Things to do in Ruins of Pompeii
UNESCO heritage listed since 1997, the ancient Roman city of Pompeii needs no introduction. Famously buried under a layer of volcanic ash and pumice, its detailed archaeological excavations offer an intimate look at Roman life - while also making for one hell of a cautionary tale about living next to a volcano.
Before almighty Vesuvius blew its top in 79 A.D, Pompeii was a rich commercial hub home to more than 10,000 inhabitants, with a dense network of residential buildings, shops and entertainment facilities that included an amphitheatre, multiple thermal spas and a brothel. While some of it still remains interred, most has been uncovered fantastically preserved.
Domenico Fontana accidentally discovered the lost city in 1594 while digging a tunnel, but it was only in 1748 that serious excavation began. Liquid plaster was used to take the place of organic material (including human bodies) creating emotionally fraught scenes. From the Forum, the center of political and social life in the city, to muted frescoes or scrawled graffiti on the walls, you’ll find evidence of a complex modern culture along with poignant details that tell its story.
The ruins of Pompeii are open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm, with the last admission at 5:30 pm. There is a bookshop inside the archaeological site to help remember your visit.
Reaching the ruins is very easy by car, all you need to do is take freeway A3 to the Pompei Ovest exit. You will find many parking lots nearby. With the public transport service, the excavations can be reached with the Circumvesuviana, stop Pompei Scavi Villa dei Misteri.
Our recommendations in Ruins of Pompeii
Pompeii Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Tickets
Benefit from skip-the-line access to Pompeii Archeological Site, and follow an expert guide on a 2-hour guided tour.
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Private and personalised Pompeii tour with local guide
Step into daily Roman life at the UNESCO site of Pompeii on this private tour. With a local guide, visit public and private spaces frozen in time since 79 AD.
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Pompeii and Naples from Rome, enjoy a full-day tour with lunch
Discover ancient Pompeii and vibrant Naples on this full-day tour from Rome, visit remarkably preserved Roman ruins, and enjoy authentic Neapolitan lunch.
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Entrance tickets to the Ruins of Pompeii
Buy your tickets to visit the perfectly preserved ruins of Pompeii and to discover the history of a city stopped in time since 79AD!
Pompeii Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Tickets
Benefit from skip-the-line access to Pompeii Archeological Site, and follow an expert guide on a 2-hour guided tour.
en
Private and personalised Pompeii tour with local guide
Step into daily Roman life at the UNESCO site of Pompeii on this private tour. With a local guide, visit public and private spaces frozen in time since 79 AD.
en, it, fr, es, de
Pompeii and Naples from Rome, enjoy a full-day tour with lunch
Discover ancient Pompeii and vibrant Naples on this full-day tour from Rome, visit remarkably preserved Roman ruins, and enjoy authentic Neapolitan lunch.
en
Entrance tickets to the Ruins of Pompeii
Buy your tickets to visit the perfectly preserved ruins of Pompeii and to discover the history of a city stopped in time since 79AD!
Group tour from Naples to Sorrento and Pompeii with lunch
Experience the beauty of southern Italy with a day trip from Naples to Sorrento and Pompeii.
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Entrance tickets to the Ruins of Pompeii and Suburban Villas
Visit Pompeii, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997, discover how people lived in ancient Rome, and visits to the suburban villas nearby Pompeii.
Pompeii Pass with Skip-the-Line Ticket and Guided Tour
Discover Pompeii with the Pompeii Pass. Skip the lines, explore the ancient ruins, and access the virtual museum to experience life before the eruption.
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Pompeii Semi-Private Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Entry Ticket
Travel back in time on a guided small-group tour of Pompeii. Explore baths, temples, and theaters. See well-preserved artworks and learn from your expert guide.
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Private transportation to Pompeii, Herculaneum, and Mt. Vesuvius
Enjoy this self-guided tour of Herculaneum, Pompeii, and a drive up to Mt. Vesuvius and admire the ruins of these awe-inspiring ancient cities.
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Pompeii and Amalfi Coast Private Self-Guided Tour
Enjoy this tour of Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast during this tour with private self-guided tour with driver.
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Pompeii and Herculaneum shared tour from Naples
Book your tour now and enjoy a day trip from Naples to explore the ancient marvels of Pompeii and Herculaneum.
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Pompeii and Mt. Vesuvius shared tour with optional lunch and tasting
Visit to the archaeological excavations of Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius, a symbol of the Bay of Naples.
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How to get there
Ruins of Pompeii
Naples
Italy
Reviews Ruins of Pompeii
“We were so excited for this trip, unfortunately it didn't live up to our expectations and on reflection we should have chosen a different experience. The tour was a whirlwind stop which didn't give enough time to properly see the site and its treasures. Our guide was a very nice lady with lots of knowledge, but we just didn't get enough time, and it was so busy it felt like we were rushing from one place to another trying not to bump into other groups and keep up with our guide. Disappointing.”
“2 hour pomeii part didn't see much at all. Maybe because it was a busy Sunday. But the entrance we used was just seeing 2 kitchens, baths and a court yard. The lunch took 1hour and 30mins. 1 hour waiting. Then eventually made it to Mount Vesuvius at 2.35pm. But the tour guide said be back down at 4pm. It takes 30mins up and 30mins down. Felt like we had 10-15mins on top. I wouldn't recommend this package. I would recommend 2 days seperate for both areas. At least then you can do more in pomeii”
“We were 30mins late getting picked up at hotel and instead of a 5 hour round trip it was nearer 7 by the time we got dropped off at out hotel as we went up into the mountains from Sorrento on a 2hour plus return trip, guide was good at pompei, but overall not great and won't be doing any more trips.”
“Group of 36 far to big We spent hour & half before we left sorrento due to the number of pick ups it took us hour &40 minutes to reach our destination meaning we had been on the coach for over 3 hours! Longer than travel to Italy! Lunch was inedible, eldente is ok but uncooked pasta is vile, everybody on our table that had the dish couldn't eat the meal, restaurant absolutely packed we were herded into a small room, boiling hot without ventilation staff so busy imp to complain Guide fabulous”
