The Ultimate Pompeii Travel Guide: How to Explore the Ancient City Like a Pro
First, imagine walking through the streets of an ancient Roman city, where you can see the houses, temples, shops, theaters, and even the graffiti of the people who lived there almost 2,000 years ago. Second, imagine witnessing the art, culture, and lifestyle of a civilization that was frozen in time by a catastrophic volcanic eruption. Then, imagine feeling the awe and wonder of discovering a lost world that is still alive and vibrant.
This is what visiting Pompeii is like.
Pompeii is one of the most fascinating and unique destinations in the world. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular tourist attraction, where millions of people come every year to see the remains of a sophisticated Greco-Roman city that was destroyed by Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE. Pompeii is not only a historical and archaeological treasure, but also a living museum that offers a glimpse into the past.
But how do you plan your perfect trip to Pompeii? How do you get there, what do you see, where do you stay, and when do you go? How do you make the most of your visit to this amazing place?
Don’t worry, we have got you covered.
In this ultimate Pompeii travel guide, we will provide you with everything you need to know before visiting Pompeii, including tips on when to go, how to get there, what to see, where to stay, and more. We will also share some secrets and facts about Pompeii that will make your visit more enjoyable, memorable, and educational.
Whether you are a history buff, a culture lover, or an adventure seeker, Pompeii has something for everyone. So get ready to explore the ancient city like a pro with our Pompeii travel guide!
1. When to Visit Pompeii
1.1. Factors to Consider Before Visit Pompeii
Pompeii is a year-round destination that can be visited at any time of the year. However, depending on your preferences and expectations, some seasons or months might be better than others. Here are some factors that you should consider when choosing the best time to visit Pompeii:
1.1.1. Weather
Pompeii has a Mediterranean climate, which means that it has hot and dry summers and mild and rainy winters. The average temperature in Pompeii ranges from 10°C (50°F) in January to 25°C (77°F) in July and August. The hottest months are July and August when the temperature can reach up to 35°C (95°F) or higher. The coldest months are December and January when the temperature can drop below 0°C (32°F) at night. The rainiest months are October and November when the average rainfall is about 120 mm (4.7 inches) per month. The driest months are June and July when the average rainfall is about 20 mm (0.8 inches) per month.
1.1.2. Crowds
Pompeii is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Italy, with approximately 2.5 million visitors annually. The busiest months are July and August when Pompeii receives about 400,000 monthly visitors. The quietest months are January and February when Pompeii receives about 100,000 monthly visitors. The peak hours are between 10 am and 2 pm when most of the tour groups arrive. The best hours are early in the morning or late in the afternoon when the site is less crowded and more pleasant.
1.1.3. Prices
Pompeii is not a very expensive destination, but the prices can vary depending on the season and the demand.
- The entrance fee to Pompeii is €16 (about $19) per person for a single ticket or €22 (about $26) per person for a combined ticket that includes access to Herculaneum and other nearby sites. The entrance fee is free for children under 18 years old and EU citizens under 25. It is also free for everyone on the first Sunday of every month.
- The accommodation prices in or near Pompeii range from €30 (about $36) per night for a budget hotel or hostel to €150 (about $180) per night for a luxury hotel or apartment. The accommodation prices are higher in summer and lower in winter.
- The transportation prices in or near Pompeii depend on the mode and the distance. For example, a train ticket from Naples to Pompeii costs €2.80 (about $3.30) per person one way or €5.60 (about $6.60) per person round trip. A taxi ride from Naples to Pompeii costs about €50 (about $60) one way or €100 (about $120) round trip.
1.1.4. Events
Pompeii hosts several events throughout the year that can enhance your visit and make it more fun and interesting. Some of the most notable events are:
- Easter Week: In April, Pompeii celebrates Easter with religious processions, ceremonies, and festivities that attract many pilgrims and tourists.
- International Music Festival: In June and July, Pompeii hosts an international music festival that features concerts by famous artists and bands in the ancient amphitheater.
- Night Openings: In July and August, Pompeii opens its doors at night for special guided tours that allow visitors to see the site under a different light and atmosphere.
- Halloween: In October, Pompeii organizes a special event for Halloween that includes spooky tours, shows, games, and surprises for children and adults.
- Christmas: In December, Pompeii celebrates Christmas with decorations, lights, markets, nativity scenes, and concerts that create a festive mood.
1.2. Best Time to Visit Pompeii
Based on these factors, you can decide which season or month suits you best for visiting Pompeii. Here are some pros and cons of each season:
- Spring (March-May): Spring is a good time to visit Pompeii, as the weather is mild and sunny, the flowers are blooming, and the crowds are moderate. However, spring can also be rainy and unpredictable, so you should bring an umbrella and a jacket. Spring is also more expensive than winter. Therefore, you should book your tickets and accommodation in advance.
- Summer (June-August): Summer is the most popular time to visit Pompeii, as the weather is hot and dry, the events are plentiful, and the site is open longer. However, summer can also be very crowded, noisy, and uncomfortable, so you should avoid the peak hours and bring a hat, sunscreen, and water. Summer is also the most expensive time to visit Pompeii, so you should expect higher prices and longer lines.
- Autumn (September-November): Autumn is a great time to visit Pompeii, as the weather is warm and pleasant, the colors are changing, and the crowds are thinning. However, autumn can also be rainy and stormy, so you should check the weather forecast and be prepared for possible closures. Autumn is also cheaper than summer, so you can find some good deals and discounts.
- Winter (December-February): Winter is the least popular time to visit Pompeii, as the weather is cold and wet, the days are short, and the site is closed on some holidays. However, winter can also be very peaceful, quiet, and romantic, so you can enjoy Pompeii without the crowds and the hassle. Winter is also the cheapest time to visit Pompeii, so you can save money and time.
2. How to Get to Pompeii
Pompeii is located in the Campania region of southern Italy, about 25 km (15 miles) southeast of Naples and 250 km (155 miles) south of Rome. There are several ways to get to Pompeii from different locations, depending on your budget, time, and preference. In this Pompeii travel guide, let me introduce to you some of the most common options:
2.1. Train
The train is the cheapest and easiest way to get to Pompeii from nearby cities, such as Naples, Sorrento, Salerno, etc. You can take the Circumvesuviana train, which is a local railway that connects Naples with Pompeii and other towns around Mount Vesuvius. The train station in Pompeii is called Pompei Scavi-Villa dei Misteri. It is located just outside the main entrance of the archaeological site.
The train journey from Naples to Pompeii takes about 30-40 minutes and costs €2.80 (about $3.30) per person one way or €5.60 (about $6.60) per person round trip. The train runs every 20-30 minutes from 6 am to 9 pm. You can buy your tickets at the station or online at Trainline.
2.2. Bus
The bus is another cheap and convenient way to get to Pompeii from nearby cities, such as Naples, Sorrento, Salerno, etc. You can take the SITA bus, which is a regional bus service that connects Naples with Pompeii and other towns along the Amalfi Coast. The bus station in Pompeii is called Piazza Esedra. It is located about 500 meters (0.3 miles) from the main entrance of the archaeological site.
The bus journey from Naples to Pompeii takes about 50-60 minutes and costs €2.90 (about $3.40) per person one way or €5.80 (about $6.80) per person round trip. The bus runs every hour from 6 am to 8 pm. You can buy your tickets at the station or online at Busbud or Flixbus.
2.3. Car
The car is the most flexible and comfortable way to get to Pompeii from anywhere in Italy, but also the most expensive and stressful one. You can rent a car at any major airport or city in Italy and drive to Pompeii via the A1 motorway (from Rome) or the A3 motorway (from Naples).
The driving distance from Rome to Pompeii is about 250 km (155 miles) and takes about 2-3 hours depending on traffic and tolls. The driving distance from Naples to Pompeii is about 25 km (15 miles) and takes about 30-40 minutes depending on traffic and tolls.
The toll fee for the A1 motorway is about €15 (about $18) one way or €30 (about $36) round trip. The toll fee for the A3 motorway is about €2 (about $2.40) one way or €4 (about $4.80) round trip. You can pay by cash or credit card at the toll booths.
There are several parking lots near the entrance of the archaeological site for a fee of about €3-5 (about $3.60-$6) per hour or €15-20 (about $18-$24) per day. You can find more information and book your car rental online at Discover Cars.
2.4. Taxi
The taxi is the fastest and most convenient way to get to Pompeii from anywhere in Italy, but also the most expensive one. You can take a taxi to any major airport or city in Italy and ask the driver to take you to Pompeii. The taxi fare from Rome to Pompeii is about €300-400 (about $360-$480) one way or €600-800 (about $720-$960) round trip depending on traffic and time of day. The taxi fare from Naples to Pompeii is about €50-60 (about $60-$72) one way or €100-120 (about $120-$144) round trip depending on traffic and time of day.
You can pay by cash or credit card at the end of the ride.
3. What to See in Pompeii
Pompeii is a vast and complex archaeological site that covers an area of about 66 hectares (163 acres). It contains more than 1,500 buildings, streets, squares, temples, theaters, baths, shops, and houses that reflect the life and culture of an ancient Roman city. Let’s explore the attractions of Pompeii in this travel guide.
3.1. Attractions and Highlights of Pompeii
There are so many things to see and do in Pompeii that you could spend hours or even days exploring it. However, if you have limited time or want to focus on the most important and impressive sites, here are some of the main attractions and highlights of Pompeii that you should not miss:
3.1.1. The Forum
The Forum was the political, religious, and social center of Pompeii. It was a large rectangular square surrounded by public buildings, such as the Basilica (the courthouse), the Temple of Jupiter (the main temple), the Temple of Apollo (the oldest temple), the Temple of Vespasian (the imperial cult temple), the Macellum (the market), and the Curia (the council hall). The Forum was also the place where people gathered for ceremonies, festivals, speeches, and commerce. You can see the remains of these buildings and admire their architecture and decoration. You can also see some statues, altars, and monuments that commemorate important events or people in Pompeii’s history.
3.1.2. The Amphitheater
The Amphitheater was the largest entertainment venue in Pompeii. It was a circular arena that could seat up to 20,000 spectators who came to watch gladiator fights, animal hunts, executions, and other spectacles. The Amphitheater was built in 80 BCE and was one of the oldest and best-preserved amphitheaters in the Roman world. You can walk around the arena and see the seats, entrances, exits, corridors, and tunnels that were used by the performers and the audience. Additionally, you can see some graffiti and inscriptions that reveal the names of gladiators, teams, sponsors, and fans.
3.1.3. The Villa of the Mysteries
The Villa of the Mysteries was one of the most luxurious and mysterious villas in Pompeii. It was a large country house that belonged to a wealthy family who had a passion for art and culture. The villa had several rooms, such as a dining room, a living room, a bedroom, a kitchen, a bathroom, a wine cellar, and a garden. The most remarkable feature of the villa was its frescoes that covered the walls of one of its rooms. Indeed, the frescoes depicted a series of scenes that are believed to represent a secret initiation ritual into the cult of Dionysus, the god of wine and ecstasy. The frescoes are colorful and vivid and show various characters and symbols that have intrigued scholars and visitors for centuries.
3.1.4. The House of the Faun
The House of the Faun was one of the largest and most elegant houses in Pompeii. It was named after a bronze statue of a faun (a half-man half-goat creature) that stood in its courtyard. The house had two floors and covered an area of about 3,000 square meters (32,000 square feet). It had several rooms, such as a reception hall, a dining room, a living room, a bedroom, a kitchen, a bathroom, a library, and a garden. The house was decorated with exquisite mosaics, paintings, sculptures, and furniture that showed the taste and wealth of its owners. On top of that, one of the most famous mosaics in the house was the Alexander Mosaic which depicted a battle scene between Alexander the Great and Darius III.
3.1.5. The Lupanar
The Lupanar was the largest brothel in Pompeii. It was located near the Forum and had two floors with ten rooms each. The rooms were small and dark and had stone beds covered with mattresses or cushions. The walls were painted with erotic scenes or inscriptions that advertised the services or prices of the prostitutes who worked there. The Lupanar was frequented by men from all walks of life who came to satisfy their sexual desires or fantasies. Besides that, the Lupanar was not only a place of pleasure but also a place of violence and disease.
These are just some of the main attractions and highlights of Pompeii that you should not miss. However, there are many more sites that are worth seeing in Pompeii, such as:
3.1.6. The Stabian Baths
The Stabian Baths were one of the oldest and largest public baths in Pompeii. They had separate sections for men and women and offered various facilities, such as hot and cold pools, saunas, massage rooms, and gyms.
3.1.7. The House of the Vettii
The House of the Vettii was one of the most lavish and well-preserved houses in Pompeii. It belonged to two brothers who were freed slaves and became rich merchants. The house had several rooms that were decorated with elaborate frescoes, mosaics, statues, and fountains that depicted scenes from mythology, nature, and daily life.
3.1.8. The Garden of the Fugitives
The Garden of the Fugitives was a vineyard that was located outside the city walls. It was the place where 13 people tried to escape from the eruption of Mount Vesuvius but were caught by the ash and gas and died. Their bodies were preserved by the volcanic material and later cast in plaster. You can see their poses and expressions that show their fear and agony.
3.1.9. The Street of Tombs
The Street of Tombs was a road that led to the main gate of Pompeii. It was lined with tombs and monuments that belonged to prominent families or individuals who were buried there. You can see their names, titles, achievements, and epitaphs that tell their stories and honor their memories.
3.2. Tips to Visit Pompeii
To make the most of your visit to Pompeii, you should:
- Buy your tickets online in advance to avoid the long lines at the entrance. You can also buy a combined ticket that includes access to Herculaneum and other nearby sites.
- Hire a guide or rent an audio guide to learn more about the history, culture, and secrets of Pompeii. You can also download a free app or a map that will help you navigate the site and find the attractions you want to see.
- Wear comfortable shoes, clothes, and accessories that are suitable for walking and exploring. You should also bring a hat, sunscreen, water, snacks, and a camera to protect yourself from the sun and enjoy your visit.
- Respect the rules and regulations of the site. You should not touch, damage, or take anything from the site. You should also not litter, smoke, or make noise on the site. In addition, you should follow the signs and directions that are posted on the site.
- Have fun and be amazed by Pompeii! Pompeii is a unique and unforgettable destination that will leave you speechless and inspired. Pompeii is a place where you can travel back in time and experience the beauty and tragedy of an ancient civilization.
Making the Most of Your Visit to Pompeii
If you want to make the most of your visit to Pompeii, you might want to consider booking a guided tour with a professional and knowledgeable guide. A guided tour will allow you to learn more about the history, culture, and secrets of Pompeii, as well as see some of the most important and impressive sites, such as the Forum, the Amphitheater, the Villa of the Mysteries, and the newly opened Domus. Moreover, a guided tour will help you skip the long lines at the entrance and save you time and hassle. You can choose from different types of guided tours, such as small group tours, private tours, family tours, or food and wine tours, depending on your preferences and budget.
You can find some of the best-guided tours of Pompeii on GetYourGuide or Viator. Booking a guided tour in advance, and enjoy your enjoyable, memorable, and educational trip to Pompeii!
4. Where to Stay in Pompeii
Pompeii offers a variety of accommodation options for travelers who want to stay in or near the archaeological site. You can choose from hotels, hostels, B&Bs, apartments, and more depending on your budget, preference, and availability. In this Pompeii travel guide, let me introduce some of the most common options:
4.1. Hotels
Hotels are the most comfortable and convenient option for staying in Pompeii. They offer various facilities and services, such as private rooms, bathrooms, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, breakfast, parking, etc. They also have staff who can help you with your needs and questions. However, hotels are also the most expensive option for staying in Pompeii.
The average price of a hotel room in Pompeii is about €100 (about $120) per night for a double room. The price can vary depending on the season, location, and quality of the hotel. Some of the best hotels in Pompeii are:
4.1.1. Hotel Forum
Hotel Forum is a four-star hotel that is located just opposite the main entrance of the archaeological site. It has 36 rooms that are spacious and elegant and have views of the site or the garden. It also has a restaurant, a bar, a terrace, and a swimming pool. The price of a room at Hotel Forum is about €150 (about $180) per night for a double room.
4.1.2. Hotel del Sole
Hotel del Sole is a four-star hotel that is located just 300 meters (0.2 miles) from the main entrance of the archaeological site. It has 52 rooms that are cozy and modern and have balconies or terraces. It also has a restaurant, a bar, a lounge, and a garden. The price of a room at Hotel del Sole is about €80 (about $96) per night for a double room.
4.1.3. Hotel Diana
Hotel Diana is a three-star hotel that is located just 500 meters (0.3 miles) from the main entrance of the archaeological site. It has 22 rooms that are simple and clean and have air conditioning and Wi-Fi. It also has a breakfast room, a terrace, and a parking lot. Especially, this hotel has the highest ‘Travel Sustainable Level 3’ on Booking.com. In other words, it’s making a large effort to make a sustainable and social impact. The price of a room at Hotel Diana is about €76 (about $82) per night for a double room.
4.2. Hostels
Hostels are the cheapest and most social option for staying in Pompeii. They offer shared dormitories or private rooms with shared bathrooms and common areas. They also offer free Wi-Fi, breakfast, lockers, kitchen facilities, etc. Also, they have staff or volunteers who can help you with your needs and questions. However, hostels are the least comfortable and private option for staying in Pompeii.
The average price of a hostel bed in Pompeii is about €20 (about $24) per night for a dormitory bed or €40 (about $48) per night for a private room. The price can vary depending on the season, location, and quality of the hostel. Some of the best hostels in Pompeii are:
4.2.1. Agora Hostel Deluxe
Agora Hostel Deluxe is a new hostel that is located just 200 meters (0.1 miles) from the main entrance of the archaeological site. Thus, it’s very convenient for your trip to visit Pompeii. The hostel has 10 dormitories that are spacious and colorful and have bunk beds with curtains and lockers. It also has 4 private rooms that have en-suite bathrooms and balconies. It also has a common room, a kitchen, a garden, and a barbecue area. The price of a bed at Agora Hostel Deluxe is about €25 (about $30) per night for a dormitory bed or €60 (about $72) per night for a private room.
4.3. B&Bs
B&Bs are a good option for staying in Pompeii if you want to have a more personal and authentic experience. They offer private rooms with en-suite bathrooms and breakfast included. Also, they also offer free Wi-Fi, parking, garden, etc. Besides that, they have hosts who can help you with your needs and questions and give you some tips and recommendations on what to see and do in Pompeii. However, B&Bs are also more limited and variable in terms of availability, quality, and service than hotels or hostels.
The average price of a B&B room in Pompeii is about €60 (about $72) per night for a double room. The price can vary depending on the season, location, and quality of the B&B. Some of the best B&Bs in Pompeii are:
4.3.1. B&B Eco
B&B Eco is a modern and eco-friendly B&B that is located just 300 meters (0.2 miles) from the main entrance of the archaeological site. It has 4 rooms that are spacious and stylish and have en-suite bathrooms, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, TV, etc. It also has a breakfast room, a lounge, a garden, and a solarium. The price of a room at B&B Eco is about €59 (about $64) per night for a double room.
4.3.2. B&B Viva Pompei
B&B Viva Pompei is a charming and traditional B&B that is located just 500 meters (0.3 miles) from the main entrance of the archaeological site. It has 3 rooms that are cozy and colorful and have en-suite bathrooms, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, TV, etc. It also has a breakfast room, a terrace, and a parking lot. The price of a room at B&B Viva Pompei is about €77 (about $83) per night for a double room.
4.3.3. B&B Dolcevita
B&B Dolcevita is a lovely and romantic B&B that is located just 700 meters (0.4 miles) from the main entrance of the archaeological site. It has 2 rooms that are elegant and comfortable and have en-suite bathrooms, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, TV, etc. It also has a breakfast room, a garden, and a jacuzzi. The price of a room at B&B Dolcevita is about €101 (about $109) per night for a double room.
4.4. Apartments
Apartments are the best option for staying in Pompeii if you want to have more space and privacy than hotels or hostels. They offer fully furnished and equipped apartments with one or more bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchen, living room, etc. Furthermore, they offer free Wi-Fi, parking, laundry facilities, etc. They also have owners or managers who can help you with your needs and questions and give you some tips and recommendations on what to see and do in Pompeii. However, apartments are also more expensive and less available than hotels or hostels.
The average price of an apartment in Pompeii is about €100 (about $120) per night for an apartment that can accommodate up to 4 people. The price can vary depending on the season, location, size, and quality of the apartment. Some of the best apartments in Pompeii are:
4.4.1. Todisco Apartament
This is a spacious and modern apartment that has two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen, a living room, a balcony, and a terrace. It can accommodate up to six people and has air conditioning, Wi-Fi, a TV, and a coffee machine. It also has a restaurant, a swimming pool, and free private parking on site. The apartment is located just opposite the main entrance of the archaeological site, which makes it very convenient for visiting Pompeii. The price of the apartment is about €89 (about $96) per night for a double room.
4.4.2. GB Apartament Pompei
This is a lovely and elegant apartment that has two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen, a living room, and a terrace. It can accommodate up to six people and has air conditioning, Wi-Fi, a TV, and a hairdryer. It also has a bicycle rental service, a car rental service, and a paid airport shuttle service. The apartment is located just 800 meters (0.5 miles) from the main entrance of the archaeological site, which makes it a short walk or ride to Pompeii. The price of the apartment is about €94 (about $101) per night for a double room.
4.4.3. CasaMamy Pompei
This is a cozy and rustic apartment for your trip to visit Pompeii. The apartment has one bedroom, one bathroom, a kitchen, a living room, and a garden. It can accommodate up to four people and has air conditioning, Wi-Fi, TV, and a breakfast included. It also has a 24-hour front desk, a bar, a terrace, and a wellness package. The apartment is located just 500 meters (0.3 miles) from the main entrance of the archaeological site, which makes it easy to walk to Pompeii. The price of the apartment is about €269 (about $288) per night for a double room.
These are just some of the most common options for staying in Pompeii. However, there are many more options that you can find and compare online at Booking.com, Agoda, or TripAdvisor. You can also read reviews and ratings from other travelers who have stayed in Pompeii and get some tips and recommendations on what to look for and what to avoid when choosing your accommodation in Pompeii.
Why You Should Visit Pompeii
Pompeii is more than just a tourist attraction. It is a place where history comes alive and where you can experience the beauty and tragedy of an ancient civilization. Pompeii is a place where you can learn about the past and appreciate the present. Pompeii is a place where you can have fun and be inspired.
By following our Pompeii travel guide, you will be able to plan your perfect trip to Pompeii and enjoy every moment of it. You will be able to see the best attractions, find the best accommodation, avoid the crowds and the hassle, and discover some secrets and facts that will make your visit more meaningful.
So what are you waiting for? Book your tickets now and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in Pompeii!
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10 Comments
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bright loveland snow
pompeii is such a beautiful city to visit with your family
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Ntensibe Edgar
Nnniiiccceeeee….i have gotten my favourite season to visit pompeii! i never like being in big crowds….so, autumn it is!
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Christian Foremost
Such useful and practical tips that I’m sure will be super handy for those who are planning a trip to pompeii
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Fransic verso
Wow,soo cool never been to this place before. I’m definitely saving this on the list to visit.
Richard Lowe
I was fascinated by Pompeii when I was growing up. I’ve always wanted to visit but never had the money or time. Perhaps now that I’m retired I will make time.