Visiting Pompeii and Herculaneum: useful tips

Visiting Pompeii and Herculaneum is an unmissable experience for anyone who wishes to immerse themselves in the history and culture of ancient Rome. These two archaeological sites, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites, offer a fascinating window into the daily life of a Roman city, frozen in time by the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD. Whether you are a history buff, an art lover or simply looking for a cultural adventure, Pompeii and Herculaneum will capture your attention and offer you lasting memories.

However, visiting these iconic locations requires some planning to ensure an optimal experience. With a vast array of attractions and information to consider, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed. For this reason, we have drawn up a practical guide with 10 fundamental points that will help you better organize your visit. From planning ahead and purchasing tickets online, to recommended routes within the sites, this guide will give you all the information you need to maximize your time and pleasure.

Furthermore, we will also cover logistical aspects such as how to get to Pompeii and Herculaneum, what to bring with you, and the best refreshment points. We won’t forget to mention the importance of tour guides and audio guides, which can enrich your experience, and we will give an eye to the accessibility of the sites for visitors with disabilities. Finally, we will explore other fascinating archaeological sites nearby, for those who wish to extend their adventure. Get ready to discover antiquity in a way you’ve never experienced before!

Plan your visit in advance

Information about Pompeii

Before visiting Pompeii, it is important to plan your visit in advance to maximize the experience and avoid queues and confusion. Pompeii is one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world, so it is advisable to purchase tickets in advance online to avoid long waits at the ticket office.

You can visit the site every day of the week, except December 25th, January 1st and May 1st. Opening times vary depending on the season, so it is advisable to check the official website for updated times. The best time to visit Pompeii is during the early morning or late afternoon, when there are fewer tourists and the temperature is cooler.

To get to Pompeii from Naples, you can take the Circumvesuviana line train from Naples central station. The journey takes about half an hour and the Pompei Scavi-Villa dei Misteri station is located right in front of the entrance to the archaeological site.

Before leaving for your visit, make sure you bring water, a hat, sunscreen and comfortable shoes. Pompeii is a very large site and requires a lot of walking, so it is important to be prepared.

Within the site, there are several recommended routes that will take you to discover the main buildings and monuments of Pompeii. It is possible to rent tourist guides or audio guides to have detailed information during the visit.

As for refreshment points, there are several bars and restaurants within Pompeii where you can stop for lunch or a snack. Furthermore, there are also picnic areas where you can relax and enjoy lunch outdoors.

Pompeii is accessible to visitors with disabilities, with routes and services specially designed to facilitate the visit. It is advisable to contact the site in advance for detailed information on available services.

Plan your visit in advance

Buy tickets online

To visit Pompeii and Herculaneum it is advisable to plan your visit in advance to avoid long queues and ensure entry. It is possible to purchase tickets online directly from the official website of the archaeological sites or through authorized sales platforms. This will save time at the entrance and ensure problem-free access.

It is important to keep in mind that tickets have a limited validity, so it is advisable to choose the date carefully and purchase them in advance to ensure availability.

Opening times and best time to visit

Opening hours:

The archaeological site of Pompeii is open every day, except January 1st, May 1st and December 25th. Opening hours vary depending on the season: in winter (from 1 November to 31 March) the site is open from 8.30 to 17.00, while in summer (from 1 April to 31 October) it is open from 8.30 at 7.30pm. It is advisable to check the updated opening hours on the official website before planning your visit.

Best time to visit:

The best time to visit Pompeii is during the early morning or late afternoon, when the site is less crowded. Avoid the summer months and weekends, when the site can be particularly busy. Furthermore, visiting Pompeii during the week can be a great choice to avoid the tourist crowds. Remember to bring a bottle of water and hat during the summer months, as the site can be very hot and sunny.

How to get to Pompeii and Herculaneum

Pompeii

To reach Pompeii, located about 25 kilometers south-east of Naples, you can use various means of transport. If you are traveling by car, we recommend taking the A3 motorway and exiting at Pompei Ovest or Pompei Est. It is also possible to reach Pompeii by train, taking the Circumvesuviana railway line from Naples towards Sorrento and getting off at the Pompei Scavi station. Villa of the Mysteries. Finally, you can opt for a tourist bus that leaves from Naples and arrives directly at the entrance to the archaeological excavations of Pompeii.

Herculaneum

Herculaneum can also be easily reached from Naples with various means of transport. By car, you can take the A3 motorway and exit at the Ercolano toll booth. Alternatively, you can take the Circumvesuviana railway line from Naples towards Torre del Greco and get off at Ercolano Scavi station. For those who prefer the bus, a service is available that connects Naples to the Herculaneum excavations.

Regardless of the means of transport you choose, it is important to take travel times and traffic into account, especially during the tourist season. It is advisable to leave well in advance to avoid any delays and be able to fully enjoy the visit to Pompeii and Herculaneum.

What to bring with you

Essentials:

When visiting Pompeii and Herculaneum it is important to bring some essential objects with you to make the experience more pleasant. Among the essential objects there are:

• Comfortable shoes: Pompeii and Herculaneum are extensive archaeological sites with uneven paving, so it is advisable to wear comfortable and resistant shoes for walking long distances.
• Hat and sun cream: During the summer months the sun can be very strong, so it is advisable to protect yourself with a hat and good sun cream.
• Water: It is important to stay hydrated during your visit, so it is advisable to bring a bottle of water with you.
• Camera: Pompeii and Herculaneum offer breathtaking views and unique archaeological details, so it is advisable to bring a camera with you to capture the most evocative moments.

Optional:

In addition to the essential items, there are some optional items that can make the visit more comfortable and interesting:

• Tourist guide: If you want to deepen your knowledge of the archaeological sites, it is advisable to purchase a tourist guide that provides detailed information and curiosities about the places visited.
• Light snacks: If you plan to spend several hours inside the sites, it is advisable to bring some light snacks with you to take a break during your visit.
• Suitable clothing: Depending on the season and weather conditions, it is important to wear suitable clothing that allows you to move with ease and comfort.
• Backpack: To comfortably carry all the objects necessary for the visit, it is advisable to bring a light and roomy backpack.

Recommended routes within the sites

Pompeii:

Once you enter the archaeological site of Pompeii, you will find yourself immersed in a real journey through time. To best visit Pompeii, we recommend following a route that includes the main points of interest, such as the Forum, the excavations of patrician houses such as the House of the Faun and the House of the Vettii, the Teatro Grande and the Teatro Piccolo. Don't forget to also visit the ancient temples such as the Temple of Jupiter and the Temple of Apollo.

Important: We recommend that you wear comfortable shoes and bring a bottle of water with you, especially during the summer months when the heat can be very intense.

Herculaneum:

Herculaneum is also an archaeological site of great importance, although less visited than Pompeii. We advise you to follow a route that includes the House of the Beautiful Courtyard, the House of Neptune and Amphitrite, the Theatre, the Upper and Lower Decumanus and the Gymnasium. Furthermore, don't miss the opportunity to visit the Villa dei Papiri, one of the best preserved Roman villas of antiquity.

Important: Even for the visit to Herculaneum we recommend you wear comfortable shoes and bring a bottle of water with you, especially during the summer months when the heat can be very intense.

Remember to respect the custodians’ instructions and not to touch or damage the ancient ruins during your visit. Have a nice trip into the past!

Tourist guides and audio guides

Tourist guides:

For those who wish to deepen their knowledge of Pompeii and Herculaneum, it is possible to book a professional tour guide. Tour guides are site experts and can provide detailed information on the history, architecture and events that have characterized these places. It is advisable to book in advance to ensure the availability of a qualified guide. Tourist guides can be booked directly on the official website of Pompeii and Herculaneum or through local travel agencies.

Audio guides:

For those who prefer to explore the archaeological sites independently, it is possible to rent an audio guide. Audio guides provide detailed information on the main points of interest and allow visitors to discover the site at their own pace. Audio guides can be rented directly at the entrance to Pompeii and Herculaneum and are available in several languages, including Italian, English, French and German. It is advisable to book audio guides in advance to avoid long queues at the entrance.

In conclusion, whether you choose to visit Pompeii and Herculaneum with the help of a tourist guide or an audio guide, you can deepen your knowledge of these extraordinary archaeological sites and live a unique and unforgettable experience.

Refreshment points and picnic areas

Restaurants and bars

A visit to Pompeii and Herculaneum can take several hours, so it is important to plan where to eat during the day. Both archaeological sites offer refreshment points within the areas, where it is possible to enjoy typical Neapolitan cuisine and fresh drinks. The restaurants and bars present are managed by local operators and offer a wide variety of options to satisfy all tastes and needs.

Picnic areas

If you prefer to bring a packed lunch, both archaeological sites have designated picnic areas. These areas are well equipped with tables, benches and waste bins, and offer a pleasant environment where you can enjoy food immersed in history and nature. It is important to respect the park rules and not leave waste around to preserve the environment and ensure the cleanliness of the area for subsequent visitors.

Regardless of which option you choose, it's a good idea to bring a reusable water bottle with you to hydrate during your visit, especially during hot days. Furthermore, it is useful to have a light backpack with a snack, such as dried fruit or energy bars, to have a quick and nutritious alternative in case of need. Remember to respect the park rules and not disturb the local wildlife during your picnic.

Accessibility and services for disabled people

Accessibility:

Both the archaeological sites of Pompeii and Herculaneum are accessible to visitors with disabilities. The facilities are equipped with access ramps, flat paths and lifts to allow everyone to fully enjoy the experience. It is advisable to find out in advance how to access and book any additional services to ensure a comfortable and pleasant visit.

Services for disabled people:

Both sites offer a range of services to facilitate visits for visitors with disabilities. Among the services available there are accessible bathrooms, reserved parking, audio guides and guides specialized in using the site for people with visual or hearing disabilities. It is possible to request the assistance of qualified personnel to accompany visitors with disabilities during the visit and provide all the necessary information.

It is advisable to contact the information office of the archaeological sites in advance to better organize the visit and guarantee an unforgettable experience for all visitors, regardless of their specific needs.