Pompeii, Italy
At a glance
Pompeii offers a fascinating glimpse into the daily lives of ancient Romans. Once lost to one of the most devastating ancient disasters, it now draws more than 2.5 million visitors annually from across Europe and beyond.
Sightseeing
Pompeii provides a captivating journey back in time to the ancient Roman world. The city’s well-preserved ruins offer a unique and immersive insight into daily life, showcasing remarkably preserved streets, homes, and public buildings. Exploring Pompeii allows you to witness the consequences of the devastating volcanic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD.
Value
Pompeii offers exceptional value for money, with tickets priced at just 18 euros. This admission fee provides access to a full day of exploration, ensuring you get the most out of your visit with numerous sights and activities to enjoy.
Transport links
The nearest airport to Pompeii is Naples International Airport, just a short 30-minute train ride away, making it the most convenient choice for air travelers.
Traveling to Pompeii by train is the most convenient and efficient option. With the train station, Pompeii Scavi-Villa dei Misteri, only a short walk from the enterance to the archeological site.
One of the easiest way to reach Pompeii is by car. Parking is available at the site, for a fee of 10 Euros per day.
Experiences
Pompeii should be on every traveler’s list. Exploring the iconic ruins allows you to step back in time and discover the daily life of ancient Romans. Additionally, climbing Mount Vesuvius, the world-famous volcano overlooking Pompeii, provides an adventurous journey and breathtaking panoramic views. These experiences are not to be missed when visiting Pompeii.
Best Things To Do
1. Discover Pompeii's Past
Exploring Pompeii is an absolute must, offering a fascinating glimpse into the daily lives of ancient Romans. To enhance your experience, consider taking a Pompeii tour, complete with an audio guide that delves into the historical significance of the ruins.
Utilize the audio tour guide to gain deeper insights into the rich history of this remarkable site.
2. Conquer Mount Vesuvius
Dominating the backdrop of Pompeii is Mount Vesuvius, the world’s most renowned volcano. Hiking to its summit is a highly recommended adventure, even though the trek can be challenging.
Opt for the regular shuttle bus that takes you partway up Mount Vesuvius, making the ascent more manageable.
3. Consider Visiting Herculaneum
Located just 13 kilometers from Pompeii, Herculaneum also succumbed to the volcanic eruption. While smaller than Pompeii, the ruins here are extraordinarily well-preserved, making a visit to Herculaneum essential for history enthusiasts.
Consider taking a guided tour to Herculaneum to gain a deeper understanding of this ancient site’s history and significance.
4. Embrace Modern Pompeii
Beyond its ancient ruins, Pompeii boasts a charming modern town filled with restaurants, bars, and parks, offering a perfect complement to your exploration of the archaeological site.
After your visit to Pompeii’s ruins, take a leisurely stroll through the town to enjoy its contemporary amenities.
5. Appreciate Pompeii's Artistic Treasures
Although Pompeii is renowned for its historical ruins, it’s important not to overlook the exquisite art that survived the volcanic eruption. Admire the preserved artworks and remarkable wall paintings, adding another layer of cultural richness to your visit.
Take your time to explore and admire the remarkable art pieces hidden within Pompeii’s ancient walls.
1. Discover Pompeii's Past
Exploring Pompeii is an absolute must, offering a fascinating glimpse into the daily lives of ancient Romans. To enhance your experience, consider taking a Pompeii tour, complete with an audio guide that delves into the historical significance of the ruins.
Utilize the audio tour guide to gain deeper insights into the rich history of this remarkable site.
2. Conquer Mount Vesuvius
Dominating the backdrop of Pompeii is Mount Vesuvius, the world’s most renowned volcano. Hiking to its summit is a highly recommended adventure, even though the trek can be challenging.
Opt for the regular shuttle bus that takes you partway up Mount Vesuvius, making the ascent more manageable.
3. Consider Visiting Herculaneum
Located just 13 kilometers from Pompeii, Herculaneum also succumbed to the volcanic eruption. While smaller than Pompeii, the ruins here are extraordinarily well-preserved, making a visit to Herculaneum essential for history enthusiasts.
Consider taking a guided tour to Herculaneum to gain a deeper understanding of this ancient site’s history and significance.
4. Embrace Modern Pompeii
Beyond its ancient ruins, Pompeii boasts a charming modern town filled with restaurants, bars, and parks, offering a perfect complement to your exploration of the archaeological site.
After your visit to Pompeii’s ruins, take a leisurely stroll through the town to enjoy its contemporary amenities.
5. Appreciate Pompeii's Artistic Treasures
Although Pompeii is renowned for its historical ruins, it’s important not to overlook the exquisite art that survived the volcanic eruption. Admire the preserved artworks and remarkable wall paintings, adding another layer of cultural richness to your visit.
Take your time to explore and admire the remarkable art pieces hidden within Pompeii’s ancient walls.
10 Things You Need to know
1.
Consider an Out of Season Visit
To beat the scorching heat and crowds, consider avoiding a summer visit to Pompeii. High temperatures and limited shade can make exploring the ruins challenging.
6.
Stay Hydrated
Bring a water bottle with you to stay refreshed, especially on hot days, as refill opportunities are abundant but drink vendors are scarce.
2.
Choose the Right Entrance
There are 3 entrances into the ruins: Porta Marina is the most popular with its vicinity to the train station. Piazza Anfiteatro is another entrance, which has the advantage of being closer to the most important sites. Piazza Esedra is the third entrance, however this is reserved for tour groups only.
7.
Choose Onsite Guided Tours
Opt for guided tours from within the ruins rather than outside, for smaller group sizes and a more intimate experience.
3.
Check for Closures
Some sections of Pompeii may unexpectedly close, so stay informed about accessible areas during your visit.
8.
Consider Multiple Visits
Don’t rush through Pompeii; there’s so much to see that it’s worth exploring over multiple trips.
4.
Mind Your Bag Size
Ensure your bag’s dimensions don’t exceed 30x30x15cm, as larger bags aren’t allowed inside; you can leave them at the train station.
9.
Get a Map
Get a map of Pompeii to prevent getting lost while navigating the extensive ruins.
5.
Visit on First Sundays
Entrance to Pompeii is free on the first Sunday of each month, but book in advance to avoid the heavy crowds.
10.
Purchase Tickets in Advance
Though not mandatory, buying tickets in advance is advisable to expedite your entry process and avoid long lines.
6.
Stay Hydrated
Bring a water bottle with you to stay refreshed, especially on hot days, as refill opportunities are abundant but drink vendors are scarce.
7.
Choose Onsite Guided Tours
Opt for guided tours from within the ruins rather than outside, for smaller group sizes and a more intimate experience.
8.
Consider Multiple Visits
Don’t rush through Pompeii; there’s so much to see that it’s worth exploring over multiple trips.
9.
Get a Map
Get a map of Pompeii to prevent getting lost while navigating the extensive ruins.
10.
Purchase Tickets in Advance
Though not mandatory, buying tickets in advance is advisable to expedite your entry process and avoid long lines.