Know Before You Go: Visiting Pompeii

As the Pompeii archaeological site is a very popular tourist destination, it’s best to visit during the shoulder seasons—early spring or late autumn—to avoid crowds if you can. During these times, the weather is pleasant and there are fewer visitors to contend with, so you’ll enjoy a more relaxed experience. That being said, Pompeii is open year-round: 9am–7pm from April through October, and 9am–5pm from November through March.

Insider tip: Most people visit Pompeii in the morning, so go in the afternoon for a little more peace. Just be prepared for lots of direct sunlight during the warmer months.

One of the most important Pompeii tips for visitors is to plan how to get to the archaeological site, as it’s located outside of all the nearby cities. If you’re taking a day trip to Pompeii from a larger city base, such as Naples or Sorrento, you’ll want to hop on the Circumvesuviana train, which stops directly outside of Pompeii.

But if you don’t want to navigate train travel, you can book a tour that includes transportation or a transfer service from wherever you’re staying. Once you get to Pompeii, you can explore through the cobblestone paths on foot.

The Pompeii historical site features 163 acres (66 hectares) of well-preserved ruins, complete with homes, shops, and other businesses. If you join a Pompeii ruins tour, you’ll walk around and learn how life functioned before the volcanic eruption. Visiting the ruins on your own can be overwhelming, though—however, on an expert-led tour, your guide will offer historical context and lead you to the most significant sights within the complex, bringing them to life with engaging storytelling.

Most tours of Pompeii include an entrance ticket to the ancient city and villas, along with a guide and water to keep you hydrated throughout the experience. Some tours offer transportation to and from the site, but not all—check before booking if this is essential. Book skip-the-line tickets to avoid any delays on arrival. You can also buy a Pompeii Express ticket, which grants access to the city complex but not the villas, or opt for a 3-day pass that includes admission to additional sites, including the Libero D’Orsi Archaeological Museum.

There's no specific dress code for visiting Pompeii, but since exploring the archaeological site involves a lot of walking, opt for clothing you’ll be comfortable moving around in—lightweight, stretchy attire is ideal. Comfort is key for your footwear, as you’ll be navigating bumpy cobblestone streets and pathways during your visit. Add items for protection against the sun in the summer months, such as a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, as there’s very little shade. Pack an extra layer in autumn and winter, and an umbrella if there’s a chance of rain.

Herculaneum is the archaeological site of another village destroyed alongside Pompeii by the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in AD 79. The two sites are slightly different: Pompeii is the larger complex and more popular attraction, while Herculaneum is smaller but less crowded and better preserved. You can combine your visits to both in one day, or plan separate trips if you have more time in the area. Herculaneum is located within a 20-minute drive or a 50-minute train ride from Pompeii.

There's enough to experience near Pompeii to warrant a multi-day stay in the area. Start by exploring cities such as Naples and Sorrento, check out the ruins at Herculaneum, hike Mt. Vesuvius, or head to the Amalfi Coast, where colorful villages and dramatic scenery await.

You can also go island-hopping from Naples or Sorrento, visiting the luxurious Capri, the volcanic Isola d’Ischia, or the pastel-colored island of Procida that still retains much of its identity as a small fishing village.

If you or anyone you’re traveling with uses a wheelchair or has another mobility-limiting disability, you might be wondering how to visit Pompeii. Since 2016, Pompeii has accommodated visitors who use wheelchairs with the "Pompeii for All" route—a path through the complex built specifically for wheelchairs, offering a smooth surface to navigate, as opposed to bumpy, uneven cobblestone. The main entrance to the archaeological site does not offer wheelchair access, but an accessible entrance is located on the south side of the complex.

Insider tip: Not all Circumvesuviana train stations are wheelchair accessible, but tours are available that include accessible transportation.

• How much time do you need to visit Pompeii? A self-guided or guided tour around Pompeii typically takes 2.5 hours, and you can see almost all of the most significant areas of the site in four hours. You may want to visit Herculaneum and Mt. Vesuvius and combine the three sights in a multi-day trip if you’re visiting Pompeii from Naples or Rome.

• What is the story of Pompeii? In AD 79, the volcano Mt. Vesuvius erupted suddenly, spewing hot ash and lava over Pompeii and other nearby communities. This eruption buried the entire city under ash, destroying its buildings and the local population. It wasn’t rediscovered until the 16th century, and excavation began in the 18th century.

• Do you need to buy Pompeii tickets in advance? For quicker entry to the archaeological park, you’ll want to purchase your Pompeii tickets in advance. That can mean booking a tour with admission included or opting for skip-the-line tickets.