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Often overshadowed by Pompeii, its more famous ruined cousin, not everybody is aware that Herculaneum is a fascinating archaeological site in its own right, with findings dating back to the same period of the Mount Vesuvius explosion. 

Since it is smaller, easier to visit, and often less crowded than Pompeii — some of the most famous ruins in Europe — Herculaneum is a great alternative (though if you’re trying to pick just one, we’ve covered the differences between Herculaneum and Pompeii here).

It’s especially worth a visit if you’re interested in learning about the ancient Roman way of life, before the eruption of Mount Vesuvius that changed everything in these historic, prosperous cities.

The ancient site of Herculaneum is an Italian archaeological gem and UNESCO World Heritage Site that is is bound to leave you speechless as you take in the magnitude of the ruins, which are in excellent condition considering their age.

Seeing the town preserved right at the moment of its destruction is pretty moving and it really makes you connect to the city’s ancient inhabitants in a way that’s sometimes more difficult at other historic sites.

If you’re visiting Naples during your next trip to Italy, you might just want to carve out some time to check out the fascinating — and sometimes eerie — corridors of Herculaneum!

Getting to Naples

The ancient site of Herculaneum is located in modern Ercolano, a town easily reached from Naples (Napoli in Italian)

No matter where in Italy you are, it will be easier to visit the archaeological site via Naples, so we recommend heading there first. 

Naples is in the southern part of Italy, about 2 hours from Rome by train — less if you catch a high-speed train (such as the Frecciarossa). 

It’s also possible to get to Naples from Milan (about 4 hours), Florence (about 3.5 hours), and Venice (about 5 hours). All train timetables are available at the Trenitalia site. 

If you prefer to fly, Naples has its own airport that receives both domestic and international flights.

You can get to Naples by plane from Milan, Venice, Turin, and of course, Rome.

However, keep in mind that the train tends to be much simpler and faster as there are no security checks, out-of-town transport, or extra waiting time like you’d have to deal with if you chose to fly.

Plus, the train is more scenic, and public transport is always more eco-friendly!

How to Visit Herculaneum From Naples

Herculaneum is not very far from the Archaeological Park of Pompeii (located in the town of Pompei), and as you might have already read here, both parks are quite straightforward to visit from Naples.

The archaeological site of Herculaneum is located in between Naples and Pompeii, and you can get there on the Circumvesuviana train in about 25 minutes and a few-minute walk.

You can catch the Circumvesuviana train at the Naples Garibaldi train station, one of the main train hubs in town — making it really convenient to add Herculaneum to your Naples itinerary.

The ticket to Ercolano Scavi station is about €2.50. You can also buy the Pompeii ticket and get off at Pompeii Scavi station if you’re planning to visit Pompeii, too. 

It is a good idea to purchase the round trip ticket at this time as well, to avoid waiting in line twice — lines can be longer when you return, especially if traveling in the afternoon!

When making your way towards either Herculaneum or Pompeii, keep in mind that the train you have to board is the one going to Sorrento.

The ruins of Herculaneum are in the modern, large city of Ercolano, directly facing the Bay of Naples.

With the Bay as your reference point, once you’ve exited Ercolana Scavi station, you can simply walk down the hill and towards the coast to get close to the sea and thereby the entrance of the site.

Don’t overthink it — it’s quite easy to get there! In fact, the whole route is marked with signs for Herculaneum Scavi, so just follow those.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Herculaneum?

The city of Ercolano is in the south of Italy. This means hot Mediterranean weather most of the summer — often really hot and humid, but with very little rain to break the humidity.

On the other hand, winters can be quite cold and rainy, with some possible snow around December. 

My visit was during January, and although it was quite cold, it allowed me to explore the site at my own pace, without long lines and almost no visitors at the site.

If you’re not a fan of extreme temperatures, spring and autumn are your best bet — not just for the more pleasant weather, but to beat the peak crowds, too!

A Brief History of Herculaneum

For different reasons that we will discuss further down, Herculaneum is much better preserved than Pompeii is.

For that reason, if you’re truly interested in Roman life pre-79 AD (when Mt. Vesuvius exploded), then this is the place you have to visit — not Pompeii, as you might think!

According to the legend, the city was founded by the Greek demigod Hercules while he was traveling back to Greece from shenanigans further afield.

True or not, historical sources estimate the founding of the city (with or without Hercules’ involvement) had occurred somewhere between the 6th and 7th centuries BC — quite the past!

Before becoming an important Roman city, the place was a strategic commercial port during the Classical Greek era.

When the Romans took control of Herculaneum in 89 BC, it evolved into a prosperous Roman coastal town.

Perhaps ironically, it reached its most developed stage during the decades just prior to the Vesuvius eruption. 

At that time, the city had dozens of shops, many of them with a dedicated space for the owner to use as a residence on-site.

But there were also separate buildings used primarily as homes, as well as a marketplace (agora) that served the daily needs of the city’s residents.

Among the objects that have survived and are on display today, you’ll find remarkable artifaccts of amphorae (vases) and casks, both of which would have been used for storing everyday essentials olive oil and wine…. not so dissimilar to modern Italy!

Another element showing the level of development in Herculaneum is its sewage and drainage system.

The highly-advanced drainage system featured a central drain for rainwater and kitchen waste. Bathrooms had a separate drain system that kept waste segregated, avoiding disease.

During the devastating Vesuvius eruption back in 79 AD, the volcano ejected massive amounts of volcanic ash and other materials, hitting first Pompeii due to the whims of the wind.

During the days following the explosion, the accumulated pyroclastic material (a dense combination of gas, rock, and ashes) fell back on the volcano.

This then flowed down over Herculaneum, burying the city in six different stages — contributing to the high levels of preservation you see today.

The inhabitants of Herculaneum were far luckier than their Pompeii neighbors, having had more time to evacuate.

Nonetheless, many of the city’s residents failed to leave and perished during the darkest hours of the city, mainly from the extreme heat and noxious gas produced by the volcano. 

Why Are the Herculaneum Ruins Better Preserved than Pompeii?

The volcanic eruption of Vesuvius caused pyroclastic material to flow down the mountain and over the city of Herculaneum.

This completely covered the city, while also exposing the entire area to extremely hot temperatures.

According to archaeologists, this excessive heat was a benefit in disguise — at least for future generations of archaeologists, though not for the ancient residents of Herculaneum.

The high heat carbonized everything organic, which solidified later on, creating a hard volcanic rock layer that protected the area from time’s erosion.

This volcanic rock basically acted like a shell, preserving the remains of not just the human and animal victims, but also homes, food, and other objects just as they looked at the time of the eruption. 

Another factor that helped protect the ruins in the site is that while Pompeii was buried under no more than 4 or 5 meters of ash, the layer covering Herculaneum with about 25 meters thick, so archaeologists had to dig really deep to find it.

Being hit slightly later than Pompeii did give some of the residents time to escape. However, more than 300 human remains were still found on the site, so clearly not everyone left in time.

Who Lived in Herculaneum?

Although there are various theories out there based on different findings, most scholars are convinced that Herculaneum was quite a wealthy and striving coastal trade town.

They believe the city was a thriving commerce base and was mostly populated by freed people who had formerly been enslaved.

Archaeologists came to this conclusion after analyzing the graffiti found on the site, mostly written in Vulgar Latin. 

Key Things to See on a Herculaneum Tour

One of the most impressive structures to visit is the so-called Villa of the Papyri, home to an impressive library holding over 1,800 scrolls.

It is considered one of the most opulent villas in the whole Ancient Roman empire due to its complex ornaments and intricate architectural details.

It also housed 90 Greek and Roman sculptures and it is believed to have been the home of Julio Caesar’s father-in-law!

 Another place to check out is the House of Argus.

Argus was a mythological multi-eyed Greek giant, and the fresco representing the mythical creature found on the house is what gave the name to the villa.

Excavations of this house also uncovered wood shelves, a garden, furniture, and even balconies facing the sea — talk about a room with a view!

Also important among the ruins are the Central Thermae — or bath-houses — which were popular all over the empire.

The ones in Herculaneum feature separate areas for men and women, common for this era.

The central bath faced directly towards the seafront and featured an imposing black and white mosaic of Triton (the Greek sea god and son of Poseidon) surrounded by sea creatures such as dolphins, octopi, and squid.

Make sure not to miss the Boathouse, located right on the ancient seashore.

This site alludes to a different aspect of Herculaneum, as the vessels docked here were not commercial but mainly recreational, which suggests a fairly high standard of living.

The Boathouse also opens the door to one of the most impressive — and haunting — findings on the site.

In this area, archaeologists found the remains of over 300 people (including women and children) who likely sought protection in the docks or may have been waiting there to be rescued by boats. 

The volcanic mudflow kept their corpses almost intact, allowing us to learn about their clothes as well as the treasures they took with them while fleeing Herculaneum.

These objects reveal a lot about the inhabitants of Herculaneum — about their lives and what was considered important and precious to them.

Replicas of the skeletons have taken their place, so you can see how it looked when archaeologists first made this discovery.

Finally on our round-up of site highlights (which of course, is not comprehensive!), you should check out the so-called College of the Priests of Augustus.

This building was probably a Roman cult temple for those freed slaves who worshipped Augustus, a former Emperor, as it is believed that many enslaved people considered him a divine figure.

In the temple, which also served as a sort of town hall, it is possible to admire several frescoes and inscriptions relating to the cult and to the life of Hercules.

Visiting the Virtual Archaeological Museum of Herculaneum

There is also a unique site called MAV, the Virtual Archaeological Museum of Herculaneum.

It is not located in the archaeological site itself, so it requires a separate entrance fee, but it is just a short walk away.

It’s a great way to get younger kids and teenagers excited about the ruins they just saw or are about to see.

This museum uses VR displays in order to give you a sense of what Herculaneum looked like in its heyday.

It’s a great supplement to visiting the ruins — you can book your tickets online here.

Is a Herculaneum Day Trip Worth It?

While each ancient Roman city has its draws, I personally believe that Herculaneum is more impressive than Pompeii in terms of the excellent state most ruins were preserved in.

It can also be visited in a shorter amount of time, as it is much smaller than Pompeii, and therefore easier for quick sightseeing.

Of course, taking a walking tour of Pompeii will impress you due to the imposing size of its site.

That said, it’s interesting to keep in mind that only 25% of Herculaneum has been excavated and brought to light so far, so there is lots more to still uncover.

This is partly due to the fact that Herculaneum is far more difficult to uncover, being that it was buried under a far deeper layer of volcanic debris.

While Pompeii gives you a good panorama of what a city would look like in Roman times, Herculaneum is more effective for learning the details about how ancient Roman homes and lifestyles used to be.  

Here you can admire incredible mosaic floors and frescoes that showcase much more detail and lively color compared to those in Pompeii. 

Herculaneum Ticket Costs

If you only want to visit Herculaneum, the tickets are cheaper than the ones to Pompeii.

However, there is a combo ticket to visit both sites that could make things nice and simple. 

Prices for Herculaneum

Adults: €13 

EU Citizens under 18 and over 65: free entrance

Combined ticket including Pompeii, Herculaneum, and other sites in the area

Adults: €22

EU Citizens under 18 and over 65: €10

Is It Worth Visiting Herculaneum on a Tour?

 Of course, you can decide to visit Herculaneum from Naples with a tour.

In fact, we think this can be a great idea if you find it stressful to get there independently by train (although navigating the Circumvesuviana is rather easy… once you’ve figured out how to buy tickets) or if you’d like to meet fellow travelers along the way.  

Some tours include transportation to and from the site and might even combine with visits to other sites, which could turn out to be excellent value for money.

Most tours allow for free cancellation up to 24 hours before you travel, so I suggest booking in advance — you can always change up your mind after the fact.

If you’re curious about a guided tour, these are the ones I recommend checking out:

Visiting Herculaneum After Visiting Pompeii 

If you’ve decided to devote a full day to Ancient Rome, you can choose to check out just the highlights in Pompeii and then head to Herculaneum for a more detailed (and, arguably, more rewarding) visit.

If you choose to do this, you can purchase a combined ticket at either of the two sites — make it the first one you visit if doing so. Do note that you cannot buy these combined tickets in advance, so you will have to wait in line. 

To get to Herculaneum from Pompeii’s Scavi station, hop on the train headed towards Naples. The ride is about 15 minutes and your station will be Ercolano Scavi (Herculaneum).

You can also do the visit the other way round from Herculaneum to Pompeii. At Ercolano Scavi station take the train towards Sorrento and get off at Pompeii Scavi station.

At the ticket office, you can pick up an audio guide for €5 to enhance the visit and bring the ruins to life.

If you choose to self-guide, don’t forget to grab a map of the site while in the office to navigate the archaeological ruins easily and to be able to head directly to the places that interest you the most.

Herculaneum Opening Times 

Winter hours (from November to March): 8:30 AM to 5 PM

Summer hours (from April to October): 8:30 AM to 7:30 PM

Where to Go Next After Herculaneum

If you’re basing yourself in Naples, you can easily visit both Pompeii and Herculaneum before moving on elsewhere.

Naples is the heart of the Campania region of Italy, so it’s a great jumping-off point for further Southern Italy adventures.

From Naples, you can head to Sorrento, which is also a great departure point for excursions to the Amalfi Coast and the stunning island of Capri.

Spend a few days in the charming towns of the Amalfi Coast — if you have a few extra days, check out this Amalfi itinerary (including Capri) to help you plan your trip.

Gabi Ancarola

Gabi is a full-time travel blogger, tour guide, and freelance writer currently living in Crete, Greece. Born in Argentina, Gabi spent a decade of her life living in Milan and traveling around Italy. She is one of two featured Italy experts on Eternal Arrival. She shares her knowledge of Crete and Greece on her blog, The Tiny Book, where she has also published several digital travel guides. She has 25 years of experience in writing and translation. She holds a BA in Languages and Translation, an MA in Translation for Tourism and a degree in Copyediting.

If you’re planning to spend a few days in Naples, it’s also a good idea to consider some of the best day trips from the city.

Of course, there’s the spectacular Amalfi Coast and its small towns like Positano and Ravello, as well as the small but scenic islands of Capri and Ischia.

However, you’ll certainly want to devote at least half a day to visiting the historic ruins of Pompeii, one of the most impressive archaeological sites in Italy.

Luckily, it’s quite easy to visit Pompeii from Naples, whether you do it as a guided small group day trip, self-guided excursion by train or car, or even by private tour.

If you are eager to visit but still uncertain about how to get to Pompeii from Naples, then this is the right article for you.

Keep reading to learn everything you need to know to plan a Pompeii day trip from Naples!

This post was written by Gabi Ancarola, a full-time blogger and tour guide living on the Greek island of Crete. She spent a decade living in Italy and is happy to share her knowledge of Pompeii with you in this guide!

Tips for Visiting Pompeii from Naples

What’s the best way to get to Naples?

In order to reach the ancient Roman city of Pompeii, the first thing to keep in mind is that no matter where in Italy you are, you should first head to Naples, an important city and capital of the Campania region. 

Located in the southern portion of the country, the city is about 2 hours from Rome. If you catch a high-speed train (such as the Frecciarossa), the trip can be even shorter, about 90 minutes.

There are also daily trains from Milan (about 4 hours), Florence (about 3.5 hours), and Venice (about 5 hours). You can check timetables on Trenitalia.

You can also get to Naples by plane, flying from other Italian cities including Milan, Venice, Turin, and of course, Rome. 

However, when you factor in the time involved in getting to the airport, through security, and then into the city of Naples when you arrive, taking the train is usually a better value in terms of both time and money.

If you’re looking to save money, you can also look into low-cost buses such as Flixbus, etc. which take more time but are typically cheaper than train tickets.

Is Naples safe?

Even though in the past, the city was often described as unsafe, things have quite improved.

Naples is no less safe than any other important European city, where common sense will be the most important tool you need to explore the area risk-free. 

 As with any major European city where pickpockets operate, avoid crowded places (or be vigilant while in crowds).

Exercise additional caution when hanging out near big stations or the port late at night.

Always keep a vigilant eye on your personal belongings, invest in an anti-theft backpack such as this one, and whenever possible, opt to pay with a credit card instead of using cash.

When is the best time to visit Pompeii?

 Located in the southern area of the country, the region surrounding Pompeii has great Mediterranean weather with long summers — though often very hot — and short, cold winters, with some rain and little snow. 

 For these reasons, the best seasons to visit the archaeological site tend to be spring and autumn.

I did visit in January and although it was quite cold I did take advantage of the virtually empty site. In fact, not many people visit Pompeii in winter!

Autumn is also a quiet season in terms of crowds, while spring is quite popular.

How to Get to Pompeii from Naples

Let’s begin by saying that Pompeii is just 26 km from the center of Naples, which makes the trip short and fairly straightforward.

Although the area of Naples tends to be quite chaotic when it comes to traffic, an early departure will guarantee that your journey to Pompeii won’t be more than half an hour.

Keep in mind that Naples and the surrounding region are known for the heavy traffic, so the earlier you depart, the better.

It is possible to get there by public transport, as there are buses and trains connecting both towns.

Either of these two transport options are convenient and affordable if you’re traveling on a budget.

For a stress-free experience, it is also a good idea to check out the different organized tours that depart from Naples and save you on transportation.

These tours can also add in other sites, such as Mt. Vesuvius.

This can be a good compromise as everything will be included (including a tour guide) and you will save a few Euros on transport, while also reducing stress!

Tip: No matter whether you’re traveling by car or public transport, when reading the signs, keep in mind that Pompeii is spelled Pompei in Italian.

Let’s see all the ways to go from Naples to Pompeii in detail!

Getting to Pompeii from Naples by Car

There is no need to rent a car strictly to visit Pompeii from Naples, as the public transportation is quite efficient.

However, if you are already renting a car, perhaps because you are also planning an Amalfi Coast road trip, going by rental car is likely the most economical option.

If you haven’t yet rented a car, I suggest doing your search with Discover Cars — they comb through over 500 rental agencies to compare prices and get you the best deal on your rental.

Compare prices on Discover Cars here!

Being no more than a 30 to 45-minute drive, the trip from Naples to Pompeii can be quite pleasant as it is quite simple.

You’ll be driving mostly along the highway or autostrada in Italian (Autostrada A3 Napoli-Pompei-Salerno) and your exit will be Pompei Ovest (which means Pompeii West exit).

Along the drive, you will find a toll (pedaggio in Italian), starting at €2.10 and increasing if you are driving a bigger car, such as a van. 

Parking at the site: Do not worry about parking as the site has very efficient parking facilities that accommodate hundreds of cars, even during the busiest visiting hours!

Getting to Pompeii from Naples by Train

Traveling by train is by far my favorite way to travel in Italy, especially in the Campania region, well-known for its chaotic traffic.

Train services in Italy are quite easy to navigate. This particular train ride is short and sweet as there is no need to change trains along the way, making it a quick, direct trip without any risk of getting lost.

To travel to Pompeii, your departure station will be Naples Central Train Station (Napoli Centrale Station).

There are trains leaving for Pompeii every half an hour and you need to buy the train ticket before the departure, as it’s not possible to book in advance.

Although trains start running from 6 AM, the site does not open until 9 AM.

Therefore, getting the 8 AM train is a good idea to get to the site early, in case you’ve not booked the entrance ticket in advance and need to visit the ticket office.

However, I don’t recommend doing this — it’s far more convenient to book a skip-the-line ticket, plus you can sleep in a bit more!

There are two direct trains available, the so-called Circumvesuviana line (a 35-minute ride to “Pompei Scavi – Villa dei Misteri” train station) and the regular Metropolitano commuter train which takes a couple of minutes more and your station is “Pompei”.

As both take more or less the same travel time to get from Naples to Pompeii, let’s check which is the best train in terms of a comfortable journey.

Circumvesuviana Train

The Circumvesuviana local train stops very near the main entrance to the ruins; however, it is the most popular train and chances are that you’ll travel standing as people rush on the train to sit.

You can board the Circumvesuviana Train at either the Porta Nolana Station or the Napoli Piazza Garibaldi Station, which is near the main Napoli Centrale Train Station.

Take the blue line towards Sorrento, exiting at Pompei Scavi. From there, it’s a short walk to the Porta Marina entrance of Pompeii.

You’ll have to buy your ticket at the train station — you can not book it prior to arrival at the train station. It costs €2.80 (€5.60 round trip) and cash is recommended.

Note that there are no seat reservations, so you are likely going to have to stand if you pick a popular travel time.

You can check the most recent timetable here.

The last train back to Naples from Pompeii Scavi departs at 10 PM.

However, we wouldn’t suggest you be near Naples Central Station at night if you’re traveling alone, so if that’s the case, try to leave on an earlier train if you can.

Metropolitano Train

The Metropolitano train will leave you about 10 minute walk from the ruins, in the new town of Pompei, which has a beautiful cathedral and central square.

Because of the longer walk, it’s not quite as popular, so you will find a seat more easily than you will on the Circumvesuviana Train.

Tickets cost €2.80 each way, and tickets can be bought with cash or online via TrenItalia or ItaliaRail in advance.

Keep in mind that this train will drop you off at the new city of Pompei, which is about a 10-minute walk from the ruins entrance.

If you want to check out the new city, this is a good option, and it’s also a good option if you plan to stay overnight in Pompei so you can spend more time visiting the ruins.

It’s also a good option if you are wary of crowded trains where you are unlikely to get a seat, as this is a less-trafficked train.

Getting to Pompeii from Naples by Bus

Another affordable way to get to the ancient Pompeii site is by bus.

The bus company that handles the trip is SITA, and the trip takes just a bit more than by train (about 40 minutes).

There are buses each hour in high season with fewer departures daily during the autumn-winter low period.

The tickets must be purchased at the port and buses depart from the SITA bus station, a few minutes on foot from the Nuova Marina port.

The arrival station is Pompei Scavi SITA, a few steps away from the entrance to the excavation site, and the first bus leaves at 7 AM. The last bus departs from the same bus stop at 8 PM.

Getting to Pompeii from Naples by Organized Tour

There are endless organized tours covering the route from Naples to Pompeii and also offering a value-for-money experience, such as a guided tour led by an archaeologist, skip-the-line tickets, and a lot more!

Let’s see the most convenient options:

Half-Day Tour of Pompeii

If you want to see just the highlights of Pompeii or if you do not have plenty of time available to devote to the visit, check this small group tour.

It includes a selection of the most intriguing tourist attractions for in Pompeii, including the paved streets, the most luxurious villas, and some of the imposing public buildings, such as the temples, the thermal baths, the forum, and the ancient amphitheater, among a few others.

This is a short, half-day tour (about 2 hours sightseeing at Pompeii itself) and you can take it either early in the morning or right after midday, then get back to Naples in time to enjoy the rest of your day.

Keep in mind that if you are visiting in the summer, Pompeii is largely uncovered and can get very hot. If that’s the case, I recommend timing your Pompeii day trip for the morning, rather than after midday.

Book your half-day tour of Pompeii here!

 Full-Day Tour of Pompeii and Mt. Vesuvius

If you’re looking to upgrade your Campania experience, why not visit another top landmark in the area, one that’s closely connected to the fate of the ancient city of Pompeii… Mount Vesuvius!

This organized day trip is a 7-hour experience that includes a visit to the archaeological sites, checking out the Forum, the thermal baths, the Lupanar Villa, and the theater.

You will also check out the famous plaster casts of bodies burnt by volcanic ashes after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius… surreal and a little eerie, but very interesting to see.

After the guided visit, you will enjoy a local pizza lunch at one of Pompeii’s cafés and then the van will take you close to the summmit of Mt. Vesuvius.

From there, you can take a short walk to the ridge of the crater and enjoy the stunning views over the Bay of Naples while pondering the contrast of the beauty of this mountain and the destruction that the eruption of Vesuvius wrought on the once-thriving city of Pompeii.

Book your full-day tour of Pompeii and Mt. Vesuvius here!

Private Tour of Pompeii & Beyond

Another option is booking a private tour. This can end up being a fairly economical option with the right sized group, and it offers you the utmost privacy and flexibility.

There are a few different options that you can pick, such as combining a tour of Pompeii, Herculaneum, and Mt. Vesuvius or a tour of Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast.

Overall, it’s a more expensive option, but it is the most convenient and will typically allow you to see more in one day than you could otherwise with a group tour.

Check private tours of Pompeii & Herculaneum or of Pompeii & Amalfi here!

Hiring a Guide for Pompeii

If you have decided to get to Pompeii on your own (either by car, bus, or train), this does not mean that you won’t need a tour guide to discover the gems hidden in the archaeological site.

Although sometimes it can be simple to visit different landmarks on your own, I often recommend joining an official guide for ruins and archaeological sites.

As a tour guide myself operating tours in Crete, I often takes my clients to archaeological sites from ancient Greek and Roman times.

From firsthand experience I can tell you: a well-educated and licensed tour guide is the only way to make real sense out of what otherwise could look like nothing but a bunch of stones and columns that tell you nothing about the past of the place.  

This is particularly true when talking about Pompeii, in such a vast archaeological park with seemingly endless points of interest scattered all over a massive area — 108 acres, to be exact.

Rest assured that a professional guide will take you directly to the must-see spots in Pompeii, explaining all the relevant details, and without the risk of getting bogged down in less-interesting areas of the archaeological site.

Pompeii is massive, and while there is some signage, it isn’t sufficient to tell the full, rich story of this once-bustling metropolis and the twisted fate it experienced after the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius.

When it comes to picking your guide, touring Pompeii with an archaeologist is my #1 recommended choice — it’s not expensive, and it’s worth every penny!

This 2-hour tour with an archaeologist includes skip-the-line Pompeii tickets and a guide, but does not include transportation (i.e., you will have to get to Pompeii yourself).

If you like the independence of getting yourself to Pompeii via public transit, but want the knowledge of an expert guide once you arrive, this is the best option.

Book your archaeologist-led Pompeii tour here!

However, if you want to save a few extra Euros, or you think that you’ve done enough research and know what places you want to visit once inside the park, then opt for a simple skip-the-line entry.

You can add on an audio guide for an additional charge once you arrive at the site.

Book your skip-the-line entry tickets here!

What to See in Pompeii

Pompeii is one of Europe’s most important UNESCO World Heritage Sites, as well as one of the biggest archaeological parks in all of Italy — a country full of them! 

Among the important things to see are the impressive ruins of luxurious Roman villas, with rich mosaics, fountains, and impressive open patios and galleries.

There are also several theaters, the market area (or agora), the forum, and the incredible cobblestoned roads that remained intact even after the furious volcanic explosion! 

Also, you should check the remains of unique artwork, mosaics, and frescoes, as well as plaster casts of the people who perished during the 79 AD eruption of Mt. Vesuvius.

The preservation of these works is rather remarkable!

Visiting with a knowledgeable guide will put the visit into a historic perspective, give you the right chronological details, and direct you to the right places you should visit in your limited time.

However, if you have decided to visit on your own, keep in mind that the site was an actual city, covering about 440,000 square meters!

If you tried to visit all the streets, temples, villas, theaters, and baths, it could take days to explore.

However, going with a guide — or a detailed, pre-planned route — you can get a general glimpse of the formerly buried city if you are conscientious with your use of time.

Tip: If you’re self-guiding, be sure to get a good map beforehand in order to mark the places you want to visit to avoid wasting time. The stops I recommend you to visit are: 

• The Large Theater and the Odeon: You will find two theaters in the same area, which will give you the opportunity to compare them. The Large Theater was probably devoted to the performance of plays. It is believed that the Odeon was probably used for musical exhibitions, since it boasts incredible acoustics.
  
• The Garden of the Fugitives (in Italian, Orto dei Fuggiaschi): This is an old quarter named after the bodies of 13 victims that perished as they were trying to escape from the volcano eruption, in fact, a “fuggiasco” is a fugitive in Italian.
  
• The Lupanar: One of the most visited spots in the archaeological park, this was believed to be the city’s brothel. It features small cells and erotic frescoes, and it is easy to find by following the phallic symbols on the facades of several nearby buildings!
  
• The Villa of Mysteries: Locally known as Villa dei Misteri, this is probably the most important place in Pompeii. This captivating and mysterious villa probably belonged to a powerful family and was located just outside the city walls, overlooking the sea.
  
• The House of the Faun: Considered one of the largest residences in Pompeii (around 3,000 square meters), among the most curious findings here are the special areas that were used as servants’ quarters.
  
• The Forum: This is an imposing large square with triumphal arches, public buildings, and some unique landmarks including the basilica, the market, different temples, and other buildings. This area hosted the main civic, religious, and commercial activities of the ancient city of Pompeii.
  

Visiting Herculaneum from Naples

If you are a huge fan of ruins and ancient history, there is also the option to visit Herculaneum from Naples either as a separate day trip or on the way back from Pompeii if you don’t mind getting an early site and cramming in two sites in one day.

Here is a guide detailing the differences between Herculaneum and Pompeii — as you can see, each has its pros and cons!

If visiting Herculaneum, it’s very easy to combine it with Pompeii. It is also along the Circumvesuviana train line — simply get off at Ercolano Scavi, which is in between Naples and Pompeii.

Where to Stay When Visiting Pompeii

The new city of Pompeii, “Pompei Nuova” is a relatively small town with just a few interesting places to see, including the main square and its cathedral.

However, many visitors to Pompeii are history and archaeology fans that need more than one day in the archaeological park. In that case, spending the night in Pompeii can be a logical idea.

For most tourists, however, staying in the city of Naples is the most reasonable option. Here are a few good options:

Accommodations in Naples

City Center: Decumani Hotel de Charmeis a mid-range hotel in the historic center of Naples that is perfect for someone who wants to be in the heart of the action in Naples.

Despite being quite affordable, the place features elegant rooms with private balconies, some of them with seating areas, and bathrooms with a spa bath!

>> Check prices, reviews, and availability at Decumani here!

By the Sea: If you’re more for a sea view or would rather stay only steps from the sea, Vacanzella is located in the popular Lungomare Caracciolo.

At the same time, there are also several important landmarks nearby such as Galleria Borbonica, Piazza Plebiscito, and the popular road Via Chiaia.

>> Check prices, reviews, and availability at Vacanzella here!

Accommodations in Pompeii

Near the Ruins: Located right opposite the archaeological site, Hotel del Sole offers affordable accommodation with air-conditioned rooms, and free WiFi. Some rooms come with a panoramic balcony.

On the premises, there are also a restaurant, a bar, and a shared garden. The breakfast features sweet and savory items as well as gorgeous views of the Pompeii archaeological site. The hotel has a restaurant that is open for lunch and dinner and serves typical Italian specialties.

>> Check prices, reviews, and availability at Hotel del Sole here!

Further from the Ruins: About 700 meters from the ruins of Pompeii, Maison de Julia Pompei is another good option in the area. This is a mid-range hotel with garden views, a shared lounge, and a terrace.

The bed and breakfast features both WiFi and private parking free of charge. The units are fitted with a balcony, air conditioning, and flat-screen TV. There are also continental and buffet breakfast options.

>> Check prices, reviews, and availability at Maison de Julia Pompei here!

What to Pack for Pompeii

Wearing comfortable clothes and footwear is essential when spending so many hours walking on ancient cobblestoned roads!

This is especially true if you’re traveling by public transport or if you’re also climbing Mt. Vesuvius.

Good walking shoes or hiking boots if climbing Vesuvius offer enough support to spend an entire day visiting the area. 

In terms of what to wear, comfortable shorts made of breathable material are perfect for summer and spring, while long hiking pants, leggings, or even soft jeans and flat boots will make a great winter outfit.

No matter the season, also pack sunscreen, sunglasses, your camera, and a crossbody bag or an anti-theft backpack, which are always safer than regular shoulder purses and also allow for more freedom of movement when exploring the archaeological site or Mt. Vesuvius. 

I use and love my anti-theft backpack from PacSafe — it’s ultra-secure and slashproof, and it even has interlocking zippers that will befuddle even the most savvy of pickpockets. Plus it’s stylish to boot!

 And of course, add a good travel guide and a map of the ruins to plan every detail of the visit!

Gabi Ancarola

Gabi is a full-time travel blogger, tour guide, and freelance writer currently living in Crete, Greece. Born in Argentina, Gabi spent a decade of her life living in Milan and traveling around Italy. She is one of two featured Italy experts on Eternal Arrival. She shares her knowledge of Crete and Greece on her blog, The Tiny Book, where she has also published several digital travel guides. She has 25 years of experience in writing and translation. She holds a BA in Languages and Translation, an MA in Translation for Tourism and a degree in Copyediting.