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

Should you visit Nice 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 Nice 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.

Nice

Nice is a opulent, trendy, and chic seaside destination. Nice is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Because of its quaint atmosphere, it draws plenty of visitors, too. It's also popular because of the beaches, shopping, and nightlife. See Nice travel costs.

Pompeii

Pompeii is a ancient, famous, and iconic archeological site. And you can't forget about the museums. See Pompeii travel costs.

Nice and Pompeii: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nice or Pompeii?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Nice. Although Nice and Pompeii are both popular with visitors, Nice has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Nice is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Pompeii is known for its museums and attractions. Nice is popular for its beachfront setting in the French Riviera as well as its popularity with A-list celebrities. It is also home to The Promenade des Anglais. Pompeii is popular for its well preserved archaeological ruins that are still intact following the eruption of Mount Vesuvius.

How is Nice different from Pompeii?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Pompeii is renowned for its sights and museums. However, Nice does not have museums and landmarks.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Pompeii are among the most recognizable in the world. 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.

Nice does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

Nice has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The cuisine brings together fresh regional ingredients and mixes Provençal and Niçoise flavors. You'll find a lot of Italian influence as well. Fresh seafood is the thing to try while you're in town, but other local favorites include socca, Ratatouille, and Salade niçoise.

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 Nice or Pompeii Better for Nightlife?

Nice is renowned for its evening party scene. However, Pompeii is lacking in options for nightlife.

Nice is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. The city has some of the best nightlife on the Cote d'Azur. You'll find a number of nightclubs along the seaside as well a bars and pubs in the Old Town. Some of the best clubs are along Promenade des Anglais.

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 Nice or Pompeii Better for Resorts?

Nice is renowned for its luxury resorts. However, Pompeii is not a resort destination.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Nice is a perfect choice. The city has boutique hotels as well high end luxury resorts. Popular options include Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Méditerranée, Hôtel Suisse, and AC Hotel by Marriott.

Pompeii is not a resort destination.

Is Nice or Pompeii Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Nice is very good for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Pompeii is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Nice. There are some places where you can arrange a snorkeling or dive trip to explore the underwater setting.

Pompeii is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Nice or Pompeii Better for Beaches?

Nice is an excellent place to visit for the beach. However, Pompeii is not a beach destination.

Nice is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. The city has about 4 miles of beach along its coastline and there are both public and private beaches available. La Réserve is a public beach with a laid back and fun vibe. Plage Beau Rivage is a private beach with many amenities, making it a favorite for visitors. Blue Beach is another private beach that is very family-friendly.

Pompeii is not a beach destination.

Is Nice or Pompeii Better for its Old Town?

Nice 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 Nice. Wandering around the charming old town is a quintessential part of visiting this city. There are many historic churches and squares, as well as great restaurants and shops that you can pop in.

Pompeii does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Nice or Pompeii?

Nice 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 Nice. The city has long been a favorite for the rich and famous, so you'll find plenty of shopping opportunities around town. The boutique shops are chic, trendy, and fashionable, but for those on a budget, you can sometimes find a unique local purchase in your budget.

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 Nice or Pompeii More Beautiful?

Nice is renowned for its scenery and beauty. However, Pompeii is not a destination known for its beauty.

Nice is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. A premiere destination in the French Riviera, this town is known for it's luxury, glitz, charm, and personality.

Pompeii is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Nice or Pompeii Better for Families?

Pompeii is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Nice is not as famous, but is still a good seaside destination to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Pompeii is a very kid-friendly archeological site. 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.

Nice is a family-friendly seaside destination. The town has many fun playgrounds, kid-friendly beaches, and unique cultural opportunities that kids can enjoy. It also makes a great base for exploring the French Riviera and everything that it has to offer.

Is Nice or Pompeii Better for Couples?

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

For those traveling as a couple, Nice has plenty to offer. The old town is filled with romance and charm. You can also take a walk along the Promenade Des Anglais or soak up the romantic countryside that surrounds the town.

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 Nice or Pompeii Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Nice and Pompeii are good destinations for backpackers.

Nice is a good seaside destination to visit for backpackers. Because it's one of the most popular tourist destinations in France, many backpackers make their way here. Nice is known for its high end vibe, so it can be challenging to find affordable options, but if you know where to look, they are around.

Plenty of backpackers 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 Nice or Pompeii Better for Students?

Pompeii is a archeological site with good options for students. However, Nice 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.

Nice is not popular with students.

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

Nice 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.

Nice offers a very effecient public transportation network. There are both buses and trams.

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 Nice or Pompeii a more walkable city?

Nice and Pompeii both are amazing when exploring on foot.

It is easy to get around Nice on foot. You should definitely spend some time exploring the 7 kilometer long Promenade des Anglais.

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Pompeii or Nice?

How long in Nice or Pompeii?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Nice or Pompeii to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Nice than Pompeii because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Nice, and 1-2 days is enough time in Pompeii.

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

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

One day in Nice or Pompeii?

In Nice, you'll find nightlife and food. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This seaside destination 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 Nice or Pompeii?

In Nice, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

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 Nice or Pompeii?

Nice is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Nice has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

You'll find museums around the ancient 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 Nice or Pompeii?

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

The famous 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 in France, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, and The Best Walking Tours in Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Nice and Pompeii, we can see that Pompeii 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 Nice Expensive? and Is Pompeii Expensive?.

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

Both Pompeii and Nice during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Nice in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Pompeii for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Nice is around the same temperature as Pompeii. Typically, the summer temperatures in Nice in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Pompeii averages at about 23°C (74°F).

Nice usually gets less rain in July than Pompeii. Nice gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nice or Pompeii in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Nice and Pompeii. Most visitors come to Nice for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Nice is generally around the same temperature as Pompeii. Daily temperatures in Nice average around 17°C (63°F), and Pompeii fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Pompeii receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Nice gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Nice usually receives less rain than Pompeii. Nice gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Nice or Pompeii in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Nice as well as Pompeii. The winter months attract visitors to Nice because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Additionally, the museums are the main draw to Pompeii this time of year.

Nice is around the same temperature as Pompeii in the winter. The daily temperature in Nice averages around 9°C (48°F) in January, and Pompeii fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

It's quite rainy in Pompeii. Nice usually gets less rain in January than Pompeii. Nice gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nice or Pompeii in the Spring?

Both Pompeii and Nice are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Nice this time of year.

In the spring, Nice is around the same temperature as Pompeii. Typically, the spring temperatures in Nice in April average around 13°C (56°F), and Pompeii averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In April, Nice usually receives less rain than Pompeii. Nice gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Pompeii and Nice