Tips for visiting Pompeii: Your questions answered

Visiting Pompeii offers visitors a fantastic way to learn about ancient Roman life. After Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD, the city was destroyed — but the volcano’s ash preserved it until it was excavated to become the immersive archaeological site it is today. There are few places in the world where you can literally walk the streets of an ancient city, so it’s well worth going if you’re planning a trip to Naples.

Read on for all you need to know about visiting Pompeii, from the best times to visit to what not to miss.

Know before you go to Pompeii

1. When is the best time to visit Pompeii?

Go first thing in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid peak tourist hours and peak sun hours. Visiting Pompeii in the spring and fall, the shoulder seasons, also make for less-crowded experiences.

2. What are the opening hours for Pompeii?


Pompeii is open from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM, Monday to Sunday. During the summer months, the site closes at 7:30 PM, with the last entry at 6:00 PM. In the winter months, it closes at 5:30 PM.

3. How much time should I spend at Pompeii?


Although you could easily take a whole day to visit Pompeii, plan to spend at least four to five hours seeing the ancient city. There’s a lot to take in, including ancient villas and taverns. If you’re on a time crunch with your schedule, prioritize must-sees like the Forum, the Baths, and the House of the Faun.

4. How do I get to Pompeii?


The best option by train is to take the Circumvesuviana from Naples’ Piazza Garibaldi station. Alight at Pompei Scavi – Villa dei Misteri station, which is conveniently located at the ruins’ entrance.

Pompeii is accessible by car via the A3 and takes 20 to 30 minutes from Naples, depending on traffic. If you want to take a cab, use official taxis to avoid scams.

5. Should I book Pompeii tickets in advance?

Buying your tickets ahead of time is an excellent idea if you’re visiting without being part of a tour. This way, you can avoid the long lines at the entrance (particularly during the busy summer tourist season) and ensure you have entry — daily admissions are capped at 20,000.

6. Is a tour of Pompeii worthwhile?

A tour is great for anyone interested in a deeper look at the city’s past. Guides at Pompeii bring its ruins to life with valuable insights, historical context, and cool facts that visitors might miss on their own.

However, audio guides and informative signs are available, so whether you opt for a guided or self-guided visit, Pompeii offers a unique glimpse into the past that’s hard to find elsewhere.

7. Is Pompeii wheelchair accessible?

Pompeii is accessible for wheelchair users thanks to the “Pompeii for All” initiative. This program includes a designated path, extended over two miles, that’s designed to help visitors with mobility challenges navigate the site more easily. The path features ramps and accessible routes, allowing access to many important areas and structures within the ancient city.

8. Can I visit Pompeii for free?

You can visit Pompeii for free on the first Sunday of each month. Otherwise, you’ll have to pay to enter the site.

Highlights at Pompeii

9. What are the main attractions to see in Pompeii?

Don’t miss the Forum, which formed the civic heart of ancient Pompeii; the well-preserved frescoes in the Villa of the Mysteries; or the haunting plaster casts of the eruption’s victims in the Garden of the Fugitives. If you have more time to spare, make time for the elliptical arena of the Amphitheater, the opulence of the House of the Vettii, and the impressive architecture of the Stabian Baths.

10. What is the most famous site in Pompeii?

The Forum is one of Pompeii’s most famous sites: Archaeologists believe this center of political, social, and economic life was surrounded by other important buildings, like the Temple of Jupiter, the Basilica, and various public buildings that would have played a major role Pompeii’s civic life. With well-preserved architecture and artifacts to check out, it’s a fascinating glimpse into the public life of Pompeii’s former inhabitants.

History and facts about Pompeii

11. How was Pompeii preserved for so long?

When Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD, it buried Pompeii under a thick blanket of volcanic ash and pumice. This natural cover acted like a time capsule, protecting the city from weather damage and thieves. Without air or moisture, buildings and items stayed in great shape for centuries, including household artifacts, beautiful wall paintings, and even the casts of those caught in the disaster.

12. What are some of the most interesting things found in Pompeii?

One of the most fascinating discoveries in Pompeii was incredibly intact food items, which gave archaeologists (and the rest of us) an idea of what ancient Romans ate day to day. These remnants, including carbonized loaves of bread, nuts, fruits, and even jars of preserves, were well-preserved thanks to their cover of volcanic ash.