Pompeii Archaeological Site

The Basics

Pompeii may be a stark reminder of the destructive power of volcanoes, but it’s also a virtual photograph of daily life more than 2,000 years ago. From the grooves worn into the streets by passing carriages to the soaring temples in the Forum, from the humble food stalls to the villas decorated with frescoes and mosaics—there’s no site that offers a more engrossing experience of life in an ancient Roman city than Pompeii.

Visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Site with a guide is vital, as the ruins can be hard for the untrained eye to interpret. Join a private or small-group walking tour that includes skip-the-line tickets. Or, opt for a tour that pairs a visit to Pompeii with a stop at nearby Herculaneum. Other popular day tours combine Pompeii with Sorrento and Positano on the Amalfi Coast or with a jaunt to the top of Mt. Vesuvius.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Pompeii is a must for archaeology buffs, but interesting for other travelers as well.

• Kids will enjoy exploring with a guide who knows how to make the site compelling to younger travelers.

• Almost all of the ruins are outdoors, so dress appropriately for the weather.

• Some areas of the site are accessible to wheelchairs.

• New portions of the site are excavated and opened to the public each year.

How to Get There

Located at the foot of Mt. Vesuvius just south of Naples, Pompeii is easiest to get to on a day tour from Sorrento, the Amalfi Coast, Capri, Naples, or Rome.

When to Get There

Pompeii is open every day. As the site is almost entirely outdoors, avoid visiting during summer’s scorching midday. Time your tour for early morning or late afternoon, or go in spring or fall.

Herculaneum

Pompeii wasn’t the only city buried by the volcanic fallout from Mt. Vesuvius. The nearby town of Herculaneum was also destroyed, but rather than being buried in burning stone like Pompeii, Herculaneum was sealed in a layer of volcanic ash and mud. Therefore, in Herculaneum, unlike in Pompeii, 2-story buildings, wooden furniture, and even food in household kitchens was preserved. Ideally, choose a tour that visits both Pompeii and Herculaneum.

Ways to explore

You can easily spend a whole day in Pompeii—your feet will give out before you run out of things to see. You can book a variety of tours based on your particular interests and schedule, or consult the recommended routes for the Pompeii archaeological site. The surrounding city of modern Pompei is worth some time as well—restaurants serve fresh-caught seafood, and you can indulge in a wine tasting at a local vineyard. Book your entrance tickets in advance—new regulations are introducing time-slot entry in summer and imposing year-round limits on visitors.

Accessibility

The site has designed an accessibility-focused route for visitors, though it includes some ramps and uneven ground. There are also tours available in Italian Sign Language.

Age limits

There are no age limits, and attractions, including the Pompeii Children’s Museum, are specifically designed for younger visitors.

What to pack

Reusable water bottle, snacks, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, ID, credit card and cash

What to wear

Good walking shoes, clothes that protect you from the sun

Not allowed

Drones, removing anything from the site, defacing the site, picnicking outside designated areas, touching the frescos, large luggage

Amenities

Water fountains, book shop, free cloakroom

Address 

Like many Italian cities, parking can be hard to find in Pompeii. There is limited parking on-site, as well as several private parking lots nearby. These fill up quickly, so it's often easier to take public transit or book a tour with transportation.

Driving

It’s a quick drive from Naples to Pompeii—head north along the A3 and continue until you can take the Pompei Ovest exit from A3/E45, and then turn left onto the ramp to SS 18 Tirrena Inferiore/SR18. Follow signage to the site.

Public transportation

The easiest and quickest way to get to Pompeii from Naples is the EAV train—catch the 1 line towards Sorrento from the Napoli Porta Nolana central station, and debark at Pompei Scavi Villa Dei Misteri station.

Best times to visit

Although timed entrances only happen in the summer season, it’s still a good idea to arrive in the morning. This serves the dual purposes of avoiding the crowds and getting to explore before it gets too hot.

Best days to visit

Several villas and sites in Pompeii are closed on Tuesdays. On Sundays, many shops and restaurants in town will be closed. Other than that, it’s hard to go wrong!

Best months to visit

The early spring (March-April) is a good time to visit, as you’ll miss the peak tourist season, and the weather won’t be scorching.

Special events

As busy as it can get, the ancient city comes alive in summer—the archeological site opens for special evening tours, giving you another way to experience it.