Visit Pompeii — Complete Visitor Guide & Practical Information
Planning Your Visit to Pompeii
Pompeii is one of Italy's most-visited tourist attractions, welcoming approximately 4 million visitors each year. A well-planned visit will help you make the most of this extraordinary archaeological site. This guide covers everything you need to know.
Essential Information at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Admission | EUR18 (standard adult) |
| Opening hours | 09:00-19:00 (summer) / 09:00-17:00 (winter) |
| Closed | January 1, May 1, December 25 |
| Visit duration | 3-5 hours recommended |
| Nearest station | Pompei Scavi - Villa dei Misteri (Circumvesuviana) |
| From Naples | ~35 min by Circumvesuviana train |
| From Rome | ~2-2.5 hours (high-speed train + Circumvesuviana) |
| UNESCO | World Heritage Site since 1997 |
Visit Planning Pages
- Tickets & Prices — Current ticket prices, booking options, combo tickets, free entry days
- Archaeological Park — What to expect at the park, facilities, accessibility
- How to Get There — Transport options from all directions
- From Rome — Detailed Rome-to-Pompeii travel guide
- From Naples — Naples-to-Pompeii connections and tips
When to Visit
Best months: April, May, September, October — mild temperatures (18-24 degrees C), manageable crowds, long daylight hours.
Peak season (June-August): Temperatures can exceed 35 degrees C with intense sun and little shade. Crowds are at their heaviest. If visiting in summer, arrive at opening time and bring plenty of water.
Winter (November-March): Fewer crowds and cooler temperatures, but shorter opening hours and some areas may be closed for maintenance. Rainy days can make the ancient streets slippery.
Best day of the week: Weekdays are less crowded than weekends. Monday and Friday tend to be quieter. The first Sunday of each month is free entry, which means extremely heavy crowds.
What to Bring
- Comfortable walking shoes with good grip (the basalt cobblestone streets are uneven)
- Water (at least 1.5 liters per person in summer)
- Sun protection: hat, sunscreen, sunglasses
- A light snack (on-site food options are limited)
- A portable phone charger (for maps and audio guides)
- A light rain jacket in spring and autumn
Suggested Itineraries
3-Hour Highlights Tour
Enter at Porta Marina, see the Forum, Forum Baths, House of the Faun, Lupanar, Large Theatre, and exit.
Full-Day Exploration
Cover the highlights plus the Amphitheatre, Garden of the Fugitives, Villa of the Mysteries, House of the Vettii, and the less-visited eastern neighborhoods.
Two-Site Day (Pompeii + Herculaneum)
Visit Herculaneum in the morning (1.5-2 hours), take the Circumvesuviana to Pompeii (20 minutes), explore Pompeii in the afternoon (3-4 hours). Use the EUR22 combo ticket.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pompeii worth visiting?
Absolutely. Pompeii is one of the most significant archaeological sites in the world and offers an unparalleled window into ancient Roman life. The site receives approximately 4 million visitors per year. Allow 3-5 hours for a thorough visit.
What is the best time of year to visit Pompeii?
The shoulder seasons of April-May and September-October offer the best combination of pleasant weather and manageable crowds. Summer (June-August) is hot and crowded. Winter is less crowded but some areas may be closed.