Relive daily life in a Roman city frozen in time by the eruption of Vesuvius. Explore the intact ruins of Pompeii with a pragmatic and immersive approach to understanding history.
Prices and conditions
From 27,50 €.
Visit one of the world’s famous archaeological sites.
From 27 €.
Purchase a ticket and rent an audio guide for your visit.
From 49,50 €.
Walk through ancient streets and view preserved ruins and artifacts.
From 86 €.
Visit the volcano and explore the Pompeii excavations.
From 31 €.
Reserved entry to Pompeii, skip-the-line to Herculaneum, Caserta Palace and more.
From 64,90 €.
Explore the Roman Empire's lost city on a day trip from Naples.
From 52 €.
Explore Pompeii before the eruption of Vesuvius in an AR experience.
From 99,75 €.
See cities untouched by time and enjoy a guided tour led by an archaeologist.
From 90 €.
Walk through narrow streets and visit ancient historical sites.
From 152 €.
Explore the ruins and learn about ancient history.
Thousands of visitors have already booked their visit: reviews and testimonials
★ 4.6/5 · 12 reviews collected directly from visitors and moderated by Visit Tickets
"Arriving at 9:00 sharp to avoid the heatwave, we enjoyed incredible silence. The Forum is the central point, as advised. Our closed-toe shoes saved us from the uneven cobblestones. A total and respectful immersion, far from tourist traps."
"The Villa of the Mysteries is truly worth the visit with its intact frescoes. We visited separately to avoid the crowds. The price of €49.50 is a bargain for a 66-hectare site. Take your time; you can’t see everything in 2 hours."
"Access by train from Naples is very convenient via Pompei Scavi station. However, the queue at Porta Marina kept me waiting 45 minutes despite the online ticket. The atmosphere remains magical once inside, especially at the Grand Theater."
"Traveling solo, I followed the audio guide, which superbly contextualizes the history. I got lost near the Faun’s House while admiring the mosaic. There is no shade, so I applied my sunscreen generously. The experience is breathtaking and very well organized."
"With my children, we had a picnic far from the only snack in the Forum. We started with the Forum to understand the urban layout. The site is immense and requires energy. The kids were fascinated by the remains of the Stabian Baths. Thank you for this time-traveling experience."
"The lack of shade is real in summer; I had to cover up constantly. We drank water from the Roman fountains to save money. The welcome is excellent, and the details on the Oscan foundation are fascinating. The guided tour is highly recommended to avoid missing the subtle architectural differences."
"The entrance to the Portico of Augustus is majestic. I reserved my ticket online to avoid unofficial sellers. The morning silence before the buses arrive is precious. It is one of the most authentic sites I have seen in Italy, with incredible preservation of private houses."
"We visited as a couple on a morning in October. The guided tour was decisive for understanding the 62 AD earthquake before the eruption. The site is vast, so we had to prioritize the Grand Theater. A moment of total immersion, as if transported to the 1st century. Train access is a huge plus."
"Physical effort is to be expected, especially with the uneven ground. I avoided sandals as advised. The Grand Theater offers a stunning view of the bay. The price remains reasonable for the immense offering. You really need to plan to see the key spots without rushing."
"The Villa of the Mysteries is my highlight; the frescoes are stunning. We used the Campania Artecard to simplify access. The site is outdoors, the heat is intense but manageable with a water bottle. An unforgettable experience of Ancient Rome."
"Arriving very early, we avoided the crowds at Porta Marina. The Forum in the early morning, without tourists, is a striking sight. I could photograph the temples without obstruction. It is a site that demands physical preparation, but the reward is immense."
"The site is magnificent, but the logistics need careful planning. We had difficulty finding drinking water near the exit. The Grand Theater is impressive in its dimensions. The €49.50 ticket includes access to the entire site, which is honest. Plan for sturdy shoes and energy."
Everything you need to plan your visit
PMR
Limited access due to uneven ancient ground; caution recommended for standard wheelchairs.
Family
Suitable for families with children aged 8 and up, significant walking required.
Audio guide
French, English, Spanish
Current conditions and forecast to plan your visit
From Oscan foundations to the fatal eruption of 79 AD
Date of the Vesuvius Eruption
Duration of complete oblivion
Veterans settled by Sulla
UNESCO World Heritage inscription
The archaeological site of Pompeii has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997, along with Herculaneum and Oplontis. This inscription highlights the global importance of these remains preserved by lava. Visitors can thus relive daily life in a Roman city frozen in time by the eruption of Vesuvius.
The origins of Pompeii date back to the 6th century BC, involving Oscan, Greek, and Etruscan groups. The city was subsequently conquered by the Samnites before falling under Roman domination. In 89 BC, Lucius Cornelius Sulla settled nearly 2 000 veterans there, accelerating its rapid Latinization.
The city prospered in Campania, the land of the gods renowned for its fertility. However, a powerful earthquake in 62 AD severely damaged the baths and water network. These damages were still visible during the final catastrophe that sealed the city's fate a few years later.
Buried under meters of volcanic sediment, Pompeii paradoxically escaped medieval looting. It fell into 15 centuries of oblivion, mentioned only by Statius and Martial. It was not until the 17th century, after traces found in 1592, that real rediscovery began.
The political and religious heart is located at the Forum, the central point essential for orientation. Around this square, discover the Basilica and major temples. These structures offer immediate insight into the urban and social organization of the ancient Roman city.
The Villa of the Mysteries impresses with its colorful frescoes, better preserved than the exterior structures. This site testifies to the artistic wealth and initiatory rites practiced locally. Photographing these works allows you to grasp the cultural vitality that animated wealthy private residences.
The Large Theatre and the Stabian Baths illustrate public life and daily leisure. These spaces hosted spectacles and baths, essential for social cohesion. Visiting these sites offers a pragmatic immersion into the habits of citizens before the volcanic tragedy of 79 AD. Preserved wall frescoes still testify to the cultural importance accorded to performing arts by this prosperous Italic community.
For a practical guide to visiting Pompeii, prefer the months of March-April or September-October. These periods avoid extreme heat and dense summer crowds. Pompeii opening hours 2024 vary: 9am-7pm in high season and 9am-5pm in low season.
Bring closed walking shoes as the ground is uneven and paved with ancient debris. Plan also for sunscreen, a cap, and a refillable water bottle at free fountains. A light picnic is advised, as only one snack exists near the Forum.
The difference between the Pompeii Herculaneum ticket lies in the size and density of the sites. Combine them if you are organized, but Herculaneum requires less time. Also consider checking accessibility for people with reduced mobility, as the terrain is difficult.
Relive the Roman city frozen in time
Insider tips
Enter as soon as 9:00 AM to enjoy the morning coolness and avoid the midday heat on the open site. Queues are non-existent at this hour, saving you precious time for actual touring without stress or uncomfortable waiting.
The ground consists of uneven Roman cobblestones and debris; sandals are discouraged to avoid injuries and blisters. Opt for stable walking shoes to navigate safely on ancient streets worn down by two millennia of foot traffic and natural erosion.
Many fountains still function as they did in Roman times; fill your bottle for free instead of buying water. It is eco-friendly and economical, as you will find points of potable water regularly dispersed along the main thoroughfares of the site.
There is only one snack near the Forum; bringing food allows you to have lunch quietly away from the crowds. Choose a shaded spot like the Farnese Gardens to savor your meal in a calming historical setting, far from the noise and bustle of central areas.
The political and religious heart is the central point; orienting yourself there upon entry facilitates understanding of the urban plan. By mastering this key space first, you can then geographically locate all other houses and buildings relative to this fundamental landmark of the city.
No natural shade on most of the site; direct exposure is intense all day. Generously apply high-SPF cream and wear a cap to prevent sunburn, especially if you plan to stay outside for several hours under the Campanian sun.
The colors of the villas (such as the Villa of the Mysteries) are better preserved than exterior structures; do not miss them. Use a good zoom to capture details of the mural paintings, true artistic treasures that testify to the aesthetic sophistication of Pompeii's wealthy inhabitants.
If budget allows, check offers including Herculaneum or the National Archaeological Museum of Naples. These packages often offer better value for money and simplify logistics by grouping the main attractions related to the Vesuvius eruption into a single booking.
With these tips in mind, make the most of your visit to the Pompeii Archaeological Park. View ticket options and conditions up to 24h.
Book my ticketsLittle-known anecdotes
The city was buried under meters of volcanic sediment, paradoxically protecting the ruins from common medieval looting. For 15 centuries, Pompeii remained invisible, preserving its integrity until its accidental rediscovery much later.
The origins are poorly known but involve Oscan, Greek, and Etruscan groups before the definitive Roman conquest. The Etruscans likely took over in the 6th century BC, building the first wall made of Pappamonte stone around 570 BC.
Lucius Cornelius Sulla settled nearly 2,000 veterans there after the Social War, radically accelerating the Latinization of the city. This military colonization permanently transformed local demographics and culture, gradually marginalizing the original Samnite community.
A powerful earthquake in 62 severely damaged the baths and the running water network before the final catastrophe of 79. This major event rendered several buildings unusable, leaving the city vulnerable before the eruption.
Although affected by the construction of the Sarno canal in 1592, Pompeii was not truly rediscovered until the 17th century. The first systematic excavations took place in the 18th century, starting from 1748, allowing the unearthing of a city with remarkable preservation.
Campania was so called by the Romans for its exceptional fertility and ideal climate conducive to lush agriculture. This reputation attracted many wealthy landowners who built sumptuous villas, contributing to Pompeii's economic prosperity before its fall.
Three itineraries depending on time available
Discover Campania and Naples with a pass to visit 40 cultural sites and public transport (included only in the 3-day pass).
From 31 €
More must-see experiences in Pompeii
Find the attraction and nearby places to visit
Make time to explore the surrounding area
30 min by train
Essential to see original frescoes and artifacts extracted from the ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum. This museum preserves the plaster casts of the eruption victims.
15 min by train
Neighboring city better preserved than Pompeii thanks to lava, offering a striking contrast with ash. Organic remains are more intact here.
10 min by bus
Resort nearby to cool off after visiting the site, with direct views of Vesuvius. Ideal for ending the day by the Tyrrhenian Sea.
5 min walk
Small baroque church located near the main entrance, witness to local post-catastrophe life. The Chiesa di San Gennaro houses relics linked to the patron saint of Naples.
8 min walk
Traditional Campanian cuisine in the modern village of Pompei, ideal for an authentic meal near the ruins. Taste local specialties like Neapolitan pizza.
12 min drive
Preserved natural area along the Sarno river, offering a green stroll away from tourist crowds and below the site.
Estimated travel times from the main points in the city
Metro : Pompeii - P.zza Porta Marina inferiore (8 min walk) Bus : (bus) (7 min walk)
Find a hotel near Archaeological Site of Pompeii
Everything you need to know before your visit
A preview of this exceptional place before your visit
See what to expect during your visit
Quick comparison with other major sites
| Archaeological Site of Pompeii | Herculaneum | National Archaeological Museum of Naples | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year created | 79 AD | 79 AD | 1777 |
| Adult rate | 48€ | 14€ | 12€ |
| Visit duration | 4-6 hours | 2-3 hours | 3-4 hours |
| Feature | Entire city frozen in time | Better preserved by lava | Original artifacts |