Things to do in Pompeii

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All about Pompeii

When to visit

Pompeii is open year-round but faces massive tourist crowds in the Italian high travel season—roughly July to mid-September—when it’s also expensive and swelteringly hot. Visit in late spring or early fall for convenient transportation connections and more pleasant weather. Other considerations: Pompeii occasionally hosts summer concerts and theater festivals, and can be nearly empty in fall and winter—it’s a treat to walk the ancient streets with few tourists in sight.

Getting around

From Naples, Pompeii can be reached on Trenitalia trains and the Circumvesuviana commuter rail from the Napoli Centrale train station. These trains run frequently throughout the day and make the trip in about 30 minutes—the Pompeii Archeological Park is within walking distance from the Pompeii train station. The Campania Express train makes fewer stops while serving tourist destinations like Pompeii and Herculaneum. To reach Pompeii from Rome, driving or guided day trips are best.

Traveler tips

Pompeii is among the most known—and visited—archeological sites on the planet, but visitors should keep in mind that there are other worthwhile ancient ruins nearby. Herculaneum Archeological Park, which is smaller and usually less crowded than Pompeii, faced the same volcanic fate as Pompeii but lies farther north along the coast toward Naples. The ancient ruins of Paestum are older than Pompeii’s and have some of the best preserved Greek temples anywhere.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do tourists go to Pompeii?

Tourists visit Pompeii to explore the ruins of an ancient Roman city preserved under volcanic debris for centuries after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79. Visitors can walk freely among the ruins, which include a forum, one of the oldest-surviving Roman amphitheaters, and upscale villas with well-preserved frescoes.

Is a guided tour of Pompeii worth it?

Yes, guided tours of Pompeii are worthwhile. Tours cover a lot of ground in a few hours and guides are often archeologists or historians who are able to give layered perspectives on the archeological site, Mount Vesuvius, and the history of the region.

How long do you need for Pompeii?

At minimum, you need four hours. The fastest tours speed through the main sights in about two hours, and one-way transportation from Naples or the Amalfi Coast requires at least one hour. Pompeii is among the largest archeological sites in the world, and seeing everything requires more than one day.

What should you not miss in Pompeii?

Don’t miss the Garden of the Fugitives, holding plaster castes of Pompeiian citizens frozen in time during the volcanic eruption of AD 79. Other top sights include the forum, aka the heart of the ancient town; the amphitheater, which once hosted gladiator games; and the Villa of the Mysteries with its ancient frescoes.

What was the most interesting thing found in Pompeii?

The frescoes in the Villa of the Mysteries, showing a bride’s initiation into a cult, are among the most well-preserved ancient Roman paintings in the world. Also of interest: the floor mosaics in the House of the Faun and erotic art in the National Archaeological Museum of Naples.

Is Pompeii still buried in ash?

By most accounts, about one-third of Pompeii is buried in volcanic debris today. Archeologists continually unearth discoveries, from buildings to historical artifacts and human remains. Volcanic ash and pumice stone completely covered the city through the mid-18th century, acting as a preservative and keeping it intact for nearly 2,000 years.