) to Zaragoza Downtown hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $27
  • Private transfers Airport-hotel Zaragoza.: $66

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pompeii

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

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Zaragoza or Pompeii?

Prices for flights to both Pompeii and Zaragoza 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
    Zaragoza 41
    Pompeii 35

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zaragoza

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Zaragoza.

  • Midday Market Tour and Spanish Cooking Class: $108

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.
    Zaragoza 35
    Pompeii 77

Tours and Activities in Zaragoza

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Zaragoza are as follows:

  • Complete tour + wine and tapas: $202
  • Evening traditional tapas walking tour in old Zaragoza center: $104
  • Haft-day Winery tour from Zaragoza: $158
  • Kayaking in Fluvial EcoTourism with ebroNAUTAS: $44
  • Midday Olive Oil Tour and Visit to Old Town of Belchite: $102
  • Midday market and tapas tour of Zaragoza: $104
  • Monumental Walking Tour in Old Town of Zaragoza: $93
  • Olive Oil Tour and Visit to Belchite Old Town: $104
  • Olive Oil and Winery Tour from Zaragoza City: $164
  • Private custom tour with a local guide Zaragoza: $49
  • Zaragoza - Historic Walking Tour: $320
  • Zaragoza : Aquarium entry ticket: $19

Tours and Activities in Pompeii

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

  • The Rise, Fall, and Rediscovery of A Self-Guided Tour: $20
  • Pompeii Express 1 hour Guided Tour: $21
  • Pompeii Ticket with Optional Guided Tour: $31
  • PompeiI VIP: Guided Tour with your Archaeologist in a Small Group : $32
  • Entrance ticket to the Valle dell'Orso Water Park: $33
  • Pompeii for kids or adults skip the line small group walking tour 2 hours: $33
  • Pompeii Skip the Line ticket + Audioguide: $35
  • Pompeii Archeological Site Fast Track Entry Ticket : $36
  • Pompeii tour with archaeologist: $38
  • Pompeii Tour with experienced guide: $38
  • guided tour of the archaeological excavations of Pompeii: $38
  • Semi-Private Tour of Pompeii Ruins: $41

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Zaragoza 14
    Pompeii 7.31

Sample the Local Flavors in Zaragoza

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

  • Wine Tasting and Tapas: $102
  • Wine Tasting and Tapas in the ancient Town of Zaragoza: $104

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 Zaragoza and Pompeii, we can see that Pompeii is more expensive. And not only is Zaragoza much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Zaragoza would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Zaragoza 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 Zaragoza.

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



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

Both Pompeii and Zaragoza during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Zaragoza for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Pompeii because of the family-friendly experiences.

Zaragoza is a little warmer than Pompeii in the summer. The daily temperature in Zaragoza averages around 26°C (79°F) in July, and Pompeii fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

In Pompeii, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Zaragoza. In the summer, Zaragoza often gets more sunshine than Pompeii. Zaragoza gets 344 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pompeii receives 313 hours of full sun.

Zaragoza usually gets less rain in July than Pompeii. Zaragoza gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Zaragoza 26°C (79°F) 
    Pompeii 23°C (74°F)

Should I visit Zaragoza or Pompeii in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Zaragoza and Pompeii. The autumn months attract visitors to Zaragoza because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Zaragoza is around the same temperature as Pompeii. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Zaragoza in October average around 17°C (63°F), and Pompeii averages at about 17°C (63°F).

Zaragoza usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Pompeii during autumn. Zaragoza gets 196 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, Zaragoza usually receives less rain than Pompeii. Zaragoza gets 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Zaragoza 17°C (63°F) 
    Pompeii 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Zaragoza or Pompeii in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Zaragoza as well as Pompeii. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Zaragoza this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Pompeii for the museums.

In January, Zaragoza is generally around the same temperature as Pompeii. Daily temperatures in Zaragoza average around 8°C (46°F), and Pompeii fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Zaragoza often gets more sunshine than Pompeii. Zaragoza gets 131 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pompeii receives 115 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Pompeii. Zaragoza usually gets less rain in January than Pompeii. Zaragoza gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Zaragoza 8°C (46°F) 
    Pompeii 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Zaragoza or Pompeii in the Spring?

Both Pompeii and Zaragoza are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Zaragoza for the natural beauty.

Zaragoza is a little warmer than Pompeii in the spring. The daily temperature in Zaragoza averages around 15°C (58°F) in April, and Pompeii fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zaragoza. Zaragoza usually receives more sunshine than Pompeii during spring. Zaragoza gets 217 hours of sunny skies, while Pompeii receives 189 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Zaragoza usually receives less rain than Pompeii. Zaragoza gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Zaragoza 15°C (58°F) 
    Pompeii 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Pompeii and Zaragoza

Zaragoza Pompeii
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 8°C (46°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 8°C (47°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 9°C (48°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 11°C (51°F) 88 mm (3.5 in)
Apr 15°C (58°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 13°C (55°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
May 19°C (65°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 17°C (63°F) 52 mm (2.1 in)
Jun 23°C (73°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 21°C (69°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Jul 26°C (79°F) 17 mm (0.7 in) 23°C (74°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Aug 26°C (78°F) 25 mm (1 in) 24°C (74°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 21°C (70°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Oct 17°C (63°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 17°C (63°F) 132 mm (5.2 in)
Nov 12°C (53°F) 39 mm (1.6 in) 12°C (54°F) 161 mm (6.3 in)
Dec 8°C (47°F) 26 mm (1 in) 9°C (49°F) 118 mm (4.6 in)