• 2024 TRAVEL UPDATE
  • Work with us
  • Beyond Bologna
  • Regions of Italy
  • Travel books
  • Best group tours
  • Itineraries
  • Accommodation guide
  • Italian phrases for travel
  • Rocket Italian review: 2024 update
  • Ultimate Italy Travel Planner
  • City Planners
  • Essential Guides
  • Italy themed gift ideas
  • Trip planning services

Amalfi Coast , Experiences

Visiting pompeii: tips to make the most of your time.

This article may contain compensated links. See our full disclosure here

Tucked away in the picturesque landscapes of Southern Italy, Pompeii is undoubtedly one of the most fascinating historical sites in the world. Visiting Pompeii, once buried under layers of volcanic ash, provides a unique glimpse into this ancient city’s past.

Suspended in time after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius, Pompeii holds an air of mystery and intrigue that continues to captivate the hearts and minds of those who visit. From its remarkably preserved ruins to its rich historical significance, Pompeii offers a unique glimpse into the daily lives and tragic fate of its former inhabitants.

Whether you are drawn by the allure of ancient history, the fascinating archaeological discoveries, or the beauty of the preserved ruins, Pompeii deserves a spot on your Italy itinerary . This guide will give you all the necessary information and practical tips to ensure you make the most of your time when visiting Pompeii.

Article contents

Brief History of Pompeii

The ancient city of Pompeii in the Campania region of Italy carries a haunting history. Its origins trace back to the 6th century BC, and the city thrived during the Roman Empire. It was a bustling and prosperous center characterized by intricate architecture, bustling streets, and vibrant community.

However, its fate took a tragic turn in AD 79 when Mount Vesuvius erupted catastrophically. The eruption unleashed a massive column of ash, rocks, and gases into the sky, which rained down on Pompeii for nearly a day.

While many residents managed to escape, approximately 2,000 individuals, representing a significant portion of the population, remained. Pompeii was ultimately buried under several meters of volcanic debris. This sudden and devastating event led to the preservation of the city’s structures, artifacts, and even the remains of its inhabitants.

The city remained buried and forgotten for centuries until its rediscovery in the 18th century. Excavations began, revealing an astonishingly well-preserved snapshot of life in an ancient Roman city. The ruins of Pompeii provide valuable insights into Roman architecture, art, culture, and daily life.

READ: Our complete guide to buying Pompeii tickets

Why Visit Pompeii, Italy?

Visiting Pompeii is an immersive and awe-inspiring experience. It allows you to connect with the past, marvel at ancient civilizations, and reflect on the fragile nature of human existence.

Pompeii’s recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site is a well-deserved honor that highlights the immense historical and cultural significance of this remarkable destination. 

The ancient city provides invaluable educational insights into Roman society, including its art, architecture, social structure, and religious practices.

The allure of Pompeii extends beyond its archaeological treasures, as the surrounding region presents additional attractions that complement the experience.

Adventurous souls can hike up Mount Vesuvius and visit the volcano’s crater. This offers a unique opportunity to witness the raw power of nature and enjoy stunning panoramic views of the beautiful landscape below. 

Pompeii is also an ideal starting point for exploring the beauty of southern Italy. Nearby, the city of Naples provides a vibrant atmosphere, renowned cuisine, and a wealth of archaeological and artistic treasures. 

The Amalfi Coast, with its stunning coastline and picturesque towns, is also within reach, giving you the opportunity to easily explore everything the region has to offer.

Plan Your Pompeii Visit

Embarking on a trip to Pompeii gives you a chance to immerse yourself in the wonders of the ancient world. This comprehensive guide provides all the essential information you need, from the best timing for your visit to practical tips on transportation and planning your itinerary.

Best Time To Visit Pompeii

The ideal time to visit Pompeii depends largely on personal preference and weather conditions. Some factors to consider when planning a Pompeii trip include the following:

Pompeii experiences peak tourist activity during the summer months, from June to August. This period is characterized by hot and sunny weather and can also be crowded. Spring (April to May) and fall (September to October) are shoulder seasons with more moderate temperatures and fewer visitors. 

Time of Day

To avoid the hottest hours and potential crowds, visiting Pompeii early in the morning or later in the afternoon is best. Pompeii opening hours are from 09:00, and arriving shortly after that can give you a head start and allow for a less crowded exploration of the ruins. In the late afternoon most of the cruise ship visitors have departed for the day so there are fewer crowds and more opportunity to enjoy the sites.

READ: Our complete guide to buying your tickets for Pompeii

Weekdays vs. Weekends

Weekends, especially during the high season, tend to be busier in Pompeii. For a more peaceful experience and to avoid larger crowds, consider planning your visit on a weekday if possible.

How Long to Stay

To see the main highlights of the ancient city, a minimum of two to three hours is a good estimate of how much time you will need. However, keep in mind that Pompeii is a vast archaeological site covering about 163 acres (66 hectares). So, if you’re interested in delving deeper into its history and exploring more areas, you may want to allocate more time.

How To Visit Pompeii From Naples, Sorrento, or Rome

Traveling to the Pompeii Archaeological Park from Naples, Sorrento , or Rome is relatively straightforward, and there are multiple transportation options available. Here’s a quick overview of how to travel to Pompeii from each of these cities:

How to Get to Pompeii from Naples

Located less than 20 miles apart, Pompeii makes for an easy day trip from Naples . The most common and convenient way to reach Pompeii from Naples is by taking the Circumvesuviana train.

You can catch the train from either the Naples Central Station (Napoli Centrale) or the Garibaldi Station (Napoli Garibaldi). The train journey to Pompeii Scavi Villa dei Misteri train station takes approximately 30 minutes. Trains are frequent, and tickets can be purchased at the station for around €3.

DISCOVER: Where to stay in Naples for the best areas and hotels

How to Get to Pompeii from Sorrento

The Circumvesuviana train also operates from Sorrento to Pompeii. Board the train at the Sorrento train station, and the journey to Pompeii Scavi Villa dei Misteri station takes about 25 to 30 minutes. Trains run regularly throughout the day, and a ticket will cost you between €3-5.

How to Get to Pompeii from Rome

When traveling from Rome, the recommended option is to take a high-speed train (Frecciarossa or Italo) from Rome’s Termini Station to Naples Central Station. The train trip takes just over an hour and costs around €8. Once in Naples, follow the instructions for traveling from Naples to Pompeii mentioned above using the Circumvesuviana train.

From August 2023 a new, limited service direct from Rome Termini to Pompeii is available. Running only on Sundays with one return trip available, it leaves Rome in the morning and returns 9 hours later. We recommend including a side trip to Naples or Sorrento as 9 hours is a bit much for even the most enthusiastic Pompeii visitor.

Rome is also a great base to take a Pompeii day trip or join a guided tour that includes transportation to Pompeii. Consider taking a day trip from Rome to Pompeii , which typically includes transportation by bus or van and a guided tour of the Pompeii ruins. If you’re fascinated by the volcano Vesuvius and its impact on the local landscape, you might also like to join a Pompeii tour with lunch at a local winery . This option provides a more organized and informative experience, but it may have a higher cost compared to independent travel.

READ: Our guide to all the options for a Pompeii day trip from Rome

Other Practical Considerations

In addition to thinking about the timing of your visit and the logistics of getting there, there are several other practical aspects to consider when planning your trip to Pompeii. Here are some additional factors to keep in mind for a well-prepared visit:

Tour or Train

Both options have their advantages. A guided tour allows you to sit back and relax while an experienced guide takes care of transportation and provides insightful commentary. If you prefer more flexibility, you can opt for the train. Many tours include a combination of train travel and guided tours, offering you the opportunity to experience the best of both.

If you’re renting a car and driving to Pompeii, paid private parking is available near the archaeological site. Be sure to check the parking facilities in advance and consider reserving a parking spot if possible, especially during peak tourist seasons. Depending on the time of year, paid parking costs between €5 and €10 per day.

Entrance Fees and Tickets

Pompeii tickets cost around €19 per person. It’s best to purchase tickets online in advance to avoid long queues at the site. Tickets are also available at ticket booths located near the entrance gates.

Guided Tours vs. Self-Guided Tours

Deciding between a guided Pompeii tour and a self-guided tour depends on your preferences. Guided tours offer the advantage of expert commentary and a structured itinerary. Knowledgeable guides can provide an in-depth understanding of the site’s history and significance. 

On the other hand, a self-guided tour allows you to explore at your own pace and delve into areas that interest you the most. Audio guides and maps are available for rent at the entrance to assist you during a self-guided visit.

Exploring Pompeii

There are a variety of must-see sites in Pompeii to include in your itinerary. As you wander through the ancient streets, you’ll encounter numerous houses, shops, theaters, and public buildings that give a dramatic portrayal of a Roman city frozen in time.

LISTEN: to our podcast on What you’ll discover on a visit to Pompeii

Must-See Sites in Pompeii

Each of these noteworthy destinations offers a unique window into the past, allowing you to immerse yourself in the captivating history of ancient Roman life. Below are just a few of the many remarkable sites you can explore in Pompeii.

The Forum in Pompeii was the central square and the heart of the ancient city. It served as the main public square and was the focal point for social, political, and economic activities.

Visiting the Forum today allows you to explore the ruins of temples, markets, basilicas, and other significant structures that offer insights into ancient Pompeii’s daily life, governance, and religious practices. 

The Garden of the Fugitives

The Garden of the Fugitives is a striking site in Pompeii where you can witness the plaster casts of victims who lost their lives during the Mount Vesuvius eruption. Once a peaceful orchard, this serene spot now stands as a powerful reminder of the devastating event that unfolded.

Among all the areas in Pompeii, this garden revealed the highest number of recovered victims. Thirteen bodies of Pompeii residents, unable to escape the deadly volcanic ash and debris, are forever preserved in their final moments.

Amphitheater of Pompeii

Built around 70 BC, the Amphitheater of Pompeii hosted gladiatorial contests, animal fights, and other spectacles. It is the oldest surviving Roman amphitheater and provides insight into the entertainment culture of the time.

The Amphitheater of Pompeii is also the oldest stone-built stadium still in existence, even predating the Colosseum in Rome . With a seating capacity of approximately 20,000 spectators, it provided a venue for thrilling and dramatic performances.

Villa dei Misteri

The 2000-year-old Villa dei Misteri, also known as the Villa of the Mysteries, is an intriguing and well-preserved ancient Roman villa on the outskirts of Pompeii. Consisting of a series of rooms surrounding a central courtyard, the villa provides a glimpse into the luxurious lifestyle of its wealthy inhabitants.

What sets the Villa dei Misteri apart are its well-preserved and captivating frescoes. These frescoes depict a narrative sequence of rituals and ceremonies, with figures engaged in activities such as dancing, playing musical instruments, and participating in mysterious initiation rites.

The exact meaning and purpose of these scenes remain a subject of debate and speculation among archaeologists and scholars.

The Public Baths

The public baths of Pompeii were an essential part of daily life in ancient Roman society. Beyond being a facility for personal hygiene, they served as bustling hubs of social interaction, relaxation, and rejuvenation.

These communal spaces fostered a sense of community, allowing people from various walks of life to come together and engage in conversation. When exploring Pompeii, three of the most significant public baths worth visiting are the Stabian Baths, the Forum Baths, and the Central Baths.

The House of the Faun

The House of the Faun, or Casa del Fauno, is one of the largest and most extravagant houses in Pompeii. The villa is renowned for its impressive architecture, well-preserved artifacts, and opulent decorations.

One of the most renowned features of the House of the Faun is the Alexander Mosaic. This exquisite mosaic depicts the epic Battle of Issus between Alexander the Great and Darius III of Persia. 

Although the mosaic itself is now housed in the National Archaeological Museum in Naples, visiting the House of the Faun offers a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of its former inhabitants.

Tips for Visiting Pompeii

When visiting Pompeii, there are things you can do to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. The following tips will help make your visit as easy and hassle-free as possible.

Navigating the Vast Ruins

Navigating the vast ruins of Pompeii can be overwhelming, so consider hiring a knowledgeable guide. They can provide fascinating insights into the city’s history, architecture, and daily life, enhancing your understanding and appreciation of the site.

Don’t Expect To See Many Artifacts Within the Ruins

While Pompeii is renowned for its preserved ruins, it’s important to note that many artifacts have been relocated to the Archaeological Museum in Naples for better preservation. Don’t expect to see many artifacts within the ruins themselves, but rather focus on the architectural remains and the insights they provide about ancient Roman life.

How To Avoid Crowds

Pompeii tends to be less crowded during winter (November to February) and early spring (March to April). During these times, tourist numbers are lower, and you’ll have a better chance of exploring the site without large crowds.

Try to arrive at the Pompeii archaeological site as early as possible, preferably at the opening time. Most tour groups and day-trippers arrive later in the morning or early afternoon, so by arriving early, you can beat the rush and have a more peaceful experience.

Tips on Being a Responsible Visitor

When exploring Pompeii, it is important to familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations that are in place to protect and preserve this extraordinary historic site. The most important rules and regulations include:

  • Stay on designated paths: Stick to the marked paths and avoid stepping on the fragile ruins.
  • Do not touch or remove artifacts: Touching can cause damage, and removing artifacts is not only illegal but also deprives others of experiencing the historical significance of Pompeii.
  • Do not climb on the ruins: While it may be tempting to climb or sit on the ancient structures for a photo opportunity, it is important to remember that these ruins are delicate and can be easily damaged.

To be a responsible visitor, make sure you dispose of trash properly. Respect the personal space and experience of other visitors. Avoid blocking pathways or overcrowding specific areas, allowing everyone to explore and enjoy Pompeii comfortably.

Pompeii is an irreplaceable cultural heritage site that represents a significant chapter in human history. Its preservation ensures that future generations can also have the opportunity to experience its value and immerse themselves in ancient Roman times.

What To Pack for Your Visit to Pompeii

When visiting Pompeii, it’s essential to come prepared with the right items to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Here’s a comprehensive list of what to bring:

  • Comfortable shoes: Pompeii is a large archaeological site with uneven terrain, cobblestone streets, and extensive walking involved. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes or sneakers to navigate the ruins comfortably and avoid discomfort or fatigue.
  • Sun protection: The sun exposure can be intense in Pompeii, especially during summer. Protect yourself from sunburn and heat by wearing sunglasses, a hat or cap, and sunscreen with a high SPF. Consider carrying a lightweight umbrella or seeking shade during breaks to avoid overexposure to the sun.
  • Water and snacks: Exploring Pompeii can be physically demanding, especially on hot days. Stay hydrated by carrying a refillable water bottle and drink plenty of water throughout your visit. Bring some snacks to keep yourself fueled during the day.
  • Camera or smartphone: Pompeii is a visually stunning site with countless photo opportunities. Capture the beauty and historical significance of the ruins by bringing a camera or smartphone with ample storage space.

Ready To Visit Pompeii?

The allure of Pompeii is undeniable, with its rich cultural and historical significance captivating the hearts of travelers worldwide. The chance to explore this ancient city and delve into its intriguing past is an experience like no other.

As you plan your trip to Italy , don’t miss the opportunity to include a visit to Pompeii in your itinerary. Explore the streets where ancient Romans once walked, witness the remarkably preserved architecture, and immerse yourself in the captivating stories of this lost city.

Whether you are a history enthusiast, an avid traveler, or simply seeking a unique and enriching experience, Pompeii promises to leave an unforgettable mark on anyone that visits.

Planning a trip to Italy?

We love travel in Italy and sharing our knowledge. Read our Italy trip planning guide or join our FREE Italy travel planning community . Our 115,000+ members are happy to answer questions about your itinerary, how to get from place to place, the best places to stay and fun things to do.

Sign up for our news and podcast updates where we share mini guides, tips, exclusive deals and more and we'll send you our Italy Trip Planning Checklist to say grazie ! >> click here to subscribe

Italy City Guides

Latest italy travel podcasts and articles, episode #204: a sparkling sorrento christmas, episode #203: capri – disappointed or delighted, where to stay in naples, italy – best areas & neighborhoods, the best amalfi coast hotels: 10 ultimate places to stay, 10 best hotels in positano, italy: top luxury & boutique stays, how to get from naples to amalfi coast, best day trips from naples.

Please share if you found this article useful

Institutional Portal of the Archaeological Park of Pompeii

  • cambia lingua: Italiano
  • cambia lingua: English

Information

+++  Tickets and timetable – Click here for further details +++

Storm Clouds gather over Colosseum in Pompeii Italy.

Modern-day Pompeii (Pompei in Italian) may feel like a nondescript satellite of Naples, but it's here that you'll find Europe's most compelling archaeological site: the ruins of Pompeii. Sprawling and haunting, the site is a stark reminder of the destructive forces that lie deep inside Vesuvius.

Leave the planning to a local expert

Experience the real Pompeii. Let a local expert handle the planning for you.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

tourist office pompeii

Ruins of Pompeii

The ghostly ruins of ancient Pompeii (Pompei in Italian) make for one of the world's most engrossing archaeological experiences. Much of the site's value…

tourist office pompeii

Villa dei Misteri

This restored, 90-room villa is one of the most complete structures left standing in Pompeii. The Dionysiac frieze, the most important fresco still on…

Italy, Pompeii, House Of The Faun,

Casa del Fauno

Covering an entire insula (city block) and claiming two atria at its front end (humbler homes had one), Pompeii's largest private house is named after the…

Pompeii ruins - Pompeii, Campania

Tempio di Apollo

The oldest and most important of Pompeii's religious buildings, the Tempio di Apollo largely dates from the 2nd century BC, including the striking…

tourist office pompeii

Terme Stabiane

At this typical 2nd-century-BC bathing complex, bathers would enter from the vestibule, stop off in the vaulted apodyterium (changing room), and then pass…

Fresco depicting Venus, House of Venus in Shell, Pompeii (Unesco World Heritage List, 1997), Campania, Italy, Roman civilization, 1st century BC

Casa della Venere in Conchiglia

Casa della Venere in Conchiglia harbours a lovely peristyle looking onto a small, manicured garden. It's here in the garden that you'll find the large,…

Dog mosaic in the House of the Tragic Poet.

Casa del Poeta Tragico

The 1st-century AD Casa del Poeta Tragico features the world's first-known 'beware of the dog' – cave canem – warnings. Visible through a protective glass…

Terme Suburbane

Terme Suburbane

Just outside ancient Pompeii's city walls, this 1st-century-BC bathhouse is famous for several erotic frescoes that scandalised the Vatican when they were…

Plan with a local

Experience the real Italy

Let a local expert craft your dream trip.

tourist office pompeii

Latest stories from Pompeii

Filter by interest:

  • All Interests
  • Adventure Travel
  • Art & Culture
  • Beaches, Coasts & Islands
  • Food & Drink

Scenic view of ruins and bronze statue in ancient Pompeii city, Italy

Art and Culture

Mar 17, 2023 • 6 min read

An array of newly reopened sites and exhibitions helps visitors learn even more about the doomed ancient city of Pompeii.

tourist office pompeii

Jan 12, 2023 • 4 min read

A vistor walks next to a "Satyr and hermaphrodite" sculpture, in Pompeii's site of a new exhibition entitled "Art and sensuality in the houses of Pompeii" on art and sexuality in the ancient city, where sculptures and paintings of breasts and buttocks abounded, on April 28, 2022. - Raunchy scenes may redden faces at a new exhibition in Pompeii on art and sexuality in the ancient Roman city, where sculptures and paintings of breasts and buttocks abounded. Archaeologists excavating the city, which was destroyed by the eruption of nearby Vesuvius in 79 AD, were initially startled to discover erotic images everywhere, from garden statues to ceiling frescos. (Photo by Andreas SOLARO / AFP) (Photo by ANDREAS SOLARO/AFP via Getty Images)

May 6, 2022 • 4 min read

tourist office pompeii

Mar 2, 2021 • 1 min read

POMPEII, CAMPANIA, ITALY - 2021/01/25: Jewelry in stone and bronze are displayed in the Antiquarium, a new museum venue in the Pompeii archaeological site with a permanent display of finds many of which were found during the last excavation campaign. The Roman town was buried by the terrible eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD. (Photo by Carlo Hermann/KONTROLAB/LightRocket via Getty Images)

Jan 27, 2021 • 2 min read

tourist office pompeii

Jan 4, 2021 • 2 min read

tourist office pompeii

Nov 30, 2020 • 2 min read

Scenic view of ruins and bronze statue in ancient Pompeii city, Italy

Oct 26, 2020 • 2 min read

The famous antique site of Pompeii, near Naples. It was completely destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. One of the main tourist attractions in Italy.

Oct 14, 2020 • 5 min read

A restorer working on frescos in the House with Garden, a new excavation in the Regio V of the Pompeii excavations.

Apr 24, 2020 • 2 min read

Purchase our award-winning guidebooks

Get to the heart of Pompeii with one of our in-depth, award-winning guidebooks, covering maps, itineraries, and expert guidance.

  • Travel Tips
  • Attractions

Things to do

  • Food & Wine
  • Art & Culture

Rome

Rest of the world

tourist office pompeii

Ultimate Guide to Visiting Pompeii: What to See, Do, & Experience

  • Planning your trip

July 11, 2023

Once a bustling, blue collar port town, Pompeii’s fate was sealed with the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 7.9 A.D. Today, Pompeii is a UNESCO World Heritage site, one of the most visited sites in Italy and one of the most visited archaeological sites in all the world. Visiting Pompeii? Keep reading to see what life in ancient Rome was like – and plan ahead with our easy guide to get the most out of your visit to Pompeii. 

Statue and columns at the ruins of Pompeii

Visiting Pompeii? Don’t miss these keys sites!

Table of Contents

How to get to Pompeii

Pompeii is a major stop and easy to reach from the major surrounding cities by train, car or even bus. Travel time by road (without traffic – which is rare on these roads) is around 2.5 hours from Rome to Pompeii, 30 mins from Naples to Pompeii, 45 minutes from Sorrento to Pompeii and 4.5 hours from Florence to  Pompeii (which pretty much rules it out as a day trip from Florence).

Visiting Pompeii from Naples

Whether you’re based in Naples or Rome, the ancient Roman town of Pompeii is certainly worth visiting.

Pompeii from Rome

If you’re planning on visiting Pompeii from Rome , perhaps the easiest option, is to book our Pompeii & Amalfi Day Trip from Rome , which includes a guided tour of Pompeii, a scenic drive along the Amalfi Coast and a stop in Positano. Independent travelers can book a transfer service, which is certainly the fastest option, although not the cheapest. The budget conscious will want to travel by train, which is largely easy to navigate and less expensive, although more time-consuming.

From Rome, take the train to Naples at the Napoli Centrale Station. The high-speed train, either Frecciarossa or Italo, takes about an hour and ten minutes each way. You can view train times and prices as well as book your tickets in advance on  www.trenitalia.com . From Napoli Centrale, take the Circumvesuviana train, the old but reliable commuter train of Campania, on the Napoli-Sorrento Circumvesuviana line. The Circumvesuviana runs trains about every half hour and it takes about 30 minutes to arrive at your Pompeii stop, Pompeii Scavi – Villa dei Misteri.

Pompeii from Naples (or Sorrento)

From Sorrento or Naples, you’ll simply take the Napoli-Sorrento Circumvesuviana line to the Pompeii Scavi – Villa dei Misteri stop. Once again, it’s about a 30 minute train ride from each city. The Circumvesuviana trains are often very crowded and you might find standing room only.

Visiting Pompeii streets

No matter when you plan on visiting Pompeii, it’s a good idea to bring an updated map.

Pompeii from the Amalfi Coast

If you’d like to get a better view of the Almafi Coast (albeit a rocky, potentially crowded, view) take the SITA bus from  Piazza Esedra in Naples or from the Sorrento train station. One or two busses run per hour and stop at all the major towns along the coast, including Pompei (the modern day town, as opposed to Pompeii the archaeological site). A ticket costs 2.80 euro and the trip takes about 40 minutes. Check out the SITA website for more information and bus time tables (in Italian).

Read More: An Art Lover’s Guide to Pompeii – A City Frozen in Time

Know before you go

Signage and eating in pompeii.

Unfortunately, the same attention is not lavished on visitor facilities. The site has only one restaurant-cum-cafeteria of dubious quality, and the maps – if you can get one from the information booth – are not up to date. You may even have to backtrack where streets have been blocked off.

Remember, Pompeii was once an entire maritime city, and the current site is vast! Forty-four hectares that have been excavated, but not all are accessible. Unfortunately, the beautiful site isn’t managed so well. There are often areas cordoned off with little explanation and rather poor signage. Your itinerary will be well-planned if you visit Pompeii with a tour guide, so you won’t need to worry as much. If not, plan ahead and come prepared to ensure you have a successful trip.

In the shoulder season, even Pompeii is uncrowded

It’s also a good idea to bring good shoes when visiting Pompeii – you’ll be walking quite a lot!

What to bring on a trip to Pompeii

An up-to-date map.

You can go back in time by walking through the preserved streets of the city – by far the best way to view Pompeii. Though you could spend an entire day touring the site, the average time needed once inside is about two to three hours. Like most Roman-built cities, Pompeii is well organized with a clear street plan, but the modern-day signposts are often wrong. Though technically the information booth should have maps, you’ll have to specifically ask for one and hope that it’s been updated.

It’s better to come prepared with a current map. Touring Pompeii is not difficult, but in order not to waste time or bake unnecessarily under the Neapolitan  sun, those traveling solo might want to consider bringing a guidebook as well.

A 1912 Map of Pompeii shows the sites enormous proportions. Photo by Dennis Jarvis

Sun protection, snacks, and water

Bring hats and sunscreen no matter what season and you may even want umbrellas in the summer. There is very little shelter from the sun and two to three hours outside will leave you feeling more like the ashen city than your healthy self. You’ll also want snacks and plenty of water for all that walking. Inside there is only one small convenience stand with slim offerings and unreliable hours of operation, but there are water fountains throughout the site that you can use to refill your water bottles. 

tourist office pompeii

There’s very little shad in Pompeii, so bring an umbrella or other sun protection.

Pompeii Tickets

The fee to enter Pompeii is currently 19 Euros, and be sure you have cash. The ticket office doesn’t accept credit cards. You can get more information, view prices or book ahead on the official Pompeii website.

What to see at Pompeii

Before Vesuvius’ eruption in 79 AD , Pompeii was an important port town for the ancient Roman empire, which controlled the entire Mediterranean Sea. Middle class, Pompeii was a classic port town filled with sailor’s hotels, bars, public baths, taverns and brothels. The archeological site and ongoing excavations give visitors to the formerly bustling Pompeii the best look there is on ancient Roman life.

tourist office pompeii

Of course, there are lots of artifacts to be seen at the Pompeii site as well.

Roman Forum (Foro) and A mphitheatre (Anfiteatro)

Go to see the Roman Forum; the theatre, whose acoustics are so good you don’t need microphones to be heard from the stage; the public baths with looming columns. Built in 70 A.D., the Anfiteatro  is the oldest-known Roman amphitheatre in existence. Now covered in grass, it originally held up to 20,000 spectators. 

The Forum, or Foro in Italian,   and served as ancient Pompeii’s main piazza and leads to many other notable sights, such as the Basilica built in the second century BC, the Temple of Jupiter ( Tempio di Giove) which only has one triumphal arch remaining, the city’s Forum Granary and a the nearby Anfiteatro , the city’s primary meat and fish market.

tourist office pompeii

Pompeii’s magnificent Anfiteatro is the oldest-known Roman amphitheatre.

Homes, bakeries, restaurants, and brothels

You can also tour bakeries, small family restaurants, ancient roman homes and even a local brothel, where you can find “Umberto was here” style graffiti on the walls and lively life-sized frescos that served as a sort of ancient-day advertisements.

House of the Vettii

On the other end of the social class spectrum is the House of the Vettii, the home of a wealthy merchant and one of the best preserved homes. Though recently closed for renovations, if it’s open you can view the typical villa of ancient Pompeii’s richest citizens, including extravagant rooms covered in frescoes and an inner courtyard with small fish ponds.

Beyond Pompeii: Naples National Archaeological Museum

Many of the artifacts from Pompeii are housed in the Naples National Archaeological Museum since they were directly ordered to Naples in the 1700s by the Neapolitan king. History and archaeology buffs should absolutely visit the museum – it offers the best look into the art of Pompeii that still exists, which ranges from enormous statues and mosaics to intimate objects of every day life. Pompeii archaeological site has all of the ruins but the Naples Archaeological Museum houses all of the objects found during excavations.

Frescoes at pompeii wiht snakes, men, and ropes

The Naples National Archeology Museum holds many gems lifted straight from Pompeii, such as frescoes and artifacts from everyday life. Photo credit: Nick Fewings

Before you end your visit to Pompeii, take a last look at the impressive view of Mount Vesuvius in the distance. 2,000 years ago the still-active volcano erupted a cloud of gas, ash and rocks. For hours it spewed, causing most of the residents to flee. It took just one moment for the eruption to change and an avalanche of lava and rock to race down the mountainside toward Pompeii. Though Vesuvius destroyed the city, it also effectively preserved it, stopping life in Pompeii in its track and providing us with most everything we know about the ancient town.

Want to explore the historic streets of Pompeii and traipse up and down the vineyards of Vesuvius? Join our Pompeii with Panoramic Winery Lunch on Vesuvius day trip from Rome.

tourist office pompeii

by Gina Mussio

Book a tour.

tourist office pompeii

Pristine Sistine - The Chapel at its Best

1794 reviews

tourist office pompeii

Premium Colosseum Tour with Roman Forum Palatine Hill

850 reviews

tourist office pompeii

Pasta-Making Class: Cook, Dine Drink Wine with a Local Chef

121 reviews

tourist office pompeii

Crypts, Bones Catacombs: Underground Tour of Rome

401 reviews

tourist office pompeii

VIP Doge's Palace Secret Passages Tour

tourist office pompeii

Legendary Venice: St. Mark's Basilica, Terrace Doge's Palace

286 reviews

You May Also Like

tourist office pompeii

March 02, 2016

Why You Shouldn’t Go to Pompeii Without Visiting Mount Vesuvius

Ready why a visit to Mount Vesuvius is the best way to top off any trip to...

tourist office pompeii

September 25, 2019

Pompeii Art Guide: Scandalous Frescoes & Mythic Retellings

Few things could be as fascinating to the historically minded as Pompeii – a town buried by the...

tourist office pompeii

October 25, 2019

Pompeii Guide: 10 Things to Know Before Visiting the Ancient Roman City

One of the most famous Ancient Roman cities, Pompeii has become synonymous with history, as well as...

tourist office pompeii

February 20, 2015

‘The Blonde Abroad’ Visits Pompeii & Positano

The Blonde Abroad discovers Pompeii and te Amalfi Coast with...

tourist office pompeii

June 10, 2011

Why Visit Naples? 9 Reasons Not to Skip Napoli

Here's why you shouldn't miss Naples, that crazy city south of...

tourist office pompeii

October 20, 2011

3 Best Eats Near Naples’ Train Station: Pizza, Pastries & More

Even if you only have 45 minutes between trains, you can still taste the best food in...

Stay up to date with travel tips, local insights and all things Italy on our social channels!

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Get curated Italy travel tips delivered to your inbox!

Your browser is out-of-date!

Update your browser to view this website correctly. Update my browser now

css.php

Nomadic Matt's Travel Site

Travel Better, Cheaper, Longer

The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Pompeii

Cobblestone street in Pompeii, lined with ruins of buildings and Mount Vesuvius in the background.

When I was growing up, I wanted to be an archeologist. I loved history, and the thought of uncovering temples and tombs in jungles excited me. I used to read books on Greek and Roman history and have discussions with my history teacher, even as young as 13. In short, I was a huge geek from the get-go.

Being such a huge history geek, visiting Pompeii, the city destroyed by Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE, has always been high on my list of things to do.

The falling ash came so quickly that it preserved the city just as it was, burying the city in 4-6 meters (13-20 feet) of ashes. It’s a city frozen in time.

The earliest settlements in the area date to the 8th century BCE, though most people know Pompeii as the Roman city that it was at the time of its demise. The rich agricultural land combined with its location on important trading routes meant that over time, Pompeii became a wealthy provincial city with a population of over 20,000 people.

The city was also a regional cultural center, with a large amphitheater, forum, public baths, various temples, and an extensive aqueduct system providing clean water. Many of these buildings, including expansive private villas in the surrounding countryside, were buried during Vesuvius’s eruption.

The eruption itself lasted over two days, with the first phase of falling ash and pumice lasting over 18 hours. While the 1,150 bodies discovered is significant, it was only a fraction of the overall population. Most inhabitants likely had a chance to escape during this initial eruptive phase, though the final casualty count is unknown.

While the eruption was the biggest tragedy of its time, the falling ash also kept the buildings, frescoes streets, pots, and bodies incredibly well preserved. And while there was some looting after the eruption, eventually Pompeii’s location was lost with the passage of time.

It wasn’t until the rediscovery of the nearby town of Herculaneum (buried in the same Vesuvius eruption) that interest was renewed in the area. The first excavations at Pompeii occurred in 1748, with archaeological work continuing to this day. There is still a significant portion of the site that remains unexcavated so who knows what they will discover here in the future?

I’ve traveled the world for a while and have seen plenty of marvelous ruins over the years. But this is one of the best. Even though a lack of upkeep has taken its toll on the site, I still found it a fascinating place to spend the day. My only hope is that the Italian government will get its act together to keep this site from falling into further disrepair.

Located near Naples in Italy , Pompeii takes a full day to see. If you truly want to indulge your inner Indiana Jones and visit every building here, schedule an extra half day. At over 160 acres, it’s a huge site and you could easily spend even more time than that.

I saw a lot on my full day, but there was a lot that I missed. To help you make the most of your visit, here are some of the main highlights of Pompeii.

Table of Contents

  • The Top Attractions in Pompeii

Tips for Visiting Pompeii

How to get to pompeii.

  • Visiting Pompeii FAQ

The Top 12 Attractions in Pompeii

Ancient sexual frescoes from a brothel in Pompeii, Italy

The ancient lupanar (brothel) is a tiny house with stone beds and scenes of the acts customers might pay for. It’s essentially ancient porn, though whether the frescoes served a practical purpose or were merely decoration is unclear.

Unsurprisingly, this is one of the most visited houses in all of Pompeii (it was probably just as popular before the eruption — no pun intended — too).

The ruins of the forum baths in Pompeii, Italy

While the forum baths are the smallest of the various bath ruins in Pompeii, they are arguably the most elegant. There were separate areas for men and women, including separate entrances. The bath not only had hot baths but cold and tepid baths as well.

A colorful fresco from the the villa of mysteries in Pompeii, Italy

The villa, which is on the outskirts of Pompeii proper, was excavated long after the rest of the city (excavation of the villa began in 1909). Since it’s a bit of a walk, not many people come here either, giving you the place virtually to yourself.

The ancient ruins of the Pompeii forum on a sunny day

The bath area also had a gym and workout area (for wrestling, as well) and a large, almost Olympic-sized, swimming pool.

The small entrance to an ancient house in Pompeii, Italy

The sloped roof was used to collect rainwater and doubled as a fountain, a great example of innovation at the time.

A statue outside of the biggest house in all of Pompeii, Italy

It’s one of the most complete surviving examples of a wealthy and luxurious private residence from the time — even better preserved than many sites in Rome itself!

The preserved corpses of those killed in Pompeii in Garden of the Fugitives

Located in the back of Pompeii, this old vineyard has preserved casts of people who didn’t make it out of the city alive. There are 13 bodies in the garden, frozen in a grotesque and agonizing tableau that reflects the horrible final moments of the city. It’s both incredibly interesting and unsettling at the same time.

A colorful frescoes of Venus in the shell in Pompeii, Italy

The house was actually under renovation when Vesuvius erupted and was also damaged during the bombing in World War II (though it was restored in the 1950s).

The amphitheater in Pompeii as seen from above in the spring

Built in 70 BCE, it was one of the first amphitheaters to be built of stone. Today, it is the oldest surviving Roman amphitheater in existence.

The ancient massive ruins of the Pompeii Palestra on a sunny day

It’s another a great place to escape the crowds as not so many tourists make it here.

One of the many ancient frescoes that survived in Pompeii, Italy

There’s a small garden and covered porch in the back, a fresco of the goddess Diana, a bakery, and even a little food shop in the front. During World War II, a bomb partially destroyed the back walls, though these were restored in the 1970s.  

The ancient columns and ruins of Pompeii, Italy

  • Watch out for closings – Not all the attractions are open, even if they say they are. I found a number of places you were supposed to be able to get into closed. They even started closing one while I was looking around.
  • Start in the back – To avoid the crowds, move from the farthest temples toward the front. The majority of people stick to the center of Pompeii, and you can visit the main area when the crowds have gone by late afternoon.
  • Don’t do the audio guide – I bought the audio tour for 10 EUR and found it to be a waste of time. The free book they give you includes enough information. The audio guide doesn’t explain much more.
  • Limited time? Do a guided tour – I listened to a number of guided tours while I was walking around and I was impressed with their knowledge. Plus, I like being able to ask questions that can further explain things. The guided tours simply take you to the highlights, unless you do a personal tour.
  • Bring lots of water – During the summer, it gets scorchingly hot. Bring lots of water and some sunscreen to avoid getting burnt.
  • Pack snacks – There are a few cafes and snack bars here, but if you wander far into the ruins, you might not be near them for a while. It’s best to bring some food with you for the day’s explorations.
  • Take the train – This is the easiest way to visit. Just make sure you go to Pompei Scavi – Villa Dei Misteri station as the main Pompeii station only takes you to the modern city.
  • Watch out for scams and pickpockets – As Pompeii is such a popular attraction, there are many people who try to take advantage of visitors. Common scams include trying to sell fake (or overpriced) train and bus tickets or saying that the entrance is closed (but they can get you in). Also watch out for pickpockets around the entrances and train station.
  • Don’t bring a large backpack – Security likely won’t let you bring in a large rucksack, so only come with a smaller purse or day bag.
  • Choose your tour carefully – If you’re going to do a tour, do an official tour from inside the gate. There are plenty of tours offered outside of the gate, but they are much larger and not as good (though they are cheaper).

The ruins of a statue in Pompeii, Italy

Get off at the Pompei Scavi/Villa dei Misteri stop, which is just a 5-minute walk from the heritage site. The train ride is around 45 minutes.

There’s also a train called the Campania Express that only stops at the main tourist sites in the area. It’s about 20 minutes but also costs 15 EUR round-trip. Personally, I don’t think it’s really worth the steep price increase.

If you’re coming by car, it’s about a 30-minute drive. Note that there is no free parking lot for the site, though there are many paid municipal and private parking lots nearby.

From April 1 to October 31, the entire site is open from 9am-7pm. From November 1-March 31, the site is open from 9am-5pm. However, each individual attraction has its own opening and closing times, with last entrances starting 1-1.5 hours before closing time of the entire site. For updated hours, check pompeiisites.org .  

FAQ on Visiting Pompeii

The sweeping vista overlooking Pompeii, Italy.

How long do you need in Pompeii? You’ll want to spend a full day here to really see everything, though if history isn’t your thing and you just want to see the main sites, 3-4 hours will suffice.

Do you have to pay to visit Pompeii? Yes! Tickets are 16 EUR per person.

Should I book a guided tour? If you don’t have a guidebook or if you want a deeper, more insightful visit then getting a guide is a good idea. There is minimal signage here so you’ll get much more from your visit if you have a guide.

You can either book a guide on arrival (you’ll see a bunch hanging around the entrance) or go with a reputable company like Take Walks . They have a comprehensive and informative 3-hour tour of the site as well as a full-day tour that includes Pompeii and a drive along the Amalfi Coast. Tickets are 55 EUR for the 3-hour tour and 165 EUR for the full-day tour (including tickets that let you skip the line).

Do you need to book tickets in advance for Pompeii? Tickets can be bought online in advance, which includes access to Pompeii, Oplontis, and Boscoreale. If you’re visiting on a Saturday or public holiday, you must book online in advance.

How many tourists visit Pompeii each year? Pompeii is one of the most popular attractions in Italy, bringing in over 3.5 million tourists each year.

When should I visit Pompeii? The summer offers the best weather, but it is also incredibly hot and busy. Consider visiting in the shoulder season (May or October) in order to beat the crowds but still have nice weather.

In the time I was there, I barely scratched the surface of Pompeii, and I filled a whole day! One day, I’d love to go back and visit all the buildings I missed. But then again, I’m a history geek and could spend days upon days among ruins. If you don’t live and breathe history as I do, one day would be enough to see the highlights.

Make sure you move away from the city center to see some of the lesser-known and less crowded sites. Walking among the ruins is an eerie but beautiful feeling.

Book Your Trip to Italy: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned!

Book Your Train ItaliaRail is a great resource to use when planning your trip via train around Italy. You can compare prices, routes, and schedules and save up to 60% on your tickets.

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.

If you’re looking for a place to stay, check out Agorà Hostel Deluxe .

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

  • Safety Wing (best for everyone)
  • Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
  • Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.

Need a guide? Take Walks runs my favorite paid tour. Their Best of Pompeii Tour: Unveiling the Buried City will give you an incredible behind-the-scenes and historical Pompeii experience. If you want a tour, take that one.

Want More Information on Italy? Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on Italy for even more planning tips!

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

Related Posts

The historic architecture of Italy at sunset

Get my best stuff sent straight to you!

Pin it on pinterest.

The excavations of Pompeii

The excavations of Pompeii are a fascinating journey into the past. In 79 A.D. the eruption of Vesuvius destroyed the cities of Pompeii , Herculaneum , Stabia and Oplonti that were buried by ash.

At the behest of Charles III of Bourbon began excavations that allowed to better know the customs, habits, eating habits and the art of life of over two millennia ago. Some of the finds recovered (in addition to simple furnishings of daily use also frescoes, mosaics and statues) are preserved in the national archaeological museum of Naples, and in small quantities also in the Antiquarium of Pompeii .

Since 1997, Pompeii, together with Ercolano and Oplonti, have been part of the UNESCO World Heritage List .

The archaeological site of Pompeii hosts more than three million visitors a year, the third most visited museum site in Italy. For this reason we recommend buying tickets online to avoid long waits and enjoy a longer visit.

Opening time Everyday: 9:00-17:00

Where is Pompeii It is located in Campania a few kilometers from Naples.

Book your visit online by choosing the time you prefer.

Book your visit

The main attractions of pompeii at a discounted price.

tourist office pompeii

  • Ingresso riservato to Pompeii that allows you to skip the line.
  • Guided visit to Vesuvius. Skip-the-line ticket and 90-minute guided tour.
  • Audio guide app to know the secrets of Pompeii.

Helen on her Holidays

14 tips for visiting Pompeii (plus how to climb Vesuvius)

14 tips for visiting Pompeii

Visiting Pompeii, the ancient Roman city in southern Italy that was destroyed by a volcano, is on a lot of people’s travel bucket lists – it had been on mine since I was little!

Before I visited Pompeii I felt quite overwhelmed, so I did a ton of research. Read on for tried and tested tips for how to visit Pompeii, along with some advice on how to climb Vesuvius.

The volcano Mount Vesuvius, looming over the ruins of Pompeii

This post contains affiliate links – all that means is that if you buy something as a result of clicking on a link in the post, I’ll receive a small commission that helps me with the costs of running this site. Thanks!

Tips for your visit to Pompeii

1. use public transport to get to pompeii.

Pompeii is in the Campania region of southern Italy, 15 miles south of Naples and 150 miles south of Rome. It’s 16 miles from the lovely resort town of Sorrento and 22 miles from Positano, on the Amalfi coast.

A map of Pompeii. Pompeii is halfway between Naples and Sorrento, and not far from the Amalfi Coast, making visiting Pompeii an easy day trip destination

The best way to get to Pompeii from Naples or Sorrento is by the local train, called the Circumvesuviana. The best station for the ruins is Pompei Scavi – Villa Dei Misteri train station, on the railway line from Naples to Sorrento.

The train can be very busy and has a reputation for pickpocketing but there’s no reason to be scared. Keep your bag close and your wits about you and it’s perfectly safe and convenient.

Pompei Scavi train station on the Circumvesuviana railway line between Naples and Sorrento

Pompei Scavi station is less than five minutes’ walk from the Porta Marina main entrance to the ruins.

Pompeii from Sorrento

If you’re travelling from Sorrento or one of the other resorts along the coast, the easiest and cheapest way to get to Pompeii is to take the Circumvesuviana local train to the ruins. From Sorrento, the train takes between 25 and 30 minutes, which is almost certainly going to be quicker than driving or taking a taxi.

Pompeii from Naples city centre

Visiting Pompeii from Naples is an easy day trip, and Napoli’s great rail connections make the train the easiest way to get to the ruins.

I recommend catching the train from Porta Nolana station. Since Porta Nolana is the start of the Circumvesuviana line, you’ve got a better chance of getting a seat on what can be very busy trains. Get on a train that’s headed for Sorrento and get off at Pompei Scavi – Villa Dei Misteri.

Pompeii from Naples cruise port (Stazione Marittima)

If you’re arriving in Naples on a cruise ship, you’re likely to dock at Stazione Marittima. From there, you could walk the 1.2 miles to Porta Nolana station on the Circumvesuviana line. If you’d rather take a bus, the airport bus leaves from outside Stazione Marittima and stops outside Naples Centrale station for the Circumvesuviana line to Pompei Scavi – Villa Dei Misteri.

If you’d prefer a simpler option for your trip and not rely on public transport, there are shore excursion options.

The Porta Marina entrance to the city of Pompeii

If you’re planning to drive to Pompeii, it’s worth knowing that there are no official Pompeii car parks, but there are lots of places to park around Porta Marina and between the Porta Marina and Piazza Esedra entrances. One of the most recommended is Pompei Parking Zeus near Porta Marina.

2. Don’t take a big bag into the ruins

The level of strictness at Pompeii varies a lot but it’s best to assume that the staff won’t allow you to take large bags or luggage into the ruins. Anything above 30cm wide, 30cm tall and 15cm wide isn’t allowed – as a rough guide that’s a little bit smaller than the size you’d be allowed as a free bag on a budget airline. As well as being for security, it’s also to reduce damage to the ruins themselves from people rubbing against the walls with their bags. There were a small number of luggage lockers at the entrance when I visited but it’s best to leave bulky bags at your accommodation.

A shop counter in Pompeii. Our tour guide explained to us how people in Pompeii often bought their food from these ancient takeaways.

Even if you are allowed to take your bag inside, the massive size of the site means that trying to explore while carrying heavy luggage isn’t a great idea, and it’ll restrict you from getting inside some of the most famous buildings. The Lupanar (brothel) house with its famous wall paintings is a particularly tight squeeze.

3. Do take a water bottle

There are drinking water taps all the way along the main thoroughfare where you can refill your bottle with safe drinking water for free. You’ll be doing a lot of walking and it can be very hot. As a bonus, many of the taps are set above Roman troughs so you’ll get to feel a little bit like a real Roman.

The Casa del Menandro (House of Menander) was one of the grandest villas in Pompeii. It was excavated and restored in the late 1920s and early 1930s.

4. Don’t worry about food and drink (but do bring snacks)

There are cafes, ice cream/drinks stands and souvenir shops outside all three entrances to the site, but there’s also a reasonably priced cafeteria with a good variety of sandwiches, pizza slices, salads and snacks inside the ruins, just behind the Forum. There are toilets upstairs.

The cafe inside the Pompeii ruins (on the extreme left in this picture) serves drinks, coffee, sandwiches, pizza slices, salads and other snacks. It's located behind the Forum.

You can also take your own food and drink into Pompeii, which is a good thing when the sheer scale of the place might mean you’re nowhere near the cafeteria when you get hungry.

Even if you don’t bring a packed lunch, it’s a good idea to take a snack or two, especially if you’re planning on spending the whole day in the ruins.

5. Don’t take one of the guided tours touted outside the ruins

– although they’re cheaper than the official guides they’re much larger groups (30+ people compared to around 15). There’s also a little office just outside the train station with an official-looking sign offering tickets – ignore it, the actual official ticket office is inside the gate.

The sauna of the Stabian Baths

If you’re visiting Pompeii at a busy time it may be a good idea to buy your tickets in advance . While the queue at the ticket office was relatively short when we visited in April, it can get very busy.

Visitor numbers are already capped at 15,000 on the monthly free entry Sundays and there’s talk of restricting the number of people who can go inside the archaeological site on normal days too in order to protect the delicate site for the future. Buying your ticket for Pompeii online means you’re guaranteed to get in. You can buy a maximum of 5 tickets in each transaction.

6. Do take a guided tour of Pompeii

Official Pompeii tourist guides tout as you’re queuing for tickets *inside* the gate at Porta Marina and Piazza Esedra, between 9am and 2pm. They wear a big official pass around their necks and offer tours in several languages. Tours tend to set off when enough people have gathered.

When we got in we were glad we’d gone on a tour as the ruins are huge and confusing with little signage – we wouldn’t have fully appreciated them even with an audio guide and definitely not with just the map and the guidebook.

If you want to be certain of getting on a tour in your language and at the right time, or if you want a private guide for your group you can book a tour in advance .

Most of the Pompeii tours that you can book in advance will include entry tickets. This small group tour with an archaeologist has great reviews and includes skip-the-line entry tickets.

Our tour guide at Pompeii really helped bring the site to life, during our 2 hour small group tour

We had a great guide who’d been a little boy when Vesuvius last erupted in 1944 and he really helped bring the city to life for us. You’ll move quickly and see a lot in two hours, but…

7. …don’t expect to see even the highlights of Pompeii in a couple of hours

With a 2 hour tour and 2-3 hours on your own you can get a taste for the city but Pompeii is easily worth a full day.

We arrived at around 10.30am and didn’t leave until closing time. The main sights are quite far from each other, particularly the larger amphitheatre and the Garden of the Fugitives where the main group of bodies are, and walking on the uneven roads can make distances feel even further.

The large amphitheatre at Pompeii is the oldest surviving Roman amphitheatre in the world. It's located at the far end of the site, a mile from the main gate and the Forum.

8. Do get a map of the Pompeii site

While you’re at the entrance, do pick up one of the free maps of the Pompeii site. There’s nothing else really to orientate you when you’re in the ruins and the grid system means it’s easy to get lost.

9. Do wear good shoes

The roads are dusty and uneven underfoot and some of the stones are slippy so you’ll want something comfortable with decent grip. Pompeii is definitely not the place for heels. If you wear sandals, expect your feet to be absolutely filthy when you leave!

You'll do a lot of walking on roads like this at Pompeii. Wear good shoes!

10. Do protect yourself from the sun

On sunny days, take a hat, sunscreen and some kind of cover-up. There’s very little shade throughout much of Pompeii (as most of the buildings don’t have a roof!), and the white stone can mean lots of reflected light. An umbrella or parasol could be a good idea. The last time I visited I didn’t see anywhere to buy sunscreen inside the site.

Like many places, summer weather in this part of Italy is becoming increasingly hot – during summer 2023 temperatures at Pompeii hit 40° celsius (104° Fahrenheit). I’d recommend trying to plan your trip to Pompeii to avoid heatwaves, but if it’s unavoidable, then consider getting to the site as soon as it opens so you can see as much as possible during the coolest hours of the day.

11. Do take the time to get some background before your trip

The more you can read up about Pompeii, the more you’ll get out of your visit. I watched a BBC documentary on YouTube and read Robert Harris’s novel  Pompeii before we left – not academic at all but it really helped me make sense of what had happened here when Vesuvius erupted.

If you want a more in-depth discussion of the myths around Pompeii and how people may have actually lived, Mary Beard’s book Pompeii: The Life of a Roman Town is excellent and easy to read.

Even if you plan to take a guided tour (and you should), it’d be useful to read the guide book in advance so you can make your own hit list of places you want to visit in Pompeii after the end of the tour.

The House of Venus in the Shell has many beautiful wall paintings, including the one that the house is named after.

The official, free Pompeii guide book and map that you get at the site (sometimes known as the red book) has recently been put online as a PDF .

12. Do get a different perspective

by visiting Herculaneum , a few stops along the Circumvesuviana train line from Pompeii and another easy trip from Naples or Sorrento. Herculaneum was also destroyed when Vesuvius erupted, but it’s much quieter than Pompeii. Herculaneum is also much better preserved and many of the buildings still have their upper storey intact.

The tragedy wrought by the eruption feels even more immediate at Herculaneum  – by the Roman shoreline are boat houses full of the skeletons of the people who tried to shelter there.

The upper floors of many buildings survived in Herculaneum

13. Do climb Mount Vesuvius

Visiting Pompeii is unmissable, but it’s an awe-inspiring experience to go to the top of Mount Vesuvius and see (and smell) the smoke that still rises up from the crater.

I chose to take a bus transfer from Ercolano train station to Vesuvius with Vesuvio Express, which was a really easy way to get there. You can book tickets for Vesuvio Express online .

From the upper car park it’s about a mile to Vesuvius’s crater, all uphill. It’s a fairly shallow gradient but it’s fine, dusty gravel underfoot so can be tough going. If it would help, you can take a walking stick from one of the guys at the entrance in return for a tip.

Wear shoes not sandals but don’t do what I did and wear your new white trainers – they’ll be covered in red Vesuvius dust and pretty much ruined by the time you get back!

Our shoes covered in red dust after climbing up to the crater on Mount Vesuvius

There are a couple of souvenir shops which sell drinks and basic snacks, and another at the crater. When I visited Vesuvius there weren’t any public toilets anywhere on the volcano, and after overdoing it on hydration for the climb I ended up begging the shop at the car park to be allowed to use their (non-flushing!) toilet. Recent visitors say if you buy something at the shop or pay 1 euro, they’ll let you use their toilet, but that you might still have to hold your nose.

At the top, walk around the crater at least until you get to a jaggedy part with some steps as the crater looks different from different viewpoints. Try to spot Capri and Ischia on the horizon and Pompeii below and look out for puffs of sulphury-smelling smoke to remind you that it’s still an active volcano!

Vesuvius's crater. It's still an active volcano!

Our visit to Vesuvius took around 4 hours from leaving Ercolano station to returning back to Ercolano.

14. Make sure you give yourself enough time

There are lots of tours that let you visit Pompeii, Mount Vesuvius and Herculaneum in one day, but that seems very rushed to me.

We did it in two days – one full day for Pompeii and another where we visited Vesuvius in the morning and Herculaneum in the afternoon (travelling from Sorrento), and that felt about right to us.

The two archaeological sites of Pompeii and Herculaneum are both very moving (not least because of the body casts at Pompeii and the skeletons at Herculaneum) and for me it was worth taking some extra time so it wasn’t too overwhelming.

A small shrine in one of Pompeii's grand villas

What happened at Pompeii?

In AD79, Mount Vesuvius erupted. The force of the explosion blew the entire top of the mountain off, sending rocks, ash and dust over 10 miles into the sky. The rocks and ash rained down on Pompeii for nearly a full day. Most residents had already fled the city but around 2,000 people (around a tenth of the population) stayed behind.

A body cast of one of the victims of the Vesuvius eruption. This cast was in the Forum, near the entrance, but the largest group of body casts is by the Porta Nocera in the Garden of the Fugitives.

When, finally, a flood of thick volcanic ash, poisonous gases and superheated rock hit Pompeii at nearly 100 miles an hour, the city was buried underneath millions of tonnes of volcanic debris.

The victims’ bodies decomposed where they’d died, leaving body-shaped spaces in the hardened ash. Almost 2000 years later, archaeologists were able to pour plaster into these spaces, revealing the last moments of the victims and creating Pompeii’s famous body casts.

Pompeii has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1997 as a joint listing with nearby Herculaneum and the Villa Opolontis at Torre Annunziata.

If you’re planning to go to Herculaneum as well as visiting Pompeii (and you should), you can buy the Campania Artecard which will get you into both sites (plus a number of other sightseeing spots in the area) over the course of your visit. Read my full review to see if the Campania Artecard is worth it (spoiler – the 365 Lite card is an absolute bargain!)

Visiting Pompeii in 2024

The information below is correct as of 10 February 2024.

Pompeii opening times in 2024

During winter (dates up until 31 March 2024), Pompeii is open Monday to Sunday, 9am to 5pm, with the last entry at 3.30pm. Access to some houses is restricted after 4.15pm.

In the summer months (1 April until 31 October 2024) the site is open 9am to 7pm, with the last entry at 5.30pm. Access to some houses is restricted after 6pm.

The horseshoe-shaped Teatro Grande

Pompeii is closed on Christmas Day, New Year’s Day and sometimes on May Day. If the site is going to be open on May 1, the authorities tend to announce it only a week or two in advance.

House of the Day

In summer 2023, a new “House of the Day” programme began, and it’s continued into the colder months. This programme gives you the chance to visit a house that isn’t normally open to the public. You can see the latest schedule on the Pompeii website.

How to buy tickets for Pompeii

For your trip to Pompeii you can either book your official Pompeii tickets online or go to the ticket offices at Porta Marina, Piazza Anfiteatro and Piazza Esedra. There was a small queue when I visited in mid April so booking online could be a good idea during the hot summer months.

Tickets for the ruins cost €22.00 for an adult ticket for Pompeii and the surrounding villas, and €18.00 just for Pompeii. There’s a €1 booking fee for booking online.

Most guided tours will include a skip the line ticket .

If you’re planning to visit Herculaneum , the Archaeological Museum in Naples or other museums and attractions in the area then it might be worth buying a Campania Artecard . I’ve written a full review of the Campania Artecards, plus competitors like the Naples Pass and Pompeii Card .

Visiting Pompeii is free on the first Sunday of every month but it does get very busy! You can avoid the queues for free Pompeii tickets by booking them online .

The famous Cave Canem ("Beware of the Dog") mosaic in the entrance to the House of the Tragic Poet

How to visit Pompeii from Rome

It’s possible to visit Pompeii on a self-guided day trip from Rome thanks to Italy’s amazing high-speed trains. If you choose the fastest train from Rome Termini to Naples Centrale you’ll be there in 1 hour 13 minutes. Tickets are very reasonably priced if you book in advance. From Naples, take the local Circumvesuviana train to Pompei Scavi – Villa Dei Misteri.

As of July 2023, there’s a new direct Frecciarossa fast train service between Rome and the modern town of Pompei. The special train runs on the third Sunday of each month.

A guided tour from Rome , a direct coach transfer or even a private tour is another option for visiting Pompeii from Rome on a day tour.

When to visit Pompeii

Visiting pompeii in spring.

March, April and May can be the best time to visit Pompeii and all the other attractions in the area. March can be a little chilly with a few days of rain, but cooler temperatures are good for exploring the ruins.

Pompeii is open as normal on Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Easter Monday, which in 2024 falls at the very end of March (Easter Sunday is March 31 2024). Trains and buses to Pompeii will also be running but to a holiday schedule with reduced frequency.

I visited Pompeii, Vesuvius and Herculaneum in mid April and thought it was the perfect time to take a trip to this part of Italy. The weather was warm and sunny but not too hot, and at Herculaneum in particular the spring flowers were beautiful. Summer opening hours start on April 1, giving you an extra two hours to explore (I needed it!).

The streets near the Amphitheatre were really pretty

Visiting Pompeii in summer

If you visit Pompeii in June, July or August, you’ll need to prepare for high temperatures, but there are some interesting extra events during the summer that could make summer the best time for you to visit the ruins of Pompeii.

During June and July, there are often theatrical and music performances in the Roman Teatro Grande or occasionally in the Amphitheatre.

Pompeii is absolutely huge, which is why I recommend spending a full day in the ruins. This aerial photo shows around a quarter of the site.

Long, warm summer evenings allow for other events too, including evening walks, concerts and theatrical performances.

If you’re visiting Pompeii in early May, be aware that May 1 is officially one of the few days that Pompeii is closed, but that’s by no means set in stone. In 2023 the authorities decided to open on May 1 after all, with less than two week’s notice.

Visiting Pompeii in autumn

The autumn or early winter months of September, October and November can still be good months to visit Pompeii. September and October are both still warm and sunny, and the summer opening hours at Pompeii last until the end of October.

In November you can expect more rain in the bay of Naples and cooler, but still comfortable temperatures.

Visiting Pompeii in winter

December, January and February are the low season for tourism in the Bay of Naples, and if you visit during this time you should find the archaeological sites quieter than normal.

If you’re staying anywhere other than Naples you may find that shops and restaurants that cater mainly for tourists are closed for the winter, but prices are cheaper in the ones that stay open. Christmas in Naples looks absolutely magical, with lots of festive lights and crib displays.

A snowy Mount Vesuvius

If you’re hoping to climb Mount Vesuvius during your trip to Pompeii then it may be better to come during the slightly warmer months as bad weather or even occasional snow can make the hike up to the top hazardous.

Facilities at Pompeii

Toilets and drinking water are available inside the site. There’s a cafeteria near the Forum but it’s a good idea to take your own snacks, especially since the site is so large and you might be a long way from the cafeteria when you get hungry.

Which entrance to use for Pompeii

There are three entrance gates for Pompeii, all with a range of facilities:

  • At the Porta Marina entrance (closest to the Pompei Scavi – Villa Dei Misteri train station where trains from Sorrento stop) there’s a ticket office, toilets and left luggage lockers.
  • At Piazza Esedra, a little further along from Porta Marina from the station, there is a bookshop and toilets. There’s a small police station just outside the Piazza Esedra entrance.
  • At the Porta Anfiteatro entrance (closest to the modern town of Pompei) there’s an ATM, bookshop, toilets and left luggage facilities.

Where should I stay for visiting Pompeii?

If you’re planning a trip to Pompeii, a big decision is where to stay. Most people choose to either stay in Naples or Sorrento when visiting Pompeii – both places have lots to do and are roughly the same distance from the ruins but they offer really different vacation experiences.

Since it’s such a big part of what to know before visiting Pompeii, I’ve put together another post with the best places to stay to visit Pompeii along with advice on areas, how to get to Pompeii from each place and what to expect.

Related posts

If you found this guide to visiting Pompeii useful, you might like these other posts about places to visit in the Bay of Naples.

  • Where to stay when you visit Pompeii
  • How to visit Herculaneum, the “other Pompeii”
  • Which is better, Pompeii or Herculaneum?
  • Great day trips from Sorrento
  • Things to do in Ischia, an alternative to Capri
  • Amazing Roman ruins to visit

I hope you’ve found this guide to visiting Pompeii useful. If you have any tips for visiting Pompeii, please let me know in the comments.

Pin it for later!

14 tips for visiting Pompeii

Save for later or share with a friend

68 thoughts on “14 tips for visiting Pompeii (plus how to climb Vesuvius)”

Thank you so much for all of these tips, Helen! Thanks to you, it was easy to organize our trip to Pompeii and we had an amazing visit.

Hi Catherine, thanks so much for your comment, I’m so glad you had a great trip!

Thank you, very useful!

Thanks Sarah!

Hello Helen, Excellent articles, great tips and a lot of very helpful information!

We are going to visit there mid-November. We will for sure go with a tour as you suggested. You mentioned that there are official tour guides *inside” the gate at Porta Marina and Piazza Esedra, between 9am and 2pm. Are there always such tour guides available? We have 9 people. I want to make sure that we can join a tour. Or would you rather recommend us to book a tour in advance at “GetYourGuide”, which is more expensive(55euro) than the official tour guides (15euro). Thank you so much!

Hi Weihua, thanks for your message and I’m so glad you’ve found my site useful!

We were able to get on a tour fairly soon after buying our tickets, we had to wait for a couple more people to join but that didn’t take long. With 9 people though, I’d be tempted to be cautious and book a tour in advance.

Hello Helen! Thanks for all your practical tips. I just wanted to clarify your advice regarding the Vesuvius express bus and crater entry ticket. Did you mean that the combo ticket can only be purchased in person and doesn’t require an online reservation? Also, is there a discount if I get the Campania Artecard? One more question regarding the Campania Artecard, do you still need a reservation for Pompeii before arrival? Thanks!

Hi Helen! It used to be that you couldn’t buy the Vesuvius Express combination ticket including the entry ticket to the crater online, but they’ve recently updated their website and you can buy them together now. I’m afraid there’s no discount on Vesuvius Express tickets with the Campania Artecard.

You don’t need a reservation for Pompeii if you have the Campania Artecard, but you will need to show your Artecard at the ticket desk.

Hi Helen, Your blog is amazing and very informative. Thank you. One question: the Ercolano Scavvi trains seem to be only one every three hours. We would like to use Versuvio express for the transfer and park entry combo you recommend, but I can’t seem to find any more frequent trains. Any ideas where I’m going wrong? Thank you.

Maria, Norfolk

Hi Maria, thank you!

It sounds like you might be looking at Campania Express train times – the normal Circumvesuviana trains are much more frequent and while they’ll be much busier than the Campania Express trains, they’re absolutely fine. Just keep an eye on your stuff as pickpockets operate on the train. Hope you have a wonderful trip!

Thank you Helen, Great information about Pompeii and how to make it happen. I’ll be visiting on May 28th and will write afterwards. All the best, Drake

Thanks Drake, hope you have a brilliant trip to Pompeii!

Really useul blog, thanks – we are heading to the Sorrento region in mid-May and your advice has been very helpful.

Thank you Jane, hope you have a wonderful trip to Sorrento!

Thank you for such helpful advice on such an overwhelming amount of possibilities! We’ll be in Sorrento and the surrounding environs in May, and your updated info, as well as links, have answered a lot of my questions / concerns. I look forward to following you for future and past suggestions!

Thanks Liz, hope you have a wonderful trip!

What fantastic tips and information. Wonderful to read and have taken screenshot of the train information. I’m in naples in September and going to do pompeii, herculeum and vesuvius on different days to get the best experience of them all. I really appreciate the work you have put in to help us would be travellers.

Thank you Josie, and that sounds like a great plan to get the most from your time at each site, especially if it’s still hot in September. Hope you have a wonderful trip!

Thanks so much for a wonderfully comprehensive guide! We are visiting Pompeii and all of the other archaeological sites in April and can’t wait!

Thanks Joanne, I hope you have a wonderful trip 🙂

This is a spectacular guide. Extremely informative and helpful, thanks for taking the time to put it together.

Thank you Aurore, your comment really made my day!

Hi Helen Thanks so much for your really helpful guide! One question, do you have any advice for disabled access to Pompeii? Many thanks Dave

Hi Dave, thanks for your comment. The Pompeii authorities have set up a route which is accessible for people with motor impairments, so it’s relatively flat. There’s more information on that and a map here . There are audio guides which might be helpful for people with visual impairments. The site was trialling guided tours in Italian Sign Language but I couldn’t find any more information on this I’m afraid, and it seems like it was in Italian Sign Language only. I hope this helps.

This is so useful – thank you!

Is there anywhere you’d recommend to stay close to Pompei or Vesuvius? If visiting both sites is a two day event, I’m thinking it’d make more sense to stay nearer and avoid the two hour round trip from Sorrento or Naples.

I’ve just found your page on where to stay and it answers all my questions! Thank you!

You’re welcome, hope you have a fantastic trip 🙂

Very useful thank you.

Hello Helen, your blog is very useful. We visited Pompeii on 6th September so wanted to update you. They are no longer insisting that you follow one of the two routes. The arrows are still there, but within the designated areas you can wander about freely. I don’t think any more of the site is open though, for example the brothel is still closed. We made a mistake and bought online tickets from Tiqets rather than the official site, and they said we couldn’t enter until after 11.30,but on changing the QR code to an official ticket at Porte Marina we got in immediately. It also looked as though people were buying tickets at the office rather than online, although the website had not been updated to reflect that. We found it all pretty confusing to start with! The cafe at the Forum is doing takeaway only (which means everyone sits outside closer than they would be at tables in order to be in the shade..) and the toilets there are open.

Thank you for all the info! We stayed in Pompeii and followed your advise, we took our time to visit the Pompeii ruins in one day (… and even though a few places/sites were closed, it was definitely a great experience – we took our time to walk around, it was not crowded and we were able to see a lot in one full day), day 2 we spent in Vesuvius and Herculaneum! Fantastic

Thank you for the helpful tips! Great Blog

Thanks so much for updating this for covid info. My friend and I are travelling for one week to Sorento in October and we were uncertain how/when/what etc to visit Pompeii etc. You’ve just told us perfectly how to do it 😂. Hugs all round x

Thanks for your detailed information. We were supposed to travel last Month but due to Covid-19 this has been moved to next August. A little warmer than we had planned !! So the tips on water and light luggage will be useful. We were so disappointed to cancel but now have a whole year to find interesting info like yours to help us make the most of our trip. Thanks!

Hi Helen – Thanks for this post. We are planning a trip for Easter and your travel tips have been very helpful.

Thanks Jan, I hope you have a fantastic trip.

Hi, thank you for this information. We booked to go to Naples today, we arrive on Friday. I’m very much looking forward to visiting both sites & of course Mount Vesuvius. I’ve noted down your advice, thanks again 😁

I hope you had a great trip, if you have any tips from your visit please do share 🙂

Hi Helen, I agree your article is superb, very clear and informative. I’ve been busy writing little notes down. I’m looking forward to my visit in July with family.

Thank you Nesta! I hope you have a fantastic trip.

Great article, thank you. We did Pompeii and Herculaneum in one day, and loved the contrast between the two sites. And, just to let anyone else reading this know, there are now toilets in the upper car park at Vesuvius!

Excellent intel, hurrah for toilets at Vesuvius! Thanks for your comment 🙂

Hi Helen, superb article, very useful thank you. I and my three grown-up kids (teens and 20’s) are looking forward to a 3 day break in Septmeber. From your description I should have gone for a long week instead of a long weekend. Is there a way that you could set up an “if you enjoyed this article, click here to donate a £1”. I for one would make a contribution. Having purchased Eyewitness & Rough Guide books on the area, your precise info has been the best source so far. Very well done Helen. And thank you. Wishing you continued good travelling. Mark

Thank you for your very kind comment Mark, I hope you have a wonderful time in Italy 🙂

I am going to Pompeii tomorrow morning and am glad that I read your blog first. Very helpful! Thanks.

Thank you, I hope you had a great time!

Thank you so much for such great information . I particularly liked your advice on footwear, and how long to expect to spend at each of the sites. We’re going to Sorrento next week for 4 nights, so we’re gonna be pretty busy!

Thanks Diane, I hope you had a great time in Sorrento!

Currently Vesuvius does not look as scary as we imagine it, but it is worth seeing it up close, because who knows when it will explode again 🙂

True! Hopefully with technology we’d get some warning though!

Thank you Helen for taking the time to do this. Really helpful – precise and comprehensive. Pictures helped too and resources to learn about Pompeii before visiting. Great to know that Pompeii really does take a day to visit properly. Would you advise booking entry tickets ahead? We are going for the first time in mid June this year.

Hi Tamaris, thanks for your comment. The queue to get in wasn’t too bad when I visited in April a couple of years ago, but I don’t think it’d do any harm to book tickets online in advance, especially if you’re planning to visit at a slightly busier time of year. Hope you have an amazing time!

It is a great article! we are planning to visit in June first week and it will be most helpful. I do have a query though, we will be coming from Sorrento and will most probably hire a private car as we need to go to Naples later. Would you recommend getting the tickets beforehand or should we buy at the spot? We have two sons aged 12 and 10 and they are usually short of patience while standing in queues.

Thanks Harshita. If your sons are short on patience it’s probably a good idea to book the tickets online beforehand. Hope you and your sons have an amazing visit to Pompeii!

Thank you very much for this tips! Last time we visited Pompei there wasn’t a cafeteria inside and we had to carry around everything for a picknick. There was no water inside, too… pretty hard on a hot summer’s day!

We’ll visit Pompei this april and if there is any news I’ll let you know!

Oh goodness that must’ve been a tough one, we were constantly filling up our water bottles! Please do let me know if anything has changed when you visit in April, I hope you have a wonderful time.

Hi Helen I read your post letter by letter, your writing is precise and captivating. Me and my daughter (9) plan to visit Pompeii this May. My question is regarding food: can you bring a packed sandwich and eat during the visit? I mean like sit down on a rock, have a sandwich, a drink and keep going…Or fruits? Traveling with my daughter has taught me to always have something to nibble….

Hi, yes there are lots of places where you can sit down and eat a packed lunch – one of the amphitheatres would be a great spot! I always take snacks with me too 🙂 Hope you enjoy your visit!

This looks like such an amazing and unique experience! I’ve only ever heard of Pompeii from old roman and greek stories. I absolutely love visiting historic sites like this one. Thanks for the new travel destination inspiration!

Sending my love xx

Thanks, glad you enjoyed the post!

Hello, is it best to see Pompeii first and the Mount Vesuvius or does it not matter on the order? We will be coming from Sorrento. Is there a train back from Mount Vesuvius if we do that second? Thank you!

Hi, if at all possible then I’d recommend doing them on separate days as Pompeii is enormous and it worked better for us to team Vesuvius with a visit to Herculaneum. Herculaneum is amazing – if you’ve got the time I really recommend it. If you have to do Vesuvius and Pompeii on one day then I’d do Vesuvius in the morning and Pompeii in the afternoon. Go from Sorrento on the train to (modern) Herculaneum and take the bus trip to Vesuvius which leaves from just outside the station. When you get back to the station at Herculaneum, get the train from there to Pompei Scavi-Villa dei Misteri station which is just outside the Pompeii ruins. Then a train back to Sorrento. Sorrento, Pompei Scavi and Herculaneum are all on the same train line so it’s an easy trip – we also stayed in Sorrento. Hope you have an amazing time!

Hi Helen, very helpulf your info, I have a question, Im going next september, do you think that I can do Pompeii and Herculaneum on the same day?

I think it really depends on your stamina levels, what kind of traveller you are and honestly how interested you are in the places themselves. If you get to Pompeii at opening time, do a tour and then hit the major sights that aren’t covered on the tour and go straight on to Herculaneum, it’s definitely do-able. I glad we had a bit more time at both places as I really enjoyed just wandering through the streets, taking it in, imagining what it was like to live there. Don’t underestimate how big Pompeii is though, the amphitheatre and the place where you’ll see most of the body casts are both at the far side of the site – visiting Pompeii is honestly like going on a mini city break. Hope this helps and you have an amazing trip!

I stayed in Pompei June 2017, visiting Pompeii, Herculaneum, climbing Mount Vesuvius and visited Sorrento, Capri, Ravello, and more. I just loved this area and I plan to go back in future during the spring. Although I loved Pompeii I enjoyed Herculaneum much more, there were less crowds and easier to get around. I also loved the fact they left what appears to be the original remains ( I may be wrong)of the citizens of Herculaneum in their final resting place in shops located in Bay Area. Also at Herculaneum there was a beautiful cat that really took a shine to me, and I named him Titus . I was told by the staff that this was the first time they had seen him be friendly with anyone including them. Titus even followed me around during my tour. Ahh memories. #memories #missingpompeii #missingherculaneum #titusthecat 🙂

Thanks for commenting! I think they are the original remains, I understood they removed some for testing but the others are original. So tragic, it really brings it home to you doesn’t it. Titus sounds awesome, I love to make friends with a cat on holiday 🙂

My daughter and I are traveling to Pompeii in August! I can’t wait. We were planning 2 Days here and then maybe catching a ferry to Capri.

Oh wow, you’ll have an amazing time. Definitely make sure you take a water bottle to refill though! Hope you and your daughter enjoy your trip.

Thanks a most helpful article.

Thanks Rachel, glad it was useful!

Leave a comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Photo of author

About Helen

Mostraumen fjord cruise review: the best short tour from Bergen

Thinking about the roman empire 41 best roman ruins to visit.

Paul Passing Through

Paul Passing Through is a travel blog designed to give you travel tips, travel recommendations and travel itineraries to help make the most of your travel time!

A First-Timer’s Guide to Visiting Pompeii

A Road With Ruins On Either Seen While Visiting Pompeii

Visiting Pompeii for the first time can be exciting but stressful. You want to make sure you see everything, but until you actually set foot in the park, you don’t realize how extensive the ruins are. Add to that the heat and sometimes confusing layout and the experience can quickly become overwhelming.

This article goes over some of Pompeii’s highlights and my top tips to help your visit go smoothly and comfortably. After you’re done reading, you’ll be ready to visit Pompeii like a pro!

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, I will earn a small commission. This occurs at no added cost to you.

Table of Contents

Orientation to the Pompeii Ruins

Take a look at my complete guide to visiting the Campania region for additional information on Pompeii, Herculaneum, Naples and hiking up Mount Vesuvius!

History of Pompeii

The Pompeii ruins are an extensive labyrinthine collection of ancient Roman ruins with Mount Vesuvius looming in the distance. At one time, Pompeii was a thriving city of 20,000 mostly middle-class citizens who relied on the city’s ideal location for trade between Rome and the rest of the Mediterranean.

It was a bustling city with chariots coming and going, an amphitheater that played host to gladiator fights, and regular Roman citizens who went about their business enjoying life in the thriving empire.

Then, all that came to a sudden, violent end in 79 A.D. when nearby Mount Vesuvius erupted and covered the city in layers of ash up to 6 meters deep. Many escaped, but an unfortunate few remained behind and would become entombed in ash and debris.

Unfortunate for them but fortunate for us 2,000 years later. As a result of this ashfall, Pompeii was almost instantaneously preserved to give us a picture into what life was like in the day of a Roman citizen during the empire’s heyday. It remained buried and largely forgotten until the 17th century when the king of Naples began excavations in the area after the nearby city of Herculaneum was discovered while diggers were looking for a spot to build a royal palace.

Ruins Of A Small Home In Pompeii With Storage Urns On The Ground

Fun Fact : You’ll quickly notice that most of Pompeii’s buildings are roofless. This is due to the initial eruption’s largest debris hitting Pompeii and destroying them. This is different from Herculaneum where the roofs are still largely intact. Herculaneum missed the initial eruption but would be encased by several pyroclastic flows later in the day.

Arrival in Pompeii

Pompeii has three entrances with Porta Marina being the one most tourists will use. From here, you can store any bags you have, use the restroom and, most importantly, pick up a map .

Once you enter, you’re more or less free to explore the ruins at your own leisure. Some sites might be roped off, but generally, you can walk anywhere you like.

There are a number of highlights to see (more info on these below). However, keep in mind that this is an active archaeological site where excavations and preservation efforts may be occurring during your visit. As a result, some buildings may be closed. Check here for the current hours of each individual site. This site also has information on any current closures.

A Well-preserved Ruined Courtyard In Pompeii

Photo Tip : You should consider taking notes as you go of what you’re photographing. I didn’t, and now I have no idea what some of my photos are of.

Top Sights to See when Visiting Pompeii

One thing is for sure, you won’t leave Pompeii wishing you had seen more. Here are just some of the highlights to make sure you visit. Most of these are my personal favorites, but I did include a couple that we missed either due to closures or poor planning.

The Forum is likely to be the first main sight in Pompeii you’ll see. It also happens to be the most recognizable sight in the park due to its popularity and photogenic nature.

This large square marks the cultural center of Pompeii with either end of the Forum marked by the Temple of Jupiter (the main god of the Roman religion) and City Hall. In addition to these two ruins, the granary and basilica are two other important buildings you can see here.

Besides the individual ruins, the Forum taken as a whole is great. Even in its ruined state, you can easily get a sense of the grandeur of the city as it once was. It also offers one of the best views of Mount Vesuvius.

Imagine the volcano just prior to its eruption. From the two peaks you can see today, you can trace lines further up to form a classic cone-shaped volcano. The people of Pompeii had no idea their mountain was an active volcano until the eruption that would immortalize their city began.

The Forum Is One Of The Top Sights When Visiting Pompeii

Baths of the Forum

Just adjacent to the Forum are these well-preserved baths. Walking through the baths, you’re able to see in detail the typical layout of Roman baths.

Within the Baths of the Forum are three different baths: one each for cold, warm and hot water. From these areas, you can see some of the Roman engineering used to heat the baths and produce steam, too. You can even see the dressing room with holes placed in the walls where pegs would have been to hang clothes.

Several Containers In Marble Countertop That Were Used For Serving Food In Pompeii

House of the Faun

The House of the Faun is the largest home in the park, and you’re free to explore all of it while visiting Pompeii. This home belonged to one of Pompeii’s wealthier citizens. As such, it contains many decorative motifs and mosaics to reflect its owner’s status.

The House of the Faun’s two most notable features are the faun statue in the courtyard and the Battle of Alexander mosaic in one of the side rooms. Despite both being reconstructions (the originals are located in the Naples archaeological museum), seeing these intricate pieces gives you a sense of the value placed on art in the Roman world.

A Copy Of A Faun Statue In A Ruined Pompeii Courtyard

House of the Vettii

The House of the Vettii was only recently reopened in its entirety to visitors in January 2023 after 20 years of restoration work. Prior to this, only small parts of the house were open, but it still resonated with me.

It’s renowned for the detail and quantity of its frescoes showing what life was like in Pompeii. The House of Vettii also has a number of frescoes and statues of a sexually explicit nature. Some of these were meant to symbolize the successful lives of the home’s owners. Others indicate that part of the home was used as a one-room brothel.

Because of the presence of some erotic artwork, we mistakenly thought this was the brothel. Again, pay closer attention to your map than we did while you walk around so you don’t miss any highlights like we did.

House of Menander

The House of Menander is another large home with a large number of finely preserved frescoes adorning its walls. Most of the frescoes show scenes from the Iliad and the Odyssey .

In the back courtyard of the House of Menander is a small display of skeletal remains found in Pompeii. These can warrant at least a quick visit for those interested in the more macabre side of tourism.

Room With Multiple Frescoes In Various Conditions Of Preservation

House of the Tragic Poet

Like many of the highlights on this list, the House of the Tragic Poet contains a number of well-preserved frescoes. Still, that’s not why it makes my list of highlights.

The House of the Tragic Poet has perhaps the first beware of dog sign in recorded history!

Besides being a fun detail, this sign acts as a bridge between the ancient and modern worlds. More than any other part of the park, this mosaic helped to ground me in the reality that these were real people with similar concerns and problems as us.

Mosaic Of A Dog That Says Beware Of Dog

Garden of the Fugitives

A garden in only the most morbid sense of the word, the Garden of the Fugitives shows the last moments of a group of 13 Pompeiians.

On the second day of the eruption, these 13 people were believed to be trying to escape when a pyroclastic flow immediately and abrupty ended their lives. The debris entombed their bodies in ash which eventually rotted away leaving behind hollow cavities.

In 1961, they were discovered, and the cavities were filled with plaster to create molds that revealed each victim exactly as they were at the time of their deaths.

Don’t worry too much if you miss the Garden of the Fugitives for any reason. Several other spots in the park contain plaster casts, including the granary near the Forum.

The Brothel

One of the most popular buildings in Pompeii is the brothel. Sex sells, and that statement is apparently just as true today as it was 2,000 years ago.

The ground floor of the brothel consists of five rooms filled with a simple stone bed that was used by prostitutes to provide their *clears throat* services . Lining the walls of the brothel are frescoes depicting various sex acts. It’s unclear if these were meant to serve as advertising or simply decorations. Graffiti can also be seen from satisfied customers.

We managed to miss this popular spot while visiting Pompeii. If you make that mistake like we did, don’t fret. You can get your ancient erotica fix in other spots throughout Pompeii or the Secret Cabinet in the Naples National Archaeological Museum.

Be warned : You may want to research the areas with erotic art ahead of time if you have kids. Some of the frescoes don’t leave much for the imagination.

Other Things to do After Visiting Pompeii

Campania still has more in store for you after you’re done with Pompeii if you have more time. You have a range of activities to choose from depending on your interests.

Naples National Archaeological Museum

For an up-close look at Pompeii’s history, head to the Naples National Archaeological Museum . In addition to holding other antiquities from the ancient world, this museum is renowned for housing many of the statues, mosaics, frescoes and other objects from Pompeii and nearby Herculaneum. Whereas visiting Pompeii shows you the scale of the actual city, this museum gives you a more detailed look into their culture.

Original Faun Statue From Pompeii In Naples Archaeology Museum

We visited the Naples National Archaeological in the morning before going to Pompeii. I liked this strategy because it helped me to better conceptualize the ruins as we explored them. That said, we did experience some museum fatigue in Pompeii that wasn’t helped by the heat. Still, I think visiting the museum first is the better option as long as you pace yourself appropriately.

Ruins of Herculaneum

Herculaneum is the smaller, sometimes-forgotten sister city of Pompeii that succumbed to Vesuvius’ eruption in 79 A.D. Unlike Pompeii, the ruins here are better preserved because of how the volcano erupted. Pompeii received the initial brunt of falling rock and debris, which destroyed its roofs. Herculaneum, however, was spared this first impact but was later buried almost instantaneously by several pyroclastic flows.

Because of this timeline, visitors can actually get a better idea of what this city looked like compared to Pompeii. Further, since it lacks Pompeii’s grandeur, Herculaneum tends to be less crowded, giving visitors a more intimate experience.

Mount Vesuvius

After seeing the devastation wrought by Mount Vesuvius , why not give it a climb for a sense of the scale of this volcano?

Various companies offer rides up the mountain allowing you to easily bypass all but the last 30 minutes or so to the crater’s rim. From here, you can walk around the rim on the mountain’s loose, ashy soil while imagining the hellscape it must have been during its eruption in 79 A.D. If you’re lucky – or not – you may even see steam billowing out from the crater’s depths.

Equally stunning are the views away from the crater towards the Bay of Naples where you can see the coastline stretching from Naples all the way to Sorrento.

The Bay Of Naples Coastline From Mount Vesuvius

Don’t forget to book a ticket to enter the national park ahead of time! The park service does sell tickets at the gate, but they tend to sell out. I saw at least one couple take a bus all the way up only to be turned away because they didn’t have tickets.

Sorrento is waiting for you a bit farther down the coast for when you’re ready for a break. It’s a sun-soaked resort town with a beautiful harbor and inviting downtown with a variety of cafes, restaurants and shopping. If that’s not enough, the gorgeous Isle of Capri is just a quick ferry away.

This is your chance to just relax with a vino, take in the views and reflect after visiting Pompeii.

Sorrento's Harbor And the Coastline Stretching Farther North

A Guided or Self-Guided Tour for Visiting Pompeii?

While we didn’t use a guided tour, I would strongly encourage anyone visiting to hire one when visiting Pompeii for the first time. Typically, I’m rather anti-guided tour, but Pompeii is so extensive and devoid of signage, that our visit suffered some as a result.

I studied beforehand, we picked up a map from the entrance, and I had a walk with historical information and a recommended route through the ruins downloaded on my phone ready to go. Everything went well with our self-guided tour for all of around 20 minutes when we very quickly became lost.

If you try a self-guided visit, make sure to pay close attention to every detail about your route as you go. Once you get out of the forum, many of the ruins start to look the same from the street. What’s more, if you’re like me and you like to wander, it can be fun to explore Pompeii in this manner, but it’s easy to get turned around amid the ruined walls.

To make matters worse, signage isn’t great, and the map isn’t the easiest to follow making it difficult to reorient yourself. It’s easy to get lost amid the ruins. Make sure to check in frequently with the map to confirm where you are in the park.

With patience, we could eventually piece together where we were. However, between the heat of southern Italy and the exhaustion from walking through the ruins, this process quickly became frustrating. It was also just plain time consuming, too.

It was still fascinating, but I feel like we didn’t get quite the full experience. For instance, we completely missed the brothel, one of the most popular buildings in the whole site.

Pompeii also offers visitors an audio guide for €8 that has an interactive map included. This could be a good, cheaper option compared to hiring a tour guide if you like audio guides.

So, while it is possible to do a self-guided tour, save yourself the hassle and spend some extra money to give yourself a better experience!

Things to Bring when Visiting Pompeii

Comfortable, sturdy shoes are an absolute must for Pompeii. The ruins are larger than they look on a map, so you will be doing a lot of walking. On top of that, the roads are uneven and dusty, which can make walking in sandals or flip-flops challenging.

Sunscreen will help to keep your skin safe while walking through exposed ruins. Except for the rare shadow, Pompeii is almost totally exposed to the sun thanks to all that ash from Vesuvius collapsing the buildings’ roofs.

Sunglasses and/or a hat are important for the same reason that sunscreen is. Unless you enjoy squinting for several hours straight, don’t forget these items.

A reusable water bottle is handy for keeping you hydrated in the heat of Pompeii. Just like the rest of Italy, these ancient ruins have several perfectly safe public fountains to fill up your bottle as you explore the site. Food is also available within the park if you need a quick bite to eat while visiting.

Lightweight and light-colored clothes are helpful in the heat to keep you comfortable and cool. If you still need reminded after reading this list, it can get hot in Pompeii. Opt for comfort over style.

Tickets ! You can buy tickets at the entrance, but purchasing them ahead of time will let you skip what can be a long line. Don’t let my photos fool you. We were lucky with small crowds. Pompeii is typically much more crowded.

A Road With Ruined Columns On Either Side While Visiting Pompeii

How to Get to the Pompeii Ruins

Pompeii is a popular day trip from Rome or Naples because of its location right next to the Pompei Scavi-Villa dei Misteri train station.

Bags are not allowed in the ruins, but there is a storage locker near the entrance that you can use for a small fee.

From Naples

If coming from Naples, take the regional Circumvesuviana train from Garibaldi Station (on the bottom floor of Napoli Centrale) to Pompei Scavi-Villa dei Misteri. The train takes about 35 minutes and runs twice per hour. Make sure you take a train going to Sorrento, otherwise you’ll end up somewhere other than the Pompeii ruins. Circumvesuviana trains aren’t always clearly marked, so ask a local to be sure you’re on the right line.

There is also the Campania Express that goes to Pompeii Scavi from Garibaldi Station. This train follows the same line as the Circumvesuviana but is slightly quicker. The downside is that these are far less frequent, running only four times per day.

To do Pompeii as a day trip from Rome, take a Trenitalia train from Roma Termini to Napoli Centrale. From there, follow the steps outlined above. These trains run about two to three times per hour and take a little over an hour to arrive in Naples.

If you’re looking for other day trip ideas from Rome, why not give Orvieto a try. You’re bound to fall in love with its charming, medieval streets and stunning duomo!

For those staying in the adjacent town of Pompei, there are two other entrances besides Porta Marina by Pompeii Scavi station: Piazza Esedra and Piazza Anfiteatro. There are some key differences to note between each entrance.

Porta Marina is the main entrance located across from the train station, but that means it is about a 15-minute walk from town. Most visitors will use this entrance, which could also mean longer lines if you haven’t booked ahead. On the other hand, it does have the most facilities and is open the longest compared to the other two. You can use this entrance from 8:30 to 7:00.

Piazza Esedra is located a short walk from Porta Marina. This entrance is less crowded because it is generally used by groups, but individuals can use it to avoid crowds. The main downside is its lack of facilities compared to Porta Marina. This entrance is open from 8:30 to 5:30.

Piazza Anfiteatro is ideal for people who are staying in the middle of Pompei. It has facilities, including a bathroom, ATM and a bookshop. This entrance is open from 8:30 to 5:30.

Ramp Leading To Porta Marina When Visiting Pompeii

Don’t miss my tips and thoughts for planning your trip to Italy. This resource is another valuable tool for first-time visitors!

Resources to Book Your Trip to Pompeii

Whether you’re looking for tours, hotels or flights, here are some tools to help get you started planning your trip to Pompeii!

Look for activities and tours offered through GetYourGuide or Viator !

Still can’t find what you’re looking for? Check out my travel essentials pages for more of my recommendations.

Pin This Post!

The View Of Seattle From Our Cruise

You May Also Like

honey-colored cotswold stone in lower slaughter

Looking for Perfect English Villages in the Cotswolds

9/11 Memorial And Museum

My Takeaways From the 9/11 Memorial & Museum

Kinkaku-ji Temple Travel Tips For Japan

15 Travel Tips for Japan: A Helpful Survivor’s Guide for American Visitors

It’s been 20 years since I visited Pompeii and tbh I barely remember anything from the trip. Like you I missed out on a few popular sights (in my case the House of Faun) and got frustrated when I learnt about them after I got back. You guys were extremely lucky with the weather and time, I can see a half empty site without masses and it must have felt more authentic having te place to yourself. Thanks for pointing out the scarcity of signage (not great), is there a possibility to get an audio guide (didn’t pick this up from your post)? Your tip to do the museum in Naples first to get more context definitely helps preparing for the ruins but like you I would find it frustraing having made the trip and barely learning anything. Visiting Pompeii is definitely a bucket list item that was worth visiting and would love to seeing it again, but yeah not gonna lie…having to do quite some self-education on it requires efforts.

Carolin | Solo Travel Story

paulpassingthrough

There is an audio guide. I updated this to include that. We didn’t use it, so I don’t know how well it works. It does have an interactive map, though, so I imagine it could be pretty helpful.

Lyn (aka Jazz)

Pompeii is such a special place. Your tips are spot-on!

I really like how you emphasized the size and heat of Pompeii… I don’t know anyone who “got it” until they actually visited. Sadly, it is very true that things will be missed. I have been 6 times and still haven’t managed everything.

I think the guide is essential. When I chaperoned teens on a couple of trips we had outstanding guides who really knew their stuff and were also very entertaining.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

The Fall and Rise and Fall of Pompeii

The famous archaeological treasure is falling into scandalous decline, even as its sister city Herculaneum is rising from the ashes

Joshua Hammer

Joshua Hammer

Contributing writer

JULAUG2015_A11_Pompeii.jpg

On a sweltering summer afternoon, Antonio Irlando leads me down the Via dell’Abbondanza, the main thoroughfare in first-century Pompeii. The architect and conservation activist gingerly makes his way over huge, uneven paving stones that once bore the weight of horse-drawn chariots. We pass stone houses richly decorated with interior mosaics and frescoes, and a two-millennial-old snack bar, or Thermopolium, where workmen long ago stopped for lunchtime pick-me-ups of cheese and honey. Abruptly, we reach an orange-mesh barricade. “Vietato L’Ingresso,” the sign says—entry forbidden. It marks the end of the road for visitors to this storied corner of ancient Rome.

Just down the street lies what Turin’s newspaper La Stampa called Italy’s “shame”: the shattered remains of the Schola Armaturarum Juventus Pompeiani, a Roman gladiators’ headquarters with magnificent paintings depicting a series of Winged Victories—goddesses carrying weapons and shields. Five years ago, following several days of heavy rains, the 2,000-year-old structure collapsed into rubble, generating international headlines and embarrassing the government of then-Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi. The catastrophe renewed concern about one of the world’s greatest vestiges of antiquity. “I almost had a heart attack,” the site’s archaeological director, Grete Stefani, later confided to me.

Since then this entire section of Pompeii has been closed to the public, while a committee appointed by a local judge investigates the cause of the collapse. “It makes me angry to see this,” Irlando, a genial 59-year-old with a mop of graying hair, tells me, peering over the barrier for a better look.

Irlando enters the nearby Basilica, ancient Pompeii’s law court and a center of commerce, its lower-level colonnade fairly intact. Irlando points out a stone lintel balanced on a pair of slender Corinthian columns: Black blotches stain the lintel’s underside. “It’s a sign that water has entered into it, and it’s created mold,” he tells me with disgust.

A few hundred yards away, at the southern edge of the ruins, we peer past the cordoned-off entrance to another neglected villa, in Latin a domus . The walls sag, the frescoes are fading into a dull blur, and a jungle of chest-high grass and weeds chokes the garden. “This one looks like a war zone,” says Irlando.

tourist office pompeii

Since 1748, when a team of Royal Engineers dispatched by the King of Naples began the first systematic excavation of the ruins, archaeologists, scholars and ordinary tourists have crowded Pompeii’s cobblestone streets for glimpses of quotidian Roman life cut off  in medias res , when the eruption of Mount Vesuvius suffocated and crushed thousands of unlucky souls. From the amphitheater where gladiators engaged in lethal combat, to the brothel decorated with frescoes of couples in erotic poses, Pompeii offers unparalleled glimpses of a distant time. “Many disasters have befallen the world, but few have brought posterity so much joy,” Goethe wrote after touring Pompeii in the 1780s.

And Pompeii continues to amaze with fresh revelations. A team of archaeologists recently studied the latrines and drains of several houses in the city in an effort to investigate the dietary habits of the Roman empire. Middle- and lower-class residents, they found, had a simple yet healthy diet that included lentils, fish and olives. The wealthy favored fattier fare, such as suckling pig, and dined on delicacies including sea urchins and, apparently, a giraffe—although DNA evidence is currently being tested. “What makes Pompeii special,” says Michael MacKinnon of the University of Winnipeg, one of the researchers, “is that its archaeological wealth encourages us to reanimate this city.”

But the Pompeii experience has lately become less transporting. Pompeii has suffered devastating losses since the Schola Armaturarum collapsed in 2010. Every year since then has witnessed additional damage. As recently as February, portions of a garden wall at the villa known as the Casa di Severus gave way after heavy rains. Many other dwellings are disasters in the making, propped up by wooden struts or steel supports. Closed-off roads have been colonized by moss and grass, shrubs sprout from cracks in marble pedestals, stray dogs snarl at passing visitors.

A 2011 Unesco report about the problems cited everything from “inappropriate restoration methods and a general lack of qualified staff” to an inefficient drainage system that “gradually degrades both the structural condition of the buildings as well as their decor.” Pompeii has also been plagued by mismanagement and corruption. The grounds are littered with ungainly construction projects that squandered millions of euros but were never completed or used.In 2012, Irlando discovered that an emergency fund set up by the Italian government in 2008 to shore up ancient buildings was instead spent on inflated construction contracts, lights, dressing rooms, a sound system and a stage at Pompeii’s ancient theater. Rather than creating a state-of-the-art concert venue, as officials claimed, the work actually harmed the historic integrity of the site.

Irlando’s investigation led to government charges of “abuse of office” against Marcello Fiori, a special commissioner given carte-blanche power by Berlusconi to administer the funds. Fiori is accused of having misspent €8 million ($9 million) on the amphitheater project. In March, Italian authorities seized nearly €6 million ($7 million) in assets from Fiori. He has denied the accusations.

Caccavo, the Salerno-based construction firm that obtained the emergency-fund contracts, allegedly overcharged the state on everything from gasoline to fire-prevention materials. Its director was placed under house arrest. Pompeii’s director of restoration, Luigi D’Amora, was arrested. Eight individuals are facing prosecution for charges including misallocation of public funding in connection with the scandal.

“This was a  truffa , a scam,” says Irlando, pointing out a trailer behind the stage where the police have stored theatrical equipment as evidence of corruption. “It was all completely useless.”

Administrative malpractice is not unheard of in Italy, of course. But because of the historic importance and popular appeal of Pompeii, the negligence and decay in evidence there are beyond the pale. “In Italy, we have the greatest collection of treasures in the world, but we don’t know how to manage them,” says Claudio D’Alessio, the former mayor of the modern city of Pompei, founded in 1891 and located a few miles from the ruins. A recent editorial in Milan’s  Corriere della Sera  declared that Pompeii’s disastrous state was “the symbol of all the sloppiness and inefficiencies of a country that has lost its good sense and has not managed to recover it.”

For its part, Unesco issued an ultimatum in June 2013: If preservation and restoration efforts “fail to deliver substantial progress in the next two years,” the organization declared, Pompeii could be placed on the List of World Heritage in Danger, a designation recently applied to besieged ancient treasures such as Aleppo and the Old City of Damascus in Syria.

Pompeii’s troubles have come to light at the very moment that its twin city in first-century tragedy—Herculaneum—is being celebrated for an amazing turnaround. As recently as 2002, archaeologists meeting in Rome said Herculaneum was the “worst example of archaeological conservation in a non-war torn country.” But since then, a private-public partnership, the Herculaneum Conservation Project, established by the American philanthropist David W. Packard, has taken charge of the ancient Roman resort town by the Bay of Naples and restored a semblance of its former grandeur. In 2012, Unesco’s director general praised Herculaneum as a model “whose best practices surely can be replicated in other similar vast archaeological areas across the world” (not to mention down the road at Pompeii).

Herculaneum’s progress made news just a few months ago, when researchers at the National Research Council in Naples announced a solution to one of archaeology’s greatest challenges: reading the texts of papyrus scrolls cooked at Herculaneum by the fiery pyroclastic flow. Scientists had employed every imaginable tactic to unlock the secrets of the scrolls—prying them apart with unrolling machines, soaking them in chemicals—but the writing, inscribed in carbon-based ink and indistinguishable from the carbonized papyrus fibers, remained unreadable. And unspooling the papyrus caused further damage to the fragile material.

The researchers, headed by physicist Vito Mocella, applied a state-of-the-art method, X-ray phase-contrast tomography, to examine the writing without harming the papyrus. At the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility in Grenoble, France, high-energy beams bombarded the scrolls and, by distinguishing contrasts between the slightly raised inked letters and the surface of the papyrus, enabled scientists to identify words, written in Greek. It marked the beginnings of an effort that Mocella calls “a revolution for papyrologists.”

It was on the afternoon of August 24, A.D. 79, that people living around long-dormant Mount Vesuvius watched in awe as flames shot suddenly from the 4,000-foot volcano, followed by a huge black cloud. “It rose to a great height on a sort of trunk and then split off into branches, I imagine because it was thrust upwards by the first blast and then left unsupported as the pressure subsided,” wrote Pliny the Younger, who, in a letter to his friend, the historian Tacitus, recorded the events he witnessed from Misenum on the northern arm of the Bay of Naples, about 19 miles west of Vesuvius. “Sometimes it looked white, sometimes blotched and dirty, according to the amount of soil and ashes it carried with it.”

Volcanologists estimate that the eruptive column was expelled from the cone with such force that it rose as high as 20 miles. Soon a rain of soft pumice, or  lapilli , and ash began falling over the countryside. That evening, Pliny observed, “on Mount Vesuvius broad sheets of fire and leaping flames blazed at several points, their bright glare emphasized by the darkness of night.”

Many people fled as soon as they saw the eruption. But the lapilli gathered deadly force, the weight collapsing roofs and crushing stragglers as they sought protection beneath staircases and under beds. Others choked to death on thickening ash and noxious clouds of sulfurous gas.

In Herculaneum, a coastal resort town about one-third Pompeii’s size, located on the western flank of Vesuvius, those who elected to stay behind met a different fate. Shortly after midnight on August 25, the eruption column collapsed, and a turbulent, superheated flood of hot gases and molten rock—a pyroclastic surge—rolled down the slopes of Vesuvius, instantly killing everyone in its path.

JULAUG2015_A99_Pompeii.jpg

Pliny the Younger observed the suffocating ash that had engulfed Pompeii as it swept across the bay toward Misenum on the morning of August 25. “The cloud sank down to earth and covered the sea; it had already blotted out Capri and hidden the promontory of Misenum from sight. Then my mother implored, entreated and commanded me to escape as best I could....I refused to save myself without her and grasping her hand forced her to quicken her pace....I looked round; a dense black cloud was coming up behind us, spreading over the earth like a flood.” Mother and son joined a crowd of wailing, shrieking and shouting refugees who fled from the city. “At last the darkness thinned and dispersed into smoke or cloud; then there was genuine daylight....We returned to Misenum...and spent an anxious night alternating between hope and fear.” Mother and son both survived. But the area around Vesuvius was now a wasteland, and Herculaneum and Pompeii lay entombed beneath a congealing layer of volcanic material.

The two towns remained largely undisturbed, lost to history, through the rise of Byzantium, the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. In 1738, Maria Amalia Christine, a nobleman’s daughter from Saxony, wed Charles of Bourbon, the King of Naples, and became entranced by classical sculptures displayed in the garden of the royal palace in Naples. A French prince digging in the vicinity of his villa on Mount Vesuvius had discovered the antiquities nearly 30 years earlier, but had never conducted a systematic excavation. So Charles dispatched teams of laborers and engineers equipped with tools and blasting powder to the site of the original dig to hunt more treasures for his queen. For months, they tunneled through 60 feet of rock-hard lava, unearthing painted columns, sculptures of Roman figures draped in togas, the bronze torso of a horse—and a flight of stairs. Not far from the staircase they came to an inscription, “Theatrum Herculanense.” They had uncovered a Roman-era town, Herculaneum.

Digging began in Pompeii ten years later. Workers burrowed far more easily through the softer deposits of pumice and ash, unearthing streets, villas, frescoes, mosaics and the remains of the dead. “Stretched out full-length on the floor was a skeleton,” C.W. Ceram writes in  Gods, Graves and Scholars: The Story of Archaeology , a definitive account of the excavations, “with gold and silver coins that had rolled out of bony hands still seeking, it seemed, to clutch them fast.”

In the 1860s a pioneering Italian archaeologist at Pompeii, Giuseppe Fiorelli, poured liquid plaster into the cavities in the solidified ash created by the decomposing flesh, creating perfect casts of Pompeii’s victims at the moment of their deaths—down to the folds in their togas, the straps of their sandals, their agonized facial expressions. Early visitors on the Grand Tour, like today’s tourists, were thrilled by these morbid tableaux. “How dreadful are the thoughts which such a sight suggests,” mused the English writer Hester Lynch Piozzi, who visited Pompeii in the 1780s. “How horrible the certainty that such a scene might be all acted over again tomorrow; and that, who today are spectators, may become spectacles to travelers of a succeeding century.”

Herculaneum remained accessible only by tunnels through the lava until 1927, when teams supervised by Amedeo Maiuri, one of Italy’s pre-eminent archaeologists, managed to expose about a third of the buried city, around 15 acres, and restore as faithfully as possible the original Roman constructions. The major excavations ended in 1958, a few years before Maiuri’s retirement in 1961.

I’m standing on a platform suspended above Herculaneum’s ancient beachfront, staring down at a grisly scene. Inside stone archways that framed the entrance to a series of boat houses, 300 skeletons huddle, frozen for eternity in positions they had assumed at the moment of their deaths. Some sit propped against stones, others lie flat on their backs. Children nestle between adults; a few loners sit by themselves. “They didn’t know what was going to happen to them. Maybe they were all waiting for rescue,” says Giuseppe Farella, a conservator. Instead, they were overcome by a 1,000-degree Fahrenheit avalanche of gas, mud and lava, which burned the flesh off their bones, then buried them. “It must have been very painful, but very fast,” says Farella.

The exhibit, which opened in 2013, is among the latest initiatives of the Herculaneum Conservation Project, supported by the Packard Humanities Institute in Los Altos, California (founded by David W. Packard, an heir to the Hewlett-Packard fortune), in partnership with the British School at Rome, and the Superintendency for the Archaeological Heritage of Naples and Pompeii, the government body that administers the site. Since the project’s founding in 2001, it has spent €25 million ($28.5 million) on initiatives that have revitalized these once-collapsing ruins.

tourist office pompeii

The project began to take shape one evening in 2000, when Packard (who declined to be interviewed for this article) considered ideas for a new philanthropic endeavor with his friend and renowned classics scholar Andrew Wallace-Hadrill, then director of the British School at Rome. Hadrill recommended Herculaneum. “The superintendent showed [Packard] around the site; two-thirds was closed to the public because it was falling down,” Sarah Court, the project’s press director, tells me in a trailer beside the ruins. “Mosaics were crumbling, frescoes were falling off walls. Roofs were collapsing. It was a disaster.”

Herculaneum, of course, faced cronyism and financial shortages that Pompeii has today. But Packard staffers took advantage of private money to hire new specialists. One of the site’s biggest problems, lead architect Paola Pesaresi tells me as we walked the grounds, was water. The ancient city sits some 60 feet below the modern city of Herculaneum, and rain and groundwater tends to collect in pools, weakening foundations and destroying mosaics and frescoes. “We had to find a delicate way to prevent all this water from coming in,” she says. The project hired engineers to resurrect the Roman-era sewage system—tunnels burrowed three to six feet beneath the ancient city—two-thirds of which had already been exposed by Maiuri. They also installed temporary networks of aboveground and underground drainpipes. Pesaresi ushers me through a tunnel chiseled through the lava at the entrance to the ruins. Our conversation is nearly drowned out by a torrent of water being pumped from beneath Herculaneum into the Bay of Naples.

We stroll down the Decumanus Maximus, a street where public access has long been quite limited, because of the danger of falling stones and collapsing roofs. After millions of dollars of work, the facades are secure and the houses are dry; the street fully opened in 2011. Workers have painstakingly restored several two-story stone houses, piecing together original lintels of carbonized wood—sealed for 2,000 years in their oxygen-less tomb—along with terra-cotta-and-wood roofs, richly frescoed walls, mosaic floors, beamed ceilings and soaring atriums.

Pesaresi leads me into the Casa del Bel Cortile, a recently renovated, two-story home with an open skylight, a mosaic-tiled floor and a restored roof protecting delicate murals of winged deities posed against fluted columns. Unlike Pompeii, this villa, as well as numerous others in Herculaneum, conveys a sense of completeness.

Art restorers are stripping away layers of paraffin that restorers applied between the 1930s and 1970s to prevent paint from cracking on the city’s magnificent interior frescoes. “The early restorers saw that the figurative scenes were flaking, and they asked themselves, ‘What can we do?’” Emily MacDonald-Korth, then of the Getty Conservation Institute, tells me during a lunch break inside a two-story villa on the Decumanus Maximus. The wax initially worked as a kind of glue, holding the images together, but ultimately speeded the frescoes’ disintegration. “The wax bonded with the paint, and when water trapped behind the walls sought a way of coming out, it pushed the paint off the walls,” she explains. For some years, the Getty Institute has experimented with laser techniques to restore frescoes, employing a noninvasive approach that strips away wax but leaves paint untouched. Now the Getty team has applied that technique at Herculaneum. “We’re doing this in a controlled way. It won’t burn a hole through the wall,” MacDonald-Korth says.

In 1982, the site’s then director, Giuseppe Maggi, uncovered the volcanic sands of buried Herculaneum’s ancient seafront, as well as a 30-foot-long wooden boat, hurled ashore during the eruption by a seismic tremor-created tsunami. It was Maggi who uncovered the 300 victims of Vesuvius, along with their belongings, including amulets, torches and money. One skeleton, nicknamed “the Ring Lady,” was bedecked in gold bracelets and earrings; her rings were still on her fingers. A soldier wore a belt and a sword in its sheath, and carried a bag filled with chisels, hammers and two gold coins. Several victims were found carrying house keys, as if fully expecting to return home once the volcanic eruption had passed. Though excavation work began in the 1980s, forensics experts more recently photographed the skeletons, made fiberglass duplicates in a lab in Turin and, in 2011, placed them in the identical positions as the original remains. Walkways allow the public to view the reproduced skeletons.

Today, with restoration virtually completed and new landscaping installed, tourists can walk along the sand just as residents of Herculaneum would have done. They can also relive to a remarkable degree the experience of Roman visitors who arrived by sea. “If you were here 2,000 years ago, you would approach by boat and pull up on a beach,” says conservator Farella, leading me along a ramp past the arches opening to the skeletons. In front of us, a steep set of stairs breaches the outer walls of Herculaneum and takes us into the heart of the Roman city. Farella leads me past a bath complex and gymnasium—“to smarten yourself up before you come into town”—and a sacred area where departing travelers sought protection before venturing back to sea. Farther along stands the Villa of the Papyri, believed to be the home of Julius Caesar’s father-in-law. (The villa housed the scrolls now being deciphered by researchers.) It is closed to the public, but plans are underway for a renovation, a project that Farella says “is the next great challenge” at Herculaneum.

He leads me into the Suburban Baths, a series of interconnected chambers filled with huge marble tubs, carved stone benches, tiled floors, frescoes and friezes of Roman soldiers, and a furnace and pipe system that heated the water. Solidified lava, frozen for 2,000 years, pushes up against the doors and windows of the complex. “The bath building was filled with pyroclastic material; excavators chipped it all away,” the conservator says. We pass through the colonnaded entryway of a steam room, down steps leading into a perfectly preserved bathtub. Thick marble walls have sealed in moisture, replicating the atmosphere that Roman bathers experienced. Yet, as if to underscore the reality that even Herculaneum has its troubles, I’m told that parts of this ghostly former center of Roman social life have opened to the public only intermittently, and it is closed now: There’s simply not enough staff to guard it.

In Pompeii, another eight stops along the Circumvesuviana Line, the train that carries thousands of visitors to the site every day, past graffiti-covered stations and scruffy exurbs, the staff is eager to present an impression of new dynamism. In 2012 the European Union gave the go-ahead for its own version of a Herculaneum-style initiative: the Great Pompeii Project, a €105 million ($117.8 million) fund intended to rescue the site.

Mattia Buondonno, Pompeii’s chief guide, a 40-year veteran who has escorted notables including Bill Clinton, Meryl Streep, Roman Polanski and Robert Harris (who was researching his best-selling thriller  Pompeii ), pushes through a tourist horde at the main entrance gate and leads me across the Forum, the marvelously preserved administrative and commercial center of the city.

I wander through one of the most glorious of Pompeii’s villas, the House of the Golden Cupids, a wealthy man’s residence, its interior embellished with frescoes and mosaics, built around a garden faithfully reproduced on the basis of period paintings. Fully restored with funding from the Italian government and the EU, the house was to open the week after my visit, after being closed for several years. “We needed money from the EU, and we needed architects and engineers. We could not realize this by ourselves,” says Grete Stefani, Pompeii’s archaeological director.

I also paid a visit to the Villa dei Misteri, which was undergoing an ambitious renovation. After decades of ill-conceived cleaning attempts—agents that were used included waxes and gasoline—the villa’s murals, depicting scenes from Roman mythology and everyday life in Pompeii, had darkened and become indecipherable. Project director Stefano Vanacore surveyed the work-in-progress. In an 8-by-8-foot chamber covered with frescoes, two contractors wearing hard hats were dabbing the paintings with outsize cotton swabs, dissolving wax. “This stuff has been building up for more than 50 years,” one of the workers told me.

In a large salon next door, others were using laser tools to melt away wax and gasoline buildup. Golden sparks shot off the bearded face of the Roman god Bacchus as the grime dissolved; beside him, a newly revealed Pan played his flute, and gods and goddesses caroused and banqueted. “It’s beginning to look the way it did before the eruption,” Vanacore said.

A wall panel across the room presented a study in contrasts: The untouched half was shrouded in dust, with bleached-out red pigments and smudged faces; the other half dazzled with figures swathed in fabrics of gold, green and orange, their faces exquisitely detailed, against a backdrop of white columns. I asked Vanacore how the frescoes had been allowed to deteriorate so markedly. “It’s a complicated question,” he said with an uneasy laugh, allowing that it came down to “missing the daily maintenance.”

The Villa dei Misteri, which reopened in March, may be the most impressive evidence to date of a turnaround at Pompeii. A recent Unesco report noted that renovation work was progressing on 9 of the 13 houses identified as being at risk in 2013. The achievements of the Great Pompeii Project, along with the site’s routine maintenance program, so impressed Unesco that the organization declared that “there is no longer any question of placing the property on the World Heritage in Danger list.”

Still, despite such triumphs, Pompeii’s recent history of graft, squandered funds and negligence has many observers questioning whether the EU-financed project can make a difference. Some Italian Parliamentarians and other critics contend that Pompeii’s ruins should be taken over in a public-private initiative, as at Herculaneum. Even the Unesco report sounded a cautious note, observing that “the excellent progress being made is the result of  ad hoc  arrangements and special funding. The underlying cause of decay and collapse...will remain after the end of the [Great Pompeii Project], as will the impacts of heavy visitation to the property.”

To Antonio Irlando, the architect who is Pompeii’s self-appointed watchdog, the only solution to saving Pompeii will be constant vigilance, something that the site’s managers and the Italian government have never been known for. “Italy was once leading the world in heritage conservation,” he says. Squandering Unesco’s good will would be, he declares, “a national shame.”

Preview thumbnail for video 'The Fires of Vesuvius: Pompeii Lost and Found

The Fires of Vesuvius: Pompeii Lost and Found

Get the latest History stories in your inbox?

Click to visit our Privacy Statement .

Joshua Hammer

Joshua Hammer | READ MORE

Joshua Hammer is a contributing writer to Smithsonian magazine and the author of several books, including The Bad-Ass Librarians of Timbuktu: And Their Race to Save the World's Most Precious Manuscripts and The Falcon Thief: A True Tale of Adventure, Treachery, and the Hunt for the Perfect Bird .

Customer Service

We live here, we work here, with love

Christina

Tour, transfers and hotels

Assistance regarding tours, private transfers, bookings, and other experiences. We generally respond within 24 hours. We do not provide information or assistance with booking trains and buses.

[email protected]

  • Amalfi Coast

Visiting The Ruins of Herculaneum

Visiting The Ruins of Herculaneum

As opposed to Pompeii , it's possible to visit all of Herculaneum in just a few hours. The archaeological park is ideal stop for those who have limited time but want to experience the thrill of walking in the footsteps of the ancient Romans!

Herculaneum has been preserved like no other site in the world, not even nearby Pompeii . The city was buried beneath 16 meters of ash and mud during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, and this layer of detritus saved two-story domus homes with the internal architecture and décor intact, including features in wood and marble, decorations, jewelry, and even organic remains like food, providing a unique view into the daily lives of the ancient population of Herculaneum.

We suggest spending at least a half day exploring the Herculaneum Archaeological Site; follow our itinerary to see the most important buildings in the site in 2-3 hours . In addition to an itinerary, we suggest the top sights to see along the route on this page, which are marked with the same numbers as the official map provided free of charge at the entrance to the ruins. You can also download the official map following the link below.

Opening time: From 16/03 to 14/10: from 8.30am to 7.30pm (last entry 6.00pm; the archaeological area must be left by 7.00pm) From 15/10 to 15/03: from 8.30am to 5.00pm (last entry 3.30pm; archaeological area must be left by 4.40 pm) Closing days: 1 January, 25 December Tickets: Ordinary ticket: €13. Under 18: free. Young people between 18 and 25 years of age: €2.

A Brief History of Herculaneum

Herculaneum is named for the mythical Greek god, Hercules , who, according the legend told by Dionysius of Halicarnassus, founded the city in 1243 BC. Historic analysis, however, suggests that the city was founded by the Oscans or the Etruscans in the 7th century BC , conquered by the Samnites in the 5th century BC. In 90 BC the city was dominated by Rome and transformed into a municipium . In the final years of the Roman Republic, Herculaneum reached the height of its splendor thanks to its coastal location, clean air, and mild climate, making it a popular resort town for many of Rome's patrician families. The city was vibrant and densely populated when the earthquake struck in 62 AD, causing serious damage; work to rebuild the city was still going on when the tragic eruption of Mount Vesuvius happened in 79 AD. The cloud of toxic gases from the eruption wiped out the inhabitants, while the entire city was literally sealed under a flow of ash and volcanic rock 16 meters deep that solidifiedi , preserving almost perfectly intact organic remains like fabric, food, vegetation, and wooden structures.

Visiting the Crater on Mount Vesuvius

The discovery of the ruins at Herculaneum was a complete accident: while a well was being dug in 1707 by order of Emmanuel Maurice, Prince of Lorraine , a number of marble fragments and statues that once decorated the ancient theater of Herculaneum were unearthed. In 1738, work began again under Charles III of Bourbon led by the Spanish military engineer De Alcubierre. In 1755, after a number of important discoveries were made, the Accademia Ercolanense was established, and was active until 1792. Excavations were suspended a number of times over the years until 1927, when the site began to explored in a more systematic way. Important artifacts were unearthed in the 1980s, along with sites like the Temple of Venus, the baths, and the ancient Greek port where the inhabitants tried to find refuge in 79 AD. The site has been home to intense excavation since 2000, especially around the Villa of the Papyrus and the library.

Two to Three Hour Itinerary

Sites to visit beginning from the Corso Resina 187 entrance ( Circumvesuviana “Ercolano Scavi” stop long the Sorrento - Naples line)

  • House of Argus (40)
  • House of the Skeleton (42)
  • Thermopolium (38)
  • Men's Baths (26)
  • Double Atrium House (25)
  • Hall of the Augustals (24)
  • House of the Beautiful Courtyard (28)
  • House of Neptune and Amphitrite (29)
  • Women's Baths (27)
  • Samnite House (31)
  • House of the Wooden Partition (36)
  • Large Taberna (10)
  • House of Relief of Telephus (7)
  • House of the Deers (8)
  • Terrace of M. Nonius Balbus (2)
  • Fornici (1)

The main sights to visit Area + number on the official map in parenthesis

Visiting the Herculaneum Archaeological Park with Kids

Visiting the Herculaneum Archaeological Park with small children can be difficult as the site's ancient Roman roads and sidewalks are not easy to navigate with strollers and pushchairs. We suggest using an infant carrier or backpack for children who are too young to walk, and leaving any wheeled strollers at the free bag check area at the entrance. Otherwise, you can follow the walkway that encircles the perimeter of the site with a stroller or pushchair, viewing the ruins from above.

Older children enjoy visiting the MAV (Virtual Archaeological Museum) , located a short walk from the entrance to the Herculaneum Archaeological Park. This museum has a virtual, interactive exhibition that recreates ancient Herculaneum as it was before the violent eruption in 79 AD that destroyed the city. There are 70 multimedia displays with reconstructions, installations, and holograms that illustrate the Herculaneum, Pompeii, Stabia, Baia, and Capri ruins in an entertaining and engaging way.

MAV - Hours Tuesday - Sundays from 10am to 16:00pm (last entry) MAV - Tickets Museum + 3D Film: EUR 11 adults; EUR 9 children under 13, seniors over 65, students, teachers, and Artecard members; free entrance for children under 5. Family tickets (2 adults + 2 children): Museum + 3D Film EUR 34. Museum tickets can be purchased at the ticket office or online. Purchase MAV tickets online.

Where to Eat

There are no picnic areas or restaurants/cafés inside the Herculaneum Archaeological Park. Before entering, there is a small snack bar next to the book shop where you can purchase beverages and snacks. To eat nearby, you can walk to a number of restaurants and cafés in the immediate area for either a sit-down meal or take-away.

We suggest: Viva Lo Re (tel: +39 081 739 0207 ) Located along Corso Resina, this restaurant has an excellent wine cellar with a number of Italian and international labels and a menu that varies weekly. Tubba Catubba (tel: +39 081 344 3503 ) This delicious informal eatery is also on Corso Resina just minutes from the ruins and serves fish, meat, and traditional regional dishes. Pizzeria Luna Caprese (tel: +39 081 777 1543 ) For an delicious Neapolitan pizza at great prices, this is an ideal choice.

Top Herculaneum Sites

1. men's baths (26).

tourist office pompeii

The Terme Centrali (Central Baths) date from the second half of the 1st century BC and were fully excavated in 1931. Like all baths, they were divided into areas for men (Termi Maschili) and for women. Walk through the apodyterium (changing rooms) with the wall niches to store clothing to the three bathing areas: the frigidarium (cold room), the caldarium absidato (hot room), and the tepidarium , with its beautiful black and white mosaic depicting Triton surrounded by dolphins, octopi, squids, and a cupid.

2. Hall of the Augustals (24)

tourist office pompeii

This magnificent square structure was seat to the College of the Augustales, free men who were devotees of the cult of the Emperor Augustus. Columns, arches, cocciopesto floors, and two splendid frescoes: on the left wall, there is a depiction of Hercules entering Mount Olympus accompanied by Jupiter, Juno, and Minerva; the fresco on the right wall depicts Hercules wrestling Achelous. The skeleton of the building's custodian was found in his quarters, laid out on the bed.

3. Samnite House (31)

tourist office pompeii

One of the oldest houses in the city, the House of the Samnites was built in the 2nd century BC and is famous for its beautiful Greek-style atrium painted in the Fourth Style (characteristic for its depiction of fantastical architecture and dramatic scenery), floors in cocciopesto, marble impluvium (rainwater pool), and a faux loggia upstairs with three sides lined in Ionic columns and the fourth (east) side open.

4. House of the Wooden Partition (36)

tourist office pompeii

The name of this home comes from the wooden partition (tramezzo di legno) that survived the eruption and is still standing in its original location. This folding door separated the atrium from the rest of the room, lending the inhabitants privacy, and has a series of folding panels with brass handles and holders for hanging lanterns.

5. House of Relief of Telephus (7)

tourist office pompeii

Built between 27 BC and 14 AD on the panoramic ridge overlooking the marina, this three-story home was decorated with a number of sculptures from the Neo-Attic school, including one with a relief of Telephus (Rilievo di Telefo), son of legendary found of the city, Hercules. The atrium is lined with columns supporting the upper floor, and the spaces between them were decorated with oscilla, or marble discs with reliefs of Dionysus used to guard against evil spirits.

6. Fornici (1)

tourist office pompeii

The fornici were the port warehouses (also used to shelter boats) located along the beach that was about 500 meters closer to the city in Roman times. In 1980, 300 human skeletons were unearthed here belonging to residents attempting to flee the eruption in 79 AD and killed by the scorching clouds of toxic smoke and ash created by the volcano. Along with their remains and personal objects like jewelry and coins, a nine-meter long Roman ship with skeletons of the rower and a soldier with his belt, two swords, chisel, and purse with coins were found.

Herculaneum Photo Gallery

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

Are the herculaneum ruins accessible by wheelchair.

The archaeological site of Herculaneum is accessible by wheelchair thanks to two paths on platforms. Bathrooms accessible to people with disabilities are also available.

Are the Herculaneum Ruins free for people with disabilities?

People with disabilities do not pay the ticket for the Herculaneum Ruins. Admission is also free for an accompanying person.

Is there a binding time for entrance tickets?

Skip-the-line tickets for the Herculaneum Ruins are valid for the whole day. There is, therefore, no entry time, but keep in mind that you can only enter the site up to an hour and a half before closing time.

Welcome back

Ruins of Pompeii

Ruins of Pompeii

Price (per adult), pickup at hotel.

  • Starhotel Terminus
  • IDEA HOTEL ROMA EST
  • ARAN PARCO HOTEL
  • ROSE GARDEN PALACE
  • GREEN HOTEL
  • STARHOTEL MICHELANGELO
  • AT YOUR PLACE
  • AT FORTY ONE
  • SISTO QUINTO
  • PARK HOTEL GINEVRA
  • ASSISI HOTEL
  • HQH COLOSSEO
  • FAWLTY TOWER
  • PINETA PALACE
  • DOMUS AVENTINA
  • SANTA PRASSEDE
  • RESIDENCE MEDAGLIE D'ORO
  • TANGO HOTEL
  • ATAHOTEL VILLA PAMPHILI
  • BONCOMPAGNI SUITE
  • BOUTIQUE CENTRALE PALACE
  • MARRIOTT CENTRAL PARK
  • RELAIS SAN PIETRO
  • BW PRESIDENT
  • CHAPTER ROMA
  • GIOTTO FLAVIA
  • LA PAPESSA GUEST HOUSE
  • RELAIS CALAMATTA
  • ARAN MANTEGNA
  • EXCEL MONTEMARIO
  • ARENA HOUSE
  • A CASA DI PENELOPE
  • ALFA HOTEL 2007 S.R.L
  • PALESTRO PALACE HOTEL
  • HOTEL MARGARET
  • HOTEL ITALIA
  • PARK HOTEL DEI MASSIMI
  • THE VIEW AT THE SPANISH STEPS
  • IMPERIUM SUITE NAVONA
  • DEGLI ARTISTI HOTEL
  • GASOMETER URBAN SUITES
  • RESIDENZA FARNESE
  • AUDITORIUM DI MECENATE
  • THE MISSING LINK
  • FARNESINA (MAURIZIO)
  • PAPA GERMANO
  • ESCAPE LUXURY SUITE
  • EITCH BORROMINI
  • HOTEL FLAVIA
  • APPIA PARCO HOTEL
  • ATLANTE STAR
  • PANTHEON INN
  • ROUGE ET NOIR
  • GRAND HOTEL PLAZA
  • REGNO HOTEL
  • HOTEL LANCELOT S.N.C
  • MARTA GUEST HOUSE
  • LA RESIDENZA
  • A PICTURE OF ROME
  • MARRIOTT ROME PARK
  • JUMEIRAH GRAND HTL VIA VENETO
  • AUGUSTA LUCILLA
  • ATENEO PALACE
  • DELLE PROVINCE
  • VILLA FRANCA
  • HOTEL NOT LISTED
  • RESIDENCE GARDEN
  • RELAIS DEI PAPI
  • RELAIS VIA TOLMINO
  • CAMPO DE' FIORI
  • STARHOTEL METROPOLE
  • GEA VULCANO
  • TEATRO DI POMPEO
  • TEMPIO DI PALLADE
  • VILLA MORGAGNI
  • VATICAN RELAIS ROME
  • MERULANA STAR
  • DANIEL'S HOTEL
  • HOTEL DONNA CAMILLA SAVELLI
  • TRE FONTANE
  • SUITE CONDOTTI
  • GOLDEN TULIP ROME PIRAM
  • GRAND HOTEL PALAZZO CARPEGNA
  • ROMA ROOM HOTEL
  • IL PALAZZATTO
  • RELAIS TREVI 95
  • MAISON OTTAVIA
  • FABIO MASSIMO
  • THE INN AT THE ROMAN FORUM
  • CROSSING CONDOTTI
  • ROMA DEI PAPI
  • RESIDENZA ANTICA
  • CAMPLUS COLLEGE ROME
  • VATICANO 38 SUITES
  • RESIDENZA PAOLO SESTO
  • FORO ROMANO
  • BORROMINI ROMA HOTEL
  • RESIDENZA DOMIZIA SMART DESIGN
  • TREVI ROME SUITE
  • CANOVA TADOLINI
  • RESIDENZA VATICANA
  • COMFORT INN
  • NH VITTORIO VENETO
  • THE CORNER TOWN HOUSE
  • ROMANICO PALACE
  • ST. BOUTIQUE HOTEL
  • NOTTI A ROMA
  • SOLE AL PANTHEON
  • HOTEL CELIO
  • LUDOVISI PALACE
  • HOTEL MARYELEN
  • VILLA PATRIZI
  • FLAVIA HOTEL
  • EMBASSY ROMA
  • INTERCONTINENTAL DE LA VILLE
  • ASTORIA GARDEN
  • ALDOBRANDESCHI
  • all hotel in Naples ( no bed & breakfast)
  • HTL FILIPPO
  • ALIMANDI VATICANO
  • IL PICCOLO DI PIAZZA DI SPAGNA
  • GRAND HOTEL TIBERIO
  • PONTE SISTO
  • DOMUS PRAETORIA
  • BARBERINI SUITE
  • SANT'ANGELO
  • THE FIRST LUXURY ART HOTEL
  • SANTA FRANCESCA ROMANA
  • HOTEL KATTY
  • TREVI PALACE LUXURY INN
  • DOMUS LUDOVISI
  • COLONNA PALACE
  • BEVERLY HILLS
  • DEI CAVALIERI
  • HOTEL SANTA MARIA
  • DIOCLEZIANO
  • YELLOW OSTELS
  • INFINITY HOTEL
  • GARDEN INN CLARIDGE
  • RELAIS DELL'OPERA
  • INTERNAZIONALE
  • PALAZZO CESI
  • DEGLI ARANCI
  • DOMUS AUSTRALIA
  • BW PICCADILLY
  • REGINA MARGHERITA
  • RESIDENCE MY FAIR
  • SPLENDIDE ROYAL
  • EUROSTARS ROMA CONGRESS
  • ST.PETER ACCOMODATION
  • RESIDENCE BARBERINI
  • VILLA GLORI
  • RIPA RESIDENCE
  • ALL COMFORT
  • RELAIS PALAZZO TAVERNA
  • INDIPENDENZA
  • DEI CONGRESSI
  • PARCO DEI PRINCIPI
  • NAVONA ESSENCE
  • SANTA MARIA
  • ART HOTELS SRL
  • BOSCOLO CIRCO MASSIMO
  • EUROSTARS DOMUS AUREA
  • RESIDENCE CANDIA
  • IDEA HOTEL ROMA Z3
  • SHERATON PARCO DEI MEDICI
  • IL CASTELLETTO
  • MDM LUXURY ROOMS
  • GRAN MELIA VILLA AGRIPPINA
  • FONTANELLA BORGHESE
  • HORTI 14 HOTEL
  • VILLA FATIMA
  • COSMOPOLITA
  • RESIDENZA MENNI
  • RESIDENZA SAN PIETRO
  • RESIDENZA SANTA MARIA
  • VENETIA PALACE
  • SALOTTO MONTI
  • PALAZZO DAMA
  • MECENATE PALACE
  • GIALEL B&B
  • NARDIZZI AMERICANA HOTEL
  • RESIDENZA LEONINA
  • BOSCOLO ALEPH
  • BERNINI BRISTOL
  • HOTEL VILLA SAN LORENZO
  • DEI MELLINI
  • SMOOTH HOTEL ROME WEST
  • PRIMUS ROMA
  • HOTEL PRINCESS
  • THE BAILEY'S
  • BABUINO GRAND SUITE
  • VATICAN GARDEN INN
  • ALIMANDI TUNISI
  • RESIDENCE PRATI
  • ROMA VATICANO
  • TRILUSSA CHARMING SUITES
  • THE BUILDING HOTEL
  • ROMAMOR CASA VACANZE
  • BEST WESTERN HOTEL MONDIAL
  • MERULANA INN
  • LONDRA CARGILL
  • OCCIDENTAL HOTEL AURELIA
  • VILLA GRAZIOLI
  • VENTI SETTEMBRE
  • DELLA LUNETTA
  • AMIRA CENTRAL ESEDRA
  • 504 CORSO SUITES
  • ROMOLI HOTEL
  • ATLANTE GARDEN
  • FORESTERIA DEL CORSO
  • RELAIS TREVI 41
  • RESIDENZA DEL SOLE AL PANTHEON
  • ANTICA LOCANDA
  • PARCO TIRRENO
  • RESIDENZA LUDOVISI
  • CONTINENTALE
  • HTL TERMINI
  • THE MAJOR HOTEL
  • THE PALAZZETTO SUITES
  • ALESSANDRO DOWNTOWN HOSTEL
  • PRINCIPE TORLONIA
  • AMERICAN PALACE
  • TREE CHARME PARLIAMENT
  • RESIDENCE FRATTINA
  • FLOWER GARDEN
  • ESPOSIZIONE
  • NH COLLECTION ROMA FORI IMPERIALI
  • SAN PAOLO HOTEL
  • THE LIBERTY BOUTIQUE HOTEL
  • MARRIOTT GRAND HOTEL FLORA
  • AMBRA PALACE
  • VATICAN ANCHORAGE
  • RESIDENZA BOURBON
  • SUNNY HOTEL
  • SAN VALENTINO
  • VILLA TASSONI
  • ART HOTEL BY SPANISH STEPS
  • HOTEL SUNRISE
  • A TRASTEVERE DA ME
  • HOTEL DELLA TORRE ARGENTINA
  • HOTEL IMPERIAL SUITE
  • LUSSEMBURGO
  • HOTEL TRIBUNE
  • BEST WESTERN HOTEL GLOBUS
  • HOLIDAY A SAN PIETRO B&B
  • BEST WESTERN PRESIDENT
  • NUMA ROMA GUEST HOUSE
  • HOSIANUM PALACE
  • CASA VIGNONI
  • B&B ROMA PIETRALATA
  • ELIZABETH UNIQUE HOTEL
  • TRINITA DEI MONTI
  • SCOTT HOUSE
  • THE HALL TAILOR SUITE
  • MERCURE DELTA COLOSSEUM
  • MAU&LORY B&B
  • MADONNA DEI MONTI SUITES
  • DELLE VITTORIE
  • ROYAL SANTINA
  • DOMUS TIBERINA
  • PARVULA DOMUS AL COLOSSEO
  • EMPIRE PALACE
  • A.B.C. PYRAMID
  • SAN SILVESTRO
  • PANTHEON RELAIS
  • FORI IMPERIALI
  • HOTEL NAVONA
  • NH COLLECTION PALAZZO CINQUECENTO
  • PINEWOOD41.9264394
  • RE TESTA HOTEL
  • RESIDENCE AURELIA
  • GLI SCIPIONI B&B
  • SHERATON EUR CONGRESS
  • HOTEL CONSULTA
  • BERG LUXURY HOTEL
  • INN SPAGNA ROOM
  • HOTEL VENETO PALACE
  • IROOMS PANTHEON E NAVONA
  • THE INDIPENDENT
  • IDEA HOTEL ROMA NOMENTANA
  • SANTA CHIARA
  • HOTEL FONTANA DEL MOSE
  • HOTEL CINECITTA
  • SHANGRI LA CORSETTI
  • CINQUANTATRE HOTEL
  • LES FLEURS LUXURY HOUSE
  • ROME GARDEN HOTEL
  • VILLA SPALLETTI
  • ISTITUTO VILLA ROSA
  • HOTEL PHILIA
  • CAESAR ROOM
  • BLACK HOTEL
  • DHARMA STYLE
  • RELAIS LE CLARISSE
  • RHEA SILVIA NAVONA
  • D'INGHILTERRA
  • BOSCOLO PALACE HOTEL
  • CLUB HOUSE ROMA
  • CROWNE PLAZA ST. PETER
  • VILLA LAETITIA
  • EUROSTARS ROMA AETERNA
  • VILLA AURELIA CONGRESS CENTRE
  • AMBASCIATORI
  • ANTICO PALAZZO ROSPIGLIOSI
  • DOMUS BOCCADI LEONE
  • PORTAMAGGIORE
  • ROMA BOUTIQUE HOTEL
  • HOTEL FAMILY HOUSE
  • HOTEL DELLA LUNETTA
  • BLU HOTEL ROMA BEST WESTERN
  • ROYAL COURT
  • HOTEL TIZIANO ROME
  • BOUTIQUE TREVI
  • VILLA PINCIANA
  • MIGDAL PALACE
  • DESEO MAISON
  • RESIDENZA KI
  • ERGIFE PALACE
  • RHOME ACCOMODATION
  • HOTEL TREVI COLLECTION
  • CAPO D'AFRICA
  • DELLE REGIONI
  • SPAGNA ART AND SUITES
  • ALDROVANDI RESIDENCE
  • INN AT THE SPANISH STEPS
  • COLOSSEUM CORNER
  • EXECUTIVE STYLE HOTEL
  • KOLBE HOTEL
  • LE CLARISSE AL PANTHEON
  • AL CENTRO STORICO DI ROMA
  • SILVA TORLONIA
  • ALBERGO TREVI
  • OPERA VIA FIRENZE
  • IL PAPAVERO
  • BELLAVITA HOTEL
  • GENERATOR HOSTEL
  • RIVER PALACE
  • QUEEN PALACE SUITE
  • PRINCIPESSA ISABELLA
  • TOWN HOUSE FONTANA DI TREVI
  • BESIDE THE VATICAN
  • HILTON CLARIDGE INN
  • HOTEL CASA TRA NOI
  • HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS S.GIOVANNI
  • DOMUS NOVA BETHLEM
  • DONNA CAMILLA SAVELLI
  • SCALINATA DI SPAGNA
  • PIAZZA DI SPAGNA
  • ANTICO ACQUEDOTTO
  • MONTI COLORS APARTMENTS
  • DREAMING ROME HOSTEL
  • CONDOTTI INN
  • REGINA BAGLIONI
  • DECO' CORSO SUITE
  • PRINCE GALLES
  • NOVA DOMUS HOTEL&SUITES
  • PALAZZO NAIADI (EXEDRA)
  • CHAMPAGNA PALACE
  • B&B GLI ARTISTI
  • Generic Hotel TBA
  • PALAZZO MANFREDI
  • DOMUS SESSORIANA
  • VIA VENETO SUITES
  • RIVER CHATEAU HOTEL
  • PRINCIPE EUGENIO HOTEL
  • AL VIMINALE HILL
  • HOTEL REGENT
  • GIGLI D'ORO SUITE
  • ADAGIO ROME VATICAN
  • VITTORIANO SUITE
  • DEI BORGOGNONI
  • PROFUMO MAISON
  • A PEACE OF ROME
  • RELAIS SANTA MARIA MAGGIORE
  • RESIDENCE ALDROVANDI
  • GREEN PARK PAMPHILI
  • ANGLO AMERICANO
  • MERCURE PIAZZA BOLOGNA
  • TRASTEVERE WITH LOVE
  • CARDINAL HOTEL ST.PETER
  • THE K BOUTIQUE
  • DELLE NAZIONI
  • CORONARI PALACE
  • REGOLO ROOMS VATICANO
  • GIUTURNA BOUTIQUE HOTEL
  • SAN LORENZO
  • PARIOLI PLACE APARTS
  • RESIDENZA DOMIZIANO
  • DEI CONSOLI
  • ALESSANDRINO
  • NH COLLECTION ROMA CENTRO
  • VIVALDI LUXURY ROOMS
  • AVIGNONESI SUITES
  • DOMUS AUREA
  • DONNA LAURA PALACE
  • EVEREST INN
  • FORTE HOTEL
  • RELAIS DELL' ORSO
  • LA LUMIERE DI PIAZZA DI SPAGNA
  • NICOLAS INN
  • CONDOMINIO MONTI HOTEL
  • PRESTIGE GUEST HOUSE
  • RESIDENZA IL BOLLO
  • 47 STEPS B&B
  • FOUR RIVERS SUITES
  • DUCA D'ALBA
  • HEART OF ROME
  • HOTEL MEDICI
  • SAN CARLO SUITE
  • HOLIDAY INN ROME AURELIA
  • NAVONA COLORS
  • JSH HOTEL ROME
  • INN 207 ROME
  • EUROSTARS ST.JOHN
  • SPAGNA ROYAL SUITE
  • CLASS HOUSE
  • I SAN PIETRINI
  • VATICAN SUITES
  • DOMUS MARIAE PALAZZO CARPEGNA
  • BEST SUITES
  • CAPUT MUNDI
  • GIULIO CESARE
  • MAISON GIULIA
  • BLUE HOSTEL
  • ROMAN HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION
  • RESIDENZA A
  • AL MANTHIA HOTEL
  • CITY GUEST HOUSE
  • NH GIUSTINIANO
  • HOTEL 2000 ROMA
  • VILLA DEL PARCO
  • MELIA ROMA AURELIA ANTICA
  • SAN PANTALEO
  • ALBERGO DEL SENATO
  • STELLA P.NE
  • VANITY HOTEL
  • CORSO VITTORIO 308 B&B
  • SUITE ART NAVONA
  • SMART HOTEL
  • GIOBERTI ART HOTEL
  • WELL DONE MONTEBELLO APARTS
  • RELAIS FONTANA DI TREVI
  • EUROSTAR INTERNATIONAL PALACE
  • PALAZZO AL VELABRO
  • NAVONA LIVING ROME
  • IL MAGNIFICO
  • BONCOMPAGNI SUITES
  • SAN FRANCESCO
  • VISCONTI PALACE
  • HOTEL DES ARTISTES
  • RESIDENCE VILLA MARIGNOLI
  • MEDITERRANO
  • SANTA COSTANZA
  • ADVENTURE **
  • ACCOMODATION PLANET
  • CASTELFIDARDO
  • LE PETIT HOTEL
  • GOLDEN TULIP BELLAMBRIANA
  • BADOER RELAIS
  • SPRING HOUSE
  • ANFITEATRO FLAVIO
  • RHEA SILVIA TRASTEVERE
  • LA PICCOLA MAISON
  • MAISON D'ART
  • CAESAR HOUSE
  • RELAIS BOCCA DI LEONE
  • LA VILLE HOTEL
  • CORSO BOUTIQUE HOTEL
  • RESIDENZA VENTI SETTEMBRE
  • ORTI DI ROMA
  • RELAIS FRATTINA
  • ST.PETER WITH LOVE
  • SANT'ANSELMO
  • VILLA MARIGNOLI
  • SOFITEL ROMA VILLA BORGHESE
  • HARMONY P.NE
  • HOTEL VIMINALE
  • HOTEL MERIDIANA
  • PACE ELVEZIA
  • ROYAL VATICAN
  • NAVONA STREET HOTEL
  • ESEDRA RELAIS
  • DOMUS ROMANA
  • RESIDENZA DOMIZIA
  • STYLISH ROOM
  • ROYAL PALACE LUXURY HOTEL
  • WESTIN EXCELSIOR
  • A WORLD APARTS
  • CONDOTTI PALACE
  • PORTRAIT SUITES
  • DOMUS FLAVIA
  • ANTICA ROMA
  • MAISON TRITONE
  • TEATRO PACE
  • HOTEL ARA PACIS
  • SUITE SISTINA
  • ALESSANDRO PALACE
  • CHAMPAGNE GARDEN
  • DOWNTOWN FRATTINA
  • I TRE MOSCHETTIERI
  • DELLE CONCILIAZIONE
  • NAVONA STAY
  • CARLO ALBERTO HOUSE
  • BUENOS AIRES
  • MONTI PALACE
  • RINASCIMENTO
  • HOTEL DUE TORRI
  • LEON'S PLACE
  • MARCO AURELIO
  • CRISTOFORO COLOMBO
  • HOTEL SOLE AL PANTHEON
  • AT HOME TOWNHOUSE HOTEL
  • ETERNA ROMA
  • PALAZZO TAVERNA
  • DOMUS PACIS TORREROSSA PARK
  • EXCEL ST. PETER
  • VILLA DELLE ROSE
  • VILLA TORLONIA
  • RESIDENZA DI RIPETTA
  • RESIDENZA BORGHESE
  • SEVEN KING RELAIS
  • RESIDENZA ZANARDELLI
  • THE OPERA HOTEL
  • TORRE ARGENTINA RELAIS
  • NAVONA THEATRE HOTEL
  • MERCURE TRIESTE
  • HOTEL MANFREDI
  • MINERVA RELAIS
  • RESIDENZA AL CORSO
  • NH VILLA CARPEGNA
  • PALLADIUM PALACE
  • VILLA PIRANDELLO
  • NORD NUOVA ROMA
  • THE CODE HOTEL
  • LES CHAMBRES D'OR
  • BOLIVAR SRL
  • RESIDENZA TORRE COLONNA
  • CATONE DISTRICT HOTEL
  • RELAIS GROUP PALACE
  • GRAND HOTEL DE LA MINERVE
  • TRIVIHO HOTEL
  • PRINCIPE DI PIEMONTE

Tickets option

Activity languages, our recommendations in  ruins of pompeii.

Entrance tickets to the Ruins of Pompeii

Entrance tickets to the Ruins of Pompeii

Buy your tickets to visit the perfectly preserved ruins of Pompeii and to discover the history of a city stopped in time since 79AD!

Ruins of Pompeii small group tour with a local guide

Ruins of Pompeii small group tour with a local guide

Enjoy a small group tour of UNESCO World Heritage Site Pompeii. Your expert local guide will bring the ruins to life and teach you about Roman civilisation.

Private and personalized tour of Pompeii with a local guide

Private and personalized tour of Pompeii with a local guide

Relive a day in the life of the Romans at the UNESCO site of Pompeii on this private guided tour with local guide. Personalise your tour to focus on your interests.

en,  it,  fr,  es,  de 

Tour of Pompeii with an archaeologist

Tour of Pompeii with an archaeologist

Experience a two-hour guided tour of Pompeii with an archaeologist!

en,  it,  fr,  es,  de,  +1  pt

Ruins of Pompeii tickets and tours

Pompeii Skip-The-Line Tickets with Audioguide

Pompeii Skip-The-Line Tickets with Audioguide

Learn Pompeii's history and its last moments, and access the site to explore the city's remains.

en,  it,  fr,  es,  de,  +2  pt, ru

Pompeii Augmented Reality Tour with Entrance Ticket

Pompeii Augmented Reality Tour with Entrance Ticket

Go back in time to explore Pompeii before the terrible eruption and experience augmented reality with special glasses.

Daily tour to Pompeii with transportation

Daily tour to Pompeii with transportation

Book your daily tour to Pompeii with transportation with Musement. Choose your departure time and get your skip-the-line entrance ticket and round trip transportation from Naples to Pompeii.

Pompeii guided tour for kids

Pompeii guided tour for kids

Learn Pompeii's history in a fun and interactive way, while exploring the city ruins and listening to wonderful legends and stories from your guide!

en,  fr,  es,  de 

Pompeii guided tour with a local archeologist

Pompeii guided tour with a local archeologist

Discover Pompeii's ruins with a Vesuvian archaeologist! Visit the ancient houses, the stunning Bath House and the famous Lupanare.

Tour of Pompeii from Naples

Tour of Pompeii from Naples

Don't miss a tour with transport included from Naples to Pompeii, the city buried by meters of ashes and lapilli after the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD.

Pompeii, Sorrento And Positano Private Tour

Pompeii, Sorrento And Positano Private Tour

Discover Pompeii, Sorrento and Positano during this private tour from Naples and immerse yourself in the magical southern Italian atmospheres.

Discovering Pompei guided tour

Discovering Pompei guided tour

Book your guided tour to discover Pompeii today and visit the ancient Roman city with an expert guide!

About the ruins of Pompeii

Pompeii’s labyrinth of cobbled streets and well-preserved buildings takes you on a journey back to ancient Rome. From the grandeur of the Forum to the opulent villas embellished with intricate frescoes, every corner reveals the splendour of a lost civilisation.  

Two thousand years ago, Pompeii was a thriving and prosperous town favoured by Roman elites. But its fate took a tragic turn when Mount Vesuvius unleashed its catastrophic fury in 79 AD. The volcano’s eruption engulfed Pompeii in layers of ash and pumice, entombing the city until the 18th century. Today, the archaeological treasure trove is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering visitors a glimpse into the past. Since its very first excavation, Pompeii has held the status of the longest continually excavated site ever found. 

You don’t have to be an archaeologist or historian to be captivated by Pompeii’s aura. Immerse yourself in the poignant atmosphere as you stand amid the petrified remains of the city’s inhabitants, forever frozen in their final moments. Uncover the enigmas of the renowned Villa of the Mysteries, adorned with cryptic murals that depict secret initiation rituals. Be sure to check out the Amphitheatre, where gladiators fought for glory while crowds erupted with excitement. 

Things to know before you go  

The archaeological site has an accessible pathway for visitors with reduced mobility. 

Photos and videos without the use of flash and tripod are allowed.  

Only small bags – 30x30x15cm – are allowed inside the site. 

Soft drinks and snacks can be purchased at the on-site restaurant.  

There are drinking fountains located inside the excavation sites. 

Comfortable footwear is essential as the streets are dusty and unlevel. Be prepared to walk on cobblestones and up steps. 

During the summer, it can get very hot and there’s very little shade around the site. Come prepared with a hat, sun cream and a water bottle.  

Opening hours   

From April to October, 09:00 to 19:00, with last entry at 17:30. 

From November to March, 09:00 to 17:00, with last entry at 15:30. 

Closed on December 25, January 1 and May 1. 

How to get there  

Pompeii is just 26km or about 30 minutes away from Naples and is reachable by car, bus or train.

The most popular way of getting to Pompeii from Naples is the Circumvesuviana, a commuter train line. Take the Circumvesuviana train bound for Sorrento and disembark at the Pompei Scavi-Villa dei Misteri station. The journey takes around 35 minutes. 

From Napoli Centrale station, you can also get to Pompeii with a Trenitalia regional train. Board a train heading towards Salerno or Poggiomarino and alight at the Pompei Scavi-Villa dei Misteri station. These trains usually have fewer stops and offer a more comfortable travel experience.  

The Campania Express connects the centre of Naples with Pompeii. These air-conditioned trains are quicker and more comfortable, with space for luggage and the opportunity to pre book a seat. The journey takes about 30 minutes. 

From Naples, you can take the EAV and SITA buses from Piazza Garibaldi station. The journey takes around 35 minutes.  

There are private car parks as well as municipal parking spaces, outside the archaeological site.  

There are three entrance gates to Pompeii archaeological site – Porta Marina, Piazza Anfiteatro, and Piazza Esedra. The Porta Marina gate is closest to Pompei Scavi station, which is where you’ll get off if you arrive by either the Circumvesuviana train or the SITA bus.

Get ready to visit the ruins of Pompeii

What should I really see at Pompeii?

The House of the Faun villa is famed for its exquisite mosaic floors and the bronze statue of a dancing faun. While the well-preserved Villa of the Mysteries is adorned with frescoes that depict mysterious initiation rituals. It’s located just outside the town, past the Porta Ercolano necropolis. The Forum, which was the central square at the heart of Pompeii’s social and political life, features the ruins of temples, government buildings and markets. Also worth checking out are the Amphitheatre and Lunapar, which was the red-light district. 

What are the best ways to visit Pompeii?

A guide will allow you to get much more from your Pompeii visit . It’s a large archaeological park with a lot to explore and limited signage, and a guide will give you an overview without missing any of the major sights.

How much time do I need for visiting Pompeii?

You should allow at least 3-4 hours for your visit, although you could easily spend longer at the site. 

What is the best time to visit Pompeii?

The best time to visit Pompeii in order to avoid crowds is early in the morning, or later in the afternoon. November to March is generally the best season to visit Pompeii, as summers tend to be very crowded. 

Has Pompeii been fully excavated?

Only two thirds of ancient Pompeii have been excavated since the first digs began in 1748. The rest of the site is still covered by debris from the eruption almost 2,000 years ago. Excavations are still going on, and there have been some spectacular new findings in recent years such as a thermopolium – a Roman fast-food joint – unearthed in 2020. 

How to get there

Reviews  ruins of pompeii.

Insufficient toilet stops on the long drive to Positano. There was a stop at one and a half hours, but then no further stop until arrival and transfer ...

Pompei, obviously amazing. Directions/meeting location on the ticket was incorrect and we had to pay for audio guides again, because TUI didn't make t ...

It was a really good deal to buy the Pompeii tickets online, as it saved us probably half an hour of waiting in the sun.

GDPR Expired data

IMAGES

  1. What to see in Pompeii

    tourist office pompeii

  2. Pompeii: A photo tour of the ancient city

    tourist office pompeii

  3. Pompeii Useful Tourist Information

    tourist office pompeii

  4. Photos: A Breathtaking Pompeii Restoration Was Just Revealed, With New

    tourist office pompeii

  5. Pompéii

    tourist office pompeii

  6. How to Visit Pompeii: Tickets, Hours, Tours, and More!

    tourist office pompeii

COMMENTS

  1. Visitor services

    The Pompeii Excavations tourist information office is located in Via Villa dei Misteri, 2, 80045 Pompeii, Naples. Tel. +39 081 8575 347. Email: [email protected]. ... Another such example is the 'Pompeii for All' project with accessible and barrier-free paths providing improved access to the site to parents with buggies and ...

  2. Homepage

    On 25 December 2023 and 1 January 2024, the Archaeological Park will be open to the public. On 25 December the opening hours will be: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., last admission 12 noon. On 1 January the opening …Read more. Read more. Timetables, tickets, map and guide to the excavations of the official Pompeii Archaeological Site, Boscoreale, Oplontis ...

  3. Visiting Pompeii: Tips To Make the Most of Your Time

    Time of Day. To avoid the hottest hours and potential crowds, visiting Pompeii early in the morning or later in the afternoon is best. Pompeii opening hours are from 09:00, and arriving shortly after that can give you a head start and allow for a less crowded exploration of the ruins.

  4. Visit Pompeii

    5. Lupanar (VII - 18) The lupanare (lupanar) is one of the most memorable sites within the ruins of Pompeii. The city's brothel was on two levels, with five small cells on the ground floor and five upstairs. Each cell had a stone bed that was topped with a mat or cushion, and above the door of each cell was an erotic fresco that probably ...

  5. Info

    Welcome to the Archaeological Park of Pompei, the most important and famous archaeological site in the world. The Park counts among the sites of its competence, in addition to the archaeological area of Pompei, the Antiquarium of Boscoreale, the archaeological excavations of Oplontis (Torre Annunziata), the archaeological excavations of Stabiae (Castellamare di Stabia), the Naturalistic ...

  6. Pompeii travel

    Pompeii. Italy, Europe. Modern-day Pompeii (Pompei in Italian) may feel like a nondescript satellite of Naples, but it's here that you'll find Europe's most compelling archaeological site: the ruins of Pompeii. Sprawling and haunting, the site is a stark reminder of the destructive forces that lie deep inside Vesuvius.

  7. Ultimate Guide to Visiting Pompeii: What to See, Do, & Experience

    The ticket office doesn't accept credit cards. You can get more information, view prices or book ahead on the official Pompeii website. ... Before you end your visit to Pompeii, take a last look at the impressive view of Mount Vesuvius in the distance. 2,000 years ago the still-active volcano erupted a cloud of gas, ash and rocks. For hours ...

  8. The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Pompeii (Updated 2024)

    4. The Forum. The most crowded place in Pompeii, the forum is located right near the main gate. It was the main center of life in Pompeii, the cultural and civic nerve of the city. Any significant religious or commercial events would occur here; it was essentially the main square and heart of the city. 5.

  9. 17 Things To Know Before You Visit Pompeii On A Day Trip

    Visiting Pompeii, the near 2,000 year old Roman town destroyed and preserved by a volcano, is a rite of passage for every traveller in Italy. In this post, we share the essential, practical information you need to plan your own Pompeii visit, alongside tips to enhance your experience and resources w

  10. A Visitor's Guide to Pompeii

    A Prosperous City. Thanks to its strategic position near the Sarno River, Pompeii was an important commercial centre, a trading hub noted for exporting goods such as olives, olive oil, wine and fish sauce (garum).Once home to approximately 12,000 people, the city boasted an assortment of baths, houses, temples, public buildings, markets, brothels, taverns and cafes, and a 20,000-seat arena.

  11. Discover the archaeological site of Pompeii

    Since 1997, Pompeii, together with Ercolano and Oplonti, have been part of the UNESCO World Heritage List. The archaeological site of Pompeii hosts more than three million visitors a year, the third most visited museum site in Italy. For this reason we recommend buying tickets online to avoid long waits and enjoy a longer visit. Opening time.

  12. The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Pompeii

    Pompeii is located in Campania, a region of southern Italy that lies south of Rome (and the region of Lazio) and north of Calabria. The archeological site is about 30 minutes by car from both Naples and Salerno, and about 1 hour by car from Sorrento. It has 3 train stations and 2 motorway exits, making for easy access to the site by both car ...

  13. 14 tips for visiting Pompeii (plus how to climb Vesuvius)

    12. Do get a different perspective. by visiting Herculaneum, a few stops along the Circumvesuviana train line from Pompeii and another easy trip from Naples or Sorrento. Herculaneum was also destroyed when Vesuvius erupted, but it's much quieter than Pompeii.

  14. A First-Timer's Guide to Visiting Pompeii

    Orientation to the Pompeii Ruins. Hours. November - March Daily 9:00 - 5:00 (last entry at 3:30) April - October Daily 9:00 - 7:00 (last entry at 5:30) Length of Visit. At least 2 - 3 hours but you could easily spend several hours here. Cost.

  15. Visit Pompeii

    The biggest difference between Pompeii and Herculaneum is size: the ruins of Pompeii cover about 44 square hectaures, while Herculaneum covers just 4.. Pompeii was an important city and trade center, while Herculaneum was a small resort town without the large public buildings (forum, amphitheater, theaters, gym) found in Pompeii.. However, Herculaneum is in a much better state of preservation ...

  16. The Fall and Rise and Fall of Pompeii

    Five years ago, following several days of heavy rains, the 2,000-year-old structure collapsed into rubble, generating international headlines and embarrassing the government of then-Prime Minister ...

  17. Herculaneum

    Herculaneum has been preserved like no other site in the world, not even nearby Pompeii.The city was buried beneath 16 meters of ash and mud during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, and this layer of detritus saved two-story domus homes with the internal architecture and décor intact, including features in wood and marble, decorations, jewelry, and even organic remains like food ...

  18. Conservation and restoration of Pompeian frescoes

    The conservation and restoration of Pompeian frescoes describes the activities, methods, and techniques that have historically been and are currently being used to care for the preserved remains of the frescoes from the archeological site of Pompeii, Italy.The ancient city of Pompeii is famously known for its demise in A.D. 79 after the fatal eruption of Mount Vesuvius wiped out the population ...

  19. Pompeii Ruins Tickets and Guided Tours

    4.7 /5. (992) from: £42.00 £33.60. Excursions & day trips. Private and personalized tour of Pompeii with a local guide. Relive a day in the life of the Romans at the UNESCO site of Pompeii on this private guided tour with local guide. Personalise your tour to focus on your interests. free cancellation.