Pompeii, Italy
Ruins of Pompeii from above, with Vesuvius in the background
The Temple of Jupiter with Vesuvius in the distance
Pompeii, Italy. Pompeii - Forum and Vesuvius. Brooklyn Museum Archives, Goodyear Archival Collection
Illustrated reconstruction, from a CyArk/University of Ferrara research partnership, of how the Temple of Apollo may have looked before Mt. Vesuvius erupted
The same location today.

Pompeii

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Pompeii Travel Essentials

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"The City of Ruins"

Pompeii Tourism

Pompeii is an ancient Roman city located near modern-day Naples in southern Italy. It became famous due to the volcanic eruption that buried the entire city of Pompeii under several meters of volcanic material, instantly killing its inhabitants and preserving the city in a remarkable state of preservation. The ruined city is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site, and draws close to 25 Lakh tourists every year.

Pompeii's popularity as a tourist destination lies in its unique and immersive experience of ancient Roman life. Visitors can walk through well-preserved streets, houses, temples, and public spaces, offering a fascinating glimpse into the daily lives of the ancient Romans.

Pompeii experienced a boost in tourism due to the popularity of Pink Floyd's concert film, "Live at Pompeii." The film's unique concept and global appeal attracted music fans and history enthusiasts to visit the ancient site, increasing its visibility and drawing more visitors to explore the archaeological wonders of Pompeii.

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Must Know Before You Travel to Pompeii

  • Public Transport: Consider taking the Circumvesuviana train to Pompeii, or opt for a guided tour that includes transportation.
  • Pedestrian-only Site: People typically commute within Pompeii on foot since it is a pedestrian-only site.
  • Pompeii Archaeological Park Pass: It grants access to Pompeii, Herculaneum, Oplontis, Stabiae, and the Boscoreale Antiquarium at a discounted rate. Skip-the-line benefits make it a convenient and economical choice for exploring multiple sites in the area.
  • Tickets: Purchase tickets online in advance to avoid long lines at the entrance. Consider getting a guided tour for a richer experience.
  • Comfortable Footwear: Wear comfortable walking shoes as you'll be exploring ancient streets and uneven surfaces.
  • Restrooms and Facilities: Facilities are available near the entrance, so use them before exploring.
  • Safety: Be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas. Keep your belongings secure.
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Things To Do In Pompeii

Excavations of Pompeii

Excavations of Pompeii
Sanctuary of the Madonna of the Rosary

Sanctuary of the Madonna of the Rosary
Villa of Mystery

Villa of Mystery
Forum

Forum
Teatro Grande

Teatro Grande
Forum Baths

Forum Baths
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Top Hotels In Pompeii

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History of Pompeii

Pompeii was founded in the 6th or 7th century BC by the Oscans of the early Campania region. The city was conquered and came under Rome around 80 BC and this became an ancient Roman city near the south western coast of Italy. Pompeii was completely destroyed when the active volcano Vesuvius erupted. The volcano killed all the inhabitants, and covered everything with thick layers of ash.

Shopping in Pompeii

Unlike the bigger cities in Italy, shopping isn't what Pompeii is known for. Having said that, you can find a good deal on guide books, maps and other memorabilia here. You can also find interesting 'past and present' books to compare the ancient Pompeii with the modern city.

Nightlife in Pompeii

Pompeii is not famous for its night life. However, there are modern bars and restaurants near the archaeological site where visitors can enjoy drinks and conversation. These places are a bit over-priced.

Daily Budget for Pompeii

In total, your daily expenditure on a budget in Pompeii could range from approximately €34 to €65 per day. You can find affordable meals at local trattorias or pizzerias, spending around €15-€25 per day. Opt for "panini" or street food for cheaper options. The Circumvesuviana train from Naples to Pompeii costs around €3-€5 for a round trip. Local buses within Pompeii may cost €1-€2 for short rides. The entrance fee to Pompeii is approximately €15-€20, and consider the "Pompeii Archaeological Park Pass" (valid for 3 days) for around €25, which includes other nearby sites. Budget around €10-€15 for incidentals like water, snacks, and small souvenirs.

Exchanging Money in Pompeii

Exchanging currency in Pompeii is not difficult, however, in terms of exchange rates, you may not get a good deal. There are several exchange booths and before doing any transaction, ask for that day's rate and any fee, if applicable. A better alternative is to use your ATM card to withdraw money in local currency. Most ATMs in Pompeii accept foreign cards.

Best Time to Visit Pompeii

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How to Reach Pompeii

How to Reach Overview

Pompeii is an easy reach via car or train. It, however, doesn't have an airport and you will have to traverse via Naples, Sorrento or Rome.

How to reach Pompeii by flight

Pompeii does not have an airport. A flight has to be taken to Naples or Rome, and then a train or bus to reach Pompeii.

How to reach Pompeii by road

You can hire a car and drive down from neighbouring cities, but you will have to deal with the heavy traffic near the modern city of Pompeii. Parking can also be a hassle at times.

How to reach Pompeii by train

The rail would be the best way to reach Pompeii. You can get on the Circumvesuviana Napoli-Sorrento line from either Naples or Sorrento and get off at Pompeii Scavi. If you're coming from Rome, you can get on at the Termini station, the tickets costs around EUR 11. You can also get on a local train from Salerno. You can keep your bags at the station for a small fee. There is a Tourist Information Office close to the Pompeii Scavi station.

How to reach Pompeii by bus

Bus services from Naples are organised by SITA. Buses run frequently and the route is quite nice. The cost is similar to the train ticket.

How to reach Pompeii by waterways

If you have taken a cruise, you can check if they will provide a hydrofoil boat transfer to Pompeii from the Bay of Naples. From the port at Pompeii, there will be a bus shuttle to the ruins.

Local transport in Pompeii

Pompeii is basically a walking site. However, you can also rent a bicycle. The surface is rather uneven, so most tourists prefer walking. Wearing a comfortable pair of shoes and carrying a lot of water is a good idea. One day tickets are available for EUR 13 and a five site pass costs EUR 20 which also includes entry to Herculaneum.

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Pompeii Photos

Pompeii, Italy

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FAQs on Pompeii

What is the best time to visit Pompeii?

South Italy, where Pompeii is located, sits in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea and hence, the weather can be quite warm the whole year round, except for the winter months. As most of the time will be spent outdoors in Pompeii exploring the excavations, going during summers is not a good idea. Spring and Fall are the best times to travel here. If you travel during the winter, you need to keep in mind that the week of Christmas can be extremely crowded in lieu of Christmas. The month of August can also be avoided as most Italians are on vacation.
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What is the local food in Pompeii?

The local cuisine in and around Naples concentrates on pasta, vegetables available all year round (sun dried tomatoes, zucchini, egg-plant), freshly baked food such as bread and pizza, seafood and rice. Termed as the Neapolitan cuisine, it is also very famous for various varieties of cheese, including cheese from sheep's milk. The margherita pizza was supposedly born near Naples.
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What is the best way to reach Pompeii?

Pompeii is an easy reach via car or train. It, however, doesn't have an airport and you will have to traverse via Naples, Sorrento or Rome.
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What are the top hotels in Pompeii?

There are 917 in Pompeii which can be booked through Holidify. The most popular hotels in Pompeii are B&B Civico 8, B&B Il Giardino di Villa Anna, Le Tre Magnolie, Lorely's Apartment, Luxury Apartament Della Marca, Room Sorrento. You can see all the hotels in Pompeii here

What are the places near Pompeii?

The top places near to Pompeii are Naples which is 22 km from Pompeii, Santorini which is located 16 km from Pompeii, Rome which is located 211 km from Pompeii, Siena which is located 387 km from Pompeii, Venice which is located 551 km from Pompeii

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